TCK Voices: Chana Noeth
Being a TCK has truly ingrained in me the perspective that it is our differences as people that make us so wonderful, that we can learn from everyone, and that there’s always another story to hear from someone else ,,,
Being a TCK has truly ingrained in me the perspective that it is our differences as people that make us so wonderful, that we can learn from everyone, and that there’s always another story to hear from someone else ,,,
I love to think that I am a mix of four cultures. I am so thankful for the Lord bringing each of them into my life at different times and for the things He has taught me through each of them…
I’m not a missionary kid. People often assume that I am and are confused when I try to clarify: Yes, I’m a Christian. Yes, my family lives in a “foreign” country. But no, we’re not missionaries in the technical sense of the word. Somehow, admitting to the fact produces a sense of inferiority. Where’s the purpose in “just living” in South America when I’m not doing special mission work?
One of the hardest things about being a TCK is that I don’t (and can’t) behave the way people expect me to based on my outward appearance. People tend to expect me to behave like the stereotypical American, and I just can’t, because I am mostly Asian on the inside …
We as TCKs have so much to offer. Yes, we all have been through so much – goodbyes, culture shock, change…
I’ve really struggled to make friends over the years. Because I’ve moved around a lot, there are very few people I know well enough to be good friends with. And most of my friendships are long-distance, which takes a lot of energy and commitment to keep up…