The Hourngs in Cambodia!

Kampot has always been one of our family's favorite places to visit. Just a few hours from Phnom Penh, it offers a peaceful escape from the busyness of the city. The stunning Durian hill landscapes, the cool breeze from the river, the stunning fireflies on a ferry ride, and the breathtaking sunset always make us pause and reflect on the beauty of God’s creation. There is something about nature that brings us closer to Him, reminding us to rest in His presence and trust in His unfailing love. Our Kampot getaway won't be complete without visiting the Durian Farm and it's so happened the Kamchay Dam is located. The massive boulders surrounding the river and the force of the water released from the dam remind me of the verse in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV) Just like the unpredictable flow of water near the dam, life is filled with...

Known as the "King of fruits," durian is definitely living on its core as the finest fruit in Southeast Asia, and of course durian fruit is also especially valued in Cambodia. For a willing traveler seeking an unusual experience, this fruit is worth trying due to its distinctive qualities and overwhelming aroma.  I believe that the sole guilty pleasure we enjoy as a family is eating durian during its peak season from April to May once a year. We also solely purchase durian from local growers in the provinces of Kampot or Kampong Cham. We love sharing/eating this fruit to our congregation and Vandy has even used the fruit as a prize and an illustration in one of his sermons from the previous summer.  Pastors here in Cambodia share similar delight on eating durian fruit. In fact, one of them even planted these trees at his back yard years ago and now has started to harvest the fruit of his labor. We are one of the blessed recipients of pastor Sopheak's 1st durian harvest 👉...

Phnom Penh City at night (view from the Ferry ride) My missionary calling started some decades back in my country (the Philippines). I would be trekking and ministering around to the tribal community with my mission classmates at (ACM) Asian Center for Missions .  These mission travels have given me much clarity about God's calling for me to become a missionary.  I vividly remembered; my last tribal mission was in Davao - the Matigsalug tribe. It was an extra wonderful experience that even sealed my faith journey. God has impressed me that His name will be exalted among the nations! (and I should look for ways to serve and be a part of it!). We trekked for the whole day to the mountains and streams to reach a local community. It was exhausting but truly worth it trek! I was glad I was able to write this post in 2007 👉  Missions to Matigsalug Tribe .  Months after that tribal trip, I began my mission journey here in Cambodia. As a single missionary, I joyfully took t...

A few Sundays ago, our church gathered for something we had never done before. We officially sent off our missionary friends, Pastor Mark and sister Hyangsuk , to a new mission field in Kampot province. It was their new calling, and yet it felt like our calling too. They asked the church to pray for them, so we did. We laid our hands on them, prayed together, and cried together. It was simple, quiet, and deeply moving. Our dorm men and women stood there watching, some with tears, some holding hands, all feeling the weight and beauty of the moment. Commissioning Sunday for Pastor Mark & Sis HyangSuk This was our first time holding a commissioning service. There was no stage, no big program, no long speeches. Just people who loved God and loved one another, standing in faith. In that moment, I felt the truth of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:21 settle deep in my heart. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Pastor Mark and sister Hyangsuk were not walking toward comfort o...

This month has been a whirlwind of milestones, both in ministry and in family. But through it all, God remains our Anchor. Psalm 56:3–4 has once again become a favorite reminder for our family: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" We memorized this as a family during the pandemic. Back then, it was a lifeline. Today, it’s still our anchor. Like David, who feared for his life when hunted by King Saul, we’re reminded that fear must drive us to prayer  not panic. Our prayers are not anchored in feelings but in the unchanging character of God , made known through His Word. So in storms,whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, we don’t drift. We cling to the Rock that is higher than we are. God is our Lighthouse. Our Fortress. Our Guide. When Satan tempts us to doubt the love of God, we fight back with truth. As Pastor Peter Tan Chi once said, “Satan’s ploy is to make us dou...

Ms. Allyn was my former boss (World Hope Org), speaking life to me as a future bride to Vandy in 2009 . She gifted us with a rice cooker, which, up to now, is being used for the church monthly potluck! Cool, right? I’ve always believed that hospitality is more than opening the doors of our homes, it’s opening the doors of our hearts. Here in Phnom Penh, where life buzzes with the noise of traffic and the rhythm of daily routines, God gives us moments that remind us of His quiet glory through friendships, food, stories, and smiles. Just like Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands,” our little acts of love and fellowship can also speak loudly of His presence and goodness. And sometimes, it happens over shared meals, in homes where stories are retold, prayers whispered, and hearts encouraged. A Full Circle of Kindness More than ten years ago, I was a young single missionary based in Kratie province . Whenever I would travel to ...

You guessed it right, Cambodia has it's own New Year celebration (aside from World's New year January 1st and Chines New Year). Choul Chnam Thmey, or Khmer New Year, is the most significant and beloved celebration in Cambodia. This colorful celebration, which takes place over three days in the middle of April every year, heralds the conclusion of the harvest season and the start of a fresh year full of promise and rebirth. Sharing with you our visit to a countryside - Kampot, where we went to Durian farm, enjoy the fresh breeze by the river and soaked in a shallow rapid near the Dam. It was just us trio. The heat didn't bother travellers to still enjoy the holidays. We usually go to Vandy's hometown during the holidays but since we have already spent time with them earlier, we decided to have another trip since it's just near the city. It's God's favor that we are able to experience these sceneries. God is indeed amazing! 

Cambodia is entering that short season my students lovingly call winter. After weeks of rain and flooding, the air feels lighter and the wind is cooler. My students come to class wearing sweaters and jackets, even when the temperature still feels warm to me, a Filipina used to storms and typhoons back home. But here, the breeze is enough to make everyone smile and say that winter has arrived in Phnom Penh.  Just a meme AI photo of winter in Kampot As we close the month of November, I want to share a simple reflection from our family and ministry here at PPC church and the dormitory, and some highlights from what God has been doing in our lives. This month has been full. It has been tiring at moments, but also overflowing with reasons to give thanks. And as the Christmas season draws near, my heart feels drawn again to quiet praise and simple prayers. God has been close to us. God has kept us. God has been faithful. So I hope these stories bless you. I hope the Scriptures today remi...