The Hourngs in Cambodia!

Twelve years ago, God gifted us with a beautiful baby boy David. Last Saturday (June 7th), he’s officially 12.  Almost a teenager. It feels surreal. I still remember cradling him in my arms, marveling at the miracle we had waited and prayed for. His sweet smile, chubby cheeks, and joyful eyes gave us warmth even during our most uncertain days. He was and still is our ray of sunshine. Coming home from work each day to his big hugs and excited squeals has always been the highlight of our day. Whether I had a long day at the university or Vandy, my husband, had just returned from a week in the provinces doing mission work, seeing David run toward us always made everything worthwhile. But something in me shifted this year. He’s growing up. Yes, he still needs us, but differently. He now prepares his own school uniforms, picks out the color of sets he wants to wear, and tells us his food preferences. He has opinions. He voices them. He has feelings and thoughts he wants to express. And ...

Last night, my son David broke down in tears. He confessed that he had chased down a classmate at school, demanding an apology for making fun of him. My heart ached as he shared how he’s been bullied—how his classmates single him out, call him "no fun," and mock him. David doesn’t fully understand yet that he has mild autism. His dad and I have been hesitant to tell him because, in the past, he’s reacted negatively to the word. But now, his peers are using it as a weapon against him. As a mom, it’s crushing to see your child hurt, especially when they’re trying so hard to fit in. We’ve talked to his teachers, but the pain lingers. And as Christians, we wrestle with this truth: People will let us down. Friends will hurt us. The world can be cruel. But one thing remains unshaken— Jesus loves him. And so do we. Bible Verses: "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." – 1 John 4:11 "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome ...

In today’s digital age, managing screen time and gadget use is one of the biggest challenges parents face. Raising David, our 11-year-old son who is on the autism spectrum, has taught us the importance of setting clear boundaries, modeling discipline, and integrating biblical principles into his daily routines. While technology has many benefits, we have been intentional about managing its impact on his development, emotions, and faith journey. Delayed Gratification: Teaching Contentment and Patience One of the key lessons we have taught David is delayed gratification. Many children today expect to have their own gadgets at a young age, but we have established early on that he will only get his own phone when he reaches 16 or 18. This is not just a rule—it’s a principle that teaches responsibility, self-control, and the value of earning something rather than receiving it instantly. In Hebrews 12:11, we are reminded: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on,...

Learning from a Sunday Meltdown Parenting is a journey of faith, patience, and continuous learning. As a mother of an 11-year-old son on the autism spectrum, I have realized that discipline is not just about setting rules but about understanding, guiding, and most importantly, reflecting Christ’s love. This became very clear to me last Sunday when I caused my son David’s meltdown at church while my husband was preaching. It was a difficult moment, one that reminded me how much I still need to grow in grace and self-control. As I reflect on what happened, I am reminded of biblical truths that guide me in raising and disciplining my son in Cambodia. These truths have helped me navigate the challenges of motherhood while keeping faith and love at the center of our home.  5 Biblical Truths on Discipline and Parenting Discipline Must Be Rooted in Love “The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” – Proverbs 3:12 Discipline is not punishment but a way to ...

Story time... (Part 1) Last Sunday was a tough day—one of those moments that humbles you as a parent. It started off well enough. On the way to church, I reminded David about our agreement: he would stay seated with me during worship and preaching. Now that he's 11, we wanted him to transition from bringing toys or books to stay quiet, to actively participating in the service. He seemed to understand, and I was hopeful. But as soon as we arrived at PPC, everything changed. The church dog was there, and I had completely forgotten about that! David loves animals, but we always remind him not to touch them because of his allergies. Yet, in that moment, nothing else mattered to him. He started chasing the dog around, weaving through the congregation, completely immersed in the thrill of the moment. I called his name several times, but he ignored me. Then, he started grabbing napkins and rolling them into balls to shoot into paper cups from the refreshment table. It was becoming chaotic...

Bless the Lord, O My Soul: Trusting God for Healing in the Midst of Asthma Attacks For the past few days, our family has been going through another challenging episode of dealing with our son David’s asthma attacks. When night falls, we brace ourselves for what’s to come—coughing fits, difficulty in breathing, and the struggle of watching him in discomfort. As much as we have been through this before, each episode still feels just as heartbreaking. A Battle with the Air We Breathe Recently, Phnom Penh made headlines for being one of the most polluted cities in the world. According to Camboja News , our city ranked second in global pollution levels. While the government has played down the health hazards, the reality is undeniable for families like ours who have children with respiratory conditions. The poor air quality has triggered another cycle of nebulizing sessions and restless nights for our son. It’s a painful sight—seeing him struggle to catch his breath, feeling his little body...