HAWAI'I LIFEReal Estate Buyers From Cambodia Search For Hawaii Home as Part of Parents Legacy
I have met many great people in the world of real estate, but I must say that one couple sticks out in particular. Last year, an Oahu family, who happened to be a part of the first group of Cambodian citizens who migrated to Hawaii, referred me to mainland real estate investors Vandy and Viriya. I showed my two new friends properties on Oahu, and as I hosted their circle island tour, I learned that they were survivors of the border conflicts between Cambodia and Vietnam. Both garnered physical and emotional strength to face a brighter future, as they courageously serpentined through rivers of floating bodies. They were eventually rescued and escaped their beloved country.
Cambodia
Vandy’s unpleasant experiences in three refugee camps led to detailed stories of how he endured mental torture and suffering before he escaped Cambodia by foot. He walked delicately, step by step, to avoid land mines as he moved toward freedom. It’s no wonder Princess Diana made tireless efforts to eliminate land mines years after the conflict was over.
Each foot forward meant a new lease on life for my friend Vandy, as he faced death in the eye, one step at a time. He eventually crossed the border to Thailand and ended up being sponsored by a cousin through the Baptist Church, who rescued him. He finally made it to the promised land of America. Sounds like a movie? In fact, Vandy knew one of the doctors portrayed in the Kauai-filmed movie, The Killing Fields, set during the rule of the Khmer Rouge who was responsible for what is commonly known today as the Cambodian Holocaust or Cambodian Genocide.
In the real killing fields, refugee Vandy served as a translator for the Australian Red Cross and World for World Vision at Khao-I-Dang in Thailand. Now, here’s a man who came to America with nothing in his pocket, just the ragged clothes on his back. Today, he is a savvy, well-dressed investor who owns a lake house, a mini mansion, and a successful business on the mainland, not to mention a gorgeous Cambodian bride with whom he enjoys the fruits of his labor. Viriya never knew her father because he was killed in the Cambodian conflict.
Today
Vandy and Viriya plan on purchasing property in Hawaii for a charitable cause to assist their fellow Cambodians on the island. “This is a way he can honor his parents,” explained Viriya.
I can safely say that whatever Vandy touches turns into gold. This is a hint of his occupation. Here’s the interesting part, most people will hang memorials of their parents to mark their legacies. Some will start scholarship funds on behalf of their departed loved ones. Others write books to honor their heroic relatives. (Reminds me of an article I once wrote in 2003 about my late mother.)
Vandy is in the jewelry business and he has created something no one that I know of has done before. He keeps a part of his parents’ memories close to his heart, literally! It impressed me that his jewelry around his neck is made of teeth, one from each parent, creatively designed and mixed with gold. This talented jeweler certainly has a heart of gold!
I was amazed when he explained that his necklace, which he created himself, reminds him of his parents’ love and devotion every day. The neck memorial is exquisite and probably one of the most heartwarming pieces I have seen in a long time. The message behind the design goes beyond this world.
Having lost both parents, I sometimes wonder if I should be doing more to perpetuate the legacy of my mama and papa? If your parents are still around, enjoy every minute with them during their golden years because you too will miss them when they’re gone.
This story is proof positive that love extends beyond the grave. Vandy’s priceless jewelry, combined with his gratitude for the couple who gave him life, should remind us that death rarely fails to dim our parents’ boundless love for us. I can’t help but think if Vandy’s parents are smiling from ear to ear as they look over their precious jewel—their son!
Wow, I enjoyed reading this article because Vandy and Viriya have been my friends for over 20 years. When I lived in North Carolina Vandy always encouage me to move to Hawaii which was one of my goals. They are very good people and would give you the shirt off their backs if you needed it.For such a short article you captured the heart beat of their lives. They are truly overcomers!
Bernice, yes, Vandy and Viriya are certainly survivors. Hope to meet you someday soon. Maybe you can visit V & V when they have a place in Hawaii. LOL
Thanks for your nessage.
Aloha,
Sandra
I have known Vandy for over 30 years, even before he married my sister Viriya. He is very talented and kind hard working man. they have a very successful business and helped family, friends start the same business. Physically, financially, if you need them, they will be there to help you anyway they can. I am glad they choose to move to HAWII, it suits them perfectly, because they are kind of outdoor people who like plantation and tropical weather.I am so proud to have them in my family.
Sandra Sagisi Moser, RA Sandra@HawaiiLife.com
Bunrith,
Thank you for yoru comments regarding Vandy and Viriya. I am happy to say that they will soon be living in Hawaii and the Cambodian Community on Oahu will be so blessed having them here in Hawaii.
Have a great day!
It is so wonderful to know that someone has documented Vandy and Viriya’s life experiences! They are quiet, unassuming people and to first meet them one would never guess what they have overcome and what they have accomplished. They have two wonderful children also who are exceptionally kind and down to earth, with a focus on family, qualities that so many young people do not have these days. Vandy and Viriya have given a helping hand to more people than they can count—-they aren’t the type to keep count, they just enjoy helping. We are fortunate to be in their circle of friends.
Wade and Marti,
I too am blessed that I am in the circle of friends Vandy and Viriya. I hope to meet you in Hawaii when the Kims move to Paradies. Thank you for all your lovely comments and to share the fact that we have great friends.
Aloha!
I know vandy for over 30 years, even before he married my sister viriya. He is a truly hard working talented and kind man. I am saying good thing about him not because his my brother in law, the truth is he and his wife were helping the family and friends to start the jewelry business, physically, financially, you always can count on them if you need help. I glad they choose HAWAII, it suits them perfectly for outdoor kind of peoples and i am glad they are my family.
Burnith,
Yes, and the home I found for them is a real deal. It is out in the country and the beaches have emerald and saphire waters. The best fishing, which I am sure Vandy will love.
Aloha,
Sandra
This was a thoughtful article about my parents and a few of their many achievements in life. I thoroughly enjoyed this article and it reminded me of the difficulties of writing about their lives because I too have had the pleasure of starting a memoir about the impacts my parents have had on me while growing up.
Arlene,
You are blessed to have great parents. I hope you move to Hawaii soon so you can attend the University of Hawaii. You will love paradise.
Aloha!
Sandra
My previous comment was for both you and Arlene, Jovy.
Aloha,
Sandra, your parents’ relator in Hawaii
What an inspirational story!
Vandy Is a great man and a wonderful uncle. Im glad his story and the story of my family has been heard and brought to light in such a great way. During his time in the refugee camps he helped watch over me and my sister and the rest of our family and even today he still worries about the younger generation. No matter How old I get he is always one of the first to wish me Happy Birthday. He is a small man with a Big golden heart. I believe I can speak for the rest of my family when I say I am Proud to be related to Vandy and Viriya Kim. :)
Thank you for this
P.S. make sure there is an extra room in his oahu house for his favorite nephew Bunhan Khin
It’s nice to read a heart-warming article about the strength of an individual’s love of family. The value of loving parents is immeasurable. I heard once that once you lose a parent, you are never the same person again. This article helped me to remember that truth. Thanks for that.
This article and comments about my cousin Vandy and Viriya are so true. They suffered a lot under the Khmer Rouge. Because they are good people with big hearts, they survived the genocide. People like them are very hard to find. If Vandy and his family is moving to Hawaii we may have to move as well.
Thank you for being so generous. You guys are like our big brother and big sister to us.
That was a wonderful story thank you for spreading love and devotion that a child can forever hold with their parents, it was magnificiant . It really helps me to be greatful for my parents still here with me. I will continue to show them how much i love them while they are here.
Much Mahalo`s
what a touchy article, i really enjoyed it.
This article means a lot. Knowing that someone has documented some of the many accomplishments of my parents’ lives into the public eye, means the world. These two amazing individuals have done so much for so many others. I sincerely enjoyed reading this article. It reminds me that life truly is precious and I should cherish what time I still have with my family and the two wonderful individuals whom I am proud to call Mom and Dad.
What a very inspirational article! It is so good to read stories in the news that makes the heart happy! I can’t wait to hear how this couple does in Hawaii, I know this will not be the last of their endeavors:)
This article really shows how anything is possible and is very inspirational!
Thank you for writing this article. With all the negativity in the world it’s really nice to read such an inspirational story. I’m married to Vandy’s niece and since day one I have had nothing but respect for all of them. Vandy has treated me like I was his on son. A great story about a great family!
Hello All,
Such overwhelming response. Thank you all for your blog comments. I am happy to report that Vandy and Viriya has found a one acre lot in Hawaii. They are excited to move to Hawaii. I hope that someday you will visit them and have one big reunion in Hawaii. Again, thank you for your comments about our dear friends.
They are one of the most kind and outstanding couples I have ever met.
Aloha to all!
Hello Sandra ,
I have sent u email last year about ur good article . Congratulation for Vandy and his wonder wife that their dream come true in d future in Hawaii . My family and I will visiting them after yhey move in .
Sincerely yours ,
Vandy Nhek
What a great article. So nice to read such a touching story. The Kims are good people and deserve recognition for their efforts and hard work. This article was so good to read. It is good to read a positive and inspiring story.
Brenda Raker
Such an enlightening and insightful article! Not only has this story of Vandy and Viriya captivated my attention and amazement, but it has also helped me realize the importance of appreciation for both family and friends. Through this article and several other experiences, I have learned that the life of a loved one should be celebrated not only on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc…but every single day. We must celebrate, honor, appreciate, and remember the lives and accomplishments of our loved ones who are living and who have passed on. I hope that this article will inspire and motivate others as much as it has inspired and motivated me.
Wonderful work!
Hi Sandra – Thanks for putting together this excellent depiction of the Kim family, their trials, tribulations and successes. I will absolutely be visiting them in Hawaii!!
Wanda,
Who knows, when you visit the Kims in Hawaii, maybe you will want to buy the house next door. Let me know, I will be a wonderful realtor to your family.
Aloha,
Sandra
Great story.These guys are truly amazing people.We have been a part of the Kim family, and them a part of ours since Vandy’s brother Van moved beside of us in 1996.Life has not been the same since. Lots of memories and stories with our families getting closer everyday. Vandy, Van and myself are like brothers now, and after a trip with the two of them to Cambodia in 2006 it just keeps getting crazier.The Kim family story is unbelievable to say the least, and a true testament to what hard work and determination can get you in life.
Gene,
We look forward to having the Kims as our neighbors on Oahu. It will certainly be a real treat having them here enjoying, the Sun, Surf, Sea and Hawaii people. They are already Hawaiian-at-heart.
Thanks for your comments.
Aloha,
Sandra
Wonderful article about a great family. Considering all the negative press and stories we see these days, it’s refreshing to read a truly inspiring story like this. I’m thankful that I’ve gotten to know them and personally hear their story.
Zachary,
Vandy and Viriya must be so special to have so many friends comment on their story. Thanks for being a great friend to the Kims.
Aloha,
Sandra
A heartwarming and inspirational article! So great to read some good news, and wonderful things about such a great family who deserve nothing but the best.
Yes, a deserving tribute, Charonne, to some great people who have triumphed over tribulations.
Visit Hawaii very soon.
Aloha,
Sandra
Jovy Kim (see above April 27 comment) took my class in Writing Creative Nonfiction last fall at UNC Charlotte. He wrote an excellent essay about growing up as the son of Vandy and Viriya and gradually coming to terms with his Cambodian heritage and the heroic struggles his parents faced getting out of Cambodia and starting a new life in North Carolina. He continues to expand his essay.–Jim McGavran, Professor of English, UNC Charlotte
I have been to Cambodia 3 times, and most recently ridden a bicycle across the country through villages, visiting the Killing Fields, orphanages, and shelters for young girls. The genuine love and affection that Cambodians exude is heart warming and inspirational. They have endured and survived so much as a culture, and it made me miss that country so much to read this. Welcome to Vandy and Viriya, and I hope Hawaii is wonderful to you!!