About a year and a half ago, my friend mentioned that he was planning to attend a lecture presented by a guy from Bozeman, MT. As best I recall, the premise of the talk had something to do about this guy – a former high alpine climber – and how he is now operating a nonprofit which builds schools throughout remote regions of the world.
I don’t recall specifically why, but do remember I didn’t attend.
Afterwards, my friend told me that I had missed a great presentation, as evidenced by a standing room only affair. At the time, I thought it was unfortunate to have missed what apparently must have been an otherwise a good lecture.
Fast forward about a year … I’m casually flipping the pages of Outside Magazine and find myself fixated upon a picture of a guy standing in a field.
Curiosity having clasped its tight grip upon me, I begin reading the story’s teaser text…
“Greg Mortenson's school-building program in Central Asia dates back to 1993, when the banged-up K2 survivor made a pledge to the Himalayan villagers who took him in. Fifteen years and Three Cups of Tea later, it's both a powerful example of a great idea and a chaotic, ongoing adventure. KEVIN FEDARKO hits the rough road with Mortenson in Afghanistan, where they roll with warlords and deliver teacher pay the old-fashioned way: with a $100,000 bag of cash.”
I was hooked. No way I’m passing on this story and the $100k bag of cash. I had to read on (click here to read the article). I finished the author’s account of an amazing story and could not help but think that this guy Greg Mortenson is something special. Really special.
I was hooked. No way I’m passing on this story and the $100k bag of cash. I had to read on (click here to read the article). I finished the author’s account of an amazing story and could not help but think that this guy Greg Mortenson is something special. Really special.
Remember that lecture I passed over – probably to watch some college hoops or other programming I’ve long forgotten – turns out that guy was Greg Mortenson. His presentation was held no more than ten minutes from my house. The fabric of irony can be ill-fitting at times.
Like a well-executed prank, Fortuna pulled a fast one on me. I am such an idiot.
Seeking atonement, I decided to read Mortensen’s book Three Cups of Tea in an effort to augment gaps with the Outside article. I mentioned my plan to Kelly, wherein – adding further insult to injury – she speedily retrieved a copy of the book from our humble library.
Without her possibly knowing, Kelly’s next comment struck me like a Kung-Fu chop, “Oh look, it’s signed by the author”, she says.
I was seething.
The good news is that I did read the book – a task I would encourage anyone to consider – and will say simply that the story is incredible. Over the years, Greg Mortenson and his non-profit have built dozens of schools and vocational facilities throughout some of Pakistan and Afghanistan’s harshest regions.
Taking into account the political and geographical impediments, and bearing in mind that this former hippie climber is considered an infidel in the eyes of everyone he must rely upon within that part of the world, these accomplishments are nothing short of Herculean triumphs.
The amount of personal risk and sacrifice taken by this man along with his team on the ground is infinite. If faced with similar challenges, I honestly do not know if I would have nearly the courage to proceed as has Greg. Probably not.
This much I know for certain - I’m still kicking myself about missing that damn lecture.
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4 comments:
I enjoyed that book as well.
You did indeed miss a great lecture.
Beyond the fabulous photos and stories of adventure his sincerity and vision were phenomenal. I don't know what this year's island book will be (I've heard rumors it will be about farming) but regardless the author lectures at the high school are not to be missed.
Irony is that despite me lecturing you about the definition of the word irony you still use it incorrectly.
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