"Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost... so they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them..." -Ezekiel 34:2-6
Growing up far from "home". No one to talk to about the struggles of living overseas. Not knowing what's normal. Just wanting to belong. Experiencing loss that most of us can't relate to. These are some of the struggles of Third Culture Kids (TCKs). Like sheep without a shepherd. This is what drives us to Uganda.
Dr. David Pollock and Dr. Ruth Van Reken, authors of the seminal book on the subject, Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds define TCK's as the following:
“A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents' culture. The TCK builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture are assimilated into the TCK's life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar background.”
And these kids are COOL. There is such diversity. Such beauty. But no one was seeking or searching for them... Sure, Heritage International School exists to serve these kids, and the faculty and staff love them, and believe in them. But there is no one there right now solely for the purpose of discipling these world changers for the Kingdom. We can't wait to get to Uganda!
You're working with TCKs?? That's awesome! I've been working with TCKs in China for over 5 years. I know I'm biased, but our youth are truly exceptional :)
ReplyDeleteI'm part of a team that writes a blog by and for TCK workers in Asia. Would love to swap stories/tips!