Greg Mortenson speaking in Seattle on 12/15.

I sometimes get confused about why I write this blog. I usually look for a fun picture of something I did recently, to convey that to my friends and family that I may not have spoken with in awhile. But at the same time, I am not sure if this is the right time or place for that.

This time I will talk about a nonfiction book that I read earlier this year: "Three Cups of Tea." It is the true story of Greg Mortenson, an American who has been building schools in poor villages in Pakistan (and now Afghanistan).

What I love about Greg's story is how unbelievable it is--and yet how simple it is. I feel like many of us are so afraid of trying to help the world, to really give ourselves. But with Greg, here is a man who at one time was arguably less educated than us, had less money than us, had less connections than us, was less computer-savvy than us, had less to gain, and was even more self-absorbed than us. But, he made a commitment out of love, and he kept trying until he finished it. And through the process, Greg found himself transformed, and now he is transforming the world.

Nowadays, I would guess that Greg is less healthy than many of us (40+, overworked, and stressed), has way less time, has family commitments just like many of you (two young kids and a wife), and he has already done so much to help others. He should just quit, play it safe, not risk his life over in Pakistan/Afghanistan, and manage the front office. But he doesn't. He keeps running his race.

As far as I know, Greg Mortenson doesn't profess any religion (although his parents with Christian missionaries). But I see in him more of Jesus than I see in, well, almost any of us.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1:27)

I was surprised and delighted to learn that Greg has a new book coming out on December 1, "Stones into Schools." It tells what has been happening since "Three Cups of Tea." Even better, Greg will be speaking in Seattle on 12/15 (no tickets, first come, first served). I think he spends half the year speaking across America and other places, then half the year in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Anyway, if you have trouble believing that someone in today's society--especially an American--could model Jesus' love, his servanthood and his sacrifice, then read "Three Cups of Tea." (There is even a children's version.) I think you will come to admire Greg Mortenson, especially because of his imperfections. But just like with Jesus, we need to move beyond admiration and on to imitation.

Let's go!