Summary

Back in New York the family held a party for Adam’s grandmother’s 80th birthday. The family called her Ma. He took her aside and told her about his plans for Pencils of Promise. She had lived under great duress during the European war and couldn’t understand why Adam wasn’t satisfied to stay home where he had a good, safe life. After he showed her photos of the school being constructed in Laos, Ma was impressed and understood why he wanted to help the children. She was moved to tears when he showed her the photo of the dedication on the front of the school that read, “Lovingly dedicated to Eva Braun.” She had inspired him and he wanted to build his first school in her honor. Adam felt a deeper bond with Ma than he ever had before.

While...