My name is Maung Mya and I am 57 years old. I was born in Kaw Pu. I grew up was in a village and the place was called (Ser Tur Ta Wha). The house I used to live built out of woods and bamboo trees. I am the only child. Both of my parents were farmers and they used to sell the vegetables they grew in their garden. They started working early in the morning till the evening. When I was young I helped my parents with the rice fields and gardens. Since then I worked in farming and gardening, I did not have any money to give to my parents.

I started to cook when I was 10 years old and my parents were the ones who taught me. We would go buy foods in the city and we would walk there. I did go to school, but I did not get to finish and the school was in the jungle.

I started dating when I was 20 years and above. We did not do much and we just worked together in farming. My parents did teach me about relationship. I met my wife in (Oh Ta Muy city, we were running away from Burmese soldiers. ) My first time I saw her it was my decision to be with her. I got married in 1975. During my marriage the happiest time in my life was being with my wife and kids. I have 4 children and the important things I taught them were by telling them stories what I have been through. I did celebrated holidays and Karen New Year. My parents religion were Buddhism. The reason we came to a new country was because we did not have much and also to support the families. We came to America because our leaders provide a way for us to come here. The first time I got to America there were not any problems that I had, because I was happy and healthy.