“Three Cups of Tea” was excellent, not necessarily because of the writing, but because of the content. The sequel “Stones into Schools“, also by Greg Mortenson, is equally moving.Where it shines is in the message of what’s being accomplished in Pakistan, Afghanistan and in Kashmir. While it drags from time to time, it’s all forgiven as you read about the difference in the lives of men, women and girls who hunger for knowledge regardless of their circumstances.

There were portions of this book that felt a bit more self-serving than the last, but it’s all forgiven given the immensity of the task ahead of the Central Asia Institute. You will again be moved to laughter and tears over the strength of the human spirit.

And you will perhaps again wonder how Greg’s family can possibly deal with his absence and the danger that he puts himself in. And then wonder how they ever couldn’t deal with it, when it’s so obvious that he (and many others) are answering a higher calling and doing what they must.

If we all had the courage to follow our convictions, the world would be an even better place. We must be grateful for those who not only “talk the talk” but who get dirty, go without sleep, travel into dangerous situations – to make change happen.