Farm To Table Dinner
Saturday, November 9th
For Mooywapaw, mentorship has been nothing short of life-changing. Under Zar Ree’s guidance, she has mastered the intricacies of irrigation, improved her soil, and learned to cultivate crops for high-tunnel growing. But beyond farming techniques, it’s the steadfast support and wisdom that has made the deepest impact. Mooywapaw deeply values Zar Ree’s unwavering guidance, sharing:
"Zar Ree taught me what grows well for wholesale. When I visited her farm, I learned to install irrigation systems and understand how drip tape works. Anytime I needed help, she was there—answering my questions and guiding me. She has supported me every step of the way, from selecting the best produce to understanding what quality is best for selling."
— Mooywapaw
Zar Ree, too reflects on the growth she has witnessed in Mooywapaw:
"Mooywapaw has transformed her farming practices, from nurturing her soil to selecting crops that thrive. Watching her confidence grow has been a privilege."
— Zar Ree
This isn’t just about farming—it’s about building a legacy. Through mentorship, experienced farmers like Zar Ree pass down invaluable knowledge, ensuring the success of a new generation of growers. These relationships aren’t just teaching skills—they’re changing lives, creating leaders, and strengthening communities.
"I’m impressed that my mom can do anything men can do. She can till the soil, fix irrigation, and always wants to learn how to fix and do new things."
—Daughter Dah Wah
Farmer Tri Sa’s journey began in Burma, where she worked as a farmer, and continued through many years raising her daughters in a Thai refugee camp. Seeking a better future, she resettled her family in the U.S., bringing not only her identity as a refugee but also her rich heritage and skills.
Today, Tri Sa is much more than a refugee. She is a mother, grandmother, auntie, educator, and an incredible cook. After settling in North Carolina, she became the first farmer to start a business with TTCF in 2009. Her journey exemplifies resilience, a love for community, and a deep commitment to preserving her cultural and farming traditions.
Her legacy extends beyond the crops she grows. She has passed down powerful lessons to her three daughters—lessons in resilience, respect for their heritage, and the importance of hard work. From sunup to sundown, she demonstrated how to cultivate not just the land but also strength, perseverance, and self-reliance. She instilled in her daughters the belief that being a woman should never limit their ambitions: anything is possible.
Now, her legacy lives on through her daughter Mookho Paw, who runs a thriving cut-flower business and is gradually integrating vegetables into her plans.
My name is Hsar Ree Ree Wei, and I am the Executive Director of Transplanting Traditions Community Farm (TTCF). But this is not just my story—it is the story of every person we work with at TTCF, and every family we empower.
I was born in a refugee camp, a place of uncertainty, where my parents, survivors of ethnic genocide, sought safety after fleeing their home country. For eight long years, we lived in that camp, facing hardship but also holding onto resilience and the hope of a brighter future. When we resettled in the United States, I was enrolled in school and quickly discovered my love of reading, my curiosity about the world, and my desire to build a life of purpose. I immersed myself in my community and strived to understand how I could use my voice and actions for change.
In 2009, my parents began farming with TTCF, and they soon established their own farm business. I remember seeing them come home, their hands dirt-streaked and their spirits renewed. I knew then that farming was more than just a way to grow food; it was a way to reclaim dignity, preserve culture, and build community. My sister and I, inspired by our community's strength, co-founded the Youth Leadership Program with former TTCF staff to create spaces where refugee youth could come together to reconnect with their heritage and develop our leadership skills. We dreamed of a place where we could learn, grow, and celebrate who we are without reservation.
The lessons I learned at TTCF empowered me in ways I could never have anticipated. They guided me through my academic journey, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Community and Justice Studies, with a minor in Forced Migration and Resettlement Studies, from Guilford College. The knowledge and skills I acquired at TTCF became the foundation for my commitment to community service and advocacy. After graduation, I returned to TTCF, driven to carry on the legacy of my elders and ancestors in this new land. I work to ensure that refugees and immigrants can access land, education, and fulfilling work, building a future where we all thrive.