The Hourngs in Cambodia!

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 ...

Reflecting on Psalm 1:3 for World Teachers' Day 😍 As a pastor's wife in Cambodia and university lecturer teaching Communication Skills to Cambodian youth, I often find myself reflecting on the dual roles God has called me to. Both of these roles—pastor’s wife and teacher—are about nurturing, guiding, and sowing seeds that can grow into something beautiful. With World Teachers' Day approaching, I’ve been thinking about Psalm 1:3, which says, "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." This verse speaks to me as both a wife and a teacher, and I believe it holds a beautiful truth for all of us in the teaching profession. Psalm 1:3 gives us a picture of a strong, healthy tree, deeply rooted by streams of water. It bears fruit at the right time and never withers. In the same way, as teachers, we are called to be like that tree—nurturing our students with wisdom and knowledg...

My cup runneth over! Mother’s Day at PPC our local church yesterday was a heartfelt celebration. Standing beside young mothers and even young fathers representing their wives who couldn’t join, I felt a deep sense of community. There’s something special about being prayed for, feeling the warmth of blessings spoken over us. As the congregation prayed for us mothers—asking God to heal, guide, and bless—I couldn’t help but get emotional. I’ve been a mom for 12 years now. And I remember, when I first became one, I felt unqualified. Doubts filled my heart. Could I be a good, godly mom? Would I be enough for my child? Would I fail him? I used to focus on the missing parts, the “what ifs,” and the fears. But over time, I realized that being a mom is not about having it all together. It’s about having a heart willing to obey and trust God, even in the chaos. Our church recognized not only biological mothers but also spiritual mothers—women who nurture others in faith, like Sister Hyangsuk...

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Even though Cambodia does not officially celebrate Thanksgiving, Black Friday, or Christmas, it is still a joyful season. I find it beautiful that even in a country shaped deeply by Buddhist culture, people are very welcoming of celebrations that speak of joy, giving, and togetherness. Malls decorate their spaces. Restaurants offer special meals. Even food delivery apps join in. It is mainly for business and economic purposes, but still, it creates a sense of warmth. Meanwhile, universities and local schools across the country continue with normal schedules. No holiday or break. This includes the university where I teach, which is why I continue teaching while friends and family in other countries enjoy long weekends and feasts. Still, we give thanks. God does not need a national holiday for us to remember His goodness. Gratitude is not tied to a calendar. It is tied to the heart. Looking Forward to Christmas at PPC While the country keeps moving as us...

As a family, we’ve been serving the Lord here in Cambodia for over a decade. Looking back, it’s only by His grace that we are still doing what He has called us to do. We have simply depended on God’s quiet provision through our jobs and side hustles. We are grateful to our friends who would sometimes surprise us with their gifts. And we value and honor God for we know that's also one of the ways He would meet our needs. 👉  Our "Love Project" 🥰💕🙏🍪🍰🎂🧁   Psalm 127:2 says, “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep.” This verse is like a warm blanket to us, especially when the worries of tomorrow try to steal our rest. We don’t live stress-free lives. There are bills to pay, mouths to feed, and ministry responsibilities that don’t pause. But we have learned something valuable over the years: when God is our provider, we can rest. Not because everything is perfect, but because everythin...

Whether you’re a homemaker, a working mom, a young woman preparing for marriage, or someone just curious about faith, this is for you. As a pastor’s wife in Cambodia, I’ve walked through seasons of joy and storms alike. I've seen the beauty and the burdens of managing a household.  I've burned bread in the oven while hanging the laundry and rearing a sick child with tears falling quietly because life felt too heavy ( David was 3 years old at that time while dad was away for ministry work in the province) . Maybe you have, too. Through the years, by God's grace, I'm thankful for having a husband who's not only the head of our family in terms of leading our family spiritually but has even become beyond that role. He's always been supportive and present in every situation that I needed him. To be honest, our household might be different from other Khmer households or Asian families as a whole.  But through all of this, one Scripture passage has remained close to my...

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 There is something about the quiet moments of life that God often uses to speak the loudest. L iving out our calling in Cambodia , being gently reminded that mission work is not about us. It is about Him. It is about showing up daily, even in the ordinary, and choosing to serve. A Season of Movement and Opportunity In Cambodia, this time of the year feels very different from what many of us grew up with. While other parts of the world prepare for Passion Week , Cambodia prepares for Khmer New Year. It is one of the biggest holidays in the country. Families travel back to their provinces. The city slowly empties. Phnom Penh becomes quiet. Almost like a pause. Get Free Passion Week Devotionals 👈here! Khmer New Year & the Passion Week 👍💗 Khmer New Year with Family 👪 Shops close. Streets are less crowded. Many people leave to reunite with loved ones. It is ...