Three Cups of Tea

Three Cups of Tea

One Man’s Extraordinary Journey to Promote Peace … One School at a Time

“Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin”

Three Cups of Tea

‘Here we drink three cups of tea to do business: the first you are stranger, the second you become a friend, and the third you join our family, and for our family we are prepared to do anything – even die’

Haji Ali, Korphe Village Chief, Karakoram Mountains, Pakistan

This is one amazing story of an American in a foreign land. In 1993, Greg Mortensen arrived in Pakistan on his attempt to conquer the world’s second highest mountain, K2.

He failed to complete his disastrous attempt, and was drifted in cold into an impoverished Pakistan Village in the mountains. Haji Ali, the village leader offered his kindness, food and shelter to Greg. Moved by the inhabitant’s kindness, he promised to return and build a school for a remote village of Korphe.

A decade later, Greg managed to build not only one but fifty five schools across the forbidding and breathtaking landscape of Pakistan and Afghanistan. This man shows us the power of the humanitarian spirit within himself. Despite having no cash and home, he struggle to save and raise every penny for children in Pakistan.

‘An inspiring chronicle… This is one protagonist who clearly deserves to be called a hero’ – People

P/s – I read this book within a week, averaging two hours a day on my way to my training centre. I am in Abu Dhabi undergoing work training provided by my employer for two months. I make use of the two hours commuting time on the bus while others are trying to get a decent sleep. Something that most people are craving these days, including me. A good quality sleep.

One interesting thing about this book, is that on page 337, it is written:

“If Three Cups of Tea inspires you to do more, here are suggestions for how to help:

1. Visit www.threecupsoftea.com website…….Every purchase online, 7% will go towards a girls’ education scholarship fund in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
2. Suggest Three Cups of Tea to a friend……church, synagogue, mosque, university, high school class….
3. Check if Three Cups of Tea is in your local library. If not, either donate or suggest the library to add the book to their collection.
4. Encourage your local independent or chain bookstore to carry this book.
5. Write a Three Cups of Tea book review for Amazon.com, …….., or a blog..

6. …….

7……

And the list goes on. This is the first book that I read with a list of honest and thoughtful suggestions. I am amazed on how an American (an infidel, as described in the book) decided to open his heart to Muslim children. To be able to care and provide them with light of education more than a government can do. My sincere thanks to Mr. Greg Mortenson.