224 S. Musket Ridge, Sun Prairie

The Chhorm Family
Started on: 06/30/08
Completed: 12/18/08

I was born in Cambodia in 1975, the year that also marked the beginning of the Khmer Rouge's reign in Cambodia. Referred to as "The Killing Fields,” it was one of the most lethal regimes of the 20th century. The Khmer Rouge was responsible for the displacement, starvation and death of millions.

My entrance to this world was marred by struggle from the onset. My family was forced to work in labor camps. My parents, once farmers, had their land confiscated by the Khmer Rouge and were left to care for us in the forest of Cambodia.

After living in a Thailand Refugee Camps for so many years, I eventually came to America, the land of freedom and opportunity. My father died when I was four years old and left my mother with eight children to raise on her own. We were very poor, living in low-income housing. My mother has no education or knowledge of the American culture, so she struggled through many challenges. Eventually my mother took her journey to be with my father. I was only 13 then, and the struggle continued on. It seems like my struggling and challenges in life will never end. But I had always believed and have faith in God.

I am now a single mom with four wonderful children sent from Heaven above. I have been very blessed for the past 5 years. I graduated from MATC in Early Childhood Education and have been working at MATC Child and Family Center as a Child Care Coordinator for the past 8 years. I have been the President of the Khmer Association of Wisconsin Inc. for the past 4 years. I’m involved with the Cambodian Student Association of Wisconsin at the U.W Madison and the Asian Student Club at MATC. I am very active in my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). One of my joys comes from helping and serving others. I am very grateful for my parents, for they planted the seeds of kindness and compassion in me. I hope I can do the same for my four children.

Vince, will be 14 in August, is my angel from above. Vince will attend DeForest High School this fall. Vanessa, 11, is my daily remainder of the joy of being a mother. She loves to bake and is always singing. Victor, 8, showed me how to be brave during a time of challenge and struggle. Victor loves to play video games and spend time with his friends outdoors. Vivian, 4, reminds me to always remember what it was like to be a child. She loves to draw and can tell you all kinds of stories.

My children are my joy and my life. Habitat for Humanity of Dane County has given me the gift of hope. We all can overcome any struggle and challenges as long as there is a helping hand to hold on to, and Habitat for Humanity of Dane County has reached their hands to help my family and others like mine to build a home where we can call it a "home" so we can feel safe and loved. With the help of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, I am rising above my struggles and aiming to lead my family and community to have a brighter future. We are a richer community and our world is a stronger, more compassionate place to live because Habitat for Humanity of Dane County is dedicated to building homes for all man kind.

The Chhorm Family

Progress at 224 S. Musket Ridge home as of Aug. 28, 2008.

Habitat's Dennis Hellenbrand is the construction site supervisor for the Sun Prairie build.