Escorted by the village children, he was welcomed into the home of village chief Haji Ali, and offered a first cup of tea, food, and a place to sleep. The first cup of tea is offered to a stranger; the second welcomes a friend, and the third signifies that one is family.

As he began to regain his own strength, Mortenson came to realize the village had many medical needs and that the nearest doctor was a week's walk away. Trained as trauma nurse, he began to use his skills to tend to the needs of the villagers, truly becoming a part of the family.

Returning to the United States, Mortenson lived in his car while trying to garner $12,000 to build a school in Korphe. Within a year he was back in Pakistan, money in hand, using local contacts to make deals for materials.

This book details Mortenson's incredible ten-year journey as he built not just one, but fifty-five schools, especially for girls, in Pakistan and Afghanistan. What Mortenson has single-handedly accomplished with private donations in fighting the war on terrorism through education cannot be matched by any government agency.

Be prepared for adventure and even romance as you work your way through this delightful book. It may even move you to action.

Grace