By Suzie
Some of you may have heard the term “Third Culture Kids” (TCK) defined as “a person who spent a significant part of their
formative years in a culture different from their parents’ passport country, often due to their parents’ work.” TCKs develop their own third culture by blending elements from their passport culture, host culture and the unique experiences of living among different groups.
TCKs often feel an automatic sense of belonging and community with other TCKs rather than any other single culture. As an adult TCK myself, I have often pondered the joys and challenges that our children have experienced as TCKs. Each of them would say that they are thankful for the rich experience of growing up in Thailand. As they have “grown and flown” to university and work lives, they have each gravitated to other TCKs with ease and an uncanny shared understanding as fellow third culture sojourners.
Kirk and I experienced a similar scenario a few days ago, finding ourselves in Manila around a dinner table with five other Third Culture Adults. All in similar life stages as recent “empty nesters,” we enjoyed Filipino food (like pork cheek and ear!) with our host, engaged in fascinating stories of childhoods in Paraguay, Korea, Taiwan, Argentina, the U.S. and the Philippines.
Around the table sat an architect, a UNICEF country director, a businessman, an investment banker, a Bible translator and a missionary. Combined, we had worked and raised our families in 10 different countries and spoke nine different languages! Even more significant than our “Third Culture” status was our deep bond as the Body of Christ, having worshiped together at the same church in Bangkok in recent years. I was reminded again of the vision of our church: “From the nations, to the nations!” What a beautiful tapestry— the Body of Christ, woven by God! This is the Global church.