Mobility is tough on kids: here’s how you can help

These may seem simple things in the face of statistics that feel big and scary. But research tells us these simple things MATTER. We need to be proactive, purposeful, and persistent in providing these protective positive experiences for children in our families and communities. They are the foundation of relationships and memories that will give them a sense of emotional safety and stability to cushion them from the impacts of international life. 

Don’t Call Your Kids “World Changers”

It’s tempting. I get it. It sounds motivating and inspirational. I get that too. But I’ve come to believe that the good-intentioned, hopefully inspiring practice of talking about children as “world-changers” is, in most cases, damaging. You can cover it with a spiritual veneer, you can call it “speaking truth over them,” you can call … Continue reading Don’t Call Your Kids “World Changers”

On Welcoming the Third Culture Kid

We are in the midst of summer, but I am already hearing and feeling the groans and pangs of how quickly the summer has gone. Summer flies by, especially when you are in transition. Soon college towns will begin to see old students return and many new ones come in. Among those old and new … Continue reading On Welcoming the Third Culture Kid

When a Third Culture Kid Goes “Home”

by Nicole Baldonado Out of place. Emotionally unstable. Awkward. Overwhelmed. These are all common experiences of third culture kids who “go back home.” In other words, they return, or move for the first time, to live in the country listed on their passport. Regardless of citizenship, a third culture kid’s identity and sense of home … Continue reading When a Third Culture Kid Goes “Home”

Parallel Lives: TCKs, Parents, and the Culture Gap

By Tanya Crossman Something I’ve heard a lot of expat parents say is that their whole family is “in it together” or that they are “called” together. The basic assumption is that all members of the family go abroad and live overseas together – they are bonded by the same experience. When I hear this, … Continue reading Parallel Lives: TCKs, Parents, and the Culture Gap

An Open Letter to Parents of Missionary Kids

By Danica Newton Dear Parents of MKs, Hello. It’s me, an MK. I write this on behalf of other MKs who haven’t found their voices yet, who are still in the midst of constant transition, who haven’t sorted through the confusing and complex joys and sorrows that come with growing up MK. I write this on … Continue reading An Open Letter to Parents of Missionary Kids

10 Questions Missionary Kids Would Love to be Asked

Most MKs are asked hundreds of questions during their families’ home assignments. Ironically, many of us leave our passport countries feeling unknown. In all honesty, we usually don’t answer questions well. Our fumbling answers can create distance.  Many times we feel as though these questions are asked politely, without time or desire to listen to … Continue reading 10 Questions Missionary Kids Would Love to be Asked

3 Ways to Care for the Heart of Your Third Culture Kid

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Jesus loves Third Culture Kids. He knows their needs and he hears their hearts’ cries. He can tell the difference between normal teen angst and deep emotional pain. He feels their searching and longing for home, and he cares. Jesus knows the right thing to say at the right time, all the time. As parents, … Continue reading 3 Ways to Care for the Heart of Your Third Culture Kid

An important note from Jonathan, Elizabeth, and Marilyn

We are so glad you’re here. And we deeply hope that the community and content here at A Life Overseas has encouraged you and blessed you over the years. Would you take a moment to prayerfully consider a one-time gift to help A Life Overseas continue providing high-quality resources to global workers? You can give a … Continue reading An important note from Jonathan, Elizabeth, and Marilyn

Belonging Beyond Borders: How to Cultivate a Sense of Togetherness

by Megan C. Norton A little more belonging is what the world needs right now. Whether on the news or in our own neighborhoods, we see and experience divisiveness, misunderstandings, and corruption all around us. But those of us who have crossed cultures and lived outside our passport countries are uniquely suited to cultivate belonging … Continue reading Belonging Beyond Borders: How to Cultivate a Sense of Togetherness

An important note from Jonathan, Elizabeth, and Marilyn

We are so glad you’re here. And we deeply hope that the community and content here at A Life Overseas has encouraged you and blessed you over the years. Would you take a moment to prayerfully consider a one-time gift to help A Life Overseas continue providing high-quality resources to global workers? You can give … Continue reading An important note from Jonathan, Elizabeth, and Marilyn

Where is God in My Grief Tower?

by Lauren Wells A wise man who looks a lot like Indiana Jones (and also happens to be my father) once said that in moments of deep grief you’re faced with a decision: either cling to God and let him be your source of comfort, or run from him and wade through the grief on … Continue reading Where is God in My Grief Tower?