Clark Tang’s grandparents, You Long and Cheark Ung, when they were just starting their family, Phnom Penh c. 1940. As far as the family knows, the great grandfather came to Cambodia to escape conscription into the Chinese army, probably in the 1800’s. He had no funds, managed to find work, marry and buy a farm. His farm exported tobacco and corn to Vietnam. Clark learned of this on a trip back to Cambodia when he discovered that his family still held several properties.
Bayon is another significant temple seen in Cambodian communities. Bayon Temple was built by Jayavarman VII in the late 12th and early 13th centuries as a Mahayana Buddhist shrine. Many scholars and experts believe that the stone faces are a combination of Jayavarman VII and Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and symbolize the divine and compassionate qualities of the king.
Dr. Christina Lee in Kampong Chhang, Cambodia, 2023. Dr. Lee went to Cambodia on behalf of her church, the Long Beach Cambodian American United Methodist Church. She treated patients and is an example of how she wants to help all Cambodians.
Cambodian American United Methodist Church members walking in the 2022 Cambodia Town Parade and Culture Festival. Left to right: Chinda Chheng, Matthew Glenn, Yanna Hay, Dr. Lee’s daughter, Mariella Nget, Salen Mam, Susan Hun, Dr. Lee, and Dr. Lee’s husband, Christopher Nget. The color and message of t-shirts are reminiscent of the t-shirts given out by missionaries in the refugee camps in Thailand. They are recognized by all who passed through the camps.
In addition to being a medical doctor, Christina Lee also has a degree in Divinity and is the Pastor at the Long Beach Cambodian American United Methodist Church. This photo was taken during Christmas, 1021. Dr. Lee also plays the piano to the right, which she learned to play by ear. She is wearing green to symbolize life.
