In one of the first few weeks I worked at JPL, my supervisor required my attendance at a meeting to learn about the accounting system. When the financial person arrived, his first statement was “accounting systems change behavior.” At the time, I didn’t know how right he was!
In the States, we pay a flat monthly fee for (effectively) unlimited internet access at home. And, in our offices, Calvin provides internet at no cost to us. Our online lives are, essentially, free of per-megabyte charges. However, in Ghana we now live with metered internet. That is, we pay by the megabyte, even for WiFi connections, because all of our packets ultimately flow through SurfLine over the mobile phone network.
During our first week in Accra, we behaved as if nothing were different, and we blew through a month’s data cap in a couple days. Ouch! So, we eliminated online video watching. But, we have now blown through a second data allotment. I’m not entirely sure why, but my working hypothesis involves the fact that Mac OS X and iOS assume cellular data is metered and WiFi is not. The present situation violates that assumption, to our financial pain.
The accounting system has changed. Will our behavior change?
Turns out, yes.
One thing came right yesterday: the (unmetered) internet connection for the Calvin program at the Institute of African Studies has been activated. So, the kids and I walked down the hill to test it, where by “test” I mean “download new games, watch YouTube, update apps, and FaceTime with friends and family.” Catherine, especially, enjoyed chatting with her good friend Lucy. Look at those smiles!
Earlier in the day, Catherine and I walked to the Night Market for groceries. It was a hot trek back up the hill, laden as I was with many pounds of food. Mark did the dishes at the flat.
Between shopping and internet, Catherine completed some science homework, independently. Mark went through his weekly schedule, describing every class to me. He will be participating in the Form 5 (10th grade) exams next week, and Roman Ridge will use his results as assessment information for teachers. But, from what I saw today, he is nearly on schedule for his courses in the US.
One of Tracy’s students (Rebecca) severely sprained her ankle in a roadside gully in Akropong yesterday. Tracy brought her to the clinic which, as it happens, is very near our flat. So, Tracy surprised us with a half-hour visit just ater lunch!
As we walked home from the Institute of African Studies this evening, we saw our first nice sunset, a delightful end to a good day.
—Matt
