Hosting at home

Ms. Allyn was my former boss (World Hope Org), speaking life to me as a future bride to Vandy in 2009. She gifted us with a rice cooker, which, up to now, is being used for the church monthly potluck! Cool, right?

I’ve always believed that hospitality is more than opening the doors of our homes, it’s opening the doors of our hearts. Here in Phnom Penh, where life buzzes with the noise of traffic and the rhythm of daily routines, God gives us moments that remind us of His quiet glory through friendships, food, stories, and smiles.

Just like Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands,” our little acts of love and fellowship can also speak loudly of His presence and goodness. And sometimes, it happens over shared meals, in homes where stories are retold, prayers whispered, and hearts encouraged.

A Full Circle of Kindness

More than ten years ago, I was a young single missionary based in Kratie province. Whenever I would travel to Phnom Penh for meetings, holidays, or ministry retreats, I never had to worry about where to stay. Friends and fellow missionaries opened their homes to me with such warmth and generosity.

Those nights of shared laughter, meals, and honest conversations were a huge blessing. They saved me money, yes, but more than that, they filled me with comfort and encouragement during those early, sometimes lonely days in the field.

With Ms. Allyn joining our common friends Khmer Wedding 2011

Now, years later, I find myself on the other end, married to a Khmer pastor, living in the city, and welcoming guests into our own home. It’s a beautiful full circle. What I once received, I now have the joy of giving. 

A Joyful Reunion

Just two weeks ago, our home was filled with that same warmth I remembered from years past. We hosted my former boss and dear friend, Allyn, along with her teenage daughter, Brianna. Allyn had been a missionary in Cambodia for nearly twenty years. She’s fluent in Khmer and has always had a heart for the people. I still remember how she helped me settle into life in Kratie, looking for a place to rent, helping me buy basic home items, and being the sister I needed.

Sweet reunion indeed! we miss you kuya Regie! 😅💙💛

It’s been seven years since her family returned to the Philippines. Having her back, even for a short visit, felt like a sweet gift from the Lord.

Meals, Memories, and Meaning

My sister-in-law Kunthy helped cook Allyn’s favorite Khmer dish, somlor korko, a hearty mix of vegetables and pork simmered in traditional kreung spices. For Brianna, we made creamy carbonara spaghetti something familiar and comforting. We were also blessed to have sweet mangoes from Kampong Cham and the rich aroma of Kampot durian filling our kitchen. The table was set, not just with food, but with memories.

Late Night Talks and Honest Hearts

Allyn and I talked late into the night and morning about motherhood, marriage, and the unexpected turns of life. Since moving back to the Philippines, her family has been through some tough stretches especially during pandemic similar to us. Still, she spoke with such grace, leaning on God’s strength, not her own. Her story was a reminder that even seasoned missionaries can find themselves in seasons of testing. And yet, God's glory still shines through.

I’ve always loved listening to Allyn’s stories. There’s something about the way she shares, full of grace, wisdom, and gentle humor that draws you in. My love for plants actually began because of her. Back when she lived in Cambodia, her apartment was like a mini garden overflowing with life, filled with ornamental plants, vegetables, and even fruit-bearing trees like papaya and calamansi! It was both beautiful and inspiring. She showed me that even in a small space, you could grow something meaningful and nourishing.

When I got married and moved to the city, we even had the chance to become neighbors for a season. That was a special time. Her family Kuya Regie, Allyn, and Brianna, became such a blessing to us. They helped us when we were starting a small house church in our borey (community). We were just a few families gathering for worship, and they were with us from the beginning, helping with decorations, organizing, and even leading Sunday school for the little ones in the village. Their hands and hearts were always ready to serve, and we will never forget how their support made those early days so much more joyful and meaningful.

Kuya Regie and Ms. Allyn were the original families who started and helped us with our house church in The Way to Life Church in Chupmeas, Phnom Penh 2016.

A Memory on the Rooftop

One memory that stood out was during a church baptism we had years ago in Kep beach. After a beautiful Easter Sunday morning worship, we stayed in a small guesthouse rooftop to rest. As we chatted, a waitress who had served us earlier came by, curious about our group. She had seen us singing worship songs and listening to Pastor Vandy’s message.

Young Men's Baptism in Kep, Cambodia

Allyn didn’t hesitate. She spoke to her in Khmer and shared the gospel right there on that rooftop. It was a simple conversation, but deeply meaningful. The waitress listened, her heart touched by the kindness and joy she saw. She didn’t make a decision to follow Christ that day, but she accepted our prayer and took a Khmer Bible with her—one I "borrowed" from our room, my husband’s copy!

That moment still stirs me. I silently prayed, “Lord, give me a heart like hers—brave, open, and willing to speak of You anywhere.”

Sweet Lady Brianna

I truly appreciated Brianna, their teenage daughter. She struck me as someone with the heart of a good teacher, patient, gentle, and kind. I noticed it when she took the time to show David a few simple keys on the piano. Her calm and encouraging presence seemed to awaken a new curiosity in him. Since then, he’s been more interested in exploring the piano, and I’m grateful for that little spark she helped ignite.

Brianna is a smart young lady, quiet and a bit shy, yet calm, thoughtful, and very appreciative. At one point, she told me that my cheerful energy felt contagious. I smiled, hugged her, and said, “Aww… I’d love to share that energy with you too!” I might’ve even joked, “Maybe you can give me some of your timidness/calmness so I can tone myself down a bit!” I meant it in a lighthearted and affirming way, but later, while driving back home, I started wondering if my words might have come across the wrong way. Oh no! I truly hope and pray that I didn’t hurt her feelings or crush her sweet spirit. My heart meant only to bless and encourage her 😔🙏

A Heart of Hospitality Is a Heart That Reflects Heaven

Our home may be simple, but it holds many stories like these. From the repurposed furniture from Allyn’s old apartment to the plants on our front space (inspired by her green thumb!), this house bears the fingerprints of many faithful people who have come before us.

Hospitality isn’t just about cooking well or having the perfect home. It’s about creating a space where God’s love is felt, where burdens are lifted, and where heaven touches earth even if just for a weekend.

Five Reflections from Psalm 19:1

Psalm 19:1 reminds us that creation itself declares God’s glory. And in our daily lives, we too can be like the skies proclaiming His beauty, His truth, and His goodness. Here are five simple reflections inspired by this truth:

1. Let Your Home Reflect God’s Welcome

Just like the skies are always open, let your home be open, too. You don’t need fancy décor or expensive meals. A clean space, a kind smile, and a listening ear are more than enough.

Example: Hosting our missionary friends and pastors from the provinces reminded them that they were remembered, valued, and loved.

2. Speak of God Naturally, Like the Sky Speaks Without Words

Creation declares God’s glory without even speaking. We, too, can show His love through our actions. But when the opportunity comes to speak, don’t hold back. Share. Testify. Bless.

Example: Allyn shared the gospel with the waitress in a rooftop moment. It wasn’t planned. It was simply her heart overflowing with God’s truth.

3. Notice God’s Glory in the Simple Things

Whether it’s a ripe mango, our children's laughter, or a heartfelt conversation over a cup of coffee, these are glimpses of heaven. Notice them. Thank God for them.

Example: The sweet piano interaction of Brianna and David, the aroma of somlor korko, and the sound of our fellowship reminded me that God is near in all things.

4. Pass It On The Kindness You Received

Hospitality is often learned. When someone blesses you, don’t let the story end there. Bless someone else. Pay it forward. God’s love is meant to overflow.

Example: I was once the guest, now I’m the host. And I pray that one day, those we host will do the same for others.

5. Make Space for Stories That Glorify God

When we welcome others into our homes, we’re also inviting their stories. These stories of challenges, victories, and faithful waiting are part of God’s glory. Don’t rush through them. Listen well.

Example: Listening to Allyn’s updates on their life in the Philippines reminded me that everyone is carrying something, and sometimes, a cup of coffee and a quiet heart can make all the difference.

A Heartfelt Prayer

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the skies that speak of Your beauty and majesty. Thank You for the sun that rises faithfully, the stars that twinkle each night, and the breeze that reminds us You are near. Help us, Lord, to be like the heavens—to declare Your glory through the way we live, the way we love, and the way we welcome others into our lives.
Give us hearts that are generous, homes that are open, and lips that are ready to speak of Your goodness. Let our tables be filled with joy, not just food. Let our couches hold laughter, not just comfort. Let our homes be a glimpse of Your kingdom here on earth.
We pray for our missionary friends, especially Allyn and her family. Provide for them. Strengthen them. And continue to use them to shine Your light in every season of their lives.
Thank You for the beauty of friendships, for the power of shared stories, and for the gift of hospitality. May we never grow tired of opening our doors, and our hearts, for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Psalm 19:1 is not just a verse about the sky it’s a gentle reminder that God is speaking all around us. Through friendships, shared meals, old furniture, stories from the field, and reunions filled with love, His glory is made known.

So whether you’re in a small apartment or a large house, whether you host weekly or rarely, know this: you have the power to reflect God’s beauty to the world.

Let’s keep our hearts open. Let’s keep our homes warm. And let’s keep proclaiming the glory of God—one meal, one moment, one story at a time.

Love you All!

Tess 💓😍🙏