My mother was born 4 months before the fall of Cambodia to the Khmer Rouge. After a few years living under the violent regime, my mother and her family escaped to the border of Thailand. From there, they were able to immigrate to the state of Oregon in the U.S.A. They encountered the icy winters of Oregon which was a stark contrast to the tropical weather in Cambodia. Learning English was difficult for my grandparents, but came easier to my mom and her 2 siblings, as they were able to soak up the language and culture. Quickly, they adapted to the Western lifestyle at school. During their summers, they spent their break picking strawberries in the fields at dawn each morning. Even though their new environment and culture was unfamiliar, they were happy to have this new taste of freedom again.  

– LO

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant