Transitioning from a cross-cultural assignment is a process that takes time and is best achieved with the support of trained, and experienced personnel. No need to undertake this journey alone. Let us help connect you with others who can walk alongside you, providing safety and nurturing along the way.

 

MORE NETWORK BLOG

Thank you for visiting us! Please find our latest blog right below and the rest of them at the bottom of the page, organized chronologically. Enjoy!

 

ByMichael Pollock on Monday, April 24, 2023

Risk-taking in the Canadian Wilderness

Michael Pollock By Michael Pollock on Monday, April 24, 2023

 

What first came to mind when I was invited to the “Canadian wilderness” to help lead a Wilderness Camp for adult third culture kids (ATCKs) this past July was the book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.  

In that story an adolescent boy is flying in a small prop plane to visit his father in Canada when the pilot has a heart attack and crash lands in a lake in a remote forest. The plane sinks, making rescue even more difficult, and the boy must survive using his wits and a hatchet, his parting gift from his mom. Cold, hunger, mosquitos, porcupines, a moose, (did I mention MOSQUITOS?), and other challenges make for a palpable, harrowing tale. 

All spring I relished these thoughts: an adventure of “humans against the elements” with a group of young adult TCKs and ATCK co-leaders who “got it.” Overcoming challenges together is a great way to bond quickly, and with other ATCKs, I knew those bonds could form quickly in the right setting. Having grown up in the mountains of Vermont and in the highlands of Kenya, hiking, camping, paddling, and climbing in wild places is revitalizing to me. 

We were headed into all the key elements of adventure: horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking in the mountains where elk, moose, and grizzly bears roamed, living in tents that had just been resurrected after a literal crushing storm. In between, we would split wood and help with cooking, and immerse ourselves in outdoor life—axe throwing and bonfires, outhouses (let’s be real) and camp cooking, fast changing weather, and the sweetest air you could imagine. For me, that kind of life isn’t about a contest so much as it is about finding harmony with elements that can give wonderful gifts and can also kill you. Risk in its essence.  

Even getting there was challenging: two flights to arrive in Calgary, an overnight in the home of a friend of a friend, then a five-hour drive up into the Blue Bronna Wilderness. On July 1st, as we approached the last fifty kilometers, entering gorgeous valleys and increasingly dramatic geology, our trip leader, Ben (an ATCK himself) said, “Go ahead and text or call your family; in a few kilometers the only cell coverage will be at the top of one of these mountains.” After leaving a message for my wife and texting my kids the connection was gone. And then it began to snow—in July. Really.  

The soon-arriving ATCKs had similar stories:  mud, rough roads, a broken bumper and headlight, and several other multi-hour delays that resolved themselves finally with everyone fed and warm around a fire, under cover of a high canvass roof. Ben had beautifully crafted our opening so that we established a sense of welcome, care, safety, and an invitation to transparency and vulnerability.  

After a deeply chilling night, despite the small wood stoves in the ten-person tents, the day began with “cowboy coffee”—hot, strong, and black. Breakfast around the fire, music, sharing stories, affirming the story-sharers, a short encouragement, and then solitude-protected, intentional time to be alone with our thoughts, our senses, and our spirit. We encouraged each person to remember and to connect with themselves and also to that which is much bigger than ourselves: nature and the eternal Mind and Spirit.

After lunch (prepared by angelic volunteers who coordinated meals all week!), some campers split wood, some hiked a waterfall, and others took to horseback—learning to curry, saddle, and ride a diverse stable of mounts. My first day was on a sassy, black Morgan mix and she was strong, sure-footed, and fearless, even when the lead horse shied from grizzly bear scat on the trail. I felt sure that if there were a need, she and I could outrun a grizzly. Fortunately (or disappointingly?), attempting such a feat was not necessary. 

Our days fell into a rhythm of solitude, community, and challenges to overcome, on the banks of a frigid mountain stream under skies that went from sunny to cloudy to rain and back in quick succession and were slathered in stars at night.  

As third culture people often do, we quickly established rapport, told each other stories, shared talents in art (charcoal drawings), music (guitars, cajon, and voices), wilderness skills, and pure courage (two women immersed themselves first in the iciest stream this side of the Arctic… and liked it).  

It was at this point, still early in the week, that real personal RISK raised its dreadful, wonderful head—and it wasn’t about the grizzlies, or the rock climbing, or the fog that enveloped our hike as we approached some cliffs. Not only were “life stories” being shared, but we began to talk to each other—on hikes, around the fire, currying horses—about our lives, our hurts and traumas, our joys, sorrows, and agonies, our beliefs, and our lived experience.  

Our sharing, still peppered with laughter, took deep and bumpy paths around abuse, gender and sexual attraction, confusion over local and global politics, questions of faith or the lack thereof. One on one, in small groups, or all together, we listened to each other pour out, through tears, tales that included crushing loneliness, anxiety, depression, and harmful coping strategies. Marvelously, in the next breath, there were also stories of rescue, redemption, belonging, healthy coping and healing. Somewhere between were the ongoing narratives of doubt and delight, fear and courage, searching for answers, and sometimes getting glimpses of what could be insight. We acknowledged the struggle that is life and the particular struggles encountered by people like us who grow up mobile and cross-cultural. Together, we confessed our limits and mistakes, and celebrated our gifts and victories.

In the end, the big risk was not so much facing the Canadian wilderness; the risk was in trusting each other with our stories; opening up some windows in our souls to allow others to really see  us, to share empathy and curiosity and care. From my perspective, there were powerful rewards. We left with new friendships—people who could show up at our door knowing they would be welcomed, fed, sheltered, and celebrated. There was new freedom, a sense that one could be known and loved, regardless of the scars one carries. And there was relief in knowing that not one of us is alone in this crazy wilderness of life, even when we feel, metaphorically, like we are on the back of a horse we just met, in the middle of a rain-swollen river, surrounded by potential friends, getting our feet wet.  

It was absolutely glorious; I can’t wait for next summer. 


Want to learn more? Visit: Wilderness ReBoot 2023


* This article was originally published in Among Worlds magazine, December 2022 and has been republished with permission. You can find the original piece here: https://amongworlds.interactionintl.org/risk-taking-in-the-canadian-wilderness/.


Michael Pollock, an adult TCK with Kenya, US, South Africa, and England a part of his developmental years, has also been an educator in the US and China. He leads Daraja, meaning “bridge” in Swahili, as a coach, advocate, and consultant for global TCK care. Michael is an author of Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds (third edition). A dad of three amazing TCKs, he believes third culture people are uniquely and powerfully poised to impact the world for good.



print

 

Did you miss our past blogs? Check them out below!

 

Deny Yourself: My Story of Self-Denial & Abundant Life

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” -Mark 8:34

I still remember the moment I heard the words of Mark 8, grasping their significance for the first time. Sitting amongst peers while at university – I was largely preoccupied by ambition and my pursuit of excellence.

I didn’t know a lot back then about what it means to follow Jesus, but I did know Jesus as the Saviour who pulls little children closer, drowning out harshness with His greatness. His hands had sheltered my heart throughout my youth and brought along gifts of companionship, discipleship, and understanding. I felt cherished by Jesus and it was his inordinate compassion towards me that kept me tethered to Him. 

Deny - the word sprang out at me, convicting and exposing me. 

What did that mean? 

I was well positioned to pursue the American Dream and succeed at it, and denying myself in any way was not really part of the plan. So tangibly struck, I fumbled to respond to those words within our group, finally landing on, “I don’t think I’m doing that”. 

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” -Mark 8:35

Oh boy, somehow denying myself was connected to losing my life and that was not anywhere on my to-do list. I was on track for a comfortable life, full of all the perks of a first-world society, with no regard for the reality that no one avoids suffering anyway...

Read more...

Ministry at the Speed of Relationships

Building relationships is the first and foremost thing we should be about - everything else comes out of relationships. Building relationships with people from other cultures is so important, as humor; lifestyle; values; and beliefs are so different to ours, and don’t translate well. Living next to, and working with other nationalities, requires relationship.

Jesus taught us that building relationships is the greatest and most important thing we do - no strings attached.

So, how do we build Christ-honoring relationships in our life & ministry? In this article, Paul draws on wisdom from the Bible, underscoring the importance of humility, forgiveness, trust, and genuine care in developing deep and meaningful relationships. And he challenges us, first and foremost, to approach ministry (and life) at the "speed of relationships!"

Read more...

The Bittersweet of Travelling as an Adult TCK

Over the last year, I took more flights than I ever have within a single year. I’ve had more time to be in these liminal spaces than ever before. As an adult TCK (Third Culture Kid), this has invited me to reflect more deeply on why I am where I am in the world, and how that continues to shape my identity. In these spaces I momentarily re-enter into the journey of transition and grief.

In this article, Malik shares about his recent travels, and offers advice on how to process complex feelings while traveling and staying connected to multiple cultures.

 

Read more...

Risk-taking in the Canadian Wilderness

What first came to mind when I was invited to the “Canadian wilderness” to help lead a Wilderness Camp for adult third culture kids (ATCKs) this past July was the book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.  

All spring I relished these thoughts: an adventure of “humans against the elements” with a group of young adult TCKs and ATCK co-leaders who “got it.” Overcoming challenges together is a great way to bond quickly, and with other ATCKs, I knew those bonds could form quickly in the right setting. Having grown up in the mountains of Vermont and in the highlands of Kenya, hiking, camping, paddling, and climbing in wild places is revitalizing to me. 

We were headed into all the key elements of adventure: horseback riding, rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking in the mountains where elk, moose, and grizzly bears roamed, living in tents that had just been resurrected after a literal crushing storm. In between, we would split wood and help with cooking, and immerse ourselves in outdoor life—axe throwing and bonfires, outhouses (let’s be real) and camp cooking, fast changing weather, and the sweetest air you could imagine. For me, that kind of life isn’t about a contest so much as it is about finding harmony with elements that can give wonderful gifts and can also kill you. Risk in its essence...

Read more...

Wilderness ReBoot: What to Expect

Designed for adult MKs (Missionary Kids) seeking a deep encounter with God amidst the beauty of the Canadian back country wilderness, Wilderness ReBoot is a co-ed retreat for MKs (Missionary Kids) ages 21-35 willing to be challenged physically and spiritually, while deepening their relationship with God by seeking His direction in their lives. 

Benjamin Reed, the Program Director for Wilderness ReBoot shares the purpose behind the retreat and a behind-the-scenes look at what you can expect. 

Read more...

Updates & Reflections from My Trip to India

Paul shares stories, updates and reflections from his recent trip to India. God is at work!

Read more...

Wilderness ReBoot: Solitude, Community & Mission

Ben shares about how his love for the wilderness first started, and gives insight into what adult MKs (Missionary Kids) can expect at Wilderness ReBoot. 

Read more...

The Busyness of an MK (Missionary Kid)

I love airports.

The hustle and bustle. People of every nationality streaming past me. The endless possibilities of flights to every corner of the world.

As an adult now, I can admit that in trying to get my family from one country to another, an airport can be a stressful place; endless lines, tight timelines, lost luggage, too much opportunity for things to go wrong.

But, as a Third-Culture Kid (TCK), and specifically a Missionary Kid (MK), the airport glitters like a yellow-brick road into the unknown, and it excites me, especially that hustle and bustle, that busyness of international travel.

Airports are synonymous with the word “busy”. This word, busy, seems also to be the first word used by people to describe life where I now live, Southwestern Ontario. If you have a casual conversation with just about anyone older than 20, they describe life as busy. Life is busy ... but why? I can’t speak about your particular situation, but I can tell you about my situation: there are just so many things to do. Good things. Important things. 

How do you figure out what God is specifically calling you to do when there are so many ‘good’ things that need someone to do them?

Read more...

Adult Third Culture Kid Research

One of the main reasons I decided to pursue doctoral studies was to conduct research. Not just any research, but "Adult Third Culture Kid" (ATCK) research. For many years, I worked with children, teens, and adults from various mission agencies, preparing them for international ministry and helping them transition back to Canada.

As I listened to their stories of joy and heartbreak, accomplishments and struggles, I realized that there is so much more that we, as caregivers and organizations, can learn from these international workers and their families to contribute to their transition and healing. In particular, we need to find new ways to help them help themselves, long after the end of the transition retreats and workshops we offer.

The question I am exploring for my research is “How can spiritual self-leadership encourage identity development and sense of belonging in ATCKs in order for them to fully realize their potential and value contribution in the workplace?”

Read more...

Deny Yourself: My Story of Self-Denial & Abundant Life
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” -Mark 8:34 I still remember the moment I heard the words of Mark 8, grasping their significance for the first time. Si...
Read more...
Ministry at the Speed of Relationships
Building relationships is the first and foremost thing we should be about - everything else comes out of relationships. Building relationships with people from other cultures is so important, as humor; lifestyle; values...
Read more...
The Bittersweet of Travelling as an Adult TCK
Over the last year, I took more flights than I ever have within a single year. I’ve had more time to be in these liminal spaces than ever before. As an adult TCK (Third Culture Kid), this has invited me to reflect more ...
Read more...
Risk-taking in the Canadian Wilderness
What first came to mind when I was invited to the “Canadian wilderness” to help lead a Wilderness Camp for adult third culture kids (ATCKs) this past July was the book  Hatchet  by Gary Paulsen.   All spring I reli...
Read more...
Wilderness ReBoot: What to Expect
Designed for adult MKs (Missionary Kids) seeking a deep encounter with God amidst the beauty of the Canadian back country wilderness, Wilderness ReBoot is a co-ed retreat for MKs (Missionary Kids) ages 21-35 willing to ...
Read more...
Updates & Reflections from My Trip to India
Paul shares stories, updates and reflections from his recent trip to India. God is at work!
Read more...
Wilderness ReBoot: Solitude, Community & Mission
Ben shares about how his love for the wilderness first started, and gives insight into what adult MKs (Missionary Kids) can expect at Wilderness ReBoot. 
Read more...
The Busyness of an MK (Missionary Kid)
I love airports. The hustle and bustle. People of every nationality streaming past me. The endless possibilities of flights to every corner of the world. As an adult now, I can admit that in trying to get my f...
Read more...
Adult Third Culture Kid Research
One of the main reasons I decided to pursue doctoral studies was to conduct research. Not just any research, but "Adult Third Culture Kid" (ATCK) research. For many years, I worked with children, teens, and adults from ...
Read more...
6 Gospel Truths for TCKs
Ethan, an adult Missionary Kid, shares 6 gospel truths for Missionary Kids & Third Culture Kids ... "While there are many positive things about growing up as Missionary Kids, we face unique challenges and personal ...
Read more...