Originally from Lashio, Myanmar, Wai Hinn Oo and wife, Nang Shwe Thein were forced out of their home country in the early 2000’s, they said. The couple sought refuge in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where they stayed for six years.
Upon discovering that they were pregnant with their first daughter, Christina, Wai Hinn Oo and Nang Shwe Thein reached out to the U.N. Refugee Agency, who put them into contact with World Relief Fox Valley, according to the Oshkosh Northwestern.
After arriving in Appleton, Wisconsin, the family settled in an apartment in Oshkosh.
Five years have passed, and they have established themselves within their new community.
They have purchased a home, given birth to a second daughter, Victoria, and frequent Menominee Park.
Victoria and Christina play at Menominee Park.
Victoria enjoys dinner while sitting on Wai Hinn’s lap.
Victoria rides on her mother’s back while she cooks.
Christina rides her bike in the family’s driveway.
Wai Hinn is currently attending Fox Valley Technical College while working for Bemis Company Inc. The family spends their free time visiting water parks in Wisconsin Dells, camping and making day trips to Chicago, similar to any typical Wisconsin family. Here they pose in front of their home.