The Hourngs in Cambodia!

Celebrating Khmer New Year with Family We spent Khmer New Year in Kampong Cham with Vandy’s family. It’s always a special time—lots of laughter, food, and catching up with relatives. David had a blast playing with his cousins, especially during the water fights right outside their house (which, by the way, is in the perfect spot—right by the Koh Penh bridge!). Vandy’s parents run small shops—his mom has a little store where neighbors stop by, and his dad has the only vulcanizing shop on their street. It’s amazing how these simple places become gathering spots for people. David even practiced his Khmer with customers and new friends! We also invited Vandy’s sisters and their families over for a spaghetti feast. Food has a way of bringing people together, and it’s one of the easiest ways we can show God’s love in small, tangible ways. Reflecting During Passion Week This month, we also took time to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. I followed a prayer journal for Passion Week,...

👉 Get your FREE  Passion Week Devotional   Passion Week is the most important time of the year for us as Christians—a time to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and celebrate His resurrection. It’s the heart of our faith! While in the Philippines (and many Christian nations), that week is a big holiday filled with prayer and reflection, here in Cambodia—a Buddhist country—it’s just an ordinary week. But as a local church, we intentionally set aside this time to focus on Jesus. Even though life goes on as usual (work, school, Khmer New Year travels), we can still make this week special by slowing down, opening our hearts to God, and remembering what Jesus did for us. This year, Passion Week falls during  Khmer New Year (April 13-20) —a time when most Cambodians travel to visit family. Our family will also be in  Kampong Cham , Vandy’s hometown. But even in the middle of celebrations, we want to keep our hearts fixed on Jesus. For me, Passion Week has always been ...

👉 Get your  FREE Devotional ( 7-day prayer journal for the Passion week ) As the new week unfolds, our family eagerly anticipates two significant celebrations: Khmer New Year and the Passion Week . It’s a rare moment when these two events align, and this year, we are especially mindful of how we can embrace both. As followers of Christ, we hold the death and resurrection of Jesus at the center of our faith. Yet, as a family living in Cambodia, we also seek to honor and connect with our loved ones who celebrate Khmer New Year, a time deeply embedded in their cultural and religious traditions. This year, as we travel to my husband's hometown in Kampong Cham province, our hearts are drawn to Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” These words serve as a guiding light for us, especially as we step into an environment where Buddhist traditions run deep. How do we celebr...