TCKs/MKs

Photo of a HOPAC classroom.

What's that?!

TCKs/MKs are the kids I will teach and minister to in Tanzania. TCK stands for Third Culture Kid. A TCK is "a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents' culture." (Pollock, David, The TCK Profile) MK stands for Missionary Kid, the child of a missionary.

I don't know the specific backgrounds of my students-to-be, but TCKs/MKs generally (according to Pollock again):

• Transition frequently between cultures
• Are surrounded by others who also come and go
• Live among people who look/act/believe differently... and are often more privileged
• Expect to eventually repatriate
• Have an awareness that they represent their parents and their parents' organization

I'm excited to meet my students and hear about life through their eyes. The mix of cultures and backgrounds will be interesting to have in a classroom.

If you're praying for my students and me, two areas I have heard my students might need help with are dealing with transitions and change and having a healthy connection to their parents' work. Please pray that I would teach them well in all areas, academic and spiritual, and that I would minister to their unique needs that arise from being TCKs/MKs.

Sweet Sorrow

Last Thanksgiving with my immediate family.

Romeo and Juliet seemed overly melodramatic to me, because they had known each other for so short a time. But, as I come closer to leaving people that I've known for a long time, Shakespeare's words ring true...

It is sweet to be with my family, friends, and co-workers. It is sweet to think of our history together, the mutual support in low times and the joys we've shared. It is sweet to know that God has lovingly given me these people, and that we will continue to be joined in some way as I leave the country for the next two years.

It is sorrow to know that the normalcy and closeness will soon be dramatically altered. It is sorrow that some people do not share a relationship with Jesus, and His insurance of salvation. It is sorrow, or at least poignant, to remember all the beautiful memories we share, times never to return.

I was thinking all this during my recent spring break from school. I had a lovely time at the Oregon Coast with my immediate family and two of my favorite friend-families. Now there are a couple months left of school, and I am enjoying my kiddos and colleagues.

My departure date is set: July 18th! I have tickets, flying to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania!