For those asking, PNG was not hit hard by the Tsunami.
We live at 5000 feet above sea level, but our major places of supply are at sea level, as well as several translator villages and regional centres.
All we saw was minor flooding. We are praying for those who saw much worse.
here is the news report
Tsunami causes minor flooding in PNG
By Liam Fox
There have been reports of minor flooding in Papua New Guinea from the tsunami triggered by Japan's massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake.
The PNG National Disaster Centre says unusually high tides caused flooding in low-lying areas of Manus Island and Wewak on the north-east coast.
Manus governor Michael Sapau says residents on the island's north-west coast reported that the sea rose by around a metre in the early hours of this morning.
Mr Sapau says officials have been sent to inspect the affected areas, but early reports do not indicate any serious damage.
"Minor inundation, no major damages," he said.
Meanwhile, residents on New Ireland in PNG's far north-east say the tide rose and fell several times in quick succession last night but there has been no flooding.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/03/12/3162412.htm?sect
3/13/2011
3/06/2011
Engaging
Church Engagement
At the head of the room a man spoke in a language I didn't understand, and held out a 2 kina bill. Later he said in English 'I was saying that I have this 2 kina bill, anyone here can come and take it, it is my free gift to you.' No one took it because no one could understand him, he was speaking in Spanish (de Costa Rica).
The illustration proved the point that people couldn't know about the Gospel or using the Word unless they understood the language.
Yes we translate the Bible. Then what?
That's the question. Well anyone in the know, please pardon my over simplification of this process.
Translating the Word takes over 20 years. During that time you're working on relationships, developing leaders, discipling, teaching reading and writing, giving tools on how to teach the Bible, giving audio and video examples, teaching skits, and overall preparing a culture anywhere from 'we don't want the Bible' to 'we really can't wait' and in a perfect scenario, by the time the Word is published in their heart language, the people are already changed and can't wait to deploy the Scriptures to their children and surrounding people.
In a less than desirable situation you have a people with a new Bible who never use it because they don't grasp how to teach from it.
Enter the Church Engagement team. A relatively new team, but the ministry is something that has been going on for decades. Still the team itself goes into churches and sees how they are integrating with the Word and where they need help and then puts them in touch with the right help.
They've heard things like 'well we have the bible but no one uses it'. OH, they need to talk with the Scripture use team who will help them understand how to teach others and use the Word of God to make an impact.
This team is still small and growing and it's a side team (work on weekends) the people on the team have their normal jobs to do too. But on the weekends they make a job of trying to work side by side with people and show them how to really teach from and use the Scriptures they have.
We have a lot of resources here, and this new team is trying to get those resources in the hands of local pastors and leaders. WE have identified over the years that there can be some falling through the cracks, and this team is there to fill in the cracks.
That's of course my perception of it, and I like the idea. They've recently been challenged by the huge amount of interest they are generating to supply people with the answer to the question 'How do I get involved' ?
The side effect of this is that they are generating interest in the country by Papua New Guineans as to how to get involved in the ministry of spreading God's Word. That's incredible.
They've recently listed a need in the area of video/audio production, and I'm currently considering volunteering. I think it might be too much too soon, to volunteer my weekends to producing video, but on the flip side, I know I'd enjoy it tremendously.
At the head of the room a man spoke in a language I didn't understand, and held out a 2 kina bill. Later he said in English 'I was saying that I have this 2 kina bill, anyone here can come and take it, it is my free gift to you.' No one took it because no one could understand him, he was speaking in Spanish (de Costa Rica).
The illustration proved the point that people couldn't know about the Gospel or using the Word unless they understood the language.
Yes we translate the Bible. Then what?
That's the question. Well anyone in the know, please pardon my over simplification of this process.
Translating the Word takes over 20 years. During that time you're working on relationships, developing leaders, discipling, teaching reading and writing, giving tools on how to teach the Bible, giving audio and video examples, teaching skits, and overall preparing a culture anywhere from 'we don't want the Bible' to 'we really can't wait' and in a perfect scenario, by the time the Word is published in their heart language, the people are already changed and can't wait to deploy the Scriptures to their children and surrounding people.
In a less than desirable situation you have a people with a new Bible who never use it because they don't grasp how to teach from it.
Enter the Church Engagement team. A relatively new team, but the ministry is something that has been going on for decades. Still the team itself goes into churches and sees how they are integrating with the Word and where they need help and then puts them in touch with the right help.
They've heard things like 'well we have the bible but no one uses it'. OH, they need to talk with the Scripture use team who will help them understand how to teach others and use the Word of God to make an impact.
This team is still small and growing and it's a side team (work on weekends) the people on the team have their normal jobs to do too. But on the weekends they make a job of trying to work side by side with people and show them how to really teach from and use the Scriptures they have.
We have a lot of resources here, and this new team is trying to get those resources in the hands of local pastors and leaders. WE have identified over the years that there can be some falling through the cracks, and this team is there to fill in the cracks.
That's of course my perception of it, and I like the idea. They've recently been challenged by the huge amount of interest they are generating to supply people with the answer to the question 'How do I get involved' ?
The side effect of this is that they are generating interest in the country by Papua New Guineans as to how to get involved in the ministry of spreading God's Word. That's incredible.
They've recently listed a need in the area of video/audio production, and I'm currently considering volunteering. I think it might be too much too soon, to volunteer my weekends to producing video, but on the flip side, I know I'd enjoy it tremendously.
3/03/2011
People of Tantamount Worth
The couple featured in this coming documentary are one of the first couples whose laptops I helped configure for village email. In fact possibly they are the first PNG translator couple I met and helped in this country. We spent many hours together and I prepared their systems to be secure and receive email in their village, so when I run into them I occasionally ask them how things are.
I remember clearly a conversation I had with them about how they love getting email from their son, and how they wished their son would write them as often as I write my family. In fact they asked me years ago to call their son (jokingly) and tell him to write their mother more.
So if you're out there, write your mother! (-;
I'll be interested when this film is released to see more about their village life.
3/02/2011
Locked explained
theft of portable devices is at times a problem here. So I'm always telling people to buy laptop locking cables. I purchased 5 while in the U.S. combination style because I have tooooooo many keys.
Anyway, I had to secure a new Apple mac mini. There are several on center here and I noticed, they have no locking slot. So... what to do?
If you go online you can find a lot of mounting/securing mounts for $60.00 or more. Well I found one for $40. I wanted a 'behind the monitor/swiveling' mount but none existed. SO, I bought the cheap $40 one.
It came 3 weeks later.
I then looked at my monitor, it's an old NEC with a ton of extra plastic around the metal stand, so I figured, I could drive the screws into the plastic, being careful not to damage any internal cables or cause a short. And I did.
The result is, a swivel 'under the desk' mount, attached to the back of a monitor. I had to sacrifice the pedastal up/down motion of the monitor stand, but I never use that anyway.
Then a simple padlock secures it, since the monitor itself is already cable locked in place.
Viola! .... clean, hidden, accessible, and.... SECURE.
Effectively turning my monitor into an 'iMac' like system.
Anyway, I had to secure a new Apple mac mini. There are several on center here and I noticed, they have no locking slot. So... what to do?
If you go online you can find a lot of mounting/securing mounts for $60.00 or more. Well I found one for $40. I wanted a 'behind the monitor/swiveling' mount but none existed. SO, I bought the cheap $40 one.
It came 3 weeks later.
I then looked at my monitor, it's an old NEC with a ton of extra plastic around the metal stand, so I figured, I could drive the screws into the plastic, being careful not to damage any internal cables or cause a short. And I did.
The result is, a swivel 'under the desk' mount, attached to the back of a monitor. I had to sacrifice the pedastal up/down motion of the monitor stand, but I never use that anyway.
Then a simple padlock secures it, since the monitor itself is already cable locked in place.
Viola! .... clean, hidden, accessible, and.... SECURE.
Effectively turning my monitor into an 'iMac' like system.
3/01/2011
Practical Daily Items for living in PNG
We often say this is the land of the unexpected. Here are some unexpected changes:
We get our groceries from LAE(the city 3 hours away). Some in country, some imported. Between us and LAE , there are multiple bridges and a long winding road called the Kassam Pass.
One of the bridges is out, and the Kassam pass is damaged so much that big rigs can easily topple. Last week 2 big trucks toppled and blocked the road. Only small 4 wheel drives were able to squeak through.
So grocery supplies will be less often.
The sugar factory in the country has announced they will not be producing sugar for a few months because of various reasons. So surely there will be a sugar shortage soon. (having fun with my S's there)
Due to the cost in fuel rising, and loss of shipping personnel, our sea freight boxes won't be coming as often. Which means cargo and food goods will be less frequent than they used to be. (once every 3 months moves to once every 6 months). This means that we won't have access to some of the U.S./AUS non-perishable foods we enjoy. Like the special treat of breakfast cereal or chocolate chips. Again not a huge loss but a loss none the less. It only means that when they get here, it'll be an even bigger treat. (My son can't live without cereal he thinks. What he eats is so self-limited, but I believe if he goes hungry enough days in a row, he might consider expanding his menu)
Due to our king air aircraft receiving suspected engine damage, and our standardization on new kodiak aircraft, coupled with the loss of key personnel in Aviation, we no longer have the capacity to fly people to Cairns, Aus. (Unless for medivacs). Which means that goods we ordered from Australia, will only come back to us when someone is rushed to the hospital. Or possibly they may start a cargo flight only without passengers (it takes a LOT of paper work to fly people internationally and without staff to push the paper.... we can't do it). So what that means is that if I wanted to order say, laptop replacement parts, instead of waiting 30 day like we used to, I may wait 90 days to receive them. What this means is that a translator's crashed laptop has to wait longer for repair or replacement.
These are some of the major changes to our way of life here. It cuts us off from the rest of the world just a little more than we were, but my attitude is, 'if I came here today, ready to take on whatever came, I wouldn't lament the loss of these services because I wouldn't have known about them.' In my heart I know, that things change, and we all need to be willing to flex without it affecting our attitudes in a negative way. We're not here to receive cargo and food, we're here to spread the Word of God, and frankly, if things get harder in doing it, well it just makes us better. The more we can endure, the more we share in Christ's suffering.
Not that a sugar shortage or loss of cargo is suffering... but you get the idea.
Some folks around here go mental if they can't get cheese or chocolate for a while. I suppose I may have an issue if we lost internet connection, I can do without cheese or chocolate. (-;
All in all, we are seeing a real shift here that affects our daily lives. My hope is, that people won't be frustrated by life being more difficult but will instead see these luxuries as distractions and we can continue to go about the work we're called to do. The practical reality is, if people find living here too tough they may want to go home. Then again I think there is a contingent of people who feel life is not hard enough and enjoy it when things get harder.
I look on with curiosity and wonder where God is going with all this.
God is faithful! In reading Mark 8, I become convicted.
God is faithful, we'll get what we need to continue this work, no need to worry.
We get our groceries from LAE(the city 3 hours away). Some in country, some imported. Between us and LAE , there are multiple bridges and a long winding road called the Kassam Pass.
One of the bridges is out, and the Kassam pass is damaged so much that big rigs can easily topple. Last week 2 big trucks toppled and blocked the road. Only small 4 wheel drives were able to squeak through.
So grocery supplies will be less often.
The sugar factory in the country has announced they will not be producing sugar for a few months because of various reasons. So surely there will be a sugar shortage soon. (having fun with my S's there)
Due to the cost in fuel rising, and loss of shipping personnel, our sea freight boxes won't be coming as often. Which means cargo and food goods will be less frequent than they used to be. (once every 3 months moves to once every 6 months). This means that we won't have access to some of the U.S./AUS non-perishable foods we enjoy. Like the special treat of breakfast cereal or chocolate chips. Again not a huge loss but a loss none the less. It only means that when they get here, it'll be an even bigger treat. (My son can't live without cereal he thinks. What he eats is so self-limited, but I believe if he goes hungry enough days in a row, he might consider expanding his menu)
Due to our king air aircraft receiving suspected engine damage, and our standardization on new kodiak aircraft, coupled with the loss of key personnel in Aviation, we no longer have the capacity to fly people to Cairns, Aus. (Unless for medivacs). Which means that goods we ordered from Australia, will only come back to us when someone is rushed to the hospital. Or possibly they may start a cargo flight only without passengers (it takes a LOT of paper work to fly people internationally and without staff to push the paper.... we can't do it). So what that means is that if I wanted to order say, laptop replacement parts, instead of waiting 30 day like we used to, I may wait 90 days to receive them. What this means is that a translator's crashed laptop has to wait longer for repair or replacement.
These are some of the major changes to our way of life here. It cuts us off from the rest of the world just a little more than we were, but my attitude is, 'if I came here today, ready to take on whatever came, I wouldn't lament the loss of these services because I wouldn't have known about them.' In my heart I know, that things change, and we all need to be willing to flex without it affecting our attitudes in a negative way. We're not here to receive cargo and food, we're here to spread the Word of God, and frankly, if things get harder in doing it, well it just makes us better. The more we can endure, the more we share in Christ's suffering.
Not that a sugar shortage or loss of cargo is suffering... but you get the idea.
Some folks around here go mental if they can't get cheese or chocolate for a while. I suppose I may have an issue if we lost internet connection, I can do without cheese or chocolate. (-;
All in all, we are seeing a real shift here that affects our daily lives. My hope is, that people won't be frustrated by life being more difficult but will instead see these luxuries as distractions and we can continue to go about the work we're called to do. The practical reality is, if people find living here too tough they may want to go home. Then again I think there is a contingent of people who feel life is not hard enough and enjoy it when things get harder.
I look on with curiosity and wonder where God is going with all this.
God is faithful! In reading Mark 8, I become convicted.
14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”
16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.”
17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
“Twelve,” they replied.
20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”
They answered, “Seven.”
21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”
God is faithful, we'll get what we need to continue this work, no need to worry.
2/28/2011
2/27/2011
God's GREAT
This past thursday my Bible study group had a prayer night. One of the things I felt a burden on my heart for was our internet connection speed. It was truly pitiful. Has been for years, but from another perspective it is SO MUCH faster than it had been in years past.
But I decided instead of worrying about it, there truly was nothing I could do.... I said 'group, TODAY, I declare I will start praying regularly about our internet speed, I want it to increase in speed, decrease in price, and I'm not going to stop praying until that happens'.
So we prayed.
Friday morning I sent a speed analysis to our ISP. He's ignored every analysis for the past 1.5 years. I've been working very hard to get him to become convinced there was a problem. So I sent off this analysis with little hope.
Friday afternoon I met with people who were also his customers who LOVED the performance and couldn't figure out why we did not.
Sunday I got an email 'we found the problem, the NIC was giving CRC errors'.
Monday I ran my test again, we are currently the fastest we have been in 1.5 years. FASTER than we've ever been with this ISP.
We're seeing a full 2mb down and 1mb up this morning, as compared to our normal 400kb down and 300kb up.
So, we are hopeful this isn't temporary... the point is...
GOD IS SO AWESOME!
I told you before I LOVE how he relishes answering prayer.
I had prayed before over this, but never publicly. Part of me wonders if God was waiting for me to humble myself publicly to my bible study group and say 'Okay let's begin getting serious, God is the only one who can fix this now'.
Pray with me that it remains healthy... but today... today I am very hopeful and encouraged!!!
Thanks GOD!!!
Thanks for doing it in a way that I couldn't say 'look what I did!'. God did this.
How else can you explain the ISP finding and issue they've been seeking for 1.5 years!?
But I decided instead of worrying about it, there truly was nothing I could do.... I said 'group, TODAY, I declare I will start praying regularly about our internet speed, I want it to increase in speed, decrease in price, and I'm not going to stop praying until that happens'.
So we prayed.
Friday morning I sent a speed analysis to our ISP. He's ignored every analysis for the past 1.5 years. I've been working very hard to get him to become convinced there was a problem. So I sent off this analysis with little hope.
Friday afternoon I met with people who were also his customers who LOVED the performance and couldn't figure out why we did not.
Sunday I got an email 'we found the problem, the NIC was giving CRC errors'.
Monday I ran my test again, we are currently the fastest we have been in 1.5 years. FASTER than we've ever been with this ISP.
We're seeing a full 2mb down and 1mb up this morning, as compared to our normal 400kb down and 300kb up.
So, we are hopeful this isn't temporary... the point is...
GOD IS SO AWESOME!
I told you before I LOVE how he relishes answering prayer.
I had prayed before over this, but never publicly. Part of me wonders if God was waiting for me to humble myself publicly to my bible study group and say 'Okay let's begin getting serious, God is the only one who can fix this now'.
Pray with me that it remains healthy... but today... today I am very hopeful and encouraged!!!
Thanks GOD!!!
Thanks for doing it in a way that I couldn't say 'look what I did!'. God did this.
How else can you explain the ISP finding and issue they've been seeking for 1.5 years!?
Missing Out
When blogging about the missionary condition, a quick word or two should be spoken about missing out.
Sometimes folks whinge (not a complaint, not a whine, but a whinge), about missing certain people or foods. I don't whinge about missing food. And I rarely complain in general, partially because it isn't my mentality, and partially because I want to be a good example for my children.
But there are times when you miss something and it hurts very deeply.
2 years ago I missed the birth of my nephew.
2 days ago I missed the wedding of a good friend, that I would have stood up for had
I been there.
I've also missed some intense family tragedies that I would have been there to support family through.
These losses are sad it's true. And often people ask me 'what do you miss most about home?'
The truth is, this is home. Living in PNG is home to me now. Home is where your heart is, and although my heart takes occasional holiday and desires to be in a hospital waiting room or in a tuxedo standing up in a church, it lives here.
And so, whenever I think about what I might be missing, I let my mind also give equal time to what people here are missing, and what people here aren't missing.
People HERE are missing out on the Word of God. That has extremely more importance than our lives here on earth.
People not here are missing out on seeing what I've seen. Good and bad, my experiences are only partially shared via emails and blogs. BEING here is awesome, seeing God work.
And so, yes there is missing out, but it works both ways. I am thankful for the people who stay and send, and thankful for the people who go. I am thankful for the experiences I get to share in, and try not to think too much about the ones I miss.
I'm glad for friends who go to the ones I miss and update me, and hopefully I can update them as to what is going on here.
And so, I don't really 'miss' much for long periods of time. I don't let myself think about it, I don't let myself become negative or complainy. I have spent some time away from here, and I can tell you it was very great to get back.
If you think about it, everyone is missing out on the exciting parts of everyone else's lives... it's only very rarely that we get to share something incredible with someone.
Living here, I get to share something incredible with my family, with all of you, and one day, I hope to sit and share with folks in heaven about it. There really is no cause for sadness with that perspective in mind.
Sometimes folks whinge (not a complaint, not a whine, but a whinge), about missing certain people or foods. I don't whinge about missing food. And I rarely complain in general, partially because it isn't my mentality, and partially because I want to be a good example for my children.
But there are times when you miss something and it hurts very deeply.
2 years ago I missed the birth of my nephew.
2 days ago I missed the wedding of a good friend, that I would have stood up for had
I been there.
I've also missed some intense family tragedies that I would have been there to support family through.
These losses are sad it's true. And often people ask me 'what do you miss most about home?'
The truth is, this is home. Living in PNG is home to me now. Home is where your heart is, and although my heart takes occasional holiday and desires to be in a hospital waiting room or in a tuxedo standing up in a church, it lives here.
And so, whenever I think about what I might be missing, I let my mind also give equal time to what people here are missing, and what people here aren't missing.
People HERE are missing out on the Word of God. That has extremely more importance than our lives here on earth.
People not here are missing out on seeing what I've seen. Good and bad, my experiences are only partially shared via emails and blogs. BEING here is awesome, seeing God work.
And so, yes there is missing out, but it works both ways. I am thankful for the people who stay and send, and thankful for the people who go. I am thankful for the experiences I get to share in, and try not to think too much about the ones I miss.
I'm glad for friends who go to the ones I miss and update me, and hopefully I can update them as to what is going on here.
And so, I don't really 'miss' much for long periods of time. I don't let myself think about it, I don't let myself become negative or complainy. I have spent some time away from here, and I can tell you it was very great to get back.
If you think about it, everyone is missing out on the exciting parts of everyone else's lives... it's only very rarely that we get to share something incredible with someone.
Living here, I get to share something incredible with my family, with all of you, and one day, I hope to sit and share with folks in heaven about it. There really is no cause for sadness with that perspective in mind.
2/26/2011
Only You part 2
I have to issue a correction to an earlier blog post entitled 'Only You'. My information about me being the only who who 'could' fix it sounded far too much like tooting my own horn.
The truth is that is what the Doctor said, but possible he was being too kind. I've heard from co-workers who wanted a second shot at it but the Doctor hadn't returned.
I work with a team of staff, very good at what they do. I think that goes unsaid. I've always surrounded myself with people smarter than me so that I can raise to their example, and this team is no different.
We are fortunate to have many skilled people here doing their respective jobs. It is one of the most interesting parts of living here, seeing how the body compliments each other with their different talents, and as a whole we are able to accomplish the work God has given us to do.
There are moments when it definitely seems like only 1 person can do the job, but even that one person needs to rely on a team of people to get anything done.
I believe God blesses us each from time to time with the knowledge that He has put us here specifically to accomplish a task...
and then at other times He reminds us that we are very replaceable as His resources are infinite... and we're honored to be the ones He chooses to currently use.
I'm very thankful for my co-workers and teammates and their abilities and talents.
The truth is that is what the Doctor said, but possible he was being too kind. I've heard from co-workers who wanted a second shot at it but the Doctor hadn't returned.
I work with a team of staff, very good at what they do. I think that goes unsaid. I've always surrounded myself with people smarter than me so that I can raise to their example, and this team is no different.
We are fortunate to have many skilled people here doing their respective jobs. It is one of the most interesting parts of living here, seeing how the body compliments each other with their different talents, and as a whole we are able to accomplish the work God has given us to do.
There are moments when it definitely seems like only 1 person can do the job, but even that one person needs to rely on a team of people to get anything done.
I believe God blesses us each from time to time with the knowledge that He has put us here specifically to accomplish a task...
and then at other times He reminds us that we are very replaceable as His resources are infinite... and we're honored to be the ones He chooses to currently use.
I'm very thankful for my co-workers and teammates and their abilities and talents.
2/24/2011
Meet Jonathan
This is Jonathan. He's the main I.T. guy for a mission's organization in PNG completely operated by nationals. We met nearly three years ago. ARound that time many of us asked the question 'how are other IT professionals in this country doing this?' and we pulled together a meeting of all the IT minds in the country that were able to come. Jonathan showed up as the only IT guy for his small mission.
During that meeting and meetings since, we've all pooled our thoughts and solutions and created a resource in and of ourselves by simply having a meeting of the minds.
During that first one several years ago, Jonathan walked away with a new resource. We had started an email list between us. We all had a new resource.
Since then Jonathan has written us and asked us questions. Many of which were things we could very easily help him with. 'How to install a windows server' or 'how do I configure a workgroup'.
Today he reported they have their first ever windows server up and running and he has 2 other IT techs working with him.
It is important to recognize that Jonathan represents a cultural oddity. His love for spreading the Word of God is mixed with his iniative and desire for learning. It is a pleasure to have helping him be a side effect of our ministry here.
It is so hard to answer the question 'what do you do?' because of the mere fact that we say 'yes' to God, he creates all these little side effects of service that you hadn't anticipated. The fact that we are here, is a resource for people like Jonathan.
He's a neat guy with a huge task, and it's a pleasure to be able to help him.
2/22/2011
Allowed
Ever come across a problem and say 'well There's yer' problem' and then realize it was something you did years ago?
Yesterday I spent some time troubleshooting a network connection.
What we have been trying to do, and have succeeded at doing, is to use 1 wireless access point, and give multiple SSID's.
What this means is that say you go into a starbucks, and join the free wireless there, it isn't really that secure and most people know not to do sensitive things on their computer there.
Well, the past 6 months people have been asking for more and more wireless access. Wireless here is really unpredictable because of all the metal in the roofing and walls.
Anyway, after a steep learning curve, yesterday I finall figured out how to make 2 wireless networks work over 1 wireless device.
It involves a configuration on the wireless device (we use Dlink WAPS because they are affordable, we'd prefer Cisco)
A configuration on the switch that device is connected to (multiple vlans)
A configuration in Microsoft NPS (aka Radius).
THAT was the tricky part.
So anyway after hours of making Radius policies and figuring out exactly which way traffic should go determined by which SSID they join and which login they use...
it was working... in all placed but 1.
So I sat down yesterday, it was quitting time, but I couldn't let it go. Why go home with questions in your head?
So I stayed and stayed.. and then... BING.. I had an idea.. and I looked and sure enough....
PAST CHAD.. Chad from 3 years ago, typed a command for security that was breaking what CURRENT CHAD was trying to do .
(picture above)
I was blocking out Vlan 10 with an allowed statement... on purpose.
Which I now wanted to UNDO. So I undid it.
I felt like going back to past CHAD and saying 'one day Chad, a technology will come along that you haven't heard of yet, and you will need to undo this command... I don't expect you to understand it now... but trust me.. enable Vlan 10.'
heheh, having a time machine would save me a lot of trouble. (-;
Anyway point is, I know I'm geeking out here, but the point is, it works now... and I will be deploying these WAPS across the entire center today!
Which means tomorrow a whole lot of people won't know how to connect to the wireless anymore which is why I created a video tutorial on how to join.
In fact, apparently my reputation for documenting things got all the way to the director who has asked me to join forces with him in an attempt to create a training curriculum for Papua New Guineans.
I'm pretty excited about that, and have been doing a lot of documentation and videos lately gearing up for that. We do a lot of training and there needs to be a lot of repetition in that training for PNG'ians to remember it. So video would be perfect for that repetition!
Anyway, I've been playing with it in my spare time for now because my manager while approving of the idea, doesn't like the time it takes to do video, which distracts from my other priorities. Still, I'm rather passionate about this so I don't mind it cutting into my after-hours time.
Here's my logic:
-If I fix a computer or a network, then the translator can keep on translating, the teacher can keep on teaching, the church leader can keep on discipling.
-If I train people to do things - then they can keep on doing their jobs even when I'm not available.
I'm all about enabling people to do their work God has called them to do. In the past I've found I get in high demand and it'd be nice to duplicate myself. Video training is the closest I've come to succeeding at self-duplication. (-;
2/16/2011
Only you...
So here is an encouraging story (it encourages me). When we got here a few weeks ago I went in for a health checkup with the doctor here. The Doctor said that since I was there he'd ask me a question. He purchased a handheld device (HP Ipaq with windows Mobile) and he enjoyed using a software called Epocrates. He said he had spent countless hours with several other CTS (computer dept.) guys who all said 'well I can't get it to work, your only hope would be when Chad returns'.
So I replied, 'come by sometime, we'll spend an hour, and get it fixed.'
1 hour ago I had no idea what 'Epocrates' was. I had and still have no idea exactly how the Ipaq PDA works. But the doctor has a working piece of software that tells him about medications and treatments.
He is very thankful to me, and I'm thinking 'this is AWESOME!'.
It was a simple solution, I verified that there was some issue with the network on his laptop and the sync software, bypassed it and sync'd directly to his handheld. After which he said 'I should have bought an iPhone'.
For me, the fact that I was able to get this working is hugely affirming to me.
I took what I know (thanks God) and applied it to what I didn't know, and tested a few things and it ended up working.
Now the entire community can benefit from the doctor having access to up to date medication information.
And I get the bragging rights of being able to say 'I'm the only guy on center who could get this working for him'.
But what feels even better than all of that... pride and ego aside, is that another doctor recommended me to this doctor to fix his issue.
Here's why.
I've made an effort to learn things that I feel are needed here but that other people don't understand. I've learned all kinds of old and new technology for 1 reason.
My ministry here is to make it so that people feel confident that if they come to me, it'll end up working one way or the other, and so they can concentrate on THEIR job rather than being constantly frustrated that a tool they need isn't working.
When I can directly impact the community in this way, I feel so much affirmation that I'm the guy God put here.
So I'm very thankful for these moments where I realize... yes God put me here, God gave me the skill and brain I have... and I am soooo thrilled to be involved in the process.
Saying 'NO'
I was raised in church ministry. My mom served, my dad served, both me and my two sisters served, for years.
It is my opinion, that people who serve often get asked to do many things because they exhibit a servant's heart. Often times, on the WORK side of church unless servants can learn to say 'no' they can very quickly burn out.
Here in PNG, saying 'YES' to one ministry often means saying 'NO' to others. There really is never the risk of 'I'm not doing enough for God' here. Both Kendal and I are constantly busy doing some ministry. We have our main jobs plus many others.
So when a new opportunity arises you have to seriously consider it, pray, go to God and ask for guidance, because you can very easily end up in a position where you get burned out.
There is SO much work to be done and the workers are diminishing.
Upon arriving here from furlough we have each been confronted with multiple change requests:
-I was asked to step into a leadership position requiring at least 2 months away from my normal computer job
-My wife was asked to become a 5th grade teacher instead of preschool.
-I was asked again to be a leader in a different position
-My wife was asked to be a committee secretary (a huge amount of work).
If we chose to say 'yes' to these things, we would be effectively saying 'no' to many many things in the next 2 years (that's the length of the committment).
And so, we seriously sought God in this matter. Praying hard over it. People don't ask lightly around here, your 'NO' has to be firm, which is why I needed the confidence that God was directing my steps behind me.
After 8 days of prayer and thought, God graced us with a very clear message and we replied 'NO' to these things.
The NEXT day my world got super busy and I realized... had I said 'yes' at this point I possibly could crack. The readjustment to this place has been very time consuming because there has been so many changes and there is so much work to do.
And there has been personal things going on as well, my daughter has begun a Bible study, has a play, etc...
I mention this because I firmly believe that for the sake of longevity that people serving God must learn to say a very firm 'no' in a loving way. You need to learn to deal with the guilt of not taking on a task that God has not called you to, and the guilt of saying 'no' when you see an obvious need.
We need to also learn that when we say 'no' we need to start praying for that hole to be filled by the right person.
Putting the wrong person in a 'slot' can be as harmful as leaving that job undone.
I've seen ministry chew people up and spit them out. And ministry can be a machine. A machine with a heart that does good work, but the ugly side of it requires that people fill roles and jobs.
It may sound dreadful for a missionary to say 'Today I said no to three opportunities to serve.' But that should really be read as 'Today I said 'yes' to doing what God called me here to do, and to do it well, instead of doing it distractedly until I get exhausted and burn out.'.
We're not here to work super hard, then fall apart within a year.
We're here to work hard, work smart, and do what God called us to do, and to do it for the long term.
However, if you're unclear what God is telling you to do, then saying 'yes' to many things may help you to find your niche.
Please don't take this to mean we're not doing enough. I've listed out before all the things we are doing.
Instead this post is to inform you that there is a ton of work that gets left undone sometimes. We prioritize and focus and get the job done. I wanted to express that there is so much work, that as soon as someone returns from furlough/home assignment they are prompted with many new 'opportunities', and you need to learn the discipline of wisely accepting the ones you are capable of doing well.
It's all about maintaining a manageable level of stress and energy in your life so that you can serve over the long term with passion and skill.
On the flip side, I totally intend to arrive in heaven completely used up, beat up, and tired out. I simply don't want to burnout before that time.
It is my opinion, that people who serve often get asked to do many things because they exhibit a servant's heart. Often times, on the WORK side of church unless servants can learn to say 'no' they can very quickly burn out.
Here in PNG, saying 'YES' to one ministry often means saying 'NO' to others. There really is never the risk of 'I'm not doing enough for God' here. Both Kendal and I are constantly busy doing some ministry. We have our main jobs plus many others.
So when a new opportunity arises you have to seriously consider it, pray, go to God and ask for guidance, because you can very easily end up in a position where you get burned out.
There is SO much work to be done and the workers are diminishing.
Upon arriving here from furlough we have each been confronted with multiple change requests:
-I was asked to step into a leadership position requiring at least 2 months away from my normal computer job
-My wife was asked to become a 5th grade teacher instead of preschool.
-I was asked again to be a leader in a different position
-My wife was asked to be a committee secretary (a huge amount of work).
If we chose to say 'yes' to these things, we would be effectively saying 'no' to many many things in the next 2 years (that's the length of the committment).
And so, we seriously sought God in this matter. Praying hard over it. People don't ask lightly around here, your 'NO' has to be firm, which is why I needed the confidence that God was directing my steps behind me.
After 8 days of prayer and thought, God graced us with a very clear message and we replied 'NO' to these things.
The NEXT day my world got super busy and I realized... had I said 'yes' at this point I possibly could crack. The readjustment to this place has been very time consuming because there has been so many changes and there is so much work to do.
And there has been personal things going on as well, my daughter has begun a Bible study, has a play, etc...
I mention this because I firmly believe that for the sake of longevity that people serving God must learn to say a very firm 'no' in a loving way. You need to learn to deal with the guilt of not taking on a task that God has not called you to, and the guilt of saying 'no' when you see an obvious need.
We need to also learn that when we say 'no' we need to start praying for that hole to be filled by the right person.
Putting the wrong person in a 'slot' can be as harmful as leaving that job undone.
I've seen ministry chew people up and spit them out. And ministry can be a machine. A machine with a heart that does good work, but the ugly side of it requires that people fill roles and jobs.
It may sound dreadful for a missionary to say 'Today I said no to three opportunities to serve.' But that should really be read as 'Today I said 'yes' to doing what God called me here to do, and to do it well, instead of doing it distractedly until I get exhausted and burn out.'.
We're not here to work super hard, then fall apart within a year.
We're here to work hard, work smart, and do what God called us to do, and to do it for the long term.
However, if you're unclear what God is telling you to do, then saying 'yes' to many things may help you to find your niche.
Please don't take this to mean we're not doing enough. I've listed out before all the things we are doing.
Instead this post is to inform you that there is a ton of work that gets left undone sometimes. We prioritize and focus and get the job done. I wanted to express that there is so much work, that as soon as someone returns from furlough/home assignment they are prompted with many new 'opportunities', and you need to learn the discipline of wisely accepting the ones you are capable of doing well.
It's all about maintaining a manageable level of stress and energy in your life so that you can serve over the long term with passion and skill.
On the flip side, I totally intend to arrive in heaven completely used up, beat up, and tired out. I simply don't want to burnout before that time.
2/12/2011
the Poor 2
My blog title 'the poor' was not meant to be posted with that photo, I made an edit and forgot to change the title.
The edit I made was to delete my posting about the poor in this country.
But I left the photo.
The question I was posing to myself publicly was how to define 'the poor'.
In a country where you can grow your own food, are people who aren't starving poor?
What if they aren't starving but develop malnutrition when older?
What about AIDS being a huge problem?
No cash money, but a cultural system that helps them provide for each other?
Are they poor yet?
When Christ asks us to tend to the poor, where do we draw the line and once drawn, how do we tend?
We strive to bring the Word of God to people of PNG. We also strive to meet them like Christ met them, caring for their physical needs as well.
It seems like we are surrounded by poverty, but then we wonder if that's simply our perspective...
Anyway... those are the thoughts I deleted and why that picture was entitled 'the poor' accidentally.
When I've processed this more I'll share more. The tug on my heart lately has been to do a little more than we did our first term here... and I have some ideas about how we might achieve that, but it's not really what we're doing.
It's what the Spirit of God wants to do through us that matters.
for that matter, a blog seems almost boastful if you talk about what you're doing.
Although we need to communicate to people what we're doing... but wouldn't it feel like bragging if you say..
"Today I helped a blind man..."
which isn't at all the point of this blog...
the point of this blog is to document life here, our transition and lives as missionaries and to communicate what God is doing.
So I want to be clear here. If I get excited about something we're doing, it is because I'm boasting in the Lord and what He is doing.
I've tried doing things on my own without God's leading or intervention and it doesn't turn out as well as you'd hope. So whenever anything remarkable happens, it is very obviously God working.
So when we work out this question about the POOR, we will let you know what happens.
The edit I made was to delete my posting about the poor in this country.
But I left the photo.
The question I was posing to myself publicly was how to define 'the poor'.
In a country where you can grow your own food, are people who aren't starving poor?
What if they aren't starving but develop malnutrition when older?
What about AIDS being a huge problem?
No cash money, but a cultural system that helps them provide for each other?
Are they poor yet?
When Christ asks us to tend to the poor, where do we draw the line and once drawn, how do we tend?
We strive to bring the Word of God to people of PNG. We also strive to meet them like Christ met them, caring for their physical needs as well.
It seems like we are surrounded by poverty, but then we wonder if that's simply our perspective...
Anyway... those are the thoughts I deleted and why that picture was entitled 'the poor' accidentally.
When I've processed this more I'll share more. The tug on my heart lately has been to do a little more than we did our first term here... and I have some ideas about how we might achieve that, but it's not really what we're doing.
It's what the Spirit of God wants to do through us that matters.
for that matter, a blog seems almost boastful if you talk about what you're doing.
Although we need to communicate to people what we're doing... but wouldn't it feel like bragging if you say..
"Today I helped a blind man..."
which isn't at all the point of this blog...
the point of this blog is to document life here, our transition and lives as missionaries and to communicate what God is doing.
So I want to be clear here. If I get excited about something we're doing, it is because I'm boasting in the Lord and what He is doing.
I've tried doing things on my own without God's leading or intervention and it doesn't turn out as well as you'd hope. So whenever anything remarkable happens, it is very obviously God working.
So when we work out this question about the POOR, we will let you know what happens.
2/10/2011
The Poor
this is a picture of the village area some of our Bible translator friends live in when they are in the village.
2/08/2011
Tagged Vlans
Today's challenge:
implement a technology I've never used of using principles I understand.
Mission: make a Dlink wap have multiple SSID's that go to different networks which are disconnected
Approach:
1 - learn how to configure multiple SSID's on a Dlink WAP - completed
2 - learn how to configure WPA2 enterprise on multiple SSID's - completed
3 - learn how to get tagged vlans to traverse a trunk on a cisco switch - completed
4 - move the home network to vlan 10 from default vlan1 because vlan1 is stupid... I mean because vlan1 is a security risk when your CORP network is also vlan1 (still) - IN PROGRESS
5 - reconfigure your switches to disallow anything but the new vlan - completed
Today was one of those days when you say 'I THINK this should work, but I don't know HOW yet'. And you dive into manuals.
And, sure enough, it works.
And at the end of the day I had to battle my training and what I already knew to work, because I simply didn't like the ideas coming at me... but they were valid ideas... and after much trial and error and reading, and testing, I believe we reached success.
I kept my network organized and secure,
They got their product working.
I documented it well.
The problem with changing the 'default' way of equipment is that it becomes harder to replace me in the future.
The problem with keeping 'default' configurations is that they are insecure and quickly become disorganized.
I documented it all today and pretty much wrote a ten page manual with pictures so that the guy behind me could learn it too.
Now I have to go, I'm late for dinner. (-;
implement a technology I've never used of using principles I understand.
Mission: make a Dlink wap have multiple SSID's that go to different networks which are disconnected
Approach:
1 - learn how to configure multiple SSID's on a Dlink WAP - completed
2 - learn how to configure WPA2 enterprise on multiple SSID's - completed
3 - learn how to get tagged vlans to traverse a trunk on a cisco switch - completed
4 - move the home network to vlan 10 from default vlan1 because vlan1 is stupid... I mean because vlan1 is a security risk when your CORP network is also vlan1 (still) - IN PROGRESS
5 - reconfigure your switches to disallow anything but the new vlan - completed
Today was one of those days when you say 'I THINK this should work, but I don't know HOW yet'. And you dive into manuals.
And, sure enough, it works.
And at the end of the day I had to battle my training and what I already knew to work, because I simply didn't like the ideas coming at me... but they were valid ideas... and after much trial and error and reading, and testing, I believe we reached success.
I kept my network organized and secure,
They got their product working.
I documented it well.
The problem with changing the 'default' way of equipment is that it becomes harder to replace me in the future.
The problem with keeping 'default' configurations is that they are insecure and quickly become disorganized.
I documented it all today and pretty much wrote a ten page manual with pictures so that the guy behind me could learn it too.
Now I have to go, I'm late for dinner. (-;
2/07/2011
Busy Busy
Last night I didn't sleep much. I was considering this decision about leadership I mented a few posts ago. I spent my non-sleep time praying and a peace came over me as I realized that I needed to spend my energies elsewhere.
During my prayer it made a lot of sense and calmed me and I realized.... 'Chad, you need to focus on your core job right now, and let the leadership position go to someone else, it will be a hard year for you.'
So I was calmed by that, wrote out a list of priorities and decided to go about my dad tackling the challenge.
We had a meeting today about the projects we need to do in 2011.
The list was 28 items long.
We have 3 guys.
Each item was a month worth of work... if things go well.
It's a VERY long list.
It is a TON of work.
I am so very thankful to God and to you all for praying for me, that I was able to come to a decision this morning about the leadership thing, and have a confidence that God had something in store for me... and then to come to work and find out WHAT He had in store.
I should list out the project list here, although verbatim it will make no sense, so I'll paraphrase...
PLEASE pray these go well, we'll be busy enough without distractions and failures.
-implement windows home folders for departments
-remove web proxy and replace with websense
-implement exchange 2010
-install and configure traffic shaping
-update policy manuals
-upgrade software inventory control
-hardware inventory
-security policy implementation audit
-connect new training center and dining call to fibre backbone
-reconfigure central network switches
-deploy centre wide wireless with dual SSID's
-virtualize remaining physical servers
-upgrade aviation wireless connection (build a 15meter mast and install it)
-build four new Domain Controllers
..
the list goes on.
upgrades, replacements, etc.
Most of the work is inspired by the Microsoft licensing issue I told you about. We have to shave down, simplify, and otherwise reduce costs.
And we have a year to do it in.. actually, until June. So half a year. Because once June hits, we will lose a few guys and won't have the man power to do the projects for 18 months.
WOW... it's busy here.
I'm so glad I got some energy on furlough, these projects strike me as a lot of fun!
During my prayer it made a lot of sense and calmed me and I realized.... 'Chad, you need to focus on your core job right now, and let the leadership position go to someone else, it will be a hard year for you.'
So I was calmed by that, wrote out a list of priorities and decided to go about my dad tackling the challenge.
We had a meeting today about the projects we need to do in 2011.
The list was 28 items long.
We have 3 guys.
Each item was a month worth of work... if things go well.
It's a VERY long list.
It is a TON of work.
I am so very thankful to God and to you all for praying for me, that I was able to come to a decision this morning about the leadership thing, and have a confidence that God had something in store for me... and then to come to work and find out WHAT He had in store.
I should list out the project list here, although verbatim it will make no sense, so I'll paraphrase...
PLEASE pray these go well, we'll be busy enough without distractions and failures.
-implement windows home folders for departments
-remove web proxy and replace with websense
-implement exchange 2010
-install and configure traffic shaping
-update policy manuals
-upgrade software inventory control
-hardware inventory
-security policy implementation audit
-connect new training center and dining call to fibre backbone
-reconfigure central network switches
-deploy centre wide wireless with dual SSID's
-virtualize remaining physical servers
-upgrade aviation wireless connection (build a 15meter mast and install it)
-build four new Domain Controllers
..
the list goes on.
upgrades, replacements, etc.
Most of the work is inspired by the Microsoft licensing issue I told you about. We have to shave down, simplify, and otherwise reduce costs.
And we have a year to do it in.. actually, until June. So half a year. Because once June hits, we will lose a few guys and won't have the man power to do the projects for 18 months.
WOW... it's busy here.
I'm so glad I got some energy on furlough, these projects strike me as a lot of fun!
2/06/2011
new blog
Adding a new blog to my link list
Beverly in Onobasulu
This isBeverly, she's a translator missionary working with the Onobasulu people. I enjoy her insite on things quite a bit. She has a good send of humor and a great spirit.
I've worked to help her with email, laptop, and radio issues quite a bit over the years.
Beverly in Onobasulu
This isBeverly, she's a translator missionary working with the Onobasulu people. I enjoy her insite on things quite a bit. She has a good send of humor and a great spirit.
I've worked to help her with email, laptop, and radio issues quite a bit over the years.
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