The Hourngs in Cambodia!

There are moments in our family life when I pause and marvel at how God continues to work in the little and ordinary things. Parenting, especially in a cross-cultural home here in Cambodia, has taught us lessons far beyond what any book could offer. It’s not always easy, but every challenge we face points us back to God’s faithfulness. One of those areas where God has been showing His amazing grace lately is through our son, David.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV) When Struggles Become Seeds of Growth David has been struggling with his Khmer lessons this year. As parents, this was one of our main concerns for quite some time. His school (Asian Hope International School) is accredited by the Ministry of Education here in Cambodia, which means he has to meet the same requirements as every local student, including passing the Khmer exam to be promoted to high scho...

This might sound like a strange question, especially in a culture where we often encourage ourselves and our children to “stay positive” and “look on the bright side.” But what about those moments when things don’t go as planned? When the effort has been poured in, the hopes were high, and yet the results are not what we imagined? In our household, we believe it is not only okay but also necessary to allow space for disappointment. I know this might sound unusual. For some, discouragement feels like weakness, something we should avoid or quickly cover up. But over the years, especially as young parents, we have learned that disappointments can become classrooms where faith grows, where character is shaped, and where God’s light shines brightest. Our son David recently experienced this in a very real way through something as simple as his chocolate crinkle cookie business . What began as a small home project turned into an unexpected life lesson, not only for him but for all of us as ...

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,...