MRS. NAKAHARA MADOKA (MRS. SOK KHEOUN)
BORN IN 1971 IN BATTAMBANG, LIVES IN KANAGAWA

When running from Cambodia to a refugee camp, Sok Kheoun’s family divided a silver ingot for each to carry. Some were with her father, some with her mother and some with her brother, hiding it in rice. The silver ingot was her family heritage from Takeo province. Her parents were certain that they could exchange the silver with other goods and food when necessary. While travelling through forest to a refugee camp, Sok Kheoun, as a child, was very exhausted and tired. Her mother tried to trick small children to continue walking.

Her mother told the children that: “If you keep walking, I will get you baguette and sugar.” Hearing this, the children continued walking. When they reached Kok Thyung camp, her mother exchanged some of the silver ingot for a baguette.

Her mother gave the piece of silver ingot to her for safekeeping before she returned to Cambodia in 1997.