Mountains Beyond Mountains

It's odd how long it's taken me to get through Tracy Kidder's book, Mountains Beyond Mountains since generally, books that fill me up with a cornucopia of emotions easily override every other activity in my life.

I'm tempted to think it's taken me so long because I often juxtaposed myself with the book's subject, Dr. Paul Farmer. I need to stop. I mean, the man's title is "Partner to the Poor," I don't stand a chance! In addition, this man is one of the most Christ-like examples of selfless service and REAL, grass-roots, international development (not the "here, take some money" way but development the way King Benjamin in Mosiah 4 would do it) And get this, he's clever, funny, and comes from an under-privileged family.  

I'm in love and ashamed. I'm ashamed becauseI have had experiences that taught me much about the world and Christ and love and poverty and inequality. And look at the way I live my life. So I resolve to do better! 

I can't even begin to tell you how great I think this man is. 

Here are some great quotes that made my heart jump:

Speaking of political correctness: "It's a very well-crafted tool to distract us. A very self-centered activity. Clean up your own vocabulary so you can show everybody you have the social capital of having been in circles where these things are talked about on a regular basis." - Jim Kim, PIH Co-founder

Speaking of appearance: The goofiness of radicals thinking they have to dress in Guatemalan peasant clothes. The poor don't want you to look like them. They want you to dress in a suit and go get them food and water. Comma." (Paul uses "comma" the way you and I use "Idiot")

"It should be enough to humbly serve the poor." -Paul Farmer