MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Fall 2025

Thu Tam (T.T.) Hoang, Cambodia

A sunlit afternoon on the shores of Sihanoukville, where waves and laughter mingle with the rhythm of daily life. Young vendors like Sa and Ka balance school and work—and even fruit on their heads.

Written in Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Mission Sunday, October 19, 2025

At the water’s edge, the mission feels renewed—hope rising and receding like the tide, inviting faith to begin again.

Today is Mission Sunday, and after a long period of rain, we are finally blessed with a beautiful, sun-drenched day. I decided to skip the morning Mass since I usually attend the evening Mass due to my responsibilities with the liturgy during that Mass. Instead, I took this rare opportunity to visit a local beach, as I haven’t had the chance to explore it since beginning my mission in this beach town. I sought out the nearest coffee shop near the beach, eager to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Now, I find myself at Brown Coffee, a beloved chain here in Cambodia, savoring a steaming cup of Americano while a gentle breeze dances around me. As I sit back, I admire the stunning backdrop of crashing waves along the seashore, with local vendors, families, and tourists alike enjoying the bliss of this sunny Sunday.

In the midst of this scene, a young boy approached me, balancing a tray full of colorful cut-up fruits. He looked about 10 or 11 but insisted he was actually 13. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with him using my limited Khmer and learned that his name is Sa.

When I asked how much the fruits cost, he replied that a tray was 10,000 riels, which is approximately $2.50 USD. As I considered my options, Sa, with a bright gleam in his eye, offered me a deal: two trays for 15,000 riels.

Curious about his math skills, I suggested he sell me one tray for 7,000 riels. After a moment’s thought, he nodded, proving my theory that children selling in the streets develop quick calculation skills from a very young age.

As we chatted, I learned more about him—Sa is the oldest of five siblings and currently in 7th grade. I asked if he enjoys school, and his face lit up with a nod.

I purchased two trays of fruit and a small bag of peanuts from him, and I watched a beaming smile spread across his face as he walked away.

Shortly after, I was approached by a couple of older kids, who were also fruit vendors. One boy caught my eye as he offered a tray of my favorite fruit.  I inquired about the price and learned his name was Ka.

He looked about 11 but was actually 15 years old and the eighth child in a family of 12! Despite his age, he was only in 6th grade. When I asked if he liked school and if he did well, he grinned and simply replied, “No,” his honesty reflecting an understanding that felt both heart-wrenching and profound.

I bought a tray of fruit from him as well, and his laughter echoed in the air as he walked away, filled with newfound joy.

As I reflected on my encounters with Sa and Ka, my heart swelled with compassion. These children attend school six days a week and make sacrifices on Sundays to help their families make ends meet by selling fruits on the streets.

On this Mission Sunday, I began to question whether I am on the right path and if my mission of helping the parish community in this beach town is truly making a difference. How many more children like Sa and Ka are out there? I’m sure there are many, each with their own story, but many share a common narrative of poverty that robs them of their childhood innocence.

I recognize that my perspective is shaped by my own experiences as someone who has had the privilege of opportunities—someone who does not know the weight of such struggles. In that moment, I understood that while I may have the resources to wish for a better life for them, real change comes not from pity, but from empathy and action.

The sun hung high in the sky, radiating warmth, while the gentle wind carried the soothing rhythm of crashing waves against the pristine white sand. Life is a beautiful tapestry, enriched by the simplest of moments—a smile from Sa, laughter from Ka—reminding us all that even the smallest acts of kindness can illuminate the darkest circumstances.

And so, I carry forward with renewed determination, inspired by the resilient spirits of these children, to seek out opportunities to help, empower, and uplift those like them.

As I reflect on this journey and my desire to make a difference, I am reminded of the words from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Perhaps, in doing so, I can ensure that their stories become not just tales of survival, but of hope, growth, and brighter tomorrows.

Please support my mission with a donation through the link below.

I also invite you to walk with me as a “COMPANION IN MISSION.” Companions in Mission are friends and generous donors who give financial gifts on a regular (usually monthly) basis. For more information, visit Become a Companion in Mission. Thank you so much for your generosity!