When I returned to the States to go to college, I was fortunate enough to find several other students who were also missionary kids (MKs), and I expected to have found some common ground. This was far from the truth in my case, however…
I often get the question, “Do you like Uganda or America more?” I’ve used this question many times to explain to people that I love both since both are home, but neither is home…
The hardest thing is missing the places and people you grew up with and knowing that even if you go back, it will never be the same.
I have been most grateful to be an unnatural part of the South African community for the mere fact that it forces me to grow…
Being an MK/TCK has made me strong in my faith. God has been the constant throughout my life, with all the shifting and changing factors.
I don’t know why God has placed you in another country. But don’t be afraid that you won’t be accepted or that your story isn’t “cool enough.”
We also learned to make use of our heat efficiently by maximizing the number of people in the bathroom. One could shower, with one on the toilet, two brushing their teeth, and another using the washing machine…
It was very relieving when I changed my perspective on success because I no longer had to try to fit into society and have the perfect life that others tried to define for me.
As a person, and especially as a TCK, there will always be something about you that is considered “weird,” “uncomely,” or “annoying.” … As people, when we are constantly faced with direct and indirect messages to change ourselves, we tend to frantically try to do just that. But I urge you to calm down just a bit.
Being a TCK has taught me to approach all situations in life with caution and an open mind. The former is helpful in analysis and the latter is helpful in politics.
