The Hourngs in Cambodia!

Father and son: Forgiveness & Reconciliation during the worship service @ PPC last Sunday Over the weekend, David showed rudeness while waiting for dinner. He would always like to drink pumpkin juice and munch on pumpkin chips (both homemade by Kunthy sister-in-law) whenever he comes home from playing outside. He seemed unpleased when he realized they were all gone, and Aunt Kunthy only made the chili-flavored ones. He wasn't happy about it and complained with pouting lips. Dad overheard it and talked to him about this not-so-good behavior. He reminded our son to be grateful and thankful instead of grumbling about it. We suggested he wait for dinner, but he still keeps on complaining that he is tired and hungry from playing. He actually has some leftover rice from lunch (it has been a practice at home not to waste any food, so any leftovers could be reheated and eaten for snacks/mealtime). He also didn't like it. He went on bargaining with Dad. Our son has slight autism, an...

Our verse today in Psalm 42:11 reminds me of our compassionate God. He deals with and meets us even when we are downcast, upset, and angry.  When David was growing up, there were many times I would explode out of my anger due to frustrations. I thank God that He has met me when I needed Him the most.  By God’s grace, I’m still growing in the area of self-control. God is still in the process of building my character in the fruit of the Spirit . There are many times I would be caught off guard at the way I respond unlovingly toward my husband and son. Vandy would always remind me to consider people around us since my sister-in-law and her teenage son are now living with us. They are definitely seeing our lives daily. It's a challenge to respond with grace, practicing and putting into action the faith that is in us. How to reflect the goodness of God more practically? That even my son would emulate and copy. I praise God because, though we could still sin, He is faithful and...

There are moments in our family life when I pause and marvel at how God continues to work in the little and ordinary things. Parenting, especially in a cross-cultural home here in Cambodia, has taught us lessons far beyond what any book could offer. It’s not always easy, but every challenge we face points us back to God’s faithfulness. One of those areas where God has been showing His amazing grace lately is through our son, David.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV) When Struggles Become Seeds of Growth David has been struggling with his Khmer lessons this year. As parents, this was one of our main concerns for quite some time. His school (Asian Hope International School) is accredited by the Ministry of Education here in Cambodia, which means he has to meet the same requirements as every local student, including passing the Khmer exam to be promoted to high scho...

Twelve years ago, God gifted us with a beautiful baby boy David. Last Saturday (June 7th), he’s officially 12.  Almost a teenager. It feels surreal. I still remember cradling him in my arms, marveling at the miracle we had waited and prayed for. His sweet smile, chubby cheeks, and joyful eyes gave us warmth even during our most uncertain days. He was and still is our ray of sunshine. Coming home from work each day to his big hugs and excited squeals has always been the highlight of our day. Whether I had a long day at the university or Vandy, my husband, had just returned from a week in the provinces doing mission work, seeing David run toward us always made everything worthwhile. But something in me shifted this year. He’s growing up. Yes, he still needs us, but differently. He now prepares his own school uniforms, picks out the color of sets he wants to wear, and tells us his food preferences. He has opinions. He voices them. He has feelings and thoughts he wants to express. And ...

🙏🎂👦😂 We never really throw big parties on birthdays (except when our son turned 1yr old). It’s been always us celebrating intimately hehe 😉 I'm glad our son appreciates simple celebrations. However, actually today would be extra special - we have a surprise for him this evening. We visited MV Doulos floating book fair 😉 as I mentioned on yesterday's post. We are glad Pich and Vouch were able to join him as well.  It's a rainy Friday. Doulos staff is very accommodating to provide us with umbrellas to go back and forth to the ship. David was able to get some books to read. After that, Dad brought us to have some soup, so David could get his one last surprise hehe.. ice cream oreo cake from DQ!  We thank God for David's life; we love how he thinks of others before himself. Sharing with you some of the little things that we appreciate about our son: gives drinking water to the preacher and translator on Sundays without fail  Refills drinking water in the fridge  Al...

Learning from a Sunday Meltdown Parenting is a journey of faith, patience, and continuous learning. As a mother of an 11-year-old son on the autism spectrum, I have realized that discipline is not just about setting rules but about understanding, guiding, and most importantly, reflecting Christ’s love. This became very clear to me last Sunday when I caused my son David’s meltdown at church while my husband was preaching. It was a difficult moment, one that reminded me how much I still need to grow in grace and self-control. As I reflect on what happened, I am reminded of biblical truths that guide me in raising and disciplining my son in Cambodia. These truths have helped me navigate the challenges of motherhood while keeping faith and love at the center of our home.  5 Biblical Truths on Discipline and Parenting Discipline Must Be Rooted in Love “The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” – Proverbs 3:12 Discipline is not punishment but a way to ...

King David wrote this psalm during one of the most challenging times in his life. He fled from King Saul, who wanted to kill him, and found himself among enemies. It would have been easy for David to give up hope or to question God's plan, but instead, he chose to worship and praise God. David had every reason to be afraid, yet he turned his fear into worship and trust. Despite the danger and uncertainty, David declared God’s goodness and faithfulness. As we look at David’s example, we are invited to reflect on how God has been faithful to us, even here in Cambodia. Like David, we all face trials—whether illness, financial struggles, relational tensions, or moments of deep uncertainty—but through it all, God remains present, faithful, and trustworthy. As a pastor’s wife in Cambodia, I often reflect on God's faithfulness and how He walks with us through every season of life. One verse that has encouraged me time and time again is Psalm 34:8: “Taste and see that the Lord is goo...