Missionary Family

Mambo! (Swahili greeting)

We've been in Tanzania for over a month now! Can't believe it.

My sister and I are starting at the international school in just a few days.  First. School. Ever.
We've met some girls in our grade these past few weeks, and we have been given some opportunities to spend some time with them.  That was great and has helped us look forward to experiencing school...it will be a first!

As we've been hanging out with the different missionaries, even ones from different mission organizations, it's made me think about how close of a community it is on the mission field.

For an organization of any occupation to function well, the members have to work as a team.  That is the only way an organization can work.  The same goes for missionaries.  But, unlike a normal job, a missionary team has to work like a family.    For most of us MKs (missionary kids), we are away from grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, maybe even other siblings!  It is hard to be away from that part of your life. 

But, after being in South Africa for some time, the missionary team started becoming like family.  My sisters and I had "grandparents" that fed us popcorn and cookies every time we went over to their house.  We had the "cousins" that we saw every week....you know, the ones that you shared that love-hate relationship with?  We had the "distant cousins" and the "sporty uncles" that played games with all the teenagers....the ones that hurt themselves 'cause they were too old for it.

All my "Cousins" in South Africa

One of the hardest parts though about us transitioning to Tanzania was having to leave that family behind.  And I know it sounds awkward to say you have to start over with family, but that is kind of how it is for us MKs.  We have to join that close knit community and start over with relationships. 

It may seem like it takes an eternity to feel like you belong in the family, but trust me, the bonds last.  In the "field family", relationships stay with you and leave an impression that will last forever.


Since we arrived in Tanzania, we have been able to spend time building relationships with the missionaries here in Dar es Salaam. Recently, I was able to spend some time hanging out with one of the missionary moms.  We ate at a local bakery, visited the ministry where she works and spent some time with the ladies there. We laughed. We had a blast.

I believe this is the most important part of a missionary team...because it is hard to leave family!  It is extremely challenging!  And while you can't replace your grandparents, your aunts, or your cousins, you can take refuge in your field family.  This is one of the coolest blessings that Lord gives you on the mission field.

Getting to know my new Tanzanian missionary family