The Hourngs in Cambodia!

Still in Father's Day high celebration. I can't help but think about my own Papa as well. I am writing this blog post today in loving memory of my papa, Rolly.  He passed away when I was just 22 years old. To this day, I still miss him deeply. His absence is felt in the everyday moments, the family gatherings, the memories we wish we could still make. And while he is no longer with us here on earth, the legacy he left behind continues to live on in our lives and in the lives of those he served. Papa Rolly was a man of God. He had a deep passion for the lost and a heart for the gospel. He intentionally planted a church in my mother’s hometown in Isabela (the Philippines). By the grace of God, that church is still thriving today. Many of mama ’s relatives were saved, baptized, and are now active in the ministry. One of them, my niece Cielo, was even called into full-time ministry and is now the pastor of that same church. Papa saw my calling for missions early on. I know he would...

Yesterday was a special day for our church. We celebrated two meaningful events: Father’s Day and the 12th anniversary of Phnom Penh Church (PPC).  It was more than just a day of celebration; it was a reflection of God's faithfulness, both to our individual families and to our church family. As I sat quietly in the back of the room, watching our young fathers smile, our children giggle at the video, and our church community come together with grateful hearts, I was moved beyond words. "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him." — Psalm 103:13 (ESV) Sermon Shared by Pastor Vandy During worship, my husband Vandy encouraged the fathers in our church both young and old, to show God’s love to their families. He reminded them that love is not just expressed through big actions or special occasions but through the daily and often unnoticed things. The way we speak, the way we listen, the way we respond these are reflections...

  Vandy's English Preaching Exactly five years ago, before the world came to a sudden halt due to the pandemic, my husband, Vandy, was invited to speak at my home church (Fort Bonifacio Wesleyan Church) in the Philippines. It was his first time to preach fully in English, and I vividly remember how nervous and prayerful he was. He gently asked me to intercede for him throughout the message, knowing that this was more than just a sermon, it was a testimony, a mission reminder, and a challenge for all of us. Behind the pulpit, he shared not only a message but a calling rooted in 2 Corinthians 8:1–7 , where Paul highlights the extraordinary generosity of the Macedonian churches. Despite their severe trials and deep poverty, the Macedonians gave joyfully and beyond their ability to support fellow believers and the work of the gospel. They weren’t wealthy, but they were willing. Paul uses their example to challenge the Corinthian church and us to excel in the grace of giving as part of...

This week, Cambodia is preparing for one of its grandest celebrations—Khmer New Year, known as Songkran. Across the country, schools, businesses, and establishments are gearing up for this vibrant and deeply cultural event. Streets will be adorned with colorful decorations, traditional games will bring communities together, and families will gather to share in the joy of the new year. As a university lecturer, I always look forward to how our students take part in this celebration. Every year, our foundation students lead a program that showcases Khmer culture, village life, and traditional games. This year, it will be a full-day event, with classes canceled to make way for the festivities. Small businesses and vendors—many of them student-led—will fill the campus, offering snacks, street food, photo booths, merchandise, and more. Fashion students will even present their creations on the runway, with models coming from different departments. I have been invited to give a speech before ...

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...

Cambodia will have a long holiday next week. It's a BIG and an important holiday for Khmers called Pchum Benh. Schools and establishments would even be closed for a week! In fact, the capital city Phnom Penh will be turned into a ghost town since almost all the citizens will be traveling back to their hometowns to spend the holidays with their respective families. Our David could not contain his excitement about our road trip to Kampong Cham this coming Saturday. Pchum Ben, one of Cambodia’s most significant holidays, is deeply rooted in its people's culture, traditions, and beliefs . As a family of three serving in this beautiful country, it's always a blessing to be allowed to witness how Cambodians honor this sacred time. My husband and I look forward to these kinds of holidays, not only to visit our families but also to use this time to reflect on how the love of Christ shines on them as well. Allow me to share and introduce to you the meaning of Pchum Ben, a celebratio...