Asian Update...

So I am here at the KLCC or Kuala Lumpur Convention Center after just finishing 3 very long days of intense discussion, social networking and eating good food. I am kind of sad, the same way I normally feel after any event. It really isn't that this city has been so spectacular or the convention awe inspiring (though it was very worthwhile and valuable). I don't know. I am just sort of sad. There is just something to be said being immersed in such a positive aura. Everyone here is trying to benefit mankind and help to world to develop. Being a part of this energy is such a privileged. I felt somewhat out of place at first thinking that I was just some young guy who is volunteering in Guatemala, teaching some English, doing other odd jobs. However I suppose that is how it all starts, from the heart, possessing the spirit to serve. I hope this signals a life of serve ahead of me (I am pretty sure it does), because without the overall goal of better the lives of everyone including but not limited to ourselves, why are we living on this Earth? Just my philosophical remark of the day. More to come about Malaysia. I have a 36 hour adventure to get home to Quiche where I can't wait to see my wife and cat.

Toby

The Amazing Race: Guatemala Style

On our recent trip to Guatemala we were incredibly close to the airport and had some money to blow, so... we decided to do our own little "Amazing Race" and visit some of the sites that sat only a plane flight away. The only question was... where to go to first!?!?!

Being in Guatemala we thought it only fitting to hit some ancient Mayan Ruins...

Then we went to Spain where Toby found a beautiful bench from the 15th Century.

After that it was on to none other than the city of romance... Paris.

Being so close to the Middle East, Israel was alway on our list of must see places so we took a little stopover...

And of course our trip would not have been completed without a little return to the good 'ole U.S. of A.

Toby in Southeast Asia

Yes, that's right folks; Toby is currently in Southeast Asia. That lucky dog!

We were both presented with the opportunity to attend the Third Global Knowledge Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. However, only one of us could receive the scholarship that included airfare, hotel, and registration to the event. I decided that Toby should go and represent Enlace Quiché, since he has had fewer chances to travel than I have. He will do an excellent job networking, presenting information on a panel, and representing the organization. Hopefully he will make some good contacts and bring back applicable ideas that we can carry out here in Quiché. Maybe he'll even make a few contacts to further his future career as well!

Since Kuala Lumpur is 14 hours ahead of us here in Quiché, Toby is likely mingling right now at the conference and enjoying the various strategic coffee breaks. The Global Knowledge Partnership has organized the event, and thousands from all over the world will be attending. Toby already told me he has chatted with a South African guy, a woman from Sri Lanka, and others. Unfortunately, since this is a business trip, he doesn't have much time to do a lot of site-seeing and take advantage of his time there. However, I think he's going to do his best to see what he can, including the famous Petronas Towers that are near the conference center.

Fascinating Discovery

Calling all IKEA fans!!!

Last night when I was surfing the net before my class, I came upon a fascinating discovery. I was checking out the IKEA website and looking at their newest and latest products. A few of the chairs really caught my eye...but not for the usual reasons. Please check out the site here and see what I mean.

***It's also important to know that Toby's first 2 names are actually TOBIAS SEBASTIAN.***