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Still Alive, Computers Working, Despite Grudges

Apologies are no doubt owed for this relatively long radio silence. It has been due, thankfully, to our own busyness here and not because any of Kenya’s troubles have reached us at Nyeri. It is deeply saddening to read the news of what is going on in other parts of the country, and hear accounts of the pain firsthand (there are over 100 refugees living not 3 kilometers away in a local sports field). At the same time, we are grateful that we have been able to continue our work mostly unaffected, and that the kids haven’t been subject to anything outside of what’s on the TV.

In truth, life has been good here the last few weeks since I returned to Kenya, with our biggest hardships comprised of woes like finding the grocery store less than fully stocked, and slightly higher gas prices.

The computer classes at Tumaini have likewise continued, and I have the good fortune to be even at this moment looking at a blackboard with the remnants of what appears to be a lecture on “Computer Security”. The chalk on the board haphazardly forms a list, ostensibly of the various facets of “Computer Security”. They are (strictly mirroring punctuation and emphasis):

  • Environmental Threats
  • Clumsiness
  • Stabilizers
  • Terrorists Attacks
  • grudges

Hmm. Apparently, ‘Environmental Threats’ are the most ominous bad guys in the world of computer security. And I can see that; maybe it’s not obvious that computers should be kept out of the rain. But what are ‘Stabilizers’? And why do they threaten my PC? “No! Don’t bring that Stabilizer in here!”

The best, though, is clearly ‘grudges’. You never know when your computer’s security might be compromised by a grudge. And multiple grudges working in concert? Forget it, your RAM is hosed.

You might also be glad to know that from what I’ve overheard, the classes on word processing are just as helpful to the student.

By Jonathan Lipps

Jonathan worked as a programmer in tech startups for several decades, but is also passionate about all kinds of creative pursuits and academic discussion. Jonathan has master’s degrees in philosophy and linguistics, from Stanford and Oxford respectively, and is working on another in theology. An American-Canadian, he lives in Vancouver, BC and has way too many hobbies.

3 replies on “Still Alive, Computers Working, Despite Grudges”

Jonathan It is great to hear that you are well in Nyeri. I am in Cincinnati Ohio and have been trying to find news reguarding Nyeri. I am part of a team here in Cincinnati that is hosting a young girl here in Cin. Ohio. She is here for medical reasons and hopes to reunite with her family soon. Please stay in touch!

Kevin Duffy
kevin@kevinduffy.com

Lipps, I saw below that you own a copy of the “Less is More” cookbook. LeAnne and I bought it for her sister last year, and we’ve been itching to get a copy for ourselves!

Glad to see that you’re doing well. One of these days, I’d love to hang out and hear about your experiences in person!

JP

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