- Patrick

What a joy it has been to teach them. The students are both young and old. Many have have had only very limited exposure to computers or none at all. A large amount of the classes that I have been teaching has been involving the very fundamental and basic aspects of using a computer.
One memorable moment was during the lesson that I was teaching about the functions of the "windows" such as such as minimizing, maximizing and restoring the windows pane on the desktop. The whole class started giggling and laughing when I asked them to click the maximize button and saw the window fill the whole computer screen with that particular program. It was one of those Kodak moments in which joy, excitement and amazement carried across all ages as they clicked back and forth between the minimize and maximized window. The smiles and laughter that they all had is hard to describe. They simply could not believe their eyes.

We start and end each class in prayer which has been a wonderful part of class. Christianity is very prevalent in this country and it is not uncommon to hear Christian worship music in restaurants, shops or blaring form some vehicle. I was shocked to hear that men and women fear unplanned pregnancy far greater than they fear contracting HIV/AIDS.
There is a commonly regarded that HIV/AIDS is similar to a flu; it can be treated and you can still lead a lengthy life. In a recent study showed that Kenya has close to 550,000 AIDS orphans and an estimated 78,000 children living with HIV/AIDS. A full 15 adults out of 100 has HIV/AIDS! Since 2002, the standard of living has been dropping substantially and Kenya now is considered to be a low-income country. Two thirds of Kenyans live in the country side much like the community that I am in, Maguga, where there is no electricity and no running water. Kenya is no different than many other African nations. In fact, there are other countries that are in far worse conditions. We all need to take an active effort to do what we can whether its clean water, education, food relief or help combat the spread of HIV/AIDs.

- Patrick

A view of the computer classroom in Maguga, Kenya

We are having an overwhelming response!

There is a saying that the best things in life come to those who wait. For me, there couldn't be a statement that rings more true in my life right now. Although I have been able to travel to 5 continents and 30 countries in the past year, I can honestly say that I have never felt more excitement in my life than what I feel right now.

In the past few months, I returned home early from across the globe to surprise my wife, got engaged, planned a wedding in 5 weeks, got married New Years Eve, planned and enjoyed a 3 week honeymoon, set up a business, worked on four projects, packed and moved from Seattle, packed and moved Traci from Kansas City and discovered and moved into an apartment in Nashville.

Amazing wedding photos by Ben DeRienzoAnd yet even though our lives are completely chaotic at the moment, we have both never felt so much peace about where we are, and have never felt more confidence that this is exactly where God wants us. It's actually hilarious to me what love can do to someone. As I write this, I am literally sitting in a sea of unopened boxes, squeezed into a one-person chair with my wife (our only piece of furniture) with no idea of what the future will look like. But this by far the best time in my entire life.

I truly believe that God's timing is perfect. And just as I felt a calling in May 2005 to go on this adventure with my friend Patrick, I felt an equal calling to return home to the woman of my dreams in late November 2006. There is so much more I will share in the coming weeks about the incredible adventure I have had over the past year (and answer many questions you might have). But for the moment, I wanted to share this very exciting news, and have asked my wife, Traci, to share a bit of our recent engagement story in the blog below.

Thank you all for your prayers, your encouragement and your support through the peaks and valleys. This has truly been one of the most amazing adventures of my life... and it's really just beginning.

Lee

Moments after the proposal

One morning, November 22, 2006 to be exact, after a late night of talking on the phone, I woke up excited, as he told me there would be a special surprise arriving in the morning. I got ready to begin my day as I thought of him finishing his in South Africa.

Sure enough, after breakfast, my mom (who was in on the surprise) told me there was a box on the porch. Inside the box I found a DVD, a beautiful postcard, and best of all, a sweet love note. I watched the DVD of Lee in the Tokyo airport telling me the first of many clues for a scavenger hunt. He always planned the best surprises, so I couldn't wait!

Later, he called one more time to make sure the package had arrived. And then I was on my way to find the first clue. Each clue led us to a place where Lee and I had a special date and also included a small gift. But the final clue was the best of all as it led to my favorite chapel. When I walked in, I saw the aisle lined with candles and filled with rose petals, and one of our songs, "If You're Not the One," began playing. One dozen perfect red roses and a small note sat on a podium illuminated by spotlights. As I walked down the aisle to the flowers and note, I assumed the surprise was over.

But there was a knock at the side door, and I approached, expecting a friend with another gift. I never thought it would be Lee! After all, he just called from Africa this morning! I opened the door, and there he was, dressed in a suit with a huge smile. I dropped everything and screamed! He got down on one knee and said he couldn't stay away one second longer. He was home to stay and asked me if I'd marry him!

The story he told of his journey home blew me away. He traveled across the globe in a week sleeping in airports at Tokyo, Helsinki, Russia (deported BACK to Helsinki), Paris, London, Chicago, Champaign. Staying up ALL night, he prepared each clue and gift. The next morning he and his mom drove seven hours to Missouri. He went to each business, met with managers and planted clues. The next day, after calling "from Africa," he went to the chapel. Setting our song on repeat for over an hour, he hid in the small side room until I arrived! Astoundingly, the song started as soon as I walked in the chapel! The dream continued, as we were married just five weeks later on New Years Eve.

Traci Steffen

Our Goal: A Kenyan computer classroom!

The village of Muguga is one of these pockets of communities that desperately need these modern tools. I feel privileged to be able to take part in setting up a computer learning center, as well as teaching computer classes.

I would like to ask any of you that feel pulled towards helping to please donate money to this project. We are in great need of $3,000 to cover the cost of computers and networking gear. Our goal is to be able to provide 5 computers and other related computer gear such as cables, printer, router etc. to fully equip a computer classroom. Please take a moment to think of how much you could give to change the lives of this community and most especially, the multitude of school children who deserve the proper tools to prepare them to be great future leaders of their own communities and country. Your financial help has exponential benefits.

- Patrick

Merry Christmas!

Right now, I want to extend a special thank you and Merry Christmas to all the supporters we have had since we undertook this project. It has been a huge blessing to know that we have people, some who we know and some who we don't, praying for us, the projects that we undertake and the people we meet. Without prayer, this trip could not be a success.

This Christmas, I am thankful to have this opportunity to travel and serve and am pondering just how much we've experienced. It has been amazing. For example, I came way from our project in India, filled with renewed energy to continue to make a difference and impact the lives of people I come across. The fact that we could bless so many people simply by reaching out and helping them repair their farm is simply awesome. It only underscores how our actions can truly positively impact someone's life. Whether it is in a tiny village in India or in our own neighborhood, the same idea applies. I encourage you to do the same; give someone around you a helping hand and you'll discover how much it also blesses you in return. So reach out to someone this Christmas season. Then do it again and again and you'll realize how immeasurably blessed you will become.

- Patrick

Hong Kong International Airport.

I did just that. However Monday came and went. Tuesday, Wednesday also rolled by painfully slow. And so began my unplanned week in Hong Kong. As the hours and days wore on and as more people became involved in my ticketing dilemma, my problem grew more and more complex and grim. Ironically, the $800 in taxes was now looking like the best option, if only they would honor that first offer. In the end my worst problem put me in a stalemate. The computer system they found, showed me flying to cities that I have never even been to. Cities that I had no ticket for. All attempts to convince them otherwise failed. Computers never lie apparently.

Everyone involved had a problem with my ticket and a different answer. I spent my time between the Cathay Pacific office (American Airlines partner in Asia), American Airlines Hong Kong office, the airport offices or I spent endless hours with the Tariff department in Dublin and the RTW department in Dallas. Their inability to communicate in real time (because of the time zone difference) with the main offices in Dublin and Dallas also proved to be a headache.

Hong Kong's Skyline at Night.While in Hong Kong, I stayed with Ryall, a Canadian expat who is residing in Hong Kong as an English instructor. He was a wonderful host that I came to know through CouchSurfing, a phenomenal travel site that connects like minded travelers. Its more than finding a free place to stay. Its about sharing one's experiences, background and culture. Lee and I have gotten more out of one night of CouchSurfing than a week at a hostel. Its a rich and fulfilling experience. I encourage anyone traveling abroad to try it and for those who reside state side, open up your home to host and impact someone's life.

After a quick trip back to the States, resolving my ticketing dilemma (for the most part), I am now back ready to get back on the road again. I have loved the RTW, though it hasn't been without some painful experiences. I'll see how the rest of my RTW ticket experience goes before giving it a thumbs up or down.

-Patrick

A few of the water buffalo at the farm.

I arrived to a very rainy southern India. In fact, the southern region was experiencing torrential monsoon weather that was causing massive flooding. Unfortunately this precluded me from being able to visit the farm. The farm, normally accessible only by jeep and a few hours away, became inaccessible.

The project we undertook was sponsoring the purchase of Water Buffalo as well as some farm upkeep. The organization that we connected with was Peace Gospel Ministries International from Houston, Texas. In Ongole, I connected with Pastor B. Samson who oversees the water buffalo farm and ministry there. I had an extraordinary time with him and his wonderful family.

The farm is quite remarkable. This farm not only gives jobs to this very small community, training and sustenance but it is also profitable and invests back into its small community!
Villagers looking on with interest.Peace Gospel started the dairy farm last year with 10 water buffalo to help fund outreach programs such as an orphanage, slum mercy projects, widow's sewing school and church planting. The farm has now been producing proceeds of about $1,000 per month!

While I was there, the farm sustained substantial damages from the torrential rains. The $2,500 that we had pledged came at perfect timing! Is God not great? They have now been able to allocate much of that money towards repairing the damages that was sustained during the floods. Thank you to all of you who gave towards this project. It is awesome to see an investment such as this one flourish! I wish to encourage everyone to keep giving either financially, volunteering with your time or with your prayers. If you feel led or motivated to become more involved in India, Peace Gospel Ministries International is an exceptional organization to do so. For those of you who want to continue or become involved with The Global Awakening and our mission, please continue to do so and contact Lee or myself. Thank you again for all your support in making our Water Buffalo Project a success.

-Patrick

View during the journey.

Here's a quick video during our adventure.

We booked a midrange (and somewhat cramped) hard sleeper for the 48 hour journey, which cost around $150. The berths were stacked three high in sections of six beds, without a door or individual reading light. The bottom bed functioned as the social sofa during the day.

The journey traverses over 2,500 miles of permafrost and towering mountain passes over three days, going right through the heart of China. According to rail statistics, more than 600 miles, or over 80% of the railway, is built at an altitude of more than 13,000 feet, over half of it is laid on permafrost, and 675 bridges on the line. The train's sealed windows also prevent passengers from littering Tibet's fragile ecosystem. The squat-variety vacuum toilets compress waste, zap it with disinfecting ultraviolet rays, and discharge it only in stations.

According to a recent Wired magazine article, there was concern during construction that the rail tracks would not hold up, as nearly half of the tracks were built on permafrost that thaws and becomes muddy during the summer. Chinese engineers dealt with this problem by building elevated tracks with foundations sunk deep into the ground, inserting vertical pipes that circulate liquid nitrogen and cold nitrogen gas into the ground, building hollow concrete pipes beneath the tracks to keep the rail bed frozen, and using metal sun shades. However, global warming may require new methods to be invented in the coming decades to keep this railway operating.

Due to the thin Tibetan air (35-40% of the oxygen of air at sea level), special passenger rail cars were used, which are sealed and have the abillity to provide passengers with oxygen-rich air (witnessed in the video).

We will spend a few days in Lhasa, Tibet before traveling overland (via guided Land Cruiser) through the Himalayas to Kathmandu, Nepal. Our plan is to also spend a few nights at Everest Base Camp.

A very young victim at S21.

As hundreds of thousands of people slowly starved in the rice fields, a select number met their fate inside Khmer Rouge interrogation centers. The most famous of these centers, codenamed S-21, was located in an abandoned suburban high school in Phnom Penh. Over 17,000 prisoners were interrogated, tortured, and executed there - only a handful survived. We had a chance to visit both S-21 and the Killing Fields, a chilling reminder of this very recent past.

On a lighter side, we also had a chance to visit the largest Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. The temples at Angkor are spread out over nearly 40 miles around the village of Siem Reap. Visiting a few of the sites was somewhat like being vaulted directly on the set of an Indiana Jones movie.

One our way home, we noticed a large group of wild monkeys playing along side of the road. We asked our tuk tuk driver if he would pull over for a few minutes in order for us to capture a few pictures. Within a few minutes, a couple of the younger more curious monkeys decided to check out who the new strangers were on their territory. I stooped down to see if they were tame enough to touch, and a monkey reached out and grabbed my finger, as if a little baby would do (seen in the photo). It was definitely a memorable moment, and I'm grateful Patrick happened to be there at the perfect time with the camera! We'll head to Vietnam and then to Beijing, China all within the next week.

Written Sept. 25th, 2006

Somewhere near Krabi, Thailand.

Having the bikes has been a great change in scenery for us and has also given us the opportunity to go to places trains and buses couldn't. So far, we've taken them from HatYai to Krabi, Phuket and Ko Samui, traveling through remote jungle areas, islands (putting them on the ferry) and even a few beaches. This has also given us a great appreciation for the land and the people of Thailand. We have also experienced a bit of the joy of the monsoon season while driving. Although we're not quite yet in the peak of the rainy season, we have hit several torrential downpours that are so thick the rain feels like hail cruising at 80km/hr. During the hot and very humid days, however, the rain has provided us a surprising relief.

Thais use motorbikes as their main mode of transportation. In fact, many shopping malls we've seen have more parking spaces for motorcycles than cars. Many are so accustomed to driving motorcycles, it is not rare to see parents carrying young babies in the front near the handle bars or a family of four whisking down the road. And in most cities, we have seen many bikes loaded with so much weight from produce sacks or building materials it's amazing they are even drivable.

On our first day in Bangkok, we got a real taste of the corruption within the police system while driving our motorcycles to the US Embassy. I was a half block ahead of Patrick (traveling in a pack with local motorcyclists), when I noticed a cop in the middle of the road pointing at me and flagging me off the road. My first reaction was to continue driving, but I suddenly had visions of being bound and locked in a Thai prison, so I quickly obliged to his request. I rolled to a stop and the policeman immediately asked to see my license and told me that I had been illegally driving in the wrong lane. (I knew immediately that he was lying or that 100 other motorcyclists were also breaking the law with me). As, I showed the officer my license, he snatched it out of my hands, pocketed it and said "You pay 900 baht (or $25) if you want license back!" I asked him to explain to me what I did wrong but he began walking away. As I followed him, he signaled to the police station and said "You go inside!"

By this time, I was not only stressed about the police situation, but was also fearful that Patrick and I had lost contact with no discussion of a rendezvous point. Ironically, as I walked towards the station, I noticed another police officer escorting Patrick. (Understand, there were literally hundreds of motorcycles driving by every few minutes without being stopped. It is quite a coincidence we were both stopped). Sadly, Patrick was in exactly the same predicament as me having given up his license and the policeman demanding money for it's return. We had both heard about this sort of scam... often with passports... but felt helpless being unable to speak Thai or argue with the police that our alleged citations were completely bogus. The "normal" thing that is done (apparently) is to slip the officer(s) a bill or four in return for the item the have taken. Hearing about this scam, we decided that we would call the tourist police from the police office and wait as long as it took for them to arrive.

After 10 minutes of waiting, the officer that had pulled me over came back into the station and was fuming. "Why you still here! Why you not go to police station!," he said. "We wait for tourist police," we replied. "WHAT! Oh no! You go to police station NOW!," he responded. We calmly answered back "No, that's okay. We wait." (This was apparently not the reply he was looking for). He jolted for the door, swung it open, pointed his finger at us and yelled "You go NOW!" We continued to sit there calmly. After realizing we weren't going to budge, he grabbed Patrick's arm and started pulling him towards the door. "NOW!," he said.

The officer ran to his motorbike, started it up, and then pointed at us again and said "You follow me now!" We both looked at each other, a bit dazed and pumped with adrenaline and decided we should probably comply with his request. He was obviously becoming very impatient with us, and we did not want to push him any further. We also knew that we couldn't afford to split up, so recreating our favorite movie scene was sadly out of the question. But, we found an opportunity once we were on our bikes and the officer sped ahead on the one-way road. We decided that we would cruise at the lowest possible speed until he was out of site. However, after a few minutes of putting along, we spotted him waiting on the left side of the road at a Shell station a few blocks ahead (obviously fuming). But, before he got a visual on us, we were able to spot a large truck approaching us from behind. In movie-like fashion, we synchronized our speeds with the truck, just as it passed the station, and sped off out of site.

Images courtesy of Peace Gospel.

One of the primary sources of revenue for Peace Gospel's ministries is a dairy farm they own, near the banks of the Krishna River. The money netted from the farm goes towards India programs, such as their orphanage, slum ministry and clean water ministry. However, due to recent heavy rains, the Krishna riverbanks flooded and their barn was damaged, thus causing the ministry to lose some of the dry grass stockpile for their buffalo feed.

Our goal is to raise $2,500 for the Peace Gospel ministry by our arrival in late October. We will be raising the money and then presenting it to the ministry upon our arrival. Of that money, $2,000 will go directly towards the repair and rebuilding of the farm and will make up for some of the lost feed. We would also like to invest $500 towards the purchase of a healthy female buffalo for their farm. A female buffalo can produce 2.5 gallons of milk daily. For every gallon of milk they sell in the market the ministry nets about $1.35 for their India programs (That comes to about $100 per month from each water buffalo). As well as being a funding multiplier, the buffalo will also help provide a nutritious dietary staple for the children at their orphanage.

We ask that you prayerfully consider a tax-deductible donation to this project. The status of the money raised will be updated on the projects page. We will also continue to keep you all posted on the progress.

Click below to donate to the Peace Gospel project. Or, you may mail a check to, The Global Awakening, 109 N. Pine St., Ellensburg, WA, 98926.

The stunning Petronas Twin Towers.

The immediate impression that hits you arriving into Kuala Lumpur is that this city is ready for something big. I did not discover until after visiting that the country actually has a set of written goals to become a first-world nation by 2020, as well as developing Kuala Lumpur into a "World-Class City."

The physical landscape of KL has changed drastically in the last 15-20 years with the emergence of numerous mega-projects including the Petronas Twin Towers, once the tallest building(s) in the world. The towers were quite possibly the most beautiful structures both of us have ever seen, inside and out. Inspiration for the design of the towers came from motifs found in Islamic art, a reflection of Malaysia's Muslim heritage (By constitutional definition, all Malays are Muslim).

During our visit to the Petronas Towers we saw many tourists from all over the world. Coming from America where dress codes are nearly nonexistent (outside of a boarding school) it was a bit of a shock to see the clothing worn by many of the visiting middle eastern women. Even in the incredibly hot and humid weather, many of the Arab women wore black chadors that hid all but their eyes. The chadors had no hand openings or closures. The garments themselves attracted a bit of attention, but not nearly to the degree of the contrasting oddity of seeing the nonexistent dress code of their accompanying men (ie. Tshirts, shorts and sandals) in the same setting. It was honestly a lot to take in, and I felt as if I had been teleported backward several hundred years back in history (minus the fact that Starbucks and 7-11 probably weren't around). Speaking of 7-11, they are absolutely everywhere...possibly even around the same magnitude as McDonalds. Who knew they were such a global force in the quickie mart industry?!

We'll continue our journey tonight towards the border Thailand, where we'll then settle in Hat Yai for a few days in order to try and find and purchase used motorcycles for our trek through SE Asia.