“Slow down and make building relationships as important as building projects” is a quote from “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Their message teaches us an important lesson about other cultures and the importance of relationships.

Greg Mortenson, an American, committed out of passion to build a school for the children in Balti (Pakistan). Once construction began, he drove the workers hard without significant progress and built resentment from the workers. Haji Ali, a Baltistan, told him that if he wanted to thrive in Baltistan, he must respect their ways. Haji Ali said, “The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time you take tea, you are an honoree guest. The third time you share a cup of tea, you become family, and for our family, we are prepared to do anything, even die.” Greg Mortenson learned an important lesson about other cultures. He followed this tradition and the workers accelerated productivity and completed the school in a relative short time.

What an incredible example of caring and compassion for others and serving others and the community.

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