Alex, Pennsylvania

Thirty five years ago this week, the Phongphachones (actually Phengsomphone)  arrived in America. One of our first picture here. My parents and 4 siblings (the tall guy was a church volunteer and lady in the middle was a family friend). Our first place was a small one bedroom apartment at 12th and Lindley Avenue in Philadelphia. None of us spoke any English, and our family was given about $200 and a case of noodles to start our new life in this new world. Though many things have changed throughout the years, America will always continue to be the land of opportunity.

Alex, Pennsylvania