When Goodbyes Come First

Preparing to move overseas is a significant change, especially for teens who must say goodbye to people, places, and routines they know and love.

Preparing for Cross-Cultural Ministry

This summer, families participated in IMPACT, MORE Network's pre-field training program for families preparing for cross-cultural ministry. While parents and children took part in age-appropriate training and activities, the teens spent two weeks exploring the opportunities and challenges that come with moving to a new culture while building friendships with others preparing for a similar journey.

There was plenty of fun along the way. The group played basketball, visited a mosque, learned about different cultures, shared meals together, and spent time laughing and connecting. 

Yet alongside the fun, the teens also shared what one leader described as "the excitement and the deep sorrow" of moving to a new country. As they prepared to leave home, say many difficult goodbyes, and begin a new chapter, they were given space to process both the joys and challenges of the transition ahead. 

Processing Grief & Change

One activity that resonated deeply was a Kintsugi-inspired craft. 

Each teen smashed a plant pot, then carefully glued the pieces back together. Along the broken pieces, they wrote some of the losses they were anticipating or already experiencing as they prepared to move overseas. 

Together, they talked about healthy ways to process grief and change, including trusted people they could talk to, practices that help them process emotions, and promises from Scripture they could hold onto. One teen later said it was their favourite activity of the entire program.

Prayer, Gratitude & Important Conversations

Throughout the two weeks, the group also practiced prayer and gratitude. Each morning, they wrote one "Please, God" request and one "Thank you, God" note on sticky notes. 

On the final day, they looked back together and discovered that more than half of their prayer requests could now be moved to the "Thank you, God" board, evidence that God answers prayer and a joyful reminder of the importance of practicing thankfulness.

The program also created space for important conversations about the move itself. One teen shared that when they first thought about moving overseas, it all seemed like "yucks." Over time, however, they began to see things differently and expressed a growing confidence that God has a plan for their family.

Another encouraging moment came during a discussion about language learning. One teen who was initially uninterested in learning the language of the culture they were preparing to enter left with a new motivation to make the effort. They began to see how learning a people's heart language can provide insight into their culture, help build meaningful relationships, and open doors for conversations that can have an eternal impact.

Stepping into the Unknown

For these teens, IMPACT was more than preparation for a move overseas. It was an opportunity to bring their fears, questions, excitement, and grief before God alongside others who understood the journey. 

As they prepared to step into the unknown, they were reminded that God is already there, leading them one step at a time.

Thank you to Tiffany Ashcroft for sharing this story. Tiffany, the MissionPREP Program & Children's Coordinator, is an MK (Missionary Kid) who was born in Fiji and grew up in Nepal. Having experienced the yays and yucks of MK life and the challenges of returning “home” as a tween, it’s a joy for her to be able to connect with and teach young MKs who are in the midst of transition.