"God be thanked for books."

I just read Three Cups of Tea and it was wonderful! Anyone interested in Social issues, Politics, Current Affairs, the Middle East, US foreign policy, education etc. should read this book. The story is Greg Mortenson's. He takes on the life mission of building school in Pakistan and eventually Afghanistan, especially for girls, with the idea that books not bombs will foster peace. The book makes a very timely and valid point, in Mortenson's words: "Slowly and painfully, we are seeing worldwide acceptance of the fact the the wealthier and more technologically advanced countries have a responsibility to help the undeveloped ones...Not only through a sense of charity, but also because only in this way can we ever hope to see any permanent peace and security for ourselves." (53)

In a land where often the only education for boys is the extremists' madrassas that teach Anti-Americanism, extremist Islam, jihad, etc. Building secular schools gives would be Taliban, Al Queda etc. recruits a new opportunity. For girls, there is often no education. And in a war torn country, it is a rare privilege for the men to be able to support their families within the village. Therefor it is the women that stay in the village and effect change. Mortenson explains, "Once you educate the 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 infant mortality, the answer is to educate girls." (209) I found so much truth in this.

Mortenson's message seemed to come to me as a kind of mission statement as I prepare for my own trip. Peruvean schools are facing many of the same issues. Lack of funding, lack of qualified teachers, lack of facilities, corrupt diversion of education funds, and the lack of basic necessities that allow children the health and security to learn. Although my help will only be a drop in the bucket, I am excited to give and to learn more about how to develop education and empower the socially disenfranchised. I am stoked to find something that gives me the drive to learn more and do more. This seems like a beginning and beginnings are always a rush.

Once again,
Muchas gracias para su apoyo! (Thank you for your support!)

With my love, margs

"It is chiefly through books that we enjoy communion with superior minds. In the best books, authors talk to us, give us their most precious thoughts, pour their souls into ours. God be thanked for books." William Elery Channing