Three Cups of Tea
Over the last seven days I devoured a book entitled "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. It recounts the story of an American man and the work he is doing in the most remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
It is the story about a man on a mission. A man with a belief. A stubborn and fixated individual. A man convinced of what he is here to do.
Against many odds he has done more to help the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan than most (or maybe any) organization be they charitable, private, not-for-profit, governmental, religious.
In a time when many westerners are brainwashed into thinking that anyone from the "-stans" is a radical terrorist, this book once again uncovers the truth we all know deep down in our hearts. The truth that seeps out when we put aside our religious, political, biased views. It being that all human beings want is peace and freedom. To live as they wish, to learn. To be free to express themselves and to raise their families. To provide for them and to not be harassed while doing it.
Due to a misfortunate turn of events on an unsuccessful attempt to climb K2 Greg's life becomes transformed. He uncovers the power of human relationships when they are at their purest (ie. untainted) and he decides to help those that helped him. The book describes the next eleven or so years of his effort to help countless children. To educate them and to, therefore, build the kind of bonds that cause unity rather than tear apart.
I highly recommend the book.
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