Meeting Summary for SPJD May 03, 2025 10:03 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) ID: 408 570 5178 Quick recap The team discussed various personal and professional topics, including their phone models, politics, social capital, and the progress of Abimereki's PhD defense. They also shared their experiences with weight gain and loss, and discussed the challenges faced by PhD students. The team expressed gratitude for the blessings in their lives and prayed for continued favor, protection, and provision in their work and personal lives. Next steps Abimereki: Set thesis defense date within the next two weeks before academic year ends Abimereki: Complete all necessary thesis clearance forms from chair and committee Abimereki: Write three papers for PhD completion Patí: Replace "digitization" with appropriate terms throughout thesis while maintaining definitions Patí: Prepare for PhD defense by reviewing methodology, design, and policy implications Sarah: Continue job search, sending resumes, and attending interviews Martin: Update LinkedIn profile with appropriate filters for job searching Sarah: Help Martin optimize his LinkedIn profile and navigate job opportunities Patty: Arrange 15 million shillings for school fees within next two weeks Abimereki: Follow up on consultancy service pitches for his company Sarah: Secure funds to pay off debts related to house roofing project Tony: Prepare for ministry trip to Naivasha on Saturday Sarah: Take a rest period after roofing phase before continuing construction Martin: Forward Larry's email to "mummy" regarding health condition D: Continue development work on the app business prospect Johnny: Monitor situation regarding global reduction in force at workplace Summary Phone Models and Political Discussions Martin and Abimereki discussed their respective phone models, with Martin expressing his satisfaction with the Samsung S24 Ultra's AI capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions. They also touched on the topic of daylight saving time and its potential changes. The conversation then shifted to politics, with Martin and Abimereki discussing the leadership of the Democratic Party and the impact of executive orders. They also mentioned the recent launch of a podcast by Michelle Obama. Podcast, Funeral, and Workplace Solidarity Martin, Sarah, Abimereki, and Patí discussed various topics including a podcast, a funeral, and a tragic accident involving Sudhir's son. They also talked about social capital, the importance of showing solidarity in the workplace, and the consequences of reckless driving. The group also discussed the upcoming defense of Patí's work and the potential consequences of the accident. PhD Defense and Global Economic Updates Martin, Abimereki, Sarah, and Patí discussed the progress of Abimereki's PhD defense. Abimereki shared that the committee agreed on the next steps, which include setting a date for the defense. They also discussed the seriousness of the defense process, with Abimereki comparing it to a wedding ceremony. The group also discussed the challenges faced by PhD students, including the need to defend their work in front of a committee. Martin shared updates about the global reduction in force at his organization, and the potential for new positions in the Department of State. The group also discussed the stability of the Uganda shilling and its attractiveness to foreign investors. Guidance and Support During Challenging Times Martin expressed gratitude for the Lord's guidance and support during challenging times, particularly in relation to the US government's contractors. He mentioned that many people were sent home in January, but they were fortunate to continue their work. Martin also discussed the situation with the PS for health, who was asking people to work voluntarily for the government. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and consistency in their actions, as it is a temporary situation. Sarah shared her concerns about her job and the potential for further cuts in her company. She expressed her desire for a job and consistent growth in her consulting work. Abimereki updated the group on his thesis committee and the process of closing out his grant. Martin also mentioned the potential for job opportunities and the importance of maintaining peace and consistency in their actions. Personal and Professional Life Updates In the meeting, Sarah, Martin, Abimereki, and Patí discussed their personal and professional lives. Sarah expressed gratitude for the support she received, while Abimereki shared his journey towards financial independence and his efforts to improve his physical health. Patí shared his plans to apply for leave to focus on preparing for a difference and expressed gratitude for his supportive boss. The team also discussed their experiences with weight gain and loss. Personal and Professional Life Updates In the meeting, Sarah, Martin, and Patí discussed their personal and professional lives. Patí shared that their prayer life is inversely related to their weight, and they have to pay school fees for their children. Sarah expressed gratitude for God's provision and the completion of the roof on her house, but also mentioned the need for more resources to pay off debts. Martin and Patí agreed to pray for resources. The group also discussed a disturbing email about City. Larry's Health and Job Challenges Martin discussed the health issues of a friend named Larry, who was battling pancreatic cancer and had recently been diagnosed with liver cancer. The group also discussed the challenges faced by Americans who had to return to their home country due to job cuts. Martin mentioned that he would be attending an early morning service and asked the group to pray for a breakthrough in his job situation. The group also discussed a road trip to Naivasha and the need for someone to process vehicle details at the border. Gratitude and Prayers for Blessings The team expressed gratitude for the blessings in their lives, including job opportunities, family support, and health improvements. They prayed for continued favor, protection, and provision in their work and personal lives. They also prayed for specific individuals, including Sarah's job prospects, P's thesis defense, Johnny's job security, and the Marims' family friend facing health challenges. The team sought God's guidance, wisdom, and miracles in their lives, trusting in His promises and faithfulness. Language and Terminology in Research In the meeting, the participants discussed the use of language in their research and the potential for misinterpretation. They debated the distinction between "digitization" and "digitalization," with one participant arguing that the former refers to the introduction of technology, while the latter involves leveraging technology to improve processes and workflows. The group also discussed the importance of taking responsibility for one's work and the potential for language to be fluid and open to interpretation. They concluded that it might be more practical to align with the recommendations of their advisors rather than engaging in a potentially fruitless debate about the correct terminology. Language Consensus in Published Papers Abimereki advised Patí to not be a purist over language, as there is no consensus on the meaning of words. He suggested that Patí should not change the meaning of words in their published papers and thesis, and should not have a fight with themselves over this. He also advised Patí to not change the definition of words in their table of contents, and to not defend their change. He reassured Patí that no one else would bother them over this, and that Patí should focus on solving the problem at hand.