The Hourngs in Cambodia!

👉 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 ...

For many Khmer families, Pchum Benh is the most important religious and cultural event of the year. It is a time of remembrance, of obligations, and of traditions passed down from one generation to another. For us as Christians, it is also a time to live out our faith in a way that honors family while holding firmly to the hope we have in Christ. The ride from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham takes a few hours. Along the way, the scenery changes from the busy chaos of the city to the slower pace of the countryside. We pass rice fields stretching endlessly on both sides of the road, dotted with farmers wearing wide-brimmed hats and "krama" Khmer scarf. The smell of grilled meat and sticky rice from roadside stalls drifts into the car. David, always curious, points out the cows grazing lazily and the small children running barefoot along the dusty paths. In these moments, I silently pray. “Lord, prepare our hearts. Help us to shine Your light as we visit Vandy’s family. Help us n...

It is Pchum Benh week in Cambodia!  By the time you are reading this, we may already be in Kampong Cham, visiting Vandy’s side of the family. Every year, this becomes a familiar journey for us. More than just a holiday, it is a deeply cultural and spiritual season for Khmer people.  For us as Christians, it is also an opportunity to reflect on God’s grace, to reconnect with relatives, and to quietly live out our faith in a way that shows love and respect while also pointing to the hope we have in Christ.  Read Previous Posts here: Why Do Cambodians Celebrate Pchum Ben?  👈 What does it Mean to Live Out my Faith?  👈 This year, as I prepared my heart for these visits, Colossians 3:1 kept coming to mind: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” This verse feels so timely during Pchum Benh . While many people are looking back to the past, thinking about their ancestors and th...

👉 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...

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...

At home, we love our own version of freshwater clams - cook with love by sister Kunthy As summer gently fades, so does the season of freshwater clams along Cambodia's majestic Mekong River. These humble clams, abundant and affordable, are more than just a popular snack; they are a cherished part of Cambodian life, enjoyed by young and old alike, often seasoned with a medley of spices that awaken the senses. Growing up in the Philippines, I recall similar clams being prepared, especially for new mothers. It was believed that combining these clams with malunggay leaves could boost milk production. When I gave birth to our son, David, my mother lovingly prepared this soup daily ( tinolang halaan widely called), hoping to help me nourish him. Despite her efforts, my milk supply remained modest. Yet, the memory of her care and the warm, comforting soup remains etched in my heart. Vandy's Riverbank Memories My husband, Vandy, shares fond memories of his childhood in Kampong Cham,...