The Hourngs in Cambodia!

Last Friday, something unexpected happened in Cambodia—a slight tremor shook Phnom Penh , sending people into panic. For a country known for its safe topography, free from natural disasters like earthquakes, this was a shocking and frightening experience.   As a lecturer, my first concern was my students. I saw the fear in their eyes as the building trembled. Some of them felt the movement, while others were just reacting to the commotion around them. Our classroom was on the 9th floor of a commercial building, and when the operations team instructed us to evacuate, I immediately guided my students to the stairs—no elevators, just calm but swift movement.   Coming from the Philippines, where earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions are common, I’ve been trained to expect emergencies. Even now, I keep flashlights and whistles in our bags, a habit ingrained in me since childhood. But for many Cambodians, this was a first—a sudden reminder that life is fragile, and...

Faith and Joy in the Mission Field There’s something uniquely beautiful about stepping into the unknown, trusting God’s promises, and watching Him work in ways we could never imagine. As a pastor’s wife, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside my husband, Vandy, in ministry—from the remote mission fields of Kratie province to the bustling city of Phnom Penh. Through it all, one truth has remained constant:  God is faithful, and His promises never fail.  Today, I want to encourage you with a message in  Isaiah 58:11 : “The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” This verse has been our anchor in ministry, especially during seasons of uncertainty, limited resources, and overwhelming challenges. Whether you’re feeling called to missions, discipling young people, or simply sharing the gospel in your neighborhood, I want to r...

To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain: A Journey of Surrender If there’s one Bible verse that used to give me fear, it was Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” When I was younger in my faith, these words felt too radical, too heavy to truly embrace. My best friend Glenies and I even made a promise to each other—we would never marry pastors. We thought pastors' wives had to be super holy, prim, and proper, and we were far from that. The idea of living sacrificially for ministry seemed overwhelming. We couldn’t imagine surrendering our lives in such a way. It felt too much, too difficult. Yet, God had a different plan for me, and little did I know, He would take me on a journey of surrender, reshaping my fears into faith and my reluctance into purpose. A Journal Entry Read by the Wrong (or Right) Person I have loved journaling since my college years. Writing down my prayers, dreams, and reflections helped me process my faith journey. I even wrote a list o...

A Safe Haven:  The BAC II Khmer National Exam is a significant milestone for every 12th grader in Cambodia. It is the gateway to higher education, determining whether a student can pursue a university degree. For many, passing this exam is just the beginning of an even greater challenge—finding the means to study in the city. The Challenges of Higher Education in Cambodia Higher education opportunities in Cambodia’s provinces are limited, pushing many students to migrate to Phnom Penh, the capital, where better universities and job prospects await. However, life in the city is tough, especially for students from rural areas. The cost of tuition, housing, food, and transportation can be overwhelming, even with scholarships. More than financial struggles, there are dangers as well. Many young students, especially girls, are vulnerable to human trafficking , prostitution, and other crimes. Because of these risks, many parents are hesitant to send their children to Phnom Penh. However...

The Light of Jesus in Cambodia Last month, I had the privilege of joining our university students on a study trip to Kampong Chhnang. It was a full-day trip designed for them to conduct integrated fieldwork for their midterm projects. Though I had previously excused myself from such trips due to my MBA classes , this time, I was eager to observe their project work, particularly in my module on Communication Skills. The students were divided into groups to observe and document cultural and social practices in the countryside. Many of our students come from well-off families, known as Neak Mean in Khmer. Their backgrounds afford them a comfortable life, and some even admitted that this trip was their first real exposure to rural communities. They had never visited primary schools in the countryside, interacted with village children, or witnessed the realities of life outside the city. To make the experience more meaningful, our students participated in a small charity event, distributin...

Honoring Mama 💕😍 Tomorrow, our mama Tessie (lola Tess) will turn 69! As I reflect on her life and all that she has done for our family, I am reminded of the words in Proverbs 31—a passage that so perfectly describes her character, resilience, and faithfulness. Growing up, my relationship with Mama had its fair share of ups and downs. As her firstborn, I was the "trial and error" recipient of her parenting 😅😂. We didn’t always see eye to eye, especially when it came to discipline. But looking back now, I can’t help but be grateful for the values she instilled in us—especially her unwavering faith in God. Mama and Papa had me when they were just finishing college. Life was hard, and our family moved frequently because of Papa’s work. Despite the challenges, they decided that Mama would stay home to raise us while Papa worked to support the family. It was the norm back then, but I now see how much strength, wisdom, and sacrifice it took for her to dedicate her life to our fa...