It has been a challenging yet inspirational few days on the computer lab part of this trip. The good news: we have (about) 20 "newly refurbished" PCs upgraded to Windows 7 and on site at Watoto's Suubi village! The bad news: it turns out the other 20 machines have been stuck in customs because of an abrupt new Ugandan trade policy to not import ANY more used computers, refrigerators and other items. The good news to follow the bad, is we got 20 FASTER machines via another supplier and will be able to at least start the lab upgrade for Bbira village. We have had to do the upgrade & install for Suubi “the old fashioned way” – one machine at a time with a lot of troubleshooting and training.
That was the challenging part. The inspirational part is that despite all this and we have had a terrific time with the technical people from Watoto and our supplier. They have worked overtime with us to overcome many small and some big obstacles in the process. The best part is that Watoto is learning first hand how to set up a lab with the newest software technologies. Lord willing, we won't be leaving behind a black box that they can't repeat themselves. After this they should be able to work with local suppliers and their own technical team to upgrade and maintain their other computer labs - and finally get a best in class computer science program started.
On another note, I would like to thank the team for a wonderful surprise tonight after dinner – a big homeade chocolate cake commorating Petra’s & my 15th Wedding Anniversary! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it here in Uganda with such great people J.
-Brett
Great Blog! (I had to really search to find this little 'comments' link.)... but here it is! Can you upload some video clips? Youtubes? Show me pics of the housing they put you in, and your driver, the hostesses at the house, a pic of the dinner gathering. Nice pic of Brynn. You need some close-ups with sweat dripping off your brow, dirt on ya! (Maybe the computer team just doesn't get dirty?) Hey, don't forget to pic me up a momento to hang on my wall with my other Uganda memories! Say hi to Ben for me. I'm praying for your great success in building our Lord's kingdome. You are making big investments in eternity!
ReplyDeleteGreat update! Watoto is an incredible work of the Lord! All those orphans helped with way more than a 'cup of water'... parented, loved, educated! What an amazing ministry! Good job on installing those computers. Why would Uganda ban 'used computers'? Getting pretty picky!
ReplyDeleteGood job, you all!
In Him,
Tom :-]