By Cindy Brandt I have lived cross culturally almost my entire life. Born in Taiwan, I knew one language, one culture, and one worldview, until I was introduced to the strange habits of the West at age 10. As my tongue adjusted to swirling out two diverse languages, I began to know life only by … Continue reading What Living Cross Culturally Taught Me About Being a Christian
The last two months we’ve been exploring the ideas in Timothy Sanford’s book “I Have to be Perfect” (and other Parsonage Heresies). I hope this series is as healing for you as it has been for me. So far, we’ve given ourselves permission to say “and” in The Little Word That Frees Us. Then we began … Continue reading “I Can’t Trust Anyone” | Lies We Believe
Early September doesn’t just mark the beginning of the school year for children, it also marks the beginning of language learning for both newcomers as well as those who have been in their adopted countries a long time. Because let’s be honest here – fluency takes a lifetime and more. Trying to get our tongues … Continue reading When All You Can Say is “Sí! Sí! Sí!”
Productivity and results. These are hallmarks of the west, demonstrations of success that prove our worth. And when you are accountable to others, even if you live a world away, the pressure can build to show results, to document success. Our guest poster, Laura, takes us into this topic with gracious honesty. You can read … Continue reading What to Write
Yesterday was my 30th wedding anniversary. My husband and I met back to back at an Indian restaurant on Devon Street in Chicago. He was a cute grad student at the University of Illinois. I was a cute nurse newly deported from Pakistan. A week later I said to someone “I think I’m going to … Continue reading When Your Marriage is Wounded (and you’re far away from help)
Yesterday, we talked broadly about caring for the heart of your TCK. If you missed it, you can find it here. Today, we’re looking at the unique subset of TCKs known as Missionary Kids. I thought I was done with youth ministry. I thought I’d move to Cambodia, be a “real missionary” (whatever that is) … Continue reading 3 Ways to Care for the Heart of Your Missionary Kid
This month I’m writing in the air while I fly away from my island home. My feet will touch the ground in five cities today before I arrive at my final destination. Leaving the kids and the work behind, of course my mind is filled with all sorts of ‘A Life Overseas’ things, but I … Continue reading A Cautionary Tale: Expats & Expets (What not to do)
The call from the American University in Cairo came on a Sunday morning, a business day in the Middle East. I had worked the night shift as a nurse and arrived home in time to eat breakfast and hug my husband and three children, sending them on their way to church while I got much … Continue reading You Take Yourself With You (And Other Important Things About Living Overseas)
Last week my husband changed the oil on our car. Then he helped our seven-year old daughter sew a dress because I am worthless with anything remotely craft related. Then the two of them went outside and shot water bottles with a BB gun. This is one seriously rockin’ dad. Over the years I have met other … Continue reading Fourteen Things Expat Dads Want To Tell Expat Dads
One of the biggest challenges of living and working in South Africa is the constant awareness of crime. Near the top of the list in violent crimes such as murder and rape, South Africa poses a bit a of a safety threat. Poverty drives muggings and home robberies. Very few nights pass when I do … Continue reading Living Around Danger
