Meet the TCK: Jadon Yeager

Meet Jadon! Jadon was born in Thailand and has lived in Mongolia, China, Taiwan, and now the US. Jadon shares a live filled with the adventure and thrill of world travel. He gives a great reminder to all TCKs and others as well, to never forget that unless your identity is rooted in Christ, it will always feel shaky and misshapen!

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

"The amount of currencies that are in my wallet. Seriously! I just got back from a trip visiting family and friends overseas and I had at least 4 different country's currencies in my wallet by the time I got back to the States. But to be honest, I keep them there long after my travels are over, because it's fun to see the bills and it reminds me of how interconnected the world is, and how easy it is to travel overseas (even if it is expensive sometimes!). On a related note, having to calculate currency differences in my mind is a regular TCK experience I'd say.

This more directly relates to my TCK journey because of the amount of travel I did growing up too, apart from just living overseas. Every 6 months, at least, there was an international trip planned (remember, the countries in Asia are nearly as close as different states are in the USA, so it's a lot easier and cheaper to travel). I remember COVID was the longest I'd gone without leaving a country (a whole year!) and I felt claustrophobic, despite having nearly no COVID restrictions on me personally since I was in Taiwan and it was virtually COVID-free."

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

"It has shown me how important it is to work on identity development with Christ Himself. Without Him, I'd really have no idea who I am, or what my anchor is. All of us Christ-followers have identities given to us by God whether or not we are TCKs. Once we make Christ our anchor and foundation, our identities make themselves clearer and clearer and we can have more stability and enjoyment in living in our unique identities as we grow. The TCK experience can be like an earthquake to our identities, but trust God, when we grow in knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and when He becomes our foundation, we can have a building that will withstand any earthquake this world would throw at us. HE knows His children, and exactly what each of them, uniquely, needs - better than we know ourselves! Trust yourselves to the God who created you and He will give you all you need to have life and life abundantly."

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

"Food. This one shouldn't be too big of a surprise. My taste buds will never forget the food I grew up with, and it is a surefire way to get me to remember my childhood."

What advice would you give a fellow TCK?

"You can't do this on your own. Trying to build up blocks of some identity. Of course it looks misshapen! You're using little toy blocks to try to build a home inside yourself. Why not trust your life to Christ? He will bring in the bulldozers and cranes and all the 'big-kid' equipment AND all the materials needed to construct an incredible identity that reflects His nature and prepares you for all eternity. Look to Him for help, He is your help, and He will make all things right."

If your life were a movie, book, or playlist, what would it be called?

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (one of my favorite movies).