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Lykeang's Journey in Cambodia, Phnom Penh (2026)

01/09/2026

I received an unexpected news today from my mom. I am heartbroken and confused. My mom and my step dad are getting divorced. They have two children - one in grade 6 and one in grade 9. My mom’s foot doesn’t work well. She’s been sick and now her marriage doesn’t work out. I called them and they were so sad. They cried over the phone.

I don’t understand everything. I don’t question God. I trust in his plans for my mom and my half siblings. I feel useless and I want to be there for my mom but I don’t even know where to start. 😢 pray for strengths and endurance during these difficult times in my family.

This is the second time that happened to me. Her first marriage didn’t work out. They had me. That was 16 years ago. Now her second marriage doesn’t work out.

Please pray for my mom, my two siblings, and me and we’re navigating through this difficult time.

15/08/2026

"How does he travel so much?" The question that I get most often.

Remember the visa situation I was telling you guys about? Thank you so much for praying for me through that whole process. It was such a hassle to get the visa that, once I finally had it, I felt like I had to make the most of it! 😂 I know some people have mentioned that I seem to travel a lot throughout the year and must have money to spare. There is a little truth to that, but also a lot of context behind it. I work at an international school, so our school calendar comes with quite a few breaks throughout the year, while we still receive our regular 12-month salary. We have about eight weeks off in the summer, two to three weeks in the winter, and several shorter breaks throughout the year. Because of that, traveling sometimes looks like a lot from the outside, but it is actually just the rhythm of my job.

For example, during Pchum Ben in October, I usually go back to Preah Vihear, which is my hometown. During Water Festival in November, I might go to Koh Rong or somewhere nearby. Those trips are very simple and affordable—I stay in hostels, eat local food, and travel with friends. During Christmas break, I usually go back to my host family near Philadelphia. They cared for me and mentored me so well when I was there, so being able to spend time with them is very meaningful to me. On top of that, because I am the head volleyball coach, I sometimes travel with my team for competitions, both within Cambodia and to nearby countries. Those trips usually happen around November and May, from Wednesday through Sunday. Between January and May, we really only have Khmer New Year as a major break, but I also have three personal days and unlimited sick days throughout the year. So yes, when you put everything together, it can look like I am constantly traveling! 😄

But honestly, I don't really take luxury vacations. Most of my trips are budget trips because I actually need that time to rest and reset. Working with students and parents almost every day can be emotionally and mentally draining, and I have learned that getting away for a few days helps me come back refreshed. I also really enjoy traveling with my church friends and volleyball friends. We find cheap places, stay in hostels, eat where the locals eat, and explore together. Cambodia and the surrounding countries are full of history, culture, beautiful beaches, and so many places worth seeing. I feel like traveling this way has helped me become more well-rounded and has given me perspectives and experiences I wouldn't have otherwise had. And honestly, I want to enjoy some of these things while I am young, healthy, and able to do them.

And just to answer the bigger question: yes, I do have money, but I try to be responsible with it. I use my own savings, I budget carefully, I tithe, and I help support my mom every month. If she needs extra help with medicine or something else, I try to be there for her too. I live pretty simply day to day. I try to spend around $10–$15 a day at most on myself and eat like a local. I also share a small three-bedroom apartment with my two cousins, so we split the rent and utilities together. My portion comes to about $210 a month for rent and utilities. I try to keep my regular expenses reasonable so that I can save, support my mom, tithe, and still have some room in my budget for occasional travel and other things God puts on my heart. So I don't think I'm being financially irresponsible or spending God's money carelessly. I do think about how I use what God has given me, and I try to be a good steward of it.

I just wanted to share this because I don't want you guys to think I have unlimited money or that I am constantly choosing expensive vacations over being responsible. I travel because I love seeing new places, resting my brain, spending time with people I love, and experiencing God's creation—and I am grateful that, at this stage of my life, my job and my circumstances allow me to do that in a simple and affordable way.

Below is my newly updated job title/description. : ) Praise God!

15/08/2026

Summer 2026, David, and YWAM Cultivate

For a simple Cambodian kid, it really was an incredible summer, and I don't take any of it for granted.

Summer 2026 has honestly been such a special and unexpected season for me. I truly believe God opened some incredible doors for me this summer. As a simple Cambodian kid, I never imagined that I would get to experience five different countries in Europe in one summer! 😂 The first part of the trip was actually a separate trip that had been planned for a long time with some of my church friends. We spent about ten days traveling through Vietnam, Singapore, and Bali. After that, Maddie and I flew back for one night, and the very next day we flew straight to Munich, Germany. We spent about two weeks in Germany and Switzerland. This was primarily Maddie's trip to visit her dad and sister, and I was very thankful that she let me tag along and experience it with her. I also want to say that I am extremely grateful to Maddie's parents because they felt led to cover the Germany and Switzerland portion of the trip for me. That was a huge blessing, and I don't take their generosity for granted. Aside from that, the rest of my summer travel was paid for by me.

I also really appreciate all of your prayers regarding the visa, especially the financial side of my YWAM Cultivate opportunity. I want to be honest about that part because I know it may have looked like someone else was financially supporting my whole summer. Nobody paid for my YWAM stay, and that's completely okay—I knew that going in and was prepared to take care of it myself. The same goes for my other travels. I used my own savings and planned my budget carefully. Honestly, it was a little scary financially because everything in Europe was so expensive, and I had to be very intentional with my spending. However, I really felt that God was leading me into this opportunity, so I trusted Him and stepped out in faith. Looking back, I can see His provision throughout the whole process. The Germany and Switzerland trip was the one part that was generously covered by Maddie's family; the rest was my own financial responsibility. I am deeply thankful for both their generosity and for God's provision in allowing me to do the rest.

After Germany and Switzerland, Maddie and her family flew back to the U.S., while I flew to Italy for an opportunity with YWAM Cultivate. I was with YWAM from June 15 to July 24, helping with the operational side of keeping the base running. During the weekdays, I helped with things like kitchen and food preparation, hospitality, getting beds and rooms ready, and other practical needs around the base. On the weekends, I had opportunities to explore some nearby European cities like Paris, Pisa, Rome, Florence, Barcelona, and Berlin. Because Europe is so connected, some of these places were only about a 1.5-hour flight away, and Ryanair tickets could sometimes be as affordable as €30–€80. While it sounds crazy that I visited so many places, it wasn't because I was taking expensive luxury trips. I was already in Europe for YWAM, and I tried to be wise with my money while taking advantage of the opportunity to see some places that were relatively close and affordable.

More than the travel, though, my time with YWAM was the part I really treasure. I learned a lot about what it takes to keep a ministry base running behind the scenes. It isn't always about the big, visible ministry moments. Sometimes ministry looks like preparing food, making sure someone has a clean bed, welcoming people, washing dishes, or simply noticing what needs to be done and doing it. I also learned more about ideas for devotions and Bible studies and, most importantly, about creating a culture where people intentionally encourage one another and listen to God throughout the day. That was something I really needed to be reminded of—that following God isn't only about big decisions or big moments. It can happen in the ordinary parts of every day. When I look back at this summer, I feel incredibly grateful. From traveling with friends, to experiencing Germany and Switzerland with Maddie, to serving with YWAM in Italy, God gave me opportunities I never could have planned for myself.

15/08/2026

Hello friends and family,

I've been back for 3 weeks now and started working right a way. New school year and new boss. This is the short version of my summer updates:

“My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

The visa worked out.

The travels worked out.

YWAM opportunity worked out - definitely make my way back there because of my growth with them.

The finances worked out.

I got home safely and in one piece.

I have a job waiting for me.

My salary increased by $400!

I was given new responsibilities - AP Coordinator.

I have people who love and support me.

I have opportunities to serve to people around me.

This summer was a God's favore for me. I still feel like I didn't deserve it but I did. God is good and I know He meets us where we are and He helps us to understand when to serve and when to sit at His feet. Thank you for praying for me : )

11/06/2026

Day 3 in Munich, Germany. Stunning view overlooking from the Neuschwanstein Castle. Spending the first 10 days with Maddie’s father and sister before heading to YWAM Italy. God is good. Can’t believe I’m here already.

Please continue praying for my finances as I will head to YWAM Italy next week on Tuesday (5 days from now) and that’s when I pay for the accommodation and food upfront (700€ or something).

22/05/2026

Hi everyone!

Thank you so, so much for praying for the visa situation several days ago. God answered our prayer, and now I would like to update you on why I need the visa and how I got the opportunity to be a part of YWAM Cultivate in Italy.

If you would like to hear more about me joining YWAM, please let me know in the comment section or private chat. I created a letter that contains all the details. I would love to share with you this exciting opportunity that I got to be a part of.

As always, thank you so much for your prayers, encouragement, and support!

In His Service,
Lykeang Chim

01/05/2026

Dear Friends and Family,

I wanted to send a small update and share a few things that have changed since my last letter. Thank you again for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support. It truly means a lot to me.

Professional Growth

I decided not to pursue the U.S. teaching license at this time. After looking further into the program, I realized the certification only lasts for a two-year period unless it is actively being used. Because the Christian school project is currently still on pause, I felt it would be wiser to wait and only pursue the certification if the school vision begins moving forward again.

Even though that plan is paused, I have still learned a great deal through my current principal and leadership team at Logos International School. Next school year, I will officially serve as the AP (Advanced Placement) Coordinator, which comes with more responsibilities and leadership opportunities. There is also a small salary increase attached to the role—nothing compared to what larger international schools might offer—but honestly, I continue to do this work because I believe God has called me here. At the same time, this role will also strengthen my experience and professional credentials for the future.

Coaching middle school girls’ volleyball

This is my first time coaching girls, and I quickly realized it requires a very different approach! It has stretched me in patience, creativity, communication, and encouragement. With support from colleagues and a lot of teamwork, the girls have grown tremendously throughout the season. We have our final local tournament this Saturday, followed by an international tournament in Vietnam shortly after. Skill-wise, I genuinely believe they are capable of winning at least a bronze medal, though at this stage it may come down more to mental confidence and composure than physical ability. Either way, I’m incredibly proud of how far they’ve come.

My personal growth journey. I believe the boundaries and healthier rhythms I’ve been working on are slowly starting to take root. I’m learning to listen to my body more, pay attention to my emotional state, and feel less guilty when I rest. I’ve also been journaling almost every day and trying to begin most mornings with prayer before starting work. These may sound like small habits, but for me they represent meaningful growth and healing.

Lastly, I would really appreciate your prayers for my summer plans.

My school break runs from May 30th through July 27th, and during that time I was accepted to volunteer with YWAM Cultivate in Italy for 28 days. It is a DTS training base, but my role there will mainly be serving the community and participating in the life and ministry of the base. I’m genuinely excited and thankful that God opened this opportunity.

At the same time, I am honestly very anxious about the visa process. As a Cambodian passport holder, international travel can be extremely difficult outside of ASEAN countries because the passport is considered quite weak for global travel access. Applying for a Schengen visa has been complicated, confusing, expensive, and time-consuming, but thankfully I have managed to gather all the required documents.

One thing that has made this process especially stressful is how much must be prepared and paid for upfront before even knowing whether the visa will be approved. The embassy requires confirmed plane tickets, Schengen health insurance, a full travel itinerary, hotel accommodations, proof of employment, proof of residence, and three months of bank statements officially stamped by the bank, among many other documents.

Financially, it has already been a significant commitment. The visa appointment fee alone was around $105, the required insurance cost about $80, and the plane ticket was approximately $900. All of these expenses had to be paid in advance, with receipts submitted to the embassy, while still knowing there is a real possibility of being denied the visa. It has definitely been a stretching process emotionally, financially, and mentally, and I would truly appreciate prayers for favor, wisdom, and peace throughout it all.

My visa appointment is scheduled for May 11, and I should receive a decision within approximately 5–15 working days afterward. I would deeply appreciate your prayers for favor, peace, and a smooth process. I truly believe this opportunity could be meaningful both spiritually and personally, and I’m trusting God with the outcome.

Thank you again for continuing to walk alongside me through this season of life. Your prayers and support genuinely encourage me more than you know.

In His Service,
Lykeang Chim

Lykeang's Journey in Cambodia

01/09/2026

15/08/2026

15/08/2026

15/08/2026

11/06/2026

22/05/2026

01/05/2026

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