TCK PFO

I recently found myself spending two weeks in a remote part of central NY with 65 strangers.  Of those 65 at least four nationalities were represented and our destinations included over ten countries on four continents. It almost sounds like the makings of a reality TV show except our purpose was not to win a cash prize (although for those of us fund raising that would have been a blessing :)). Our purpose was to become better equipped to follow the calling God has put on our lives. Every year the Association of Christian Schools International hosts a two week long Third Culture Kid (TCK) Pre-Field Orientation (PFO) for those heading overseas to teach.  The staff had well over 100 years of experience between them, having served (and serving) in schools in Senegal, Ivory Coast, Romania, Philippines, Southeast Asia, Ecuador and Ch*na.  The sessions covered everything from transition, culture shock, resiliency, international classrooms, third-culture kids, mentoring, purity, personality profiles and language acquisition to name a few. 

We represented Europe and Central Asia

What a blessing and encouragement it was to be surrounded by those who had also chosen this life.  A life filled with blessings and privileges but also a life of challenges, transition and goodbyes.  On our last evening together we were treated to an international banquet with food from the different countries represented.  It happened to fall on July 4^th.  I felt a sense of awe as we sang our national anthem together.  At my table alone people were headed to Colombia, Ch*na, Central Asia, Hungary, and of course Germany.  I am thankful for a country that was founded on Biblical principles and that has historically been the leading force behind missions.  While there are many things today about our country that need repentance and prayer this is one area that is worth celebrating.  I am thankful for those who have gone before and for those willing to still go and share the Good News with students all over the world.  I am thankful for those who are willing to help train and equip me and others so that we can be better Christian educators. I am thankful for those who are sending and praying so that I (and others) can follow the Lord’s leading and serve missionary kids and their families.  As I look ahead to the coming weeks of packing, travel and saying goodbyes and hellos. I feel thankful for the privilege of living this life.