One Man

Yes, I did finally finish the book. Last week I met with Mel, Holly and Cassie to discuss Three Cups of Tea for book club. The very basic summary is in 1993, Greg Mortenson, weak and ill after attempting to climb K2, the world’s 2nd highest mountain, stumbled upon the Korphe village in Pakistan. He noticed a need for a school, and made a promise to help the community construct a school. After 3 years of difficult fundraising, construction of the school was completed in 1996, making Korphe Community School the first school in the Braldu valley. And that was just the beginning of one man's journey to change the lives of hundreds of children in a place no one pays any attention to.

For me it was a truly inspiring book. As a story there were so many things that frustrated me. At times I thought Greg was being arrogant, selfish and just plain stupid. At times the writing style annoyed me. But, what he has done - what one man has created has changed communities, lives and affected generations. It's remarkable.

I don't have an action plan, but reading the book opened my eyes. The importance of education has always been a big issue for me, but reading about the difference a little education can make - especially for girls - in a completely different culture was remarkable. It seems like something so simple, with just drastic results.

Read it.