Meet the TCK: Kira Kneeshaw

Meet Kira! Kira grew up in West Africa from the time she was very little until she graduated high school and now she lives in Montana. Kira shares her experience learning how to be vulnerable in moments when something is new to her or she doesn't understand and having the humility to be teachable. She shares great advice about resting in your identity and belonging in Jesus.

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

"My parents are both American, but they were also both missionary kids with my dad growing up in Nigeria and my mom in Canada. They were working as missionaries in Alaska when I was born, but then they moved to West Africa shortly after that and they have been there ever since. When I graduated high school I moved to Missoula, Montana for photography school where I met my husband and stayed (for now)."

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

"A couple months after I moved to Montana, it was the first time we had frost, so I was trying to clear off my windshield before driving some friends somewhere. Apparently there is a right and wrong way to scrape off a car, but me, having very little experience with the winter or cold, had no idea. After a minute of very ineffective attempts to scrape it off and a couple rounds of laughter, my friends had to teach me how to scrape off my car. It was funny in the moment, but I go back to that memory and remember how utterly clueless I was about so many things in the States. It's a great example of what being a TCK has been like for me. learning to be vulnerable when I don't know something and having the humility to be teachable."

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

"For a time, I think I made being an MK my whole identity, but eventually I learned that while I'll always be a TCK, it's only one part of who I am. More than anything, my identity and sense of belonging comes from Jesus. He's been the one constant through every move and transition, and that gives me the freedom to feel at home wherever I am."

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

"Definitely all the change and goodbyes. Even though we were in the same place most of my childhood, everyone around me was coming and going. Every 5 years we'd also spend a year back in the States, which meant even more transitions. For a long time I think it made me closed off to solid relationships with most people because at the back of my mind there was always an end date to the friendship when one of us would inevitably leave."

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

"Growing up in West Africa shaped me in so many ways, but I think one of the greatest gifts it gave me is a different lens on what really matters. I grew up surrounded by a culture of hospitality where people were so open and generous with whatever they had. It's a very different mindset than a majority of the US and it really impacted me and has given me so much perspective on generosity and hospitality.

It also showed me so much about my source of joy. Some of the people I knew who had the least materially were the ones who radiated the most joy of Jesus. Seeing that at such a young age really shaped my faith and perspective and it showed me that true joy comes from God, not from circumstances or possessions.

On a practical level, being a TCK also made me super adaptable, flexible, and travel-savvy. Moving back and forth across cultures taught me how to navigate new places pretty easily, whether that's adjusting to a different language, figuring out transportation, or just making a home wherever I land. It gave me the kind of flexibility where little things like heat, bugs, and unique challenges don't really faze me too much."

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

"It helps a lot that my parents are still overseas, living in the house I grew up in. I still get to see photos and hear stories about the people and places I've loved my whole life. When I first moved to the US, I really clung to the culture I grew up in, though it's been harder to feel as connected as the years go by. Even so, it continues to show up naturally in my life, in the African fabric around our home, peanut sauce in our dinner rotation, and the French that slips out without me thinking. My husband has been such a gift in this too as he asks questions, listens to my stories, or brings home baguette or pain au chocolate when he finds some he thinks I'll like or even finding a way to make brochettes for my birthday. He's also doing his best to learn French (we're working on that). Overall it's not like I'm making huge efforts to stay connected, but it just happens naturally because it's a part of who I am."

What advice would you give a fellow TCK?

"Don't be afraid to invest in people and relationships, even if they're only for a season. I've had to learn that just because a friendship is temporary doesn't make it less meaningful or fruitful.

Find a few friends who truly want to hear your stories, especially during times of transition. Simply talking about your stories and experiences can be such a lifeline, and the people who listen and care are a real blessing.

Most importantly, lean on Jesus. He is the one constant, no matter where you are. He knows what it feels like to be homesick or out of place, and He knows your story and He knows YOU. He will be there for you through every change and every goodbye, so turn to Him when you feel alone, misunderstood, or afraid."

Kira is also a wedding and family photographer! She is based in Montana but she travels frequently for weddings and is always up for an adventure. You should check out her amazing photography.

Website: kirarideout.com

Instagram: @kirarideoutphotography