Welcome to a two-part series. Part One is the story of a Laotian refugee’s struggle to survive retold by me. Part Two is the original story told by Bounchanh Chanthaphon, himself. When Bounchanh Chanthaphon, known as “Chan,” to family and friends, was a young boy, he lived in a bamboo hut on stilts in a remote area in Northern Laos. Chan is the eighth child of eleven children, and he was one of three born while living in a P.O.W. camp. Building the hut made of bamboo and wood was a family effort. They all worked together to weave the grass roof to help shield them from the extreme weather and elements in the jungle.
What an admirable, amazing person. Our country needs more people like him. Truly we do.
Wonderful story; photos too!
Great column! Thank you.
Thanks for introducing us!