Meet the TCK: Suzanne (DeValve) Hines

Meet Suzanne! Suzanne grew up as a TCK in Niger and has lived in the USA and Niger. Read about the ways her TCK experience have taught her hospitality and worldview that goes beyond herself. Listen to how she recommends navigating growing up and developing differences in opinion with your parents without forsaking everything they taught you growing up.

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

"My parents went separately to the mission field as young adults (also MKs) and met there. They were serving on the mission field for several years before my brother and I were born. I grew up completely immersed in the Songhai culture of Niger, in a small village called Tera. As I grew older, I attended boarding school in Niamey. Once I graduated from college, I attended Cedarville University in Ohio, where I met my husband and we put down roots. We have 4 children and both work at a school in Christian education."

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

"Telling people that I went to boarding school often gets quite a reaction. I loved my experience at boarding school and made lifelong friends who shaped who I am today there. As an adult, I can look back and see that not all boarding school practices were healthy, but I have overall very fond memories of this experience."

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

"Being a TCK is like a pair of glasses through which I see the whole world. As an adult who is firmly planted in the USA, it still shapes so many of my relationships and how I am raising my kids. I can relate more strongly to some of my friends who grew up in a different culture, I leave my door unlocked and get offended when a friend rings the doorbell instead of walking right in. I can't stand how people value dogs over children. I have a strong sense of hospitality and an ability to relate to people who are different from me."

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

"As a kid - all the goodbyes. As an adult reflecting back - all the friends who have chosen to leave the faith based on their experience."

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

"The ability to see my place in the world as broader than just me, me, me."

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

"I wish I could do a better job of this! Marriage, kids, jobs...have made it hard to stay connected. I haven't visited Niger in over 14 years. I don't even have a valid passport (I'm ashamed!). But I still have so many pieces of Niger around my home and in my heart. I love to talk about it any chance I get. I love connecting to other TCKs or friends who are a different nationality. I talk about it with my kids all the time - and they look forward to the day that they will get to go visit!"

What advice would you give a fellow TCK?

"It's ok to ask questions and feel a little unmoored at times. I would encourage you to turn to Jesus and let Him be your anchor. There is nothing else on earth that can provide the stability and the relationship that you will need to get through the ups and downs of life and the transitions.

I would encourage you to not reject everything your parents stood for, even if it felt like they were sacrificing your family for their beliefs. Take some time to process and it's also ok to disagree with your parents on certain things. They did the best they could with what they had at the time. You can take time to process and disagree on some things without throwing every single part of the faith that they stood for."

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

The Glorious in the Mundane

If you want to read more about and by Suzanne check out her blog at http://www.suzannehines.org. You can also find her on Instagram @thegloriousmundane.