Last night, I shook the hand of a man who's been nominated for the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. His name is Greg Mortensen, and he's the author of the best-selling nonfiction book "Three Cups of Tea." Dr. Mortenson is a former mountaineer who has been building schools (primarily for girls) in Pakistan and Afghanistan for the last 10 years.
I read his book last summer and was very moved by Dr. Mortenson's courage and sacrifice. I said to myself "I'm going to make that man a quilt - he has nothing of his own, and he has given so much to the world." When I saw that he was coming to Knoxville to speak at a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization in Knoxville, I decided that I really would make a quilt for him.
I read his book last summer and was very moved by Dr. Mortenson's courage and sacrifice. I said to myself "I'm going to make that man a quilt - he has nothing of his own, and he has given so much to the world." When I saw that he was coming to Knoxville to speak at a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization in Knoxville, I decided that I really would make a quilt for him.
I studied my store of patterns and finally decided on one called "Trip Around the World," to acknowledge his many visits to the area. I also decided to use batik fabrics, which originated in Indonesia, and today provide income to women in the islands as a cottage industry - a principle similar to that which Dr. Mortenson advocates.
After the presentation, people lined up for a book signing, including me, clutching my box containing the quilt. A half hour later, I finally reached the head of the line and told Dr. Mortenson that his book had inspired me to sew a quilt for him. He opened the box and I explained the significance of the pattern and the fabric. He then asked if I would mind if he took the quilt with him to Pakistan to give to the teachers of his schools? So it looks like my trip-around-the-world quilt will be making its own journey, on a mission for peace.
After the presentation, people lined up for a book signing, including me, clutching my box containing the quilt. A half hour later, I finally reached the head of the line and told Dr. Mortenson that his book had inspired me to sew a quilt for him. He opened the box and I explained the significance of the pattern and the fabric. He then asked if I would mind if he took the quilt with him to Pakistan to give to the teachers of his schools? So it looks like my trip-around-the-world quilt will be making its own journey, on a mission for peace.
I've attached a photo of the quilt; I wish I had one of me with Dr. Mortenson, but it was getting late and the line was still long, so I didn't want to take up any more time.
It was quite a night!
It was quite a night!
I like the stories Speedie. They are interesting and I always thought you were a good and interesting writer. I always liked your Christmas letter.
ReplyDeleteMy husband is in the middle of this book, and I plan to read it as soon as he finishes. A lot of people have drawn inspiration from it. I bet he really appreciated the quilt; that is truly a selfless act of giving. It is a really good expression of appreciation for the work he has done.
ReplyDeleteGirl, I am jazzed about your gift to the good Dr. It doesn't surprise me he would turn around and give it to someone else. How wonderful that your quilt really will be taking its "trip around the world."
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