Have you ever had moments when things come together for you? Like you were in the right place at the right time? Here is a story of how faith and friends gave me a gift that was the perfect fit. 

It was a chilly evening when I landed in Philly in June to participate in the 11th World Convention of Khmers Kampuchea-Krom Federation (KKF), an organization advocating for the voices of indigenous Khmer-Krom people living in the Mekong Delta.

I wasn’t sure if I had the time to join the meeting but felt the need to do what was right and important to me;  show up for the organization, and reconnect with those I haven’t seen for over 4 years. 

The Packing Before The Trip

I felt unprepared and exhausted but was determined to make it happen. Unwilling to pay the extra $35 for carry-on baggage,  I bought a small personal bag with wheels and tried to cram three days of clothes into it. 

As I picked up and gently folded my purple-colored traditional Khmer clothing, I felt a sense of regret come over me. I wanted to get a Khmer clothing set made in Cambodia for this event but time flew and it didn’t happen. If only I was more organized, I berated myself. All I had was this one set that fits but wasn’t great and it wasn’t new.

With a sigh, I packed it anyway because it was better than having nothing. It was a Khmer event after all and we wanted to show our Khmer-Krom pride. 

The Dress

As I unfold the two-piece Khmer dress and prepared to iron out the wrinkles for the event on Saturday, Meang Nit looked at me and asked,  “Is that the only dress you have?”

“Yes the only one that fits me,” I replied. 

As I gently ironed my dress, Meang Nit disappeared into her room and moments later returned with a Khmer clothing set. 

“I have this set made in Cambodia several years ago, would you try it on?” she asked.

The two-piece dress was a mustard yellow with brown diamond-like geometric mortifs patterns woven into the silk. 

Not a color I would go normally go for, I thought to myself.

Seeing my hesitation, she added, “It’s new, just try it.”

“You should try it Sothy,” Nary, a friend I was sharing the room with also urged.

What are the chances of this dress fitting me? Probably highly unlikely but Meang Nit could adjust it. So what have I got to lose?

“Sure!” 

They both helped me get into the dress and as they zipped up the back, Nary threw her hands up in the air.

“It fits!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide in astonishment. I could see Meang Nit’s face brighten into surprise and happiness.

As I glazed into the mirror, I was shocked. I didn’t know what to say. 

It fitted perfectly and the color was just right for my skin tone. The silk was soft and flexible. 

What were the chances of finding a tailored-made dress that would fit me in this time of need? None, zero not so ever. And how wrong was I?

“It is my gift to you, for your dedication and sacrifice for our community,” added Meang Nit. 

A sense of wonder and gratefulness filled me at that moment. It was fate and I am truly blessed.

It has and continues to be an honor to work alongside Meang Nit. She was the first Khmer-Krom woman to be part of the KKF BOD leadership and here I was with her, following in her footsteps. 

Final Words

There will be moments in life when you wonder where you fit in it. Sometimes you go through life wondering where you should or could be but if the dress has taught me anything, it is that with a little faith and some good friends around you, things will happen for you when you least expect it.