"Before our school was built, we had lessons outside. We wrote with sticks, on the ground. That was before a stranger stumbled into our village. He was cold, hungry, and sick. We gave him tea and food and a bed near the fire."
This is the children's version of the NY Times bestseller, Three Cups of Tea. It tells the story of that young man who came to a village in Pakistan, and of his first building project in that country. When he lost his way during a mountain climbing expedition he was welcomed, cared for and then discovered illness among the villagers, which he could help heal. He learned much more as he listened to the sounds in the wind, and realized that a school for the village children would make a difference for all. Thus, his path was set.
It takes determination and dedication to make such a difference and Greg Mortenson was certainly up to the challenge. He worked tirelessly with the Pakistanis to ensure that his dream of a better future came to fruition.
The collages are inspiring and intricate. They help the children tell a powerful story of what one person can do when faced with challenges, and they honor the beautiful setting and the wonderful people of the village. An artist's note provides engaging anecdotes that led to the accompanying artwork. A Korphe Scrapbook shows actual pictures and captions of the events that led to the school's opening in 1996. As I said this was the first and, since then fifty-seven other schools have been built in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and attendance tops twenty-four thousand children. Some accomplishment from a man who was helped and wanted to return the favor. Bravo!
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