I do NOT want to sound like a whiny baby. I am acutely aware of our tremendous blessings as we continue this adventure of cross-cultural ministry in Switzerland!
But I also need to be honest. It’s hard keeping up with a bunch of different communities and ministry commitments in different countries at the same time. There are a lot of balls in the air right now, and this one – the blog – is one that’s easiest to drop. Sorry I’ve been inconsistent!
I tried to bake for the first time last week and it was a total disaster! There’s no mixer in the kitchen where we’re staying, but there is an immersion blender (go figure). So I tried to use it, and butter and sugar flew everywhere!
Plus they don’t sell vanilla here and I accidentally used baking SODA instead of baking POWDER (darn German language!) #fail.
However, I did try this new SUPER easy recipe for Coconut Braised Chicken with Sweet Potatoes that was a winner, fusing Thai and Indian flavors. (note I’m keeping with the international theme). One note – I used all coconut milk with no broth after reading the comments.
We continue to be stretched and enriched in this season, learning about communication, conflict, unique relational challenges, and theological differences across cultures.
On Monday and Tuesday I had the joy of visiting a friend in the mountains and making a new friend from China. What a tremendous blessing it is to learn from people of other countries and cultures!
Our conversation ranged from the Coronavirus to how to make dumplings to why most Asians don’t like cheese and why they take pictures of pigeons.
We talked about our respective faith traditions, and the Swiss art of paper-cutting, and the three types of Gruyere cheese.
We discussed the differences between those born in China vs. Hong Kong, the danger of lumping all Asians into one group, and the hard dividing line between being a “come here” and a “born here” in Switzerland.
And speaking of the Coronavirus, this post just wrecked me (Please watch the video – click on link).
This world is a brutally hard & beautifully holy place.
View this post on Instagram
Another new thing for me…For the first time ever I’ve learned of the term “Third Culture Kids” and the research that has been done about this group.
My friend, Katie Bachelor, who has raised her kids in Israel, and now Jordan, posted this on Instagram.
Lastly, a few posts from Instagram to lift your spirits or make you smile…
Your turn! What’s going on with you? Talk to me!
If you receive this in an email, just click on the title and then scroll down on the post to leave a comment. If it’s your first time, it will not appear right away, but don’t worry! It will soon!
As always, I’d love to have you join me over on Instagram! It’s my favorite place for small doses of joy and inspiration!
Hey Laura, thanks for the shout out to TCKs. The definition of a Third Culture Kid is anyone who has grown up in a culture that is not their parents home country/culture. It only applies to the growing years, not to people who have moved around as adults. The children pick up values from both cultures which is blended into a third culture. They find their sense of belonging not with either culture but with other TCKs, people who have had similar experience even if that has been on different continents (thus thriving international communities!). Yes, they are global nomads who feel at home everywhere and nowhere, and asking them where they are from is the most difficult question: right away they think, who is this person and why do they want to know? Do they want to know my passport, my birthplace, where I lived, where my parents live, etc. TCKs tend to go into service occupations and often end up marrying other TCKs. Apparently they make good spies because they are good at coming into a situation and observing the rules before revealing too much of themselves. 🙂 The piece you quoted sounds a bit sad. Being a TCK is a huge advantage in this world, and the TCK experience is a fascinating subject, but it’s true that they are sometimes misunderstood and it’s important to ask and listen to their stories. They are often hard to categorise, so don’t make assumptions. I knew a TCK at international school who said he wasn’t going to make any new friends that year until he knew who was staying, reflecting the transient nature of the community. Even if he stayed that year, others might be going. There is always loss involved for the TCK but also a development of skills that can make them strong and resilient. Navigating the TCK experience and learning about healthy transition is important. Just the realisation that you are a TCK can be hugely helpful. So thanks for the shout out, sorry about this long winded comment, but this topic is near and dear to me. 🙂 Blessings, Joanne
Ohmygosh! Thanks so much for your valuable insights! This is important for us to better understand and love each other well!
Hi Laura and John – I miss seeing your smiling faces in MN! Hugs to both of you! I love seeing your Switzerland photos. God was on his A game when he created Switzerland.
We miss you too! Switzerland is quite amazing and it’s fun to bring friends like you along through words and pictures!