# Lost Devices, Unfinished Dreams: I Won't Give Up!
Recently, I faced an unexpected and disheartening challenge: my phone and laptop—my only devices for developing a Lightning Network app and a Bitcoin café—were stolen. This incident not only disrupted my daily life but also jeopardized two projects that hold immense potential for promoting Bitcoin in my country.
## The Bitcoin Café: A Vision for Real-World Use
The Wathu Café project is designed to demonstrate that Bitcoin can be used for purchasing goods and services without needing to convert it into any fiat currency. We're all aware of how traditional financial systems often complicate transactions, my aim is to create a space where customers can enjoy coffee and pastries while paying with Bitcoin. The café will serve as a practical example of real Bitcoin's utility.
The idea is to create a welcoming environment where Bitcoiners and newcomers alike can gather, learn, and transact in the best money in the world.
## The Lightning Network App: Bridging Gaps in Malawi
Simultaneously, I was working on Satsera app, a Lightning Network Service app, tailored for the Malawian market. The app is a Bitcoin-only app, supporting the Lightning Network and aims to enable users to buy Bitcoin with mobile money at very competitive rates. Currently, the prevailing exchange rate is approximately 1 USD for 4,000 MWK, whereas my app would offer rates as low as 1 USD for 2,500 MWK. This significant pricing advantage could make Bitcoin more accessible to the local population, especially in a country where financial services are often limited.
The app is designed to be user-friendly and secure, ensuring that even those without any technical knowledge can buy Bitcoin with mobile money using the app. By integrating mobile money, a widely used payment method in Malawi, the app would lower the barriers to entry for individuals looking to use Bitcoin. With the Lightning Network's capabilities, transactions would be the quickest and most cost-effective and most secure, further encouraging adoption.
## Facing the Challenge Ahead
Losing my devices has not only set back my projects but has also forced me to reevaluate my approach. While it feels daunting, I am determined to rise from this setback. Here are a few strategies I plan to employ:
1. **Cloud Backup Solutions**: Moving forward, I will utilize cloud storage for my projects to ensure that my work is safe and easily accessible from any device. But how secure are cloud backup solutions?
2. **Community Support**: I plan to reach out to local tech communities and Bitcoin enthusiasts for assistance and collaboration. Who is willing to help me out and collaborate with me?
3. **Crowdfunding and Sponsorship**: To regain momentum, I might explore crowdfunding options or seek sponsorship from individuals and organizations aligned with Bitcoin's vision and values. What are your recommendations?
4. **Revisiting Plans**: I'll take this time to revisit and refine my project plans, ensuring that I incorporate feedback and insights gained from fellow Bitcoiners.
## Conclusion
While the theft of my devices was a significant setback, it has also ignited a renewed sense of purpose. The potential of Bitcoin and the Lightning Network to transform lives in Malawi is too important to abandon. As I navigate this challenging period, I remain committed to bringing my vision to life and proving that Bitcoin can indeed be a viable alternative for everyday transactions. With resilience and community support, I believe I can overcome this hurdle and continue my journey in this peaceful revolution.
## The Bitcoin Café: A Vision for Real-World Use
The Wathu Café project is designed to demonstrate that Bitcoin can be used for purchasing goods and services without needing to convert it into any fiat currency. We're all aware of how traditional financial systems often complicate transactions, my aim is to create a space where customers can enjoy coffee and pastries while paying with Bitcoin. The café will serve as a practical example of real Bitcoin's utility.
The idea is to create a welcoming environment where Bitcoiners and newcomers alike can gather, learn, and transact in the best money in the world.
## The Lightning Network App: Bridging Gaps in Malawi
Simultaneously, I was working on Satsera app, a Lightning Network Service app, tailored for the Malawian market. The app is a Bitcoin-only app, supporting the Lightning Network and aims to enable users to buy Bitcoin with mobile money at very competitive rates. Currently, the prevailing exchange rate is approximately 1 USD for 4,000 MWK, whereas my app would offer rates as low as 1 USD for 2,500 MWK. This significant pricing advantage could make Bitcoin more accessible to the local population, especially in a country where financial services are often limited.
The app is designed to be user-friendly and secure, ensuring that even those without any technical knowledge can buy Bitcoin with mobile money using the app. By integrating mobile money, a widely used payment method in Malawi, the app would lower the barriers to entry for individuals looking to use Bitcoin. With the Lightning Network's capabilities, transactions would be the quickest and most cost-effective and most secure, further encouraging adoption.
## Facing the Challenge Ahead
Losing my devices has not only set back my projects but has also forced me to reevaluate my approach. While it feels daunting, I am determined to rise from this setback. Here are a few strategies I plan to employ:
1. **Cloud Backup Solutions**: Moving forward, I will utilize cloud storage for my projects to ensure that my work is safe and easily accessible from any device. But how secure are cloud backup solutions?
2. **Community Support**: I plan to reach out to local tech communities and Bitcoin enthusiasts for assistance and collaboration. Who is willing to help me out and collaborate with me?
3. **Crowdfunding and Sponsorship**: To regain momentum, I might explore crowdfunding options or seek sponsorship from individuals and organizations aligned with Bitcoin's vision and values. What are your recommendations?
4. **Revisiting Plans**: I'll take this time to revisit and refine my project plans, ensuring that I incorporate feedback and insights gained from fellow Bitcoiners.
## Conclusion
While the theft of my devices was a significant setback, it has also ignited a renewed sense of purpose. The potential of Bitcoin and the Lightning Network to transform lives in Malawi is too important to abandon. As I navigate this challenging period, I remain committed to bringing my vision to life and proving that Bitcoin can indeed be a viable alternative for everyday transactions. With resilience and community support, I believe I can overcome this hurdle and continue my journey in this peaceful revolution.