We must be like a bird

Naton Vang was only eight years old when he started walking alone in the tropical forest of Laos. When it thunderstormed and the raindrops collected on his white collared shirt, the only thing that kept his clothes dry was a shriveled plastic bag held high above his head. His feet would get wet because the only pair of shoes he owned were flip-flops. Only two hours by foot and he would soon reach school where he hoped to learn something new and see his friends.

Now Naton is 38. Naton left his family and home country in 2005 to pursue an exciting new chapter of life in the United States. Naton told me this lesson about his decision to leave his home:

“We must be like a bird. A bird is born into the same nest as its brothers and sisters, but it will go on its own one day. You must not stay in the same spot. Being comfortable limits your knowledge and success, if there is an opportunity take a chance. Fly away, so that you can help yourself and more people.”

Naton is the second in his immediate family to come to the U.S., while his older sister arrived soon after the Secret War in the 1970s. In 2005, Naton married his wife Pa Nou and now has two sons and one daughter. Today his mother, sister, and five brothers are still residing in Laos.

Before Naton arrived in the U.S., he came with the belief that it was prosperous and had plentiful opportunities. If you ask what Naton’s thoughts are today he will tell you “To be completely sure, am I seeing everything? I am not sure.” Naton would love to return to school to obtain higher education, but he says he is “too old” for that now.

Now, Naton plans to uplift his family’s dreams by going back to his roots in farming. Naton started farming at the age of five. Farming was a way of life for his family. Actually, farming during this time also symbolized family pride and determination for success. He spent most of his childhood living at the farm with his parents and siblings.

Naton loves farming today because it brings him joy and fulfillment that he is contributing to society by providing fresh vegetables. He also thinks it’s important for his children to know where food comes from.  Naton has been a proud member of Hmong American Farmers Association since 2014. Through positive outcomes and support from HAFA, he strongly believes farming can be a way of life for Hmong American woman and men as well.

Naton would like to share these words of wisdom with you: “Don’t be afraid of creating a new plan if something is not working. The future is up to you. You are your own manager.”