Cherteal

Welcome សូម​ស្វាគមន៍

ឈើទាល I Cherteal

“Life is like the Cher Teal tree, one can only flourish if one knows one’s roots.” – Sothy

Hi, I’m Sothy!

សួស្តី! As the first generation Khmer Krom living abroad, it can be mighty confusing to figure out who you are or why you are here. This site was created for two reasons. Firstly, to help you explore your culture, identity and ultimately help you find your place in the world just like what I am doing right now. Secondly, to help advocate for the voices of the Khmer Krom people, who like the cherteal tree, stands unrecognized as the Indigenous Peoples of the Mekong Delta and its surrounding region.

Whatever reason brings you here, know that you will learn, find inspiration, belonging and be unstoppable in helping to make our world a better place.

Start Here
Why Cherteal
Connect
● Latest Posts

  • Warmest Welcome to May

    Barely a blink of an eye and May has arrived. I am not sure about you but I am glad April is over! It’s been a crazy month, working during the day and preparing for the UNPFII early in the mornings, late evenings and weekends!  Reminds me of times before the pandemic happened and yet Read more

  • An interview & two speeches

    On Friday, I got an opportunity to be interviewed by Voice of Kampuchea-Krom, a non profit radio created to promote the voices of the Khmer Krom people in the Khmer language.  It is the only radio program of its kind that was created by and for the Khmer-Krom people. Most of its broadcasters are volunteers Read more

  • Peace, Justice and the work of Khmer-Krom at the United Nations

    This morning, I woke up to rain, sounding like a drum beating on the roof of our house. As it cleared and sunlight started to brighten the day, I could hear the sounds of birds chirping.  Singing in anticipation of today. Like we are, in our excitement to attend the United Nations Permanent Forum on Read more

  • Finding time for the important things in life

    It’s been a week, how are you doing? The busyness of life in April has caught me by surprise.  It is when we are most busy that we must take extra care of ourselves. One of the most common questions that I get from friends is how do I do it all? Between community work, Read more

  • April & the blessings of the Khmer New Year

    As we turn the corner into the month of April, Cambodians around the world are preparing to celebrate the Khmer New Year, chol chnam Khmer, which falls on April 14th through 16th. A three day event and a national holiday in Cambodia, the new year celebration marks the end of the harvest session, allowing farmers Read more

  • Winter chills and warm hearts

    Just when we thought we were in Spring, a cold front moves into Florida and we are once again feeling the chills of winter.  Whether it is the weather or our emotions, we are in a constant state of change. What happens though if the change overwhelms you? Do you try to ignore it? Or Read more

  • Tips on overcoming the challenges of Intermittent Fasting

    Overwhelming success? Nope! Works? Yes so far. Should you try it? Yes. I wanted to write this post to share some of the challenges I have faced since I embarked on this journey in February [see original post here].  Finding the right time to fast. When determining the best time window for your fast, consider Read more

  • Life’s little blessings

    It is in the fresh air we breathe into our lungs. It is in the kisses and warm cuddles of my little ones as they awaken from their sleep. It is in the smell of my freshly brewed cup of coffee, rich and strong. It is in the misty rain that falls from the clouds, Read more

  • A new day and a blank canvas

    When was the last time you watched the sun rise? Rising slowly above the horizon from the east, the sun brings our world out of darkness with its rays of light and energy. What is it about the sunrise that brings us hope, peace and a sense of new beginnings?  I don’t always get to Read more

  • Life is like the changing leaves

    As I gaze out at the blue skies and the trees, I am struck by the sense of peace and tranquility that nature provides, like the warmth and embrace of a loving mother towards her child. Life is like a leaf. Under the right conditions, such as water, soil and warmth, the bud of a Read more

  • Winning the first battle and Keeping it Consistent

    In January, I did a post on Fitness goals and wrote about the importance of starting right and being prepared the day or the night before.  Today, I wanted to touch on the subject of getting started. The mental battle is often one of the most difficult battles to overcome when it comes to starting Read more

  • Change is coming like the season of Spring

    It is beautiful here in Florida, warm and humid. A hint of breeze rustles the leaves and gently sways the flowers, as if asking it to dance.  It has one year since the pandemic hit our shores. One year of uncertainty, of fear and isolation. Who would have thought that a virus like COVID 19, Read more