Anyone that has stayed or worked in our Luang Prabang office has heard the offspring of this next mom. Nicole interviewed Chim about being a mom in Laos:
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Chim
35 years old
Hometown: Luang Prabang
I know all mothers are busy, but this Lao mother works harder than most I have met. Not only does she take care of her own kids, but family members children from the countryside who come to school in the city as well. On top of that she is the owner and only cook for a big restaurant on the Mekong River. I see all that she does and her responsibilities because this family has adopted me into theirs. Living and working right beside there house I know intimately about Chim’s family and can see what hard work she has to do daily. She is one of the first up to dress her children for school and one of the last to go to bed after closing the restaurant. And as much as I LOVE her children, I have to say they are not the most well behaved. Like a Laos friend once told me, the sound of a child screaming and crying at the top of their lungs is a Laos traditional song. And trust me, these kids got some lungs on them!
How many kids did your mom have?
My mother had four children, two boys and two girls.
How many kids do you have? How many do you want to have?
I have four children as well, but three girls and one boy. I wanted to have eight children before because my family is small. Now that I have four I think it might be enough.
What is your favorite thing about being a mom?
That I get to have a big family. I know that I have to take care of them now, but in the future they will take care of me. When you have big family then everyone can take care of each other.
What is the hardest thing about being a mom?
Having too many kids that are young. It is difficult to give them all the same attention. They all need different things at the same time.
What is the most important advice you will or have given your kids?
To decide what is important to you and your future. Decide if you want a big family or a career.
***Note: Chim doesn’t think her job as owner and cook of the restuarant is a JOB!!!!!!****
What was the most important advice your mom gave you?
To always give my children clean milk. Everytime they want milk you should give it to them and make sure it is clean. And always wash your children daily. Three times a day if they will let you. It keeps them healthy.
What do you hope for your kids?
That they have good health and a good job. I hope my one boy works at the bank.