TCKs and Transitions
Moving to a new city is a difficult task no matter where or when you move, however, when you are a teenager, that adjustment can be even more challenging. Charlie, 16, and Ruby, 14, moved to Dubai during the pandemic with their family. They had previously lived in a megacity, but now they had moved to a much more culturally-diverse megacity.
Building new relationships in a new place can be quite interesting, but Ruby found that talking with peers was harder. She says, “Because I am new, it is hard to start conversations, the other teens are often more interested in their phones or staying in their own groups, than talking with the new kids.”
However, she has tried to reach out talk with the leaders and asking how Jesus has impacted their lives. Ruby is passionate about helping out with the little children. She remembers even in East Asia, she would help take care of children during meetings so that the parents could study. Now, she also finds ways to give some relief to parents whenever possible. Ruby says, “I love that kids don’t care about what is going on around them, they love it whenever anyone is willing to play with them, regardless of age or size. They don’t judge me like other teenagers do.” She tends to migrate towards people older or younger than she is, rather than people her own age.
Ruby even had one of the parents convey a story from when they were doing bed-time devotions with their children, they were talking about how the Holy Spirit is a special friend that can be with us all the time and help us when times are hard. They asked their children, “Who is your special friend that can help you?” Their middle child who is 4 years old, quickly responded, “Ruby!” Ruby says, “I am excited that the children view me as a special friend, but I will never be as good as the Holy Spirit!” We all had a good laugh with this conversation! The little things sure do help!
Ruby and Charlie have also started playing ultimate frisbee with their family and a group of others from church once a week. They use this time to build relationships and get to know people better. Charlie also tries to be intentional in conversations with younger children as well. He starts by remembering their name! He vividly remembers, “when I was younger and a teenager talked to me and called me by name, it made a big impression on me, it made me stand taller and proud because the ‘big’ kid knew my name.”
Ruby and Charlie agree that if they can help by setting a good example for the kids they are around, then hopefully one day those kids would also choose to be a good role model for the next generation too. “It definitely matters what we learn when we are young and what kind of examples are put into our lives early on. If they see us helping when they are young then perhaps it will help them in the future, too” commented Ruby.
Prayer Requests
Pray for believing TCKs (third-culture kids) to continue to build good relationships that will help them to grow in their faith and to adapt well to their new country.
Pray for believing TCKs to continue to be a good example to others – even when they are going through their own challenges at home with moving to a new country.