When we think of our suitcases and travel our heads are gushed with stories of adventures, curious travels to the unknown, prosperity, socioeconomic stability, and simply getting a breath of fresh air.

​

For our parents, it was freedom from persecution, an act created from discrimination, fear treading into the unknown, and simply surviving. Suitcases were not filled to the brim with outfits and shows. The trunks and suitcases were artifacts for articles, labels that linked their life to native countries. It was a bridge.

​

​

Doua L Moua

 

“With very little sleep, and no food she forged forward. Gunshots were fired left and right, dead bodies laid in their path, and countless land mines were planted everywhere. Blindly leading her small children, my mom kept on fighting. 26 days later, she brought my siblings and herself to safety as well as reuniting with my dad again. We hear very little about the women who experienced and lived this horrible war. The men may have fought in the war but the women were also heroes.”     

​

                         - Jenny Moua, Ka Moua Lo, Honey Moua