Meet the TCK: M.

Meet M! M has lived in China, Thailand, and the USA but China is where feels the most like home. Read about M's experience struggling to belong in any culture and the peace she has found in understanding that her true home is heavenly, not earthly. M. shares the importance of making deep friendships even with the knowledge that they may not last as long as you would like.

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

"My parents are American but I was born and raised in Asia. I graduated university in American and have come back to Asia to work."

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

"When my family used to visit America when I was growing up, people there would say "welcome home!" and it always felt off to me. My home was where I was coming from, not the strange American cities I visited once every four years."

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

"Not fully belonging to any culture. It's hard to try and fit in places where you look like you belong but don't feel like it or vice versa. I try to remember that my true home is a heavenly one, not an earthly one."

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

"Definitely adaptability! I find it very easy to go with the flow and change plans or locations at a given notice. I know it should stress me out but at this point I'm so used to change it doesn't bother me."

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

"During my time at university, it was hard being away from my home, Asia. One thing I did that really helped was learning to cook Chinese food and eating rice every day."

What advice would you give a fellow TCK?

"I would say not to be scared of making deep friendships, even if you know you or the other person might eventually move. Connecting with people is so important and the right ones will want to go deep and make memories with you too."