Saving Grace

An Adventure In Getting A Visa

by Brother Initiate Lu, Australia

Forward: Though my story is not a sensational one,
it does highlight that sincerity and determination to go forward
and leaving everything to Master, is the key to success.

I had never seen Master before, nor had I attended any of the international retreats. Recently, I finally went to the 1996 Long Beach International 5-Day Retreat, and saw Master whom I missed day and night. I felt nothing but bliss.

I am a student from mainland China studying in Australia. The 5-day retreat coincided with my summer vacation. When I heard about the retreat, naturally I could not miss this rare opportunity, so I signed up immediately. The greatest obstacle that stood between me and the retreat was the entry visa to the United States. Initially, I had no idea about the difficulties in getting the visa. A fellow sister in Sydney works in a travel agency, so she volunteered to arrange visas for fellow initiates going to the retreat. So I gave her my Chinese passport.

However, when I filled out the application form, I noted a clause stating that no visa would be granted to students studying abroad. Moreover, this fellow sister was very experienced having applied for American visas for many tourists holding Chinese passport. None of them succeeded despite the excellent reasons and even guarantors.

Obviously, I had no hope of getting a visa. Nevertheless, my heart was full of hope. Even though such an obstacle as this exited, it only made me more determined to got to the retreat.

I started compiling convincing material that could help with my application. I got a certificate from my university, and I requested the Australian government, who granted me my scholarship, to affirm that I wouldn't stay illegally in the United States. The Sydney contact person also gave me a letter proving my membership of Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. At the same time, I compiled photocopies of articles from Supreme Master Ching Hai News magazines that detailed Master's and our group's contributions to the world in recent years. I highlighted that Master's help rendered to the United States led to the Midwest states proclaiming a " Ching Hai Day ". I also mentioned the international awards given to Master, Her Celestial Clothes fashion shows, the Celestial Jewelry designed by Her, and the contacting address of our Centers all over the world.

Finally, I wrote a letter explaining the reason for applying for the visa and stated clearly that I had not wish to stay in the United States. Having gathered all the necessary material, I put them neatly in a folder and submitted it personally to the American Embassy in Sydney. After that, I just went home to meditate and wait for the reply.

Needless to say, you must have guessed the outcome! I easily got the visa. The bliss in my heart was indescribable. Though my story is not a sensational one, it does highlight that sincerity and determination to go forward, try your best, and leaving everything to Master, is the key to success.