Thoughts of a Third Culture Kid

Hey there!  My family arrived in Dar es Salaam a little over a week ago, and we are currently trying to "learn" the culture around here.  The culture in Tanzania is much different compared even to South African culture, not to mention the fact that we just spent six months in the United States.  That alone gave us a little bit of shock when we arrived here!                             We had fourteen suitcases, five carry-ons, and five backpacks.                          Unfortunately for us, we couldn't use the trailer in the airport.    One of the challenging things about being an MK (missionary kid) is that you have to adapt into a new culture.  When you move to a different country, for the first or the second time, it is always starting over.  But we get to choose the different attitudes we have about it....

 My family is almost done with our seven-month furlough, so I thought this would be a good time to share a few of my thoughts and tips on furlough.  There were tons of things that I enjoyed on furlough, but seven months away from home becomes hard for me and my siblings.  While furlough is fun, it gets challenging.               My little sister loves spending time with family when on  furlough One of the most obvious reasons for why it is so difficult is that it is just hard to be separated from friends.  If your furloughs are similar to mine, you are probably visiting supporters and family almost every other day!  But no matter how many people you see, you still miss your close friends.  You miss having kids your age to talk with.  When on furlough, I've found myself holding back from starting a friendship because I know we'll be leaving in just a few months!  And after I assume that mindset, I fee...