My New Computer Situation

Note:  this blog is primarily for people who would be in the situation to Skype with me, but could also be useful as an example for new volunteers in Georgia of some of the computer difficulties in the villages, if you don't bring your own computer and internet capabilities.

Sometimes language barriers can be quite troublesome.  I'd been starting to get a sense at school that using the computers late was not something particularly looked upon fondly by those in charge, but because of the language barrier, mixed with a little Georgian hospitality, I was not able to actually substantiate this thought until today.  In the past week, they have been mentioning something about being afraid people would steal the computers, but this made no sense to me, since the room was locked until I got there (the night guard would have a key), and was again locked right after I left.  Apparently, however, usually the director is the only one with a key, and she had to (at least, as best I understand it, which is somewhat tentative) leave it in the night guard's office until he got there on these days--which seems to be what they're worried about, having a key unattended.

Now, I should here note that they have reason to worry a bit--they once had thieves cut a hole in the roof and ceiling of the computer lab and steal a few computers through it.  Unfortunately, it is either not possible or not permitted to make a copy of the key, so their solution is that, since the computer lab is normally only open until 5:00, Monday to Friday, the director will come one day a week when I need to use Skype in the evening, and stay until I'm done--which is really quite horrible, because it means that if I ever want to Skype with anyone in America (at least, with anyone who doesn't want to get up at four in the morning), I have to horribly inconvenience her in the process.  I would forego Skype altogether, but it's really a much better medium than any other that I have for confessions with my priest in America--I don't know what I'll end up doing.  Mostly, however, this means I will not generally be available to Skype, and when I can, I'm going to limit it to what's really necessary.  Essentially, I've lost all recreational Skype access.  So, if you want to get ahold of me, email's really the best bet now.

[I must note, after it having been a couple months, that this has not actually been the case.  For whatever reason, things seem to have worked out well, and it's generally no problem if I need to use the computers after 5:00; I ask the school director (principal), and makes sure the key is left with the night watchman.  I have not had it happen even once as they described here, that someone would have to come, out of their way, to open the doors and be here while I work.  I don't know why everything resolved itself so easily (it's possible I misunderstood what they were saying earlier, but I asked a few different times and ways to make sure I understood the situation correctly), but whatever reason it might be, glory to God that he gave me the trial to test my patience and my love of His will over my own, and glory to Him that He resolved it easily, that I may work and confess with priest in America without causing such an inconvenience to anyone. I just thought I should let you all know how things turned out.]

In Christ,

Teopile/Theophilos Porter