"My mother and I were in separate refugee camps in Cambodia, and she was evacuated to the United States when I was three years old. I was too sick to travel, so she arranged for me to stay with family friends until she could come back and get me. But before she could come back, the friends I was staying with were evacuated to a different location, and I had to be left behind with a foster family. In fact, I was with many different foster families over several years. My mom never stopped looking for me though. She found her older sister (who was still living in Cambodia) first, and that aunt contacted an agency that helped locate lost family members. I was finally found when I was six years old, but the foster family wouldn't release me to them until a price was paid. They demanded money and something like five or six cows before they would agree to my release. My mom was sending money from the United States to my aunt and uncle who were negotiating with the foster family. It was a long process, but finally the price was paid, and I went to live with my aunt and uncle when I was 7 years old. Five years later, I had to be separated from them again to go with another family to a refugee camp in Thailand. We were on a waiting list until we could come to the United States. I finally left Thailand when I was 13 years old and rode an airplane to the U.S. by myself. In those days, people could come through the airport and meet arrivals at the gate. I came out of the plane and there were people everywhere, lined up on both sides. I was confused and excited, and I didn't recognize anyone. Everyone stood back except for one lady who came running toward me. I hadn't seen her since I was 3 years old, but I knew she must be my mom. She hugged me, squeezed me, and cried tears of joy.
“Every day I thank God and Mr. & Mrs. Hanson for working so hard to get me here and for helping me to become the woman I am: happily married with two amazing kids. What I want most for my children is for them to be successful in life, to be respectful, and to be kind.”
“Every day I thank God and Mr. & Mrs. Hanson for working so hard to get me here and for helping me to become the woman I am: happily married with two amazing kids. What I want most for my children is for them to be successful in life, to be respectful, and to be kind.”
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