Who needs internet access? I Do!

10/24/2007 12:37:25 PM

            It has been a while since I have posted.  Part of the reason why is because the internet has been acting strangely since last Saturday.  On Sunday the power went down both in Dodoma and at Msalato, so computers and internet access were both down.  Monday the internet was not up and yesterday and today the internet has been up, but the access has been absurdly slow to non-existent.  I hope to be able to post this soon, but it does not look promising.

            It has been a good week.  I have made a lot of progress on the problems that the people here have been facing (technological issues, at least).  The terminal server is up and running and about 95% of user accounts are useable.  There are a few remaining accounts are having some problems, but I am working with my predecessor to fix those.  One interesting thing is that the terminal server runs extremely slowly whenever the internet is down.  In fact, it operates so slowly that it is practically useless.  A very odd bug in this version of Edubuntu (the Linux distribution used here). 

            I have taken several new photos of the people here and of Msalato itself.  I look forward to uploading them and sharing them with all of you.  I am getting adjusted very well to the pace of life here and have found my hosts and colleagues to be very warm and welcoming. 

            This morning I was asked if I would be willing to teach next term.  I have been asked to teach basic computer skills to new students during their five month pre-term work and also to teach introduction to the Bible to diploma students.  These courses will not take place until after Easter so I have plenty of time to prepare.  In addition, I figure that I will offer informal sessions for current students to help them improve their computer skills. 

            My plans for the upcoming summer break are becoming more firm.  I will likely help out during December with English classes for students who need extra help with language.  This will take the form of having simple conversations with students to help them get a grasp for informal English.  Also, I will likely be traveling with another missionary in January for two weeks of language school where I can gain more familiarity with Swahili. 

            Tomorrow I hope to get a driver’s license and a stove.  I am very excited about both things.  I should be getting a water heater for my shower soon too.  These little things will make life a lot easier.  Well, I am going to get back to work now.  

10/25/2007 12:00:02 PM

            Well, I spent about 90 minutes at the Tanzanian equivalent of the IRS and learned that I didn’t have the right paperwork yet for a driver’s license.  I needed three copies of my West Virginia license, which I could not have done at the government office.  Also, we ran out of time to get to the bank and then to buy a stove.  So those two things will have to wait for another day. 

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