Mission Safari: The Next Chapter(s): Communication Woes

October 14, 2005

Communication Woes

The communication and electricity problems in Kenya still surprise me at times. Several normal days and weeks may go by and then "wham" there seems to be a flurry of problems that don't make sense. And all you can do is laugh to keep from crying.

Wednesday I was able to connect to the internet without difficulty. Wednesday night I could not. Maybe the server is down. Thursday morning, the same problem. Oh, well, I will check later this afternoon. Nope, still not working. I will go to the cybercafe down the street. As I arrive, they are closing. Why? The server is down. Hmmm, I know, I will go to a friends house. Hey, no problem, c'mon in. Let me fire up the computer and put in my 21 digit prepaid code for access. Blink! Oh, the power just went out. Well, no problem I will go home.

I call the internet/phone company. Oh, your service has been disconnected. Why, I paid the bill in full two weeks ago? Sorry, call back in the morning.

Hey, my phone and internet don't work why? We are switching the username and passwords. Why didn't anyone call or notify me of this big piece of news. I don't know, call this number.

Hello, my internet doesn't work. Use this password and username, click!

Well, at least I am connected again. Oh, wait, it is connected but it isn't sending and receiving data. I will go to that cybercafe again. Sign on. BLINK - the power goes out!

And such are the woes. It seems I should be used to this comedy by now. But somehow, I don't think I will ever get used to this sort of thing.

October 14, 2005 | Permalink

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/12484/3378092

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Communication Woes:

Comments

Sorry-O.Pretty frustrating. But then a few years ago there _was_ no Internet, we had to make international phone calls to send email via a 9600 bps modem and kept losing the connection, then print out emails to carry to users houses (yup, and walked 9 km to school barefoot in the burning sand, too). It still amazes me that I in Nigeria can read your posting from Kenya, which is stored in the US, within minutes of your writing it. -- Mike in Jos

Posted by: Mike Blyth | October 14, 2005 at 07:10 PM

2008 Book List

Ngugi Wa'Thiong'O: Wizard of the Crow: A novel
A tremendous novel that reveals incredible insight to the African mind. A "fictional" country with a "fictional" tyrant and the havoc his reign brings to this country. A full analysis is forthcoming. A must-read if you want to better understand why Africans think the way they do. (*****)
Shaun Tan: The Arrival
A Phenonimal graphic novel. Not a single printed word, but oh the story this book tells. See my long analysis from June 4, 2008 for more details. (*****)
Bill Bryson: The Mother Tongue
A much different book by Bill Bryson, but still very funny and very informative. The author takes the reader on a very interesting journey back in time to explain the origins of the English language. He points out the many quirks and beauties of the language. An interesting book. (***)
Ceridwen Dovey: Blood Kin: A Novel
This new novel is extremely well written. It tells the story of a President who is overthrown in a coup. It follows the story of his barber, his painter, and his chef. It shows how pervasive and insidious corruption poisons not only those in power, but those around those in power. It is an intense portrayal of how we all desire power, wealth, and flesh. What makes the story even more interesting is that none of the character's are named, nor is the country. You realize that it makes the story applicable to every person and place. Scary! Well worth the read. (*****)
Leo Tolstoy: Master and Man and Other Stories (Penguin Classics)
I really enjoyed this book of three short stories by Leo Tolstoy. The first two stories, Father Sergius and Master and Man, clearly show man's fallenness and his attempts at self-redemption (and the subsequent failure in these attempts). They are very thought provoking. I look forward to reading more Tolstoy in the future. (****)
Bill Bryson: Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe
Another funny travel book by Bryson. Again filled with a bunch of LOL antedotes. It was especially funny and relevant since we travelled Europe last year. I wonder how this author got his job..."hey, let me travel all over the world, eat and drink at your expense, and then write about my insights and misadventures." Sign me up! A few "R" rated pages. (****)
Jeff Shaara: Gone for Soldiers: A Novel of the Mexican War
This historical novel is about the Mexican War and introduces the reader to a bunch of names that will be intertwined in the Civil War. I have enjoyed Jeff Shaara's previous historical novels but this one took over 50 pages to warm up to...far too many. The dialogue and "inside thoughts" were too predictable. Nonetheless, I did enjoy reading about a subject I knew little about. (***)
Bill Bryson: Notes from a Small Island
Another hilarious offering from Bill Bryson. This books continues the theme of my reading so far this year..."books set in a different country than America." The author pokes fun at his adopted country with such subtlety that the English could only agree with his observations. It is hard to read Bill Bryson when Marti is trying to laugh...muffled laughs are louder than I think. (****)
John Grisham: Playing For Pizza: A Novel
This book is a short novel by John Grisham and much different than most of Grisham's novels. It is set in Italy and is about a washed up 3rd string NFL quarterback who rediscovers the joy of playing football when he gets the "opportunity" to be a starting quarterback in an Italian Football League. Nonetheless, it was a joy to read especially since we so enjoyed our time in Italy. (****)
Khaled Hosseini: The Kite Runner
A very intense read. A moving and dark story about friendship, betrayal, and redemption. The main characters are Afghani and takes place first in pre-Soviet occupation Afghanistan, then the United States, and then in Taliban controlled Afghan. It is an incredible read. (*****)
Bill Bryson: A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
Another hilarious Bill Bryson offering. He details his experiences of walking the Applachian Trail with his sidekick Steve Katz. You can imagine the trials and tribulations (real and made up) that he faces as well as the triumphs of "making it." The "everyday man" climbs Mt. Everest (er...walks the AT!). Funny, but a few "R" rated pages. (***)
Bill Bryson: I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away
This is clearly one of the funniest books I have read. The author had lived in Great Britain for over 20 years and returns back to the U.S. with his family. He writes about his "adventures" with reverse culture shock. His observations are "spot on." My face and sides still hurt (from smiling and laughing so hard). Importantly for me personally, he validates a lot of what I was experiencing coming back "home" after living abroad for period. He is one of my new favorite authors. (*****)

Books I Have Read in 2007

Victor Davis Hanson: Why the West Has Won
A very interesting and disturbing look at one of the reasons why western civilization has advanced. It looks at the good and the bad of why western military tactics have given it the edge in conquests the past 2000 years. Happily it is not dumbed down or politically correct. Worth the gore in some parts. (****)
Bill Willingham: Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall
A very unique graphic novel. It tells the "adult" stories of many of the characters from children's fairy-tales...what happened when they grew up. A very interesting read. Caution...a few chapters are pretty explicit. (****)
Marjane Satrapi: Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return
A disappointing sequel to Persepolis 1. It describes the coming of age of the author...unfortunately it was filled with drugs, sexual promiscuity, and the like. Still, it was an important story to read. (***)
Marjane Satrapi: Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
Incredible graphic novel describing life in Iran pre-Islamic revolution. It is told from the perspective of a pre-teen girl which makes it even more interesting. The insights to Iran were incredible. The art was simple but powerful. A definite must read. (*****)
Scott Chantler: Northwest Passage The Annotated Collection
Another graphic novel. It started out strong but the end was rushed. (**)
Art Spiegelman: Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began (Maus)
More of the same great thing. I am hooked on Graphic novels. A must read two volume set. (*****)
Art Spiegelman: Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History
This was the first Graphic Novel I have read. Essentially it is a "cartoon" book with a serious story...the holocaust. I really enjoyed this graphic novel as it was a different way to experience a book...both in words and pictures. The drawings captured me emotionally and gave the words deeper insight. (*****)
R. C. Sproul: Saved from What?
R.C. Sproul is one of my favorite authors. In this short book he reminds us once more the incredible salvation that comes from grace alone. We tend to act like salvation is either an insurance policy from hell, or we act like you really need to be good to earn it. Neither are true. This book is a great introduction to those seeking the truth, and a great reminder to those who trust in such a great salvation. (****)
Francis A. Schaeffer: The Mark of the Christian (Ivp Classics)
This short 59 page book makes up in quality what it lacks in quantity. An incredibly powerful message. Francis Schaeffer argues that we have three main purposes in life...love God, love Christians, and love everyone else. Our ultimate calling: LOVE. (*****)
Louis de Bernieres: Captain Corelli's Mandolin
I continue my march through "all things European." I picked this book on a lark as I noticed the main character was an Italian officer living in Greece. Or should I say "occupying" Greece. The setting is World War II. Although it was not "historical fiction" I learned quite about the people and culture of Greece during the war. And I loved it. (****)
John R. W. Stott: Your Mind Matters: The Place of the Mind in the Christian Life (Ivp Classics)
I first read this as freshman in college. How much more I understand it and appreciate it now!! Powerful and to the point. Add it to your reading list today!! (*****)
Erich Maria Remarque: All Quiet on the Western Front
As I continue my reading preparation for our European tour, I read this incredible novel for the first time. It was intense and sad. I never knew much about the First World War. It is shocking that there was a Second World War. Insightful to man's instinct for survival. More insightful to the havoc war plays on a man's psyche and soul. (*****)
Edmund Burke: Reflections on the Revolution in France: A Critical Edition
A bit tedious, but interesting to learn why this English statesman didn't have much trouble with the Americans when they "revolted" but was horrified at the thought of the French doing so. I guess it is one thing for a colony to seceed, but another for a nation to violently overthrow the monarchy. (***)
Greg Nees: Germany: Unraveling an Enigma
Although this book in very specific for Germany, it is a great treatise on cross-cultural differences. Even when people make "look alike" they can be very different in their worldview. An insightful read. (****)
Mark Kurlansky: Salt: A World History
Ok, so I have a "weird" "taste" in books...in 2005, I read a 400 page book on the History of Coffee. Now, I have read another 300 pages on the history of salt! But this was a pretty cool book. It was a review of world history from the perspective of salt...and it was fascinating. Enjoy! (****)
Primo Levi: Survival In Auschwitz
Wow, what an incredible and sobering book. I WILL NOT COMPLAIN AGAIN ABOUT "SUFFERING." I had nightmares everynight I was reading this book. Glad I finished it in 4 days. Must read. (*****)
Thomas Cahill: How the Irish Saved Civilization (Hinges of History)
This fascinating short book shows how the life and ministry of St. Patrick (yes, he was a real dude) helped save civilization. Most of the books we have from ancient times were preserved by the Irish monks who loved to scribe them. Fantastic history. (****)
Tom Holland: Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic
Very interesting read on what was happening in the Roman Empire in the years 100-40 BC. A detailed account that we may want to take exception to the old adage, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." They were definitely a military power and a Republic, but they were aggressive, arrogant, and ruthless. Although as a Christian, it adds even more power to the Christmas and Easter story...Jesus showed up in a very difficult and wicked time. Worth the read. (***)
Patrick O'Brian: The Golden Ocean
This book is another reason why I so love this author. The following review from Amazon.com hits the head on the nail. "O'Brian's first sea-going novel, The Golden Ocean is a precurser to the acclaimed Aubrey-Maturin series in its excitement and rich humor, its eloquent style and and tapestry of historical detail. Peter Palofox, second son of a poor Irish parson, sets out on the voyage of a lifetime when he seeks his fortune as a midshipman in Commodore Anson's flotilla. With five ships under his command, Anson leaves England in 1740 to circumnavigate the globe and attack Spanish ships wherever they can be found. Peter comes of age in the complex but sharply defined community of the fleet as they engage in battle, fight disease, and face shipwreck." (****)
Patrick O'Brian: 21: The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey (Aubrey/Maturin Series)
NOW I have finished reading the complete set of Aubrey/Maturin books. And even though the book was only 3 chapters long, it was still great to read...seemed a more fitting end to the series. The following is a brief review from Amazon.com: "For Aubrey/Maturin addicts, there could be no better gift: a new, albeit incomplete, story with freshly piquant details, wry humor and salty nautical action. Although the official word was that O'Brian had finished the series with 1999's Blue at the Mizzen, he was in fact working on a new installment at the time of his death in 2000. " (***)
Neal Stephenson: Interface
Another thriller from one of my favorite authors. Scary to think that we could actually have this sort of thing happen. (*****)
Peggy Noonan: When Character Was King: A Story of Ronald Reagan
I was a lot younger when Reagan was President. But I am glad that he was. And this book pointed out his strengths and weaknesses. We need another "Great Communicator" in the White House...and soon. (****)

Books I Have Read in 2006

Johnny Cash: Cash: The Autobiography
I finished this one on New Year's Day 2007, but I started it Christmas Day when I was shocked to find that Marti had slipped this in my stocking! Besides the book, she gave me a Johnny Cash DVD of a live performance from 1987. Anyway, back to the book. This was an easy read, although the first 150 pages seemed to glamorize the life on the road when he first started - booze, pills, girls, etc. But, the meat of the book, when he talked about his faith and the redemption that he has received in Christ, was a great encouragement. He certainly was a rare man. (***)
Mark Twain: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (Bantam Classic)
It has been over 20 years since I read a Mark Twain novel. This was a good one to pick up. His humor is still funny 100 years after it was originally written. It has some dark moments but this only brought out some of the issues of human nature that he was exploring. (***)
Walker Percy: The Moviegoer
I found the following review of this book on Amazon.com. An interesting but disturbing book. ""The Moviegoer" is a peculiarly American and belated expression of the existential novel that had been so brilliantly articulated in France by Albert Camus. Like "The Stranger", Percy's novel focuses on meaning-in this case, the obsession of Binx Bolling, the novel's narrator, on what he calls the "search". As Bolling says at one point, "the search is what anyone would undertake if he were not sunk in the everydayness of his own life." And exactly what does this mean? "To become aware of the possibility of the search is to be onto something. Not to be onto something is to be in despair." An enigmatic definition, but one which makes the reader who spends time with "The Moviegoer", who reads the book carefully and reflectively, to think more deeply about his or her own life." (**)
Rayne Kruger: All Under Heaven: A Complete History of China
I just finished this fascinating book. It is hard to cram over 4000 years of history into 400 pages but the author does it, and does it well. I include this introduction from the book cover. "Rayne Kruger provides us with an engaging introduction to Chinese history, mythology and customs, which reveals the technological advances that left Europe in the shade for hundreds of years and the tyrants, philosophers, warriors, and femme fatales that have moulded her legacy over 4,000 years." Good book - worth reading! (***)
Rudyard Kipling: Kim (Penguin Classics)
I've had this book on the shelf for quite a while and decided to read it during my recent visit to Mombasa. What a delightful book. Spending a lot of time around Indians and Pakistanis I could better relate to the characters in this book. And the food described in the book...I could smell it when I read about it. Great story. Check it out. (****)
Upton Sinclair: The Jungle (100th Anniversary Edition)
(Audio) Living in Nairobi and having worked some in the Kibera slums, I could totally relate to the gruesome pictures that the author was depicting in the Chicago slaughter houses and slums at the turn of the 20th century. The book was incredibly powerful. It showed the horrors of life in these packing yards and why Labor Unions were so needed at that time. It also showed the depths of depravity that is in every man. Unfortunately, the author believed Socialism was the cure for this illness of sin and he spends the last 4 chapters propagating this claim. All in all, a must read. (****)
Brennan Manning: The Importance of Being Foolish
Another very challenging book by Brennan Manning. He challenges the reader to stop seeking "security, pleasure, and power" and start pursuing the mind and heart of Jesus. This is a radical pursuit that has the power to transform individuals and cultures. But it is not the pursuit that transforms rather it is the power of what the cross really means - unselfish love poured out on people who desperately need forgiveness. I was challenged and convicted of my half-hearted pursuit of Jesus. (****)
C. H. Spurgeon: All of Grace
(Audio). Continuing my desire to use my commute time effectively, I finished another audio book this week. This little classic written specifically to non-believers, helps answer many of the questions of salvation, justification, sanctification, and glorification. It of course focuses on God's grace as the way of all these things. I would recommend this to a person who is seriously considering the claims of Christ. (****)
Ted C. Fishman: China, Inc.: How the Rise of the Next Superpower Challenges America and the World
Outsourcing. Made in China. Piracy. Expanding economies. We have all heard these words connected with China's growing economic power over the past decade. This book was a fascinating tour on how that has taken place in such a short time. Kind of scary of what is going on there and how America is not really in a position to keep pace. However, rather than shake in our shoes, we should take time to figure out what Kingdom opportunities may be arising out of this dramatic economic challenge. Christians need to be at the center of the response to this situation. (*****)
Donald Miller: Blue Like Jazz
Nonconventional look at Christian spirituality. Provacative. Powerful. Piercing. Not for the legalist. I don't know that I would necessarily agree with his view of Christian liberty, but that is the point isn't. Thanks Donald for sharing your heart exactly as it is. (*****)
G. K. Chesterton: Orthodoxy
I listened to this unabridged audio version of the book. It was too deep to listen to but it still made an impact. It was very obvious that the truths of Christianity were believed by the author. Worth reading. (***)
Malcolm Gladwell: The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
I have enjoyed reading my second book by this author. This neat little book points out how the little things make a difference. He documents a variety of stories and studies to show how this phenomenon works. Many people instinctively understand how the little things make a difference and this book shows why. (****)
Thomas L. Friedman: The World Is Flat
This is definitely one of the best books I have read in a couple of years. It helps explain the "my world" - living in two continents and feeling at home in both. It explains how and why the world really is becoming flat. Although I am usually not a fan of this New York Times columnist, he hits the nail on the head with this. Definitely worth the time and money to better understand why the world is getting smaller and smaller all the time. (*****)
Santo Cilauro: Molvania (Jetlag Travel Guide)
This book is a hilarious satire of the travel book genre. But having spent some significant time living abroad and traveling it also hits home with some real "truths." There are a ton of laugh out loud one-liners in the book. It is a must read for anyone who has ever travelled. (*****)
Andy Kessler: The End of Medicine: How Silicon Valley (and Naked Mice) Will Reboot Your Doctor
This book is an interesting "outsider's" look at the future of medicine. The author uses a lot of sarcastic humor (and at times harsh criticism of doctors) to explain the dilemmas in medicine today. He looks at some of the emerging technology that may change medicine as we know it. However, I am not too worried about unemployment just yet. (***)
Malcolm Gladwell: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
This was one of most fascinating books I have read in a long time. The book takes a look at the science behind "first impressions", "hunches", and "gut-feelings." It explores why we can trust those feelings. But more importantly the book explains what can happen if we don't learn to "train" our instincts and what happens if we rely ONLY on them. Great read. (*****)
Gordon Dalbey: Healing the Masculine Soul: God's Restoration of Men to Real Manhood
I was intrigued by the title and was excited to read it as it was recommended to me. However, I was disappointed in this book. There was a heavy emphasis on praying through dreams and visions to heal past hurts, especially those caused by dad. What about actually talking to dad about these hurts first? I know that some folks don't have or can't talk to dad, but the book seemed to make this a major theme. (*)
Neal Stephenson: Cryptonomicon
This book was very intriguing. Neal Stephenson is considered a "Sci-Fi" writer, but this book and the Baroque Cycle are much more in the lines of "Historical Fiction and Technology Adventure." I made that up. This tome is long but worth the read. (*****)
JRTolkein: Fellowship of the Rings
I listened to the unabridged version of Book 1 of Lord of the Rings. It was a great way to "read" it. I then watched the movie. I can see what all the "hoopla" was about. (*****)
Lee Strobel: The Case For a Creator
An interesting way to present the Intelligent Design argument. I enjoyed the book. (***)
Danyun: Lilies Amongst Thorns
This little book is a biography of the Chinese Church. The graphic persecution causes me to pause and repent of my grumbling. It also challenges me to pray for the Chinese Church. (***)
Paul David Tripp: Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens, Second Edition (Resources for Changing Lives)
Very convicting. I realize that I fall short in my calling as a parent. I have an incredible God-given opportunity to disciple my own children. This book really helps me to understand this calling. (****)
Dr. Archie Parrish: A Simple Way to Pray
A very straight forward book on prayer. Insightful and practical. (****)
Jeff Shaara: The Glorious Cause
A great continuation of The Rise to Rebellion. If you enjoy reading about the American Revolution, this is a must read. (*****)
Jeff Shaara: Rise to Rebellion
Excellent historical novel! The "thoughts" of the founders seem realistic and show the inner conflicts they must have faced. (*****)

June 2008