The last two weeks have manifested the largest shift in my “life” plans in more than two years. In June 2008 I made the decision to sell everything I own buy a one-way ticket to Australia with only vague plans of traveling around the world for a year – that plan worked out really well for me (if I do say so myself!) and I have been traveling on-and-off for the past two years.

The plan for the coming months was to live and work out of Bali. Those plans have changed.

Massively changed.

I accepted a job with a newly forming humanitarian organization out of the US, Geeks Without Bounds (GWOBorg on Twitter) and the job starts in three days!

I actually had a “holy crap” moment when they asked me to come back from Bali to work on the launch – I have the financial means to continue working from Asia so this truly came down to a matter of choice. I love traveling. I really love Asia. This new project with Geeks Without Bounds though gives me the rare opportunity to work on the ground floor level of a new project, and for a non-profit with such a clear mission where I know can offer up some fun and unique skills (I’m not a coder, but I do know a bit about the world!), and at the end of the day, I get to work with good friends too.

Those three reasons combined really formed the basis of my decision to come home – Bali is going to be here but this is a such a neat (and limited time) opportunity that I could only take a deep breath, accept, and then take a walk around Ubud, this sweet little Balinese city that I thought would be my new home. Funny how fast life can just pull a fast one on you!

+) Geeks Without Bounds – GWOBorg

So what does Geeks Without Bounds do…besides have an awesomely geeky name?

“Geeks Without Bounds (GWOB.org) is an international coalition of passionate problem solvers working together to assist people whose survival is threatened by lack of access to technology or communications due to violence, neglect, or catastrophe.”

Continually cracking me up is founder Johnny Diggz’s so basic but concise reason for why Geeks Without Bounds is launching: “Because doctors need to look shit up.” The core efforts will center on providing technology and geek skills to other organizations (like Doctors Without Borders) and to actual people wherever and however is needed, all over the world. There’s a bit more about how and why on the site – but the site is still in development so I’ll keep you posted with more information as it comes!

So, how to help GWOBorg launch?!

We’re still figuring that out! There’s a coder challenge for the launch – a GWOBorg hackathon competition with stellar prizes (thanks Tropo!) for coders  who develop the best application. If you’re a travel blogger with coding skills – check it out! Otherwise later this week I will announce how I need your help with ideas for the apps and specific situations you’ve noticed on your travels. Also, there’s a photo campaign (in which I really expect you guys to excel!) and, and… more to come…  :-)

As a start though, if you’re interested in keeping up with the launch and future support efforts right now give Geeks Without Bounds a “like” on Facebook and follow on Twitter - that’s the easiest you can stay updated and get involved!

What does this mean for my travels?

Well, all of this is to say I am still in Bali, but not for long. There are still Bali stories planned for the blog in the coming weeks in addition to Geeks Without Bounds information. I head back stateside on Tuesday to help GWOB.org launch over the next three months – a formal launch is planned for 10.10.10 at 10:10 (geeky enough for you?!) and I’m heading back to the US on this newest journey to help the newly forming team organize and plan everything it’s going to take to get this non-profit officially and formally launched and helping people!

So what do you think?!