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  Our core philosophy is truly American, the common man can get things done and that's where   the real power to change things is. Our approach is not only   very American; it's very Vietnamese, and very Laotian too.    It is the 'little guy' that does big things. Added to this is the    fact that we are here to stay and help, well after the    building is built. Upon leaving each library and site after work    is done, I have two important messages I leave with the    people: "we will be back" and "this is only the beginning."

 1) Doing small charitable projects have big advantages. Our large central Library Projects are  $35,000. We envision, someday, a nationwide system of over 600 central libraries in the 600  districts of  Vietnam, (in addition to the 100 in Lao) with an unlimited number of smaller  satellite facilities ranging in cost from $1,500 to $15,000.

 The total would run well over $25,000,000. BUT, this is not a $25,000,000 charitable project. With small individual budgets we can control costs as well. With small buildings we can insure excellent quality control. And with any one project never exceeding $35,000, there is simply no interest by anyone who might think there was some personal gain to be had of any significance, corruption is not an issue.

   I have had frank and productive conversations about corruption as to these projects and   we have not run into even a hint of it at any time. By doing these as small individual projects   we are simply not big enough to get on a potential "ne'er do well's" radar screen.

  2.) We spend time with the people. This is a labor of fun in both countries, the Laos and   Vietnamese people being such a real pleasure to be around and having great humors. Most   NGOS, though doing good work, do not have leaders who spend time to get to know the people   that make charity projects go. Our relationships our sound, and personal trust and good  feelings abound-and this extends to chairty donors and anyone motivated with the projects.

  3/ Being American is our number one asset. We carry our heritage   proudly. In each venue we discuss history,and the American deep   understanding of poverty. I carry my family trees (Father- German,   Mother- Irish) with me. Pointing out from when we American come   the fact that poverty and disenfranchisement are deep in our   national memory and that of our individual families has lead to a   sense of common heritage we draw on. And this leads to mutual   respect and teamwork

 
 4.) Optimism is the greatest American trait-we exude it 24 hours a day when on our missions. On MANY occasions, members of the People's Committees have commented that this is "A happy" project-it looks to the future with excitement and anticipation that, yes, we can touch the stars. As an incurable optimist I may fall prey to some criticism for being a little hokey. But they have had it so tough throughout their histories that its time things changed for the   better-the some outlook our ancestors had when they undertook steerage voyages on   stormy seas for months just to have a chance for a better life ... again we Americans   understand them because we've been there.

  5.) We always come back, our relationship lives on after the construction is done and the   dedication event held. Any sense of abandonment that may have some historical routes simply   is eradicated. We are not just there for a feel-good photo-ops for stateside consumption. We   are here to stay to improve these projects and work with the people--the dedication is ONLY   THE BEGINNING.