Innovation through relentless perseverence.

"A morning glory

has usurped my well bucket

...I can go next door."

The haiku above is the embodiment of the Japanese character, Nin. It's meanings are many, but one can generally be agreed upon by all: Perseverance. Nin is constructed of two characters, a sword, and a heart; Sword is positioned above heart, to remind us to put away the intangible emotions that come when adversity strikes, and focus instead on the solution to the problem at hand.

In relation to our first mission, I liken this mindset to that of innovation through the use of what you have, rather than what you'd like. It might be nice to have all sorts of resources at our fingertips to solve our problems, but the fact is that we'll probably have to solve that same problem with very, very little to work with in the physical sense. However, if we retain this mindset, if we approach the situation with a fire in our hearts that will NOT be extinguished, we will prevail over any obstacle.

The idea of innovation through existing resources extends far beyond the reaches of the tangible. We must remember at all times that no matter where we're at, there is knowledge, potential, and creativity waiting to be tapped. In some cases, the answer to a problem may not need to be "created" at all. The answer could very well lie in technology that already exists, and has been used in the past. The Evoke agent will likely experience much more success if he or she integrates entirely into the culture of the group of individuals he or she is striving to help. Learn to be as they are, and never take for granted their ability to adapt.

My experiences in Iraq taught me not to underestimate the existing skills a culture may possess. The majority of the Iraqis I came in contact with were extremely skilled electricians, capable of wiring their houses in a matter of hours with the then-useless power lines that hung dormant over their villages. In even the most troubled of areas are people who have survived there for time immemorial. Learn how they've done it, and you'll have a small idea of how to make it just a little easier, even with the few resources that might be available.

In the end, let's remember that everything we need is right underneath us. Everything on the planet, every car, every engine, every computer, every skyscraper all came from the Earth itself. Whatever we need, there's a way to get it, and when something steps in the way--Don't give up. Go around.