The Hourngs in Cambodia!

At PPC church during Offertory with David: I can't believe my son is teaching me how to have a heart that gives freely! As a family serving in Cambodia, we have always held on to one simple belief. God has blessed us so that we can be a 👉  blessing to others . Not only to those who already know Him, but especially to those who have yet to know Christ. We say this often. We pray about it. We try to live it out in small, daily ways. And this week, we saw it come alive through our son David in such a beautiful and unexpected way. There are moments in parenting that quietly stay in your heart. Not because they are grand or extraordinary, but because they reveal something deeper. Something eternal. Something that reminds you that God is truly at work in your home. This week was one of those moments for me. A Simple Beginning When David was younger, giving was something we taught him in a very simple way. Every Sunday, when the offering pouch was passed around, I would quietly give him ...

I do not know the dynamics of your family when somebody gets sick. Every home has its own way of responding to weakness, pain, or illness. Here in Cambodia, especially in our home, we seldom go to doctors. This may sound unusual to some, but it is something we have practiced for years with care and prayer. We believe deeply that prevention is better than cure. We only resort to medicine if all our home remedies do not work or if symptoms persist and worsen. This practice is not rooted in fear of medicine but in gratitude for what God has already provided through nature, wisdom, and simple daily discipline. Living in Cambodia has taught us to slow down, observe our bodies, and listen carefully when something feels off. We are surrounded by fresh produce, herbs, roots, and fruits that are easily accessible, affordable, and life giving. We praise God for that provision. My husband Vandy used to work as a translator for medical teams during medical missions across Cambodia when he was stil...

This week has been one of those weeks where everything seems to happen all at once. Our house has been full of movement, noise, laughter, tired bodies, and full hearts. It is busy in a good way, and yet busy enough to make me pause and reflect. We are thankful. Truly thankful. The two schools we have been praying for, AIS and Pannasastra, finally responded. They did not just respond politely. They placed orders for brownies . And then the orders doubled. What started as a small prayer suddenly became nonstop baking. Our kitchen turned into a workspace every night. After coming home from the university and sitting down for dinner, we no longer rested. We worked. All of us. David had already started measuring ingredients even before I arrived. He memorized the measurements. He is so good at it. Except for cracking eggs. He still dislikes that part, and I understand. Autism shows itself in small but real ways. So I step in there. After mixing everything together, Dad takes over. He tran...

Tonight is countdown night. Classes are still going on as usual today, but the campus feels different. Many of our students have already gone home. Some rushed to bus stations early this morning. Others quietly said their goodbyes yesterday, eager to be with their families before the year ends. The hallways feel lighter, quieter, almost like they are holding their breath. This year, Cambodia will not welcome the new year with fireworks . Even though a ceasefire has been agreed on just days ago regarding the border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, the government has chosen to remain cautious. There will be no large celebrations, no fireworks along the river. Safety comes first. Wisdom comes first. And maybe also compassion. Because how can we truly celebrate when so many are not home yet? Almost half a million people remain displaced near the borders. Families are still uncertain. Parents are still worried. Children are still adjusting to temporary shelters and unfamiliar places....

How did you prepare for Christmas this month? For us, Christmas did not begin with shopping lists or gift wrapping. It began with tired bodies, grateful hearts, and a simple joy that only God can give. Last week, we celebrated our Christmas worship at PPC. It was joyful, busy, tiring, and so worth it. We welcomed new faces, and once again, we were reminded why we serve. Not for programs or events, but for people. For souls. For the message of salvation that God wants everyone to hear. Vandy shared a heartfelt sermon on Luke 2:9-10, message of Jesus birth (purposeful reason), trusting God even in the midst of uncertainty we can have Joy, Hope, Love, & Peace.  We laughed. We were exhausted. We rejoiced. And most of all, we praised God for the chance to share His purpose of hope. I will share photos soon. I promise. Life has been full and busy, and I still do not have them ready. But even without photos, the moments are already deeply written in my heart.  Phnom Penh Church g...