Internet? Africa? WHAAAAT?

When I started our blog before leaving the States in 2008 I thought for sure I would be able to keep it updated. I mean, I read other missionaries blogs from Zambia and thought, "that is so great to be able to let people see the "real" Africa." However, after arriving, I realized the daunting task of Internet in Africa. It became almost impossible to receive e-mails frequently enough, much less update a blog. Well, maybe every 6 weeks on supply trips to Lusaka I can update? That sounds good, right? Then, finding out that most of your time in Lusaka is spent running around looking for supplies and if, and only if, the internet connection at the Guest House is working, then you may update. Only to find myself spending the evening fighting with the slowest connection, if any. It became a weight game of should I spend this time trying to download to the blog or contacting my family? I am not known for my technological endurance! I have too much to accomplish to be content to sit in front of a machine that seems to be plotting my demise. After returning to Zambia in January of 2011, I had hoped for some progress in the Internet world here locally. There have been strides made, but they come with a much greater cost than can be justified. I have been very satisfied with my unbelievable phone and its capabilities. It allows me to do facebook, check my email, and upload photos. There is nothing like sitting out in the bush where there is no running water or electricity for miles and be sitting outside a small hut and someone's cell phone starts ringing. Ah' this world we live in. My phone will allow me to update my blog, but it is painstaking and time consuming. So here I sit with a new portable modem -WOW! Waiting to see if it will actually allow me to download this post! So, let us cross our fingers - WHAT? - I haven't believed in that since I was like 6. I hope this is the beginning of a new, refreshed ability to keep you informed. We shall see. Love to you all!