If you know anything about Proeun and I you know that we are big on family. Really we consider family such a blessing. One thing that has really showed me that was the story of Proeun’s family. They have gone through so much–a war that took their home, years in refugee camp, living in a country that didn’t understand them or at times want that, and that is before you add all the normal life stresses. I love Proeun’s family (and mine of course but this post is about Proeun’s family), not because they are perfect, but because they love each other and have found a way to stay together on two continents and over 35 years.

This weekend we had a family reunion of sorts to celebrate the newest member

Gage, born to Proeun’s cousin and her husband. Here he sleeps in the same kind of baby hammock that my mother-in-law used on all her children and grandchildren in both Cambodia and here.

Proeun’s grandmother pounding fish to make a traditional paste eaten with vegetalbes.
 

Proeun’s grandfather holding Effie.

 
Proeun’s mother and Avril.

I also love family history. Now I just need to learn Cambodian so I can record this fascinating story of loss and rebirth in a new country.

I lvoe the food also and the use of fresh veggies. Here’s one of my favorite dishes–a mild soup made of fish, lemon grass and coconut over rice noodles with fresh herbs and bean sprouts and a squeeze of lime.