The images of Syrian refugees in the news made Chheng break her silence and remember what she prefers not to think about: surviving the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, the atrocity carried out against refugees by the Thai Army, and the challenges of resettlement in the US. I am grateful to her for speaking and being willing to share this. I learned from her and was inspired. Read her story here.
Tags: Cambodia, Khmer Rouge, kindness, Mount Dangrek, refugees, Syria, Thai Army, trauma-informed care, trauma-sensitive care
Nobody Wakes Up Pretty 
December 23, 2015 at 4:41 am |
Chheng’s story is so powerful. Her messages about kindness and hope, and taking time to understand the consequences of trauma (individual and collective), are crucial reminders of our obligation to care for each other.
I sincerely hope more people have a chance to read her story about trauma and resilience. Her eloquent words can touch so many hearts. I would be happy to reblog your post, Diane, if that’s something you and Chheng approve.
December 23, 2015 at 5:10 am |
Thank you. I forwarded your message to Chheng and will get back to you but I am sure it will be all right. Your words will touch and encourage her and our whole desire was to reach people.
December 23, 2015 at 5:41 am |
Here is Chheng’s response: “These words touch me in deep places. Bring tears to my eyes. Thank you for sending
I would be honored if it gets reblogged.”
December 23, 2015 at 6:10 am |
Reblogged this on Voices from the Margins and commented:
Chheng’s story is so powerful. Her messages about kindness and hope, and taking time to understand the consequences of trauma (individual and collective), are crucial reminders of our obligation to care for each other.
I sincerely hope more people have a chance to read her story about trauma and resilience. Her eloquent words can touch so many hearts. I’m grateful that Diane Lefer and Chheng have given me permission to reblog this post.
December 23, 2015 at 6:11 am |
Thank you Diane, and please thank Chheng for me as well 🙂
December 23, 2015 at 8:38 pm |
Heart.
December 24, 2015 at 2:41 pm |
Really touching story and had me tearing. It is so heart wrenching what she and her family has endured. She is so right about giving the gift of Hope and more must be done for refugees. Thank you, for sharing her story, Blessings!
December 24, 2015 at 3:25 pm |
Thank you so much for reading Chheng’s story and taking the time to comment. I will share your words with her. It will mean a lot to her that you understand the needs of refugees. All best to you for the holiday season and beyond.
December 25, 2015 at 11:14 am
Yes, Please pass along my gratitude in that she was willing to share her very touching story to get the word out. Peace and Love to you!
December 28, 2015 at 3:23 am
Yep it means a lot to Chheng that you understand the needs of refugees =) Love your heart.
December 26, 2015 at 5:33 pm |
Thank you friends! For all the beautiful things that you have said – so rich in personal caring and thoughtfulness. I think listening to stories such as mine can be quite a difficult thing to do and I am grateful for your willingness to bear witness, to open your heart and be impacted, and to ask the question, “what can we do?”
I think Carol said it best: There are two opportunities: one is to deal compassionately with the immediate needs of refugees now, and the other is to raise awareness about the causes of the massive flight of people from their homes. Thank you, Carol.
I’ve also been able to embrace the idea some time ago that maybe what we are here for in life is not to change the world, not to change everything around us, but maybe to do what we can for the people who cross our path. And if we can, we should try as it will lift us to the highest expression of ourselves and we will find we are each other.
I want to especially thank my friends, Diane, Darla, Rachel and Barbra Jean who encouraged me and helped me to get this narrative written. Diane has been collecting stories from asylum-seekers and refugees as part of the Community Stories project of California Humanities. Now that you’ve read my story, please check out some of the others at the website she created: http://secondchancesla.weebly.com/.
I’m so grateful for each of you. For your kindness and the respectful way we reflect upon these important issues and move forward together in hope!
With tremendous gratitude and respect,
Chheng
December 26, 2015 at 9:32 pm |
I am grateful for you sharing your story and opening up the dialogue in this. You have been so incredibly brave and I wish you many Blessings in your life, sweetheart!
December 28, 2015 at 3:17 am
I am overwhelmed by your kindness and feel so happy to hear that my sharing has opened up dialogues. It was my heart deepest hope and desire. Thank you, Barbara.