4 April 2007 - Letter from Leon [Number 6]
Thu Feb 14, 08 8:32 pm
*Accomodation*
This week we got broadband internet access at home which really helps me, because I can now talk to those in the US via Skype, send/receive emails, take care of bills, and etc. from home. After my final flat move in January, I had been without internet access for nearly 3 months. Because of this, I was working much later at the office where I have that access because I needed the internet to get the work done.
The relationship with my flatmate, Phil, is ok. I guess it is somewhat a delicate situation for us as we get aquainted. Not to mention through the cultural differences between New Zealand and the UK. He was away much of January and February, and is quite busy himself. Because of the work hours I’ve kept the last few months, I rarely see my flatmate. Keep praying that the relationship will stay as good as it has.
*Work News*
The urgency of work at the office has decreased over the last few months now that the office move is over. We had a number of issues related to the moves that are now ironed out. Now, I do not have the same pressures to get things done yesterday.
I released two modules related to OM's Linux project. You might be wondering why I, as a person who predominately works with Microsoft, would do that. Well the modules provide a service that allows non-technical system administrators to install a fully configured Windows XP operating system with all applications fully patched and updated in drastically reduced time from a manual installation. A computer can be completely reinstalled in about 15 minutes using the solution I created. I had been working on this project for 9 months so I am quite pleased to have it released.
I have now started to tackle an automated software installation solution that would allow OM offices to automate the installation of new and upgraded software. There are many different software applications used by OM for their ministry. Installing them manually on computers has many obvious and hidden costs especially in OM’s larger offices, but could also be very valuable for smaller offices where it is more difficult to get knowledgeable IT help. My solution would provide a centralized repository of software that is downloaded to a local office server and then installed on to the computers in the office.
Next month, from May 14-18, I will be in Birmingham, UK, for our twice-yearly International IT Committee meetings. Getting ready for these meetings generally requires much work over several weeks. I will give several presentations on the work I have completed and on findings from research asked of me at past meetings. Also, I have been asked to give a training session on the basics of network infrastructure design and implementation based upon the network I installed here at ICT.
*Personal Ministry*
I have begun helping out one of the local Anglican parishes. The vicar, Steve Donald, is a former PE teacher and the church has a sports hall. He began inviting kids to play football (soccer) from 1000-1200 one Saturday each month. The children have to bring a parent to be able to play. At the middle of the time, the vicar has a short Bible lesson over refreshments.
Currently five young boys attend with their fathers. The vicar plans to expand the work from the two schools to nine schools during a road show to 9 local schools at the end of April, but has not had the people to assist him. I, and two of my colleagues, assist him by helping play with the children. We are an answer to his prayers as he admits that he is getting older and cannot keep up with the kids.
I attend a dancing class and play a pickup game of football on Mondays. Both opportunities allow me to get out into the Carlisle community among non-Christians.
*Holiday*
My brother visited me in January. We went away to Norway for a short time and then spent some time here in the UK. The trip to Norway gave me the opportunity to see the land of my paternal ancestry and to go skiing.
Back here in the UK we went walking, visited the Island of Iona in the Hebrides - the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland/England - and did some sightseeing around Carlisle.
I just got back from a weekend in London where I had gone for work. While there, I spent a few days holiday walking through the parks, seeing some of the famous sites, going shopping, and saw Les Misérables. Mona, a colleague of mine here in Carlisle, joined me on this trip, making the time more enjoyable.
*Prayer Requests*
1. Northern Inter-Schools Christian Union (NISCU) Roadshow
2. More personnel to assist me in my work
3. IITC Meetings
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