Travel Paper Anxieties

SO, I am four months away from my sojourn to Russia and am currently trying to get my papers going...so far, to no avail. Let me begin by saying that this is my first trip to any country other than the Mexican border. I have never needed to deal with gaining passports or VISAS and am learning everything as I go along.

Russia recently changed its foreign workers' policy and now requires a degree from every foreign worker. In order to comply with Russian regulations, my employing agency is requiring an apostilled diploma before they begin the VISA process. I am a current senior at Liberty University and will be graduating in May. However, in addition I will be taking two final classes this summer and will not be receiving my diploma until six weeks after my final class. So technically, by the time I receive my diploma and begin the VISA process I should already be packed and ready for Russia. I asked the company and am hoping that they will satisfy the degree check by working with my university transcripts, etc.

Now, for the passport. The only thing I knew about getting a passport (at least until yesterday and this morning) was that they could be obtained at the Post Office. In order to rectify this, I went searching online. I ended up at a couple of websites, one being the government website with the needed forms. I filled out the DS-11 form and printed it out as instructed. I also looked online to find the nearest passport location that would take photos. I found one and was all set to get everything settled this morning. When I arrived I was greeted by a sign that said passports were by appointments only.

I may be new to this thing, but it seems that if all the postmasters have to do is take the already-completed paperwork and take two quick pictures, then they should be able to squeeze one person in -- especially if the post office is completely empty! To top of my frustration, they said they are booked for the next month. REALLY?!?

In addition to all of this, I just found out my parents cannot find my birth certificate which is needed to obtain my passport. It will take approx. 15 days plus mail time for me to get it.

I realize that I am probably overreacting, but all I have wanted to do since I was like 12 is travel. Whatever occupation I imagined myself doing, I was traveling. To think that anything could mess up my dream when I am so close is really disheartening.

What do you think? Any tips or suggestions?

---Your Soon-to-be Russian Traveler---