The Hourngs in Cambodia!

Renewing David’s Passport A few months ago, our son David renewed his Philippine passport at the embassy here in Cambodia. God's willing, we hope to be able to travel to the Philippines next year, and as with any journey abroad, having an up-to-date passport is crucial. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to enter our home country or enjoy the privileges of being citizens. This experience got me thinking about our greater citizenship—the one that transcends borders, countries, and governments. As Christians, our true citizenship is in heaven. While we live here on earth, navigating physical boundaries and laws, we must never forget that our eternal home is with God. Our passport to that eternal home isn’t a piece of paper, but faith in Jesus Christ. It’s a spiritual reality that shapes how we live, serve, and love. Click here 👉 Identity in Christ Spiritual vs. Physical Citizenship: How Are They Different? As physical citizens, we adhere to the laws of our country, enjoy its be...

King David wrote this psalm during one of the most challenging times in his life. He fled from King Saul, who wanted to kill him, and found himself among enemies. It would have been easy for David to give up hope or to question God's plan, but instead, he chose to worship and praise God. David had every reason to be afraid, yet he turned his fear into worship and trust. Despite the danger and uncertainty, David declared God’s goodness and faithfulness. As we look at David’s example, we are invited to reflect on how God has been faithful to us, even here in Cambodia. Like David, we all face trials—whether illness, financial struggles, relational tensions, or moments of deep uncertainty—but through it all, God remains present, faithful, and trustworthy. As a pastor’s wife in Cambodia, I often reflect on God's faithfulness and how He walks with us through every season of life. One verse that has encouraged me time and time again is Psalm 34:8: “Taste and see that the Lord is goo...

One dish that holds a special place in my heart and my family's kitchen is the traditional Khmer Sour Chicken Soup, or S’gnao Chruok Sach Mouan. It's not just a meal; it's a staple of Cambodian life—something my husband grew up with in his home in Kampong Cham, and a dish my son, David, adores so much that he’s learned to cook it by himself. In fact, his cooking video of S’gnao Chruok Sach Mouan was even featured for a school project during the online learning days 👏😅  This soup is cooked in almost every Cambodian household at least once a week. It’s simple, comforting, and deeply rooted in Cambodian heritage, especially for families living by the Mekong River, where fresh ingredients are readily available. Today, I’d love to share not only how to make this soup but also the heart behind it, connecting it to faith and family. A Simple and Delicious Recipe: Khmer Sour Chicken Soup in 4 Easy Steps Cooking Khmer Sour Chicken Soup is straightforward, using ingredients that ca...

  This week, I've been following the incredible news of Elon Musk's latest successful space landing (Starship Rocket Booster) . As a pastor's wife, I can't help but see the intersection of this groundbreaking achievement with our Christian faith. Elon Musk has often spoken of his admiration for Jesus and the wisdom found in the Bible. His relentless pursuit of innovation and his vision for human exploration of space echo themes that resonate deeply with our Christian worldview. One verse that comes to mind is Psalm 8:3-4, which says, "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you visit him?" This verse reminds us of the vastness and wonder of the universe and the incredible fact that God cares for us, His creation. Elon Musk's work, in a way, is a testament to the human spirit's desire to explore and understand the world aroun...

Recently, I had the privilege of being one of the juries for a highly competitive scholarship program for the university where I teach communications. This program is designed to identify and reward the brightest students all over Cambodia with full scholarships at our university who would be majoring in architecture, fashion, business, and IT. The process was rigorous, candidates faced three challenging rounds: written exams, interviews, and public speaking sessions before a panel of jurors. Only the best of the best qualified for the  coveted 100% scholarships.   These students represented Cambodia’s future leaders, visionaries, and innovators. As I listened to their speeches and assessed their performances, I couldn’t help but think about the concept of "qualification." These students worked hard to prove their worth and ability to earn their scholarships. But as I reflected, I was reminded of how, in God's kingdom, the concept of qualification looks entirely different...

Adobo is one of those meals that brings so much warmth to the heart. You don’t just cook it; you feel it. Imagine my surprise when my husband, who never really cooked Filipino dishes, not only learned to make adobo but perfected it in a way that even our son, David, now prefers his version over mine! As a pastor’s wife in Cambodia, life is filled with interesting moments—one of them being when my Khmer husband decided to master cooking * adobo * , a classic Filipino dish I grew up loving.  Why ADOBO become the Star of Our Discipleship and church Potlucks? Vandy's version of adobo has become so well-loved that it’s always requested for our church’s potlucks a few times. People at the dorms look forward to it, and it’s become one of the highlights of our food fellowships. It’s such a simple dish, yet every bite brings a sense of comfort and community.  Today, I want to share my husband’s easy-to-follow recipe, a few fun facts about adobo, and a reflection on how something as o...