Day 28 - TCKs - Rootless or Deeply Rooted?

Growing up “between worlds” is what describes the lives of third culture kids, or TCK’s.  These are children of overseas workers, be they missionaries, diplomats or other workers living in another culture.  They find themselves living between their “home” or passport culture and their parents’ adopted culture, not fitting in completely in either world.  So they create a world they feel more comfortable in, a third culture of those with similar intercultural experiences.  Usually TCKs find their closest friends among other TCKs.  They end up with friends all over the world, from many different cultures, who feel like family. 

Change is another hallmark of a TCK’s world. They move from place to place, country to country, school to school.  There are advantages and disadvantages. TCKs in spite of being adaptable, often feel rootless.  Many are not sure how to answer the question, “Where do you come from?”  On the other hand, they tend to have language skills, adventurous spirits, and a worldview far broader than most of their peers. 

It is a challenge to integrate back into their passport countries as young adults.  They are hidden immigrants, not looking physically different, but feeling very different inside. 

 

Pray that: 

• TCKs among Pashtuns will sink their roots down deep into Christ.
• They will be grateful for the rich heritage of their intercultural experience, and that they will use their unique gifts and talents for God’s glory.
• Parents will have wisdom to meet the challenge of schooling their children adequately, especially parents from non-English-speaking countries who want their children to integrate back into their home cultures.

 

Deuteronomy 33:12 Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for he shields them all day long.