The Hourngs in Cambodia!

Last night, during our prayer before bed, our little family of three ended up laughing more than we expected. We were supposed to pray and sleep early. But as we sat together, stories started flowing. Stories about our childhood. Stories about hardship. Stories about scars. David laughed the hardest. He could not believe how different our lives were when we were his age. He and his cousin Pich live in a generation filled with technology, comfort, and convenience. We grew up in a very different world. We told him how we never said we were bored. There was always something to do. If we did not have toys, we made our own games. We created fun out of nothing. We climbed trees. We ran barefoot. We worked. My husband shared how, as the only boy among three sisters, he had responsibilities early in life. His job was to fill five large clay jars with water for cooking and washing. He fetched water from the Mekong River in front of their house. Every day. At eight years old, he learned how to...

How did you prepare for Christmas this month? For us, Christmas did not begin with shopping lists or gift wrapping. It began with tired bodies, grateful hearts, and a simple joy that only God can give. Last week, we celebrated our Christmas worship at PPC. It was joyful, busy, tiring, and so worth it. We welcomed new faces, and once again, we were reminded why we serve. Not for programs or events, but for people. For souls. For the message of salvation that God wants everyone to hear. Vandy shared a heartfelt sermon on Luke 2:9-10, message of Jesus birth (purposeful reason), trusting God even in the midst of uncertainty we can have Joy, Hope, Love, & Peace.  We laughed. We were exhausted. We rejoiced. And most of all, we praised God for the chance to share His purpose of hope. I will share photos soon. I promise. Life has been full and busy, and I still do not have them ready. But even without photos, the moments are already deeply written in my heart.  Phnom Penh Church g...

I have a confession to make. I am not always on time. Yes, I said it. My husband, Vandy, would probably smile while reading this because he has spent years gently (and sometimes not so gently) reminding me about the importance of punctuality. One of the wonderful traits I admire and sometimes find challenging about him is his deep respect for time. He values it so much that we have had our share of small arguments over it. He has this principle: “It is better to wait than let people wait for you.” At first, I thought that was just his personality, but over the years I’ve realized it’s more than that. For him, being on time is about showing respect, valuing people, and honoring them by being fully present when you say you will. The Gift of Being On Time When you are on time, you are silently telling someone, “You matter to me. Your time matters to me. I came prepared to meet you, and I honor your presence.” Being punctual also says something about your character. And whether we like it...

Thank God It's Friday (TGIF!).  Before traveling to Kampong Cham for Pchum Benh holiday tomorrow, I want to share my devotion for today. It's about Matthew 5:13-16, what it means to be salt and light, and how we can live this out practically in our homes, workplaces, and communities. I am trying to reflect and answer the three questions I will share in my discipleship session tonight based on CCF Sunday’s message discussion questions 👉 4Ws: Be an Influencer for Christ As a pastor’s wife here in Cambodia, I often think about what it means to live out my faith in a way that impacts those around me. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13-16—about being the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world"—challenge us to ask ourselves how our lives reflect Christ, especially to our family, friends, and neighbors who don’t yet know Him. In a country like Cambodia, where Buddhist beliefs deeply influence the culture, how can we as Christians make a difference? 1. What Do...

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...

Cambodia will have a long holiday next week. It's a BIG and an important holiday for Khmers called Pchum Benh. Schools and establishments would even be closed for a week! In fact, the capital city Phnom Penh will be turned into a ghost town since almost all the citizens will be traveling back to their hometowns to spend the holidays with their respective families. Our David could not contain his excitement about our road trip to Kampong Cham this coming Saturday. Pchum Ben, one of Cambodia’s most significant holidays, is deeply rooted in its people's culture, traditions, and beliefs . As a family of three serving in this beautiful country, it's always a blessing to be allowed to witness how Cambodians honor this sacred time. My husband and I look forward to these kinds of holidays, not only to visit our families but also to use this time to reflect on how the love of Christ shines on them as well. Allow me to share and introduce to you the meaning of Pchum Ben, a celebratio...