Three Cups of Tea

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin

For a pretty good review and video clips of Greg, visit Brittany Walker's Web site here.

Three Cups of Tea has been reviewed 2,264 times as of today on Amazon, holding spot # 70 on their bestseller list. Googled book reviews are never ending. Why? Why is this book resonating with so many people?

Because a decent, average guy with a huge heart is helping educate impoverished children in some of the most remote and harsh climates on the planet. While Greg is not some kind of rock star Ph.D., retired millionaire or superstar consultant, he really isn't average either. Average cannot be equated to Greg's persistence and determination in building schools in Middle Asia.

Because we catch a glimpse into the Muslim culture of Pakistan and Afghanistan. And we quickly realize that all Muslim's are not terrorists.

Because we think, "I wonder if I can make a difference in the world like Greg?"

Because Greg is not some kind of rock star, time management guru. The dude is not well organized, misses appointments and appears to be in a permanent state of chaos. Like you and I.

Because we know to get things done in this world we do it through relationships.

Because we are intrigued by a sound method of banishing terrorism.

Because deep in our hearts we crave the ability and wherewithal to help kids.

Here is what ices Greg's endeavor for me: He is helping to educate girls. Greg says:

Once you educate boys, they tend to leave the villages and go search for work in the cities. But the girls stay home, become leaders in the community, and pass on what they've learned. If you really want to change a culture, to empower women, improve basic hygiene and health care, and fight rates of infant mortality, the answer is to educate girls.

Once you've read Three Cups of Tea and Greg's latest book Stones into Schools, you will become powerless to fight the urge to help. You'll most likely want to take a few months off from work, go over to Middle Asia and spread your love and desire to help. Greg's Central Asia Institute is not geared to take on physical volunteers. They are quite geared however, to take donations. And American dollars can go a long way to help these kids who beg for education. Visit the Central Asia Institute and donate a couple dollars today.

I believe there is another way to help. The seeds of this idea are in the, "Once you educate..." quote above. Take a minute and read this quote again. Think girls, education and help. Think change. Think America. I'll follow this thought up with another post.

Comments

[Dick Richards]

I read recently that American military commanders in Afghanistan are making use of Mortenson's wisdom to build relationships with local people in rural Afghanistan. So his reach has gone beyond building schools, as if that were not enough! Thanks for the review Dave.

[dave]

Hey Dick, I heard this too. Sounds like in addition to relationship building they are making their underlings read his books.