Grand Sun Fundraiser!

This Happened before I left to Thailand. It is a late post but very important to me:
Thank You to everyone that supported me in this project.
The Grand Sun Fundraiser was a success!

I took the time to answer questions given to me at the fundraiser so here it is and thanks for asking…

How will your trip affect the way us young people see ourselves?

I believe that when we see our reflection, we see Hmong Americans, but we know and do more American than we do Hmong. Understanding where we came from in slum, village, struggle is what will motivate us to be successful and allows us to appreciate what we have here. Honoring our past, striving for an incredible future.

Also the Hmong Thai are who we are and could’ve been… many of them just didn’t get the opportunity to come to America. They see Hmong Americans as if we won the lottery for a better and more comfortable future. Any of us could’ve been in their place under the circumstances. There are many stories of almost making it to America but they were unfortunate.

What do you plan to do with the art of paj huam and kwv txhiaj?

I plan to study it, research it, and develop these art forms. I’m going to be interviewing Paj Huam and Kwv Txhiaj artists in the villages and research about the continuation of it. I’m learning a piece from my aunt. I’m also going to incorporate what I learn into my own form of poetry while I’m in Thailand. Revolutionize traditional Hmong Poetry to a new era. Fresh Traditions!

What are you looking forward to the most on your trip?

I’m looking forward to the magnificent view, the Hmong way of life and being inspired to write write and write until the rice fields fall and my fingers are on auto-pilot.
Will you make a video documentary? Let us know what you plan to do?
I plan to interview traditional and modern day artists on video in the villages. And also capture captivating moments in the village and my travels. I am also documenting through photography and journaling.

How many cities am I planning to visit?

As many as I can. Mainly Hmong villages near Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. I might try to check out some Hip Hop in Bangkok if there is time.

Will you be bringing us gifts?

Yes I will get everyone a gift when I get back.

What are you not looking forward to?

The flight overlays. We have to stay at the Bangkok airport overnight before flying into Chiang Rai, so we have to sleep there or stay up all night. I do not look forward to being ripped off, cheated or robbed which I hope won’t happen.

Bringing back a wife?

No. It is not in my plans.

Are you going to fall in love?

I don’t know. I already did.

What do you hope to find?

I hope to find the inspiration to “write” again, my roots, experience the struggles of my people. The “roots” concept is interesting because Hmong people don’t have a country and we are always moving. So we are not rooted anywhere and that includes Thailand. We are a nomadic people so we have travelling roots. Our Roots are in our ways of life and the history of our struggle.

Where will you be staying on your trip?

I am staying with my relatives for the first 3 weeks in a Hmong village within the mountains. It will be the first time ever that I meet my relatives. The village is pronounced “Huio Kue” Then I am going to Chiang Mai. I may stay at a hotel there.

Are you going to cry when you get to the old country?

I didn’t cry. But I am emotionally amazed by this experience so far.

Special Thank you to:
The Jerome Foundation
Café BonXai
HarC - Hmong Arts Connection - Dyane Garv
CHAT - The Center for Hmong Arts and Talent
The Triple A Movement

Sia Vang and Steven Lee
My family