TCK Voices: Opportunity to Mature

Today we have Caleb with us! Welcome, Caleb!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and the different cultures you are part of?

I am a missionary kid who grew up in Japan. My mom is Japanese and my dad is American, so I am half-Japanese and half-American. My parents moved to Japan as missionaries. 

If you could choose one place from your travels as a TCK to revisit, where would it be and why?

I would love to revisit Malaysia. I went there when I was really little for our mission organization’s anniversary retreat, and I don’t remember much, so I want to go back and explore Malaysia more. Malaysia is a cool country, and I’m sad I was so little that I couldn’t do much or remember anything.

What is an advantage of being a TCK?

I think that being a TCK is great because it allows you to see things differently due to experiencing two different cultures growing up. For me personally, being a TCK has allowed me to see many things with a much more open mind.

How has being a TCK influenced your friendships? 

I have made some very close friends who are also TCKs, and we have been able to bond over our shared experiences as TCKs, like that we don’t really belong anywhere. As a TCK, it is easy to feel like you don’t fit in anywhere because you are a mix of two cultures and are not fully a part of either of them. 

How has being a TCK influenced your faith?

Being a TCK has helped my faith a lot, I think. Not only did I grow up serving in the church, but I also went through a lot of hard things that non-TCKs would not have to go through, and I think that helped me grow closer to God. 

What is one thing you would like to tell your fellow TCKs?

I would like to say that your experience as a TCK is unique in a good and special way. There will be hardships, but that is a chance for you to learn and grow. I think that TCKs have a special opportunity to mature and learn things that others who have not had those TCK experiences cannot.

Where can readers connect with you?

Instagram: @muhling_media

TikTok: @muhling_media

X: @Muhling_Media

Thank you for sharing with us, Caleb!