I just finished an amazing book called "Three Cups of Tea." MWL bought me the book a while back, and I finally got around to reading it. I can't believe I waited so long. The book tells the story of Greg Mortenson, a mountain climber that happens upon a village in Pakistan during a failed attempt at climbing K2. He learns more about the lack of schools in rural Pakistan and makes a promise to build a school in this small village.
The story really shows how education really is the key to peace. Mortenson really is a rare breed who can adapt in any culture, and he makes real change happen.
Once Mortenson is able to cobble together funds and returns to the small village of Korphe where he promised to build the first school, he takes over as general contractor. He is running around with a level and plumb line, ordering all the villagers around on how to build a school. He is very frustrated about the progress since he knows the school must be completed before winter sets in. Eventually, the village leader takes Greg on a hike and sits him down and asks him to reconfirm his mission. "To build a school for the children of Korphe, of course," Greg answers. "Then sit down and shut up," the leader answered. Greg had to relinquish his level and plumb line and the school was built in three weeks.
Sometimes you have to let the natives do what they do best.
I highly recommend this book for a good lesson in life.
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