Mixed Feelings

I have learned this year why we use a French word for "bureaucracy" in the English language. My first few months here included a lot of paperwork and a lot of visits to OFII, MGEN, CAF, the Prefecture de Nantes and other government offices with unclear or seemingly redundant purposes. Most of these offices would tell me that they were not (yet/still) in charge of people like me. I was often sent from one office to the next, and then sent back to the first office after spending hours in line or in a waiting room. I tried to take it easy, assuming it was the price I had to pay for free health care and a government subsidy to offset some of my rent.

By Christmas, I was mostly done with the irritating administrative stuff related to living and working (legally) in France. But, I still hadn't received the certificate from the Office Francais d'Immigration et Integration that says I have the right to work in France. Technically, I should need this form in order to leave and re-enter the country, but so far I have gotten by with my work visa, my American passport and an official-looking document from my employer (the Federal Department of Education)saying I work there. A Jamaican friend of mine, who is also still waiting for her certificate, has not traveled outside the country for fear of not being able to get back in with her Jamaican passport. I just found out, that I need the certificate from OFII in order to obtain the CAF housing subsidy. This meant I needed to go back to the OFII office and investigate.

I was not psyched on spending a Friday afternoon in another government office. I spent the morning stalling by watching Cavs highlights and reading. On the way out the door I told Sam where I was going and said see you later. He replied, "A lundi" (see you Monday). As I was walking out I decided to check the mailbox, just in case the OFII form I had been waiting for for 4 months happened to arrive today. Miraculously, it did! Sort of. It's not actually the certificate, it's just an attestation saying they received my application on OCTOBER 8! Still, it should do the job and I am thrilled to have my afternoon back. I think I will celebrate by doing laundry.