Hellos and Goodbyes...

Since we have moved here, we have had a steady stream of visitors. We are grateful for that. It has been a rich blessing to our family as we get adjusted to living far away from those we love and miss. Already however, I am already seeing that "saying goodbye" to others is taking on a deeper meaning to our kids.

Usually from the moment someone arrives, they ask the question "When do they have to go?" From what I have learned so far, this is pretty common for kids who live overseas. A quote taken from Third Culture Kids says this:

TCK's usually develop a wide range of relationships as they or people around them habitually come and go...

Many TCK's know how to get into relationships fairly quickly simply because they have to start so many. They have learned to observe the dynamics of a situation, ask questions that can help open a door, hopefully be sensitive to cultural cues of what is or is not appropriate for this group, and respond appropriately when others approach them...

Obviously there are many good things that can be taken away from all the relationships they get to be exposed to, but it can also lead to pain and even the refusal to let themselves care about others, because it hurts too much to say goodbye. We are just beginning this journey of many hellos and goodbyes and know that as our roots continue to get placed in this new soil, the hellos and goodbyes will most likely only get harder...

Please pray that Luke, Abby and Levi's hearts would stay soft, that they would always want to invest in the lives of those who come through our doors and that we would learn healthy ways to say goodbye to those who come in and out of our lives.

Last week we had visitors from our sending center. Ward (not pictured here), Meredith here with Luke and Paul is with Abby and Levi. It was a great time of sharing, encouraging, praying, worshiping and dreaming together.




Along with encouragement from our friends, usually goodies are included as well! These were brought just in time to make a chocolate pecan pie this weekend for our friend Joanna. Yes, another hello and goodbye...