We might call this tour the Country Roads Tour, in part because 22 benefactors traversed hundreds of miles of Vietnam’s country roads in a 40-passenger bus driven by an expert driver. They also performed a rendition of John Denver’s 1971 ballad, Take Me Home, Country Roads, at a finale gathering of several hundred children of Vinh Son.

As with more than 25 past tours organized and coordinated by FVSO President Emeritus Dave Chaix, this tour exposed donors and Board Members alike to the daily lives of the Montagnard children served by the organization’s benefactors. Some who support our FVSO cause may know that Dave Chaix and Bart Ruud both served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, which saw the last U.S. and allied combat forces leave the country on March 29, 1973.

Over the course of several days, twenty-three travelers, including five embedded FVSO Board Members—Dave Chaix, Gene Mapa, Tom Solyst, Mai-Ly Wilcox, and Bart Ruud—visited seven sites in Kon Tum Province, Vietnam, to gain insight into factors that are going well and aspects that might need attention in terms of management at each orphanage site. Following our visits in the Central Highlands of Kon Tum Province, we moved south to Pleiku to visit the Sao Mai Orphanage in Pleiku City.

Throughout this time, we had the extremely capable assistance of our longtime licensed guide, Thanh Hung Pham, known to us by his nickname, Tano Hung. Tano is a resident of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Initially trained in an 18-month program at the Saigon Guide Training Center, Tano has served as a professional guide in Vietnam and internationally for more than 30 years. He has been FVSO’s friend, interpreter, and problem solver for at least two decades—long enough to develop a relationship as close as family. A devout Catholic, Tano has a solid working relationship with our FVSO Board and with many of the nuns of the Diocese of the Sisters of the Miraculous Medal, the Catholic diocese that oversees the Vinh Son Orphanages (VSO) and the Sa Thay Boarding House.

The Sisters in charge of caring for the children of Vinh Son, along with the Diocese Superior, Sister Myriam Y Ai, have invaluable trust in Tano. That trust and working relationship extend to Martha Phanh, our Vietnamese on-the-ground liaison. The children who see Tano year after year remember and love him. As a father of two, he interacts with the Montagnard children as naturally as he does with his own.

Board Members who travel to Vietnam pay their own way; no FVSO donor funds offset traveler expenses or compensate our guide. Board Member Tom Solyst, when in residence in Kon Tum, serves as our Vietnam liaison, lends a hand to Martha Phanh, keeps a watchful eye on Vinh Son operations, and helps coordinate project needs on site. Tom’s work, as with that of all Board Members, is strictly voluntary and without compensation.

It is important that our supportive donors understand the return on their investment in the children of Vinh Son. Annual Board Member travel to Vietnam validates the FVSO mission of providing basic needs for children whose family heritage traces to one or another of the 34 ethnic minorities residing in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

The children of Vinh Son reside at the orphanage because they are either true orphans or come from families too poor to provide the necessities of life. The Montagnards are among the poorest populations in Vietnam. Most commonly seen are children from the Jarai, Bahnar, and Sedang tribes, each with its own language. With this mix of languages, the children learn to communicate in Vietnamese, the language in which they are immersed when they attend government schools through age 18.

When travelers arrive at an orphanage site, they are typically greeted by all the children on site, together with nuns, caregivers, and even pet dogs. The Sister-in-Charge, with Tano interpreting, extends a greeting and outlines a plan for our visit. Invariably, the children gather to sing or dance. They are applauded and individually offered a Dum-Dum sucker—candy on a stick—when they come forward to take a visitor’s hand. Names are exchanged, as Tano has taught the travelers basic Vietnamese phrases. The child then leads his or her guest to all corners of the compound he or she calls home.

The children unabashedly guide visitors through sleeping quarters; bathroom and shower facilities; classrooms, if present; vegetable and flower gardens; chicken pens; the piggery to see piglets and maturing hogs; cattle paddocks; rubber tree plantations; coffee or manioc (tapioca) plantings; kitchens and dining areas; and even clothes-drying areas. They hide nothing. They know that FVSO visitors support their needs. During these hand-led tours, visitors take photos, jot notes, and gain a solid visual sense of cleanliness, the state of repair of the physical plant, and the general health of both the animals and the children.

When a tour is complete, the next step is to sit with the Sister-in-Charge for her report on the state of affairs at the site. Tano interprets and translates, and travelers have ample opportunity to ask questions and gain a thorough assessment. It is normal to inquire whether there are issues of special concern that FVSO or the travelers themselves might help address. The Sisters are modest, but they understand that we are on a mission and seek justifiable improvements that enhance livability and safety. The safety and welfare of the children and caregivers are paramount concerns.

Through these discussions, we might learn that financial assistance is needed to bolster medications in the medical cabinet, repair bicycles, or purchase additional bicycles to facilitate transportation to local schools.


VS-1 – Visited February 11, 2026:

VS-1 has 169 children, comprised of 96 girls and 73 boys. There are 56 primary school students, 22 secondary school students, and 46 high school students. Additionally, 18 college students are studying academic subjects or are enrolled in vocational programs such as welding and automotive technology.
One young woman we briefly met, Lyly, grew up at VS-2 and, years ago, was supported by FVSO to study nursing. About eight years ago, she was hired by the Sisters to serve as VS-1’s resident nurse. That appears to be a success story related to our scholarship program, so capably managed by Clyde Lewandowski and his understudy, Jessica Schroeder, a relatively new Board Member.

While at VS-1, we met Mr. John Ho, who served as an ARVN Lieutenant during the Battle of Kon Tum in the Vietnam War. Today, Mr. Ho volunteers to teach English to grades 6–9 at VS-1. New to VS-1 is an additional volunteer English teacher, Lym, who grew up next door to VS-1 and has been encouraged by the priest serving the VS-1 compound to pursue further education. Lym has applied to Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, where he hopes to earn a degree (discipline unknown at this time). Upon completion of his studies, Lym intends to return to Kon Tum to assist the children of Vinh Son.

Our walk-about at VS-1, led by the children, revealed little in terms of physical plant needs. Animal husbandry practices are good, and the chickens, pigs, ducks, and geese appeared well managed. The gardens likewise looked productive and contribute to the VS-1 food base. The only issue discovered was a need for repairs to the water system that feeds the boys’ shower facility. Several donors contributed personal funds totaling $300 and left a directive with Mr. Ho to assist in coordinating repairs. We expect Tom Solyst will follow up with a report confirming that the system has been repaired.

Additionally, a piece of playground equipment requires welding and fabrication repairs. One of our travelers, Peter K., spoke with the VSO handyman team about this project. We departed with the understanding that the welding work would be completed. The conversation occurred on February 13, 2026, at Sa Thay, when we met the handyman team comprised of two young men who are residents of VS-1. Peter funded the repairs.

We left $1,000 of FVSO-approved funds with the Sisters so that the children and caregivers could have a wonderful Tet celebration.

VS-2 – Visited February 11, 2026:

VS-2 is home to children ranging from 4 months to 27 years of age. Currently, VS-2 houses 95 girls and 40 boys. Five of the older students are enrolled at Kon Tum Community College, a two-year institution. Four are studying nursing and one is studying social work. The college students receive $75 monthly scholarships funded by our donors and diligently managed by Board Members Clyde Lewandowski and Jessica Schroeder.

Based on past visits, it is no surprise that the children of VS-2 are happy and healthy. We observed no illness, no runny noses, and no coughing. This speaks to the treated potable water, sanitation standards, dental care, and nutritional quality of their meals. Animal husbandry practices are very good. The pigs, chickens, and ducks are healthy, and the cleanliness of their pens is viewed as paramount to livestock health. The Montagnard people are agriculturally astute and skilled in caring for livestock and productive gardens, which form the basis of onsite food production.

During our roundtable discussion with the Sisters, we learned that the children shower in cold water year-round. Naturally, we inquired whether something could be done to address this concern. With Tano’s help and that of our local Montagnard guide, we learned that a single solar water heater would cost approximately $450 and that installing three units would be a significant improvement. FVSO Board Members contributed $400 of discretionary funds toward the project. Generous travelers added $950, fully funding the $1,350 estimated cost. Installation should now be underway. Assuming successful results, expansion of the solar water heating system may be considered in the future.

We left $1,000 of FVSO-approved funds so the children and caregivers could celebrate Tet joyfully.

VS-3 – Visited February 11, 2026:

VS-3 continues to be one of the best-managed sites among the Vinh Son orphanages. Sister Gabriel, at 88 years of age, continues to lend strong support to the Sister-in-Charge. VS-3 is home to 75 children—40 girls and 35 boys. One student has recently begun college classes. During our walk-about, Tom Solyst and Bart Ruud discovered a breach in the security fence—critical for preventing trespass and theft, including livestock. An embankment collapse had taken down a section of fencing. Temporary repairs using tin roofing panels and wire had been made, but the site remained vulnerable.

Board Members present voted to allocate $800 of discretionary funds (from the $2,000 carried for on-the-spot solutions) to rebuild the fence properly. Additionally, Sister Gabriel’s medicine cabinet required restocking. A trained nurse with more than 60 years of experience, Sister Gabriel treats both the children and local villagers who cannot afford medical care. Travelers contributed $400 for needed medications.

We left $500 of FVSO-approved funds for Tet celebration.

Sewing Class – Visited February 11, 2026:

The Sewing Program is not part of the orphanage system, but does exist under the Convent umbrella. FVSO has historically provided modest stipends. Sister Pauline and two assistants have taught sewing skills to young women from outlying villages for decades. Currently, 22 students are learning to design and sew traditional Montagnard garments as well as Western-style clothing.

Students live onsite for 15 months. Upon completion, they possess marketable skills and often secure employment in Ho Chi Minh City or return home with improved economic prospects.

We left $500 of FVSO pre-approved discretionary funds for materials and Tet celebration.

VS-4 – Visited February 12, 2026:

VS-4 is home to 86 children—75 girls and 11 boys. Six college students, all girls, reside there; four study pharmacy and two study nursing. VS-4 employs an onsite teacher covering various subjects and a respected local music instructor who teaches traditional Montagnard music. The facility is well managed. It maintains approximately eight head of cattle, a rubber tree plantation, pigs, chickens, ducks, and a large vegetable garden. No outstanding needs were identified, so no discretionary funds were allocated.

We left $750 of FVSO-approved funds for Tet celebration.

VS-5 – Visited February 12, 2026:

VS-5 houses 85 children—56 girls and 29 boys. Four boys attend vocational welding training in Kon Tum. One student attends university in Da Nang to become a schoolteacher. VS-5 operates a bread-baking oven producing at least 500 small loaves daily. About 150 loaves remain onsite; the remainder are sold locally, supporting economic sustainability. Older students assist with baking and learn practical trade skills. Plans were underway to produce 12,000 loaves for the Tet holiday market. VS-5 also maintains a 40x60-foot greenhouse producing hydroponic vegetables. Production appears greater than VS-5 alone can consume, though it was unclear whether other sites benefit.

No urgent physical plant needs were identified. We left $500 of Board-approved funds for Tet celebration.

VS-6 – Visited February 12, 2026:

VS-6 has 46 girls and 29 boys. High school students stay at VS-1 during the week due to distance from schools. Six college students (four girls, two boys) study social work, nursing, and information technology. The compound is exceptionally well kept, with cattle, pigs, geese, chickens, and a large vegetable garden supporting sustainability.

No outstanding needs were identified. We left $500 of Board-approved funds for Tet celebration.

Sa Thay Boarding House – Visited February 13, 2026:

Sa Thay, located one hour west of Kon Tum near the Cambodian border, serves at-risk high school-aged young women from surrounding villages. They are not orphans but benefit from supportive supervision to reduce risks of teen pregnancy, incomplete education, substance abuse, and persistent poverty. Sister Marie manages the program with excellence. There are currently 38 residents; additional students are attending college or university elsewhere.

Sa Thay operates a bread-baking program (a past FVSO project) producing 1,000–2,000 loaves daily for onsite use and local sale. Gardens and livestock further support sustainability. We learned of a $2,310 outstanding debt for three bathroom/shower facilities ($770 each). Board Members allocated $800 in discretionary funds, reducing the debt to $1,510. Travelers contributed $1,500 more, nearly eliminating the balance.

Travelers also funded five quality bicycles for student transportation. We left $500 for Tet celebration.

Sao Mai Orphanage – Pleiku – Visited February 14, 2026:

Located one hour south of Kon Tum, Sao Mai houses 27 girls and 14 boys. Many are developmentally or physically disabled, likely due to multi-generational effects of dioxin exposure from Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War. The children sang, danced, and gave us a tour of their home. They deeply touched our hearts.

We met Thien Nguyen, who has long managed the dental program. The annual $1,200 dental budget is fully funded by the Armstrong family, longtime FVSO benefactors, providing twice-yearly prophylactic dental care.

We left $500 for Tet celebration.

In Summary:

The Sisters of the Miraculous Medal in Kon Tum and the Sisters of Saint Paul de Chartres in Pleiku are fully devoted to orphan care, education, and medical support for Montagnard minority communities. They are experienced, prudent, and deeply grateful for FVSO assistance.

With eight return visits to Vinh Son and Sao Mai, it is an honor to thank our many donors. While privacy limits name disclosure, we acknowledge the generous travelers and benefactors whose contributions—ranging from one dollar to many thousands, through monthly gifts, annual donations, and estate bequests—validate their trust in our mission.

The FVSO Board extends heartfelt thanks for your individual and family support. We hope this summary assures you that there is substantial return on your humanitarian investment. Supporting such causes truly makes our world a better place to call home.

Letter from Sister Myriam Y Ai:

Dear Mr. Ruud,

I am glad to hear that you arrived home safely. Thank you very much for your email. I was so happy to meet you and your group at our convent. Thank you for stopping by.

I had been informed that your group scheduled a meeting with me that afternoon, so I was waiting for you. Sister Klanh, who gave me your schedule, said that you planned to visit all the Vinh Son communities. I called her to confirm what time you would arrive, but she was unsure whether you would come. Later, Sister Christine mentioned that some of you might stop by to purchase gifts. Therefore, we were waiting.

I truly wished to meet with you to discuss your experiences visiting the Vinh Son communities so that we could work together to improve our care for the children. I understand that your time was limited, and I was nevertheless grateful to meet you and your group that day. Our Sisters and I genuinely appreciate your long journey, your time, and your generous gifts to all the Vinh Son communities.

We can never say thank you enough for FVSO’s continued support of the Vinh Son communities and the Sa Thay Boarding House. As you know, our financial resources are limited, and the needs of the children are many. Your contributions greatly help meet their most essential needs. Let us continue working together for their brighter future. Our Sisters work hard to care for the children and help them grow into capable and successful adults. Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions regarding guidance for the children.

From my heart, I sincerely appreciate your willingness to deliver my gifts to Patrick and his wife. I hope he likes them. I hope we will continue strengthening our connection and working together to help the children.
You and your group remain in our prayers. May God grant you peace, joy, good health, and success in your mission.

With great gratitude,
Sister Myriam Y Ai
General Superior