One Resolution I Encourage You To Make

Brought to tears and left in absolute astonishment at the events transgressed, I can now say whole-heartedly that "Three Cups of Tea" is hands-down the best book I have ever read. I feel it is my responsibility, the least I can do towards the cause, to share this miraculous story with you. This book has so greatly touched and inspired me, enlightening me with what may become a life-changing perspective.

"Three Cups of Tea" is the true story of how mountaineer, Greg Mortenson, turned humanitarian, battled against all odds to build schools, especially for girls, in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. In areas where there has been and continues to be conflict he has already transformed thousands of lives through the gift of education. From the American perspective, where education that so widely provided is often taken for granted, the effects are unbelievable. They have found educating children, especially girls, can have a profound effect on the health of communities and villages; education to simply a 5th grade level can decrease the infant mortality rate. I have come to agree with a main theme in the book that you can not simply eradicate issues like terrorism through the use of weapons, the problem must be addressed at the source-illiteracy fuels violence. As Mortenson says it is by books, not bombs, that the war will be won.

In addition to this theme, the book is sprinkled with unlikely and profound wisdom. The importance of getting back to our roots, living a simplified life, and exemplifies how building relationships is as important as building projects.

If you do one thing in this next year in addition to losing weight, improving your grades, or getting that promotion, please read this book.
Rest assured, it will open your eyes and inspire you as it has me.

You can also check out the Central Asia Institute website at:
www.ikat.org

"...You have to attack the source of your enemy's strength. In America's case, that's not Osama or Saddam or anyone else. The enemy is ignorance. The only way to defeat it is to build relationships with these people, to draw them into the modern world with education and business. Otherwise the fight will go on forever."
"Three Cups of Tea", pg 310


-Mik