While reading this book I was humbled, exhilarated, and surprised with Greg Mortensen’s experiences in northern Pakistan. I could really appreciate the time and effort he has put into building schools for small communities that desperately need a sanctuary to educate the young people of society. Selflessly putting himself in harms way to attempt to educate children in third world countries Greg Mortensen’s work deserves more publicity to help him with his mission.

            Putting aside all stereotypes Greg marches valiantly into uncharted territory almost all North Americans with great courage he accustoms himself to the Pakistani way of life. Learning new customs and traditions along the way he learns how to wash his hands and feet properly before praying, as well as learning to speak fluent Arabic. The customs he has learnt shows the true dedication and initiative he takes on this mission.

            Throughout the novel he prides himself on not imposing any North American customs on the Balti people. This helped him defending against the fatwa’s that were declared on him by people believing that he was imposing Christianity on the Balti people. Working with the Baltisan he learns he must work like one, not like the American background he was used to, the Baltisan’s will take their time, even if that means sitting through another winter with no school.

            I found the part that intrigued me most was when he was buying supplies to build the school. It was a humbling experience for Greg, bartering with merchants for the supplies he needed, trying to overcome the prejudice found in the Pakistani society. With his bodyguard at his side his merchants build confidence in his character and eventually accept him as one of their own. This I think shows the great humility of the Pakistani people and that they are willing to accept foreigners with open arms after they begin to trust them.

            The troubles that Greg has gone through in order to build schools for these children in need are enormous. The fact that he has pressured himself through these hardships shows that he will continue his work as long as he possibly can. I feel this is a good step forward for Pakistan, though I am saddened that the government will not put up funding for schools in rural Pakistan. Though it was putting up large amounts of funds to fight against the Indians in the mountains. This shows that they are only concerned about the present state of Pakistan not the future.

The irony in the Pakistani government funding the conflict with Indian in northern Pakistan is that they are killing generations of people that have never had a proper education. With a proper education the government in Pakistan may be better rounded and civilized. Instead, the Pakistani government turns a blind eye to their soldiers dieing for no reason.