Meet the TCK: Amber Teague Ennis

Meet Amber! Amber has lived in Niger, the USA, Ivory Coast and now Guinea. Read about the ways a traumatic family event increased Amber's faith and gave her a firsthand model of someone who loves those who wish nothing but bad for you. Listen to her advice to be proud of who you are and how your experiences make you unique.

Can you briefly share your TCK background (where you grew up, your parents' nationality, and where you currently live)?

"My parents are both Americans. They met in Togo while missionaries. My dad grew up in the Ivory Coast. I grew up in Niger, West Africa and currently live in Guinea."

What's one TCK experience or memory that really defines your TCK journey?

"When I was 9 my dad was carjacked and shot twice in the leg. God worked multiple miracles which ended in not only my dad surviving but also keeping his leg and being able to walk again. It was a big moment for my faith. I clearly saw God working miraculously. I also saw my dad work hard on his recovery because he wanted to go back to Niger. He never once thought of leaving missions or never going back to Niger, to the point that many people said my parents were crazy. In reality my parents loved Niger and its people and they wanted to share the gospel with as many as they could. We returned 8 months later to Niger and my parents continued working with the national church. A lot of good resulted from my dad being shot. Many doors were opened because the people in the region we worked in wanted to know WHY he would come back. They showed me how to love everyone, even those that want you dead, and that has always stayed with me."

How has being a TCK shaped the way you see identity, home or belonging?

"It has made all of these very difficult. I do not feel that I belong anywhere. I will always be a bit of an outcast (not truly fitting in). My home has always just been where I am at the moment, not necessarily a specific country or place. As a child it was always Niger. Now I am not sure I have one home. I think being a TCK makes all 3 of those things very confusing."

What has been the hardest part of growing up between cultures?

"You are a weird mix of both cultures. I remember my experiences being weird to Americans. Power outages didn't bother me. I hated being cold and loved the sun. I craved Nigerien food. Casually talking about being charged by an elephant sounds a lot weirder in America. On the flip side, I was white in Niger. I ate some very weird looking food to everyone in Niger. How we did holidays or daily life in my house was very American and therefore strange to those around us. It has ended up with me always feeling as if I don't belong anywhere."

What has been the greatest gift or strength you've gained from being a TCK?

"I have seen a lot of the world and have been privileged to know people from around the world. I had the opportunity to learn about cultures outside my passport country. It has widened my worldview."

How do you stay connected to the cultures that shaped you?

"I still talk to some of my friends from Niger. I also listen to music from there. When I was there French was the educational language and I have tried my best to also keep that up. Now living in a French speaking country has made that easier."

What advice would you give a fellow TCK?

"Be proud of who you are. Just because someone doesn't understand you doesn't mean there is something wrong with you. Having unique experiences and a unique upbringing makes you unique."

Amber and her family serve as missionaries overseas, and you can check out their website below to learn about their ministry and support them:

Website: engagingafrica.org