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!

 

ByMalik Dieleman on Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Bonds Beyond Borders: The Impact of ReBoot on MKs

Malik Dieleman By Malik Dieleman on Tuesday, October 10, 2023

 

Each year, the MORE Network runs Classic ReBoot, a re-entry retreat for missionaries’ kids (MKs) aged 17-20 returning to life in Canada. This is a crucial time in the lives of these young adults, many of whom are not only adjusting to a new culture, but also to new schools, jobs, relationships, and living situations.

Since its inception in 2013, ReBoot has been held in both Alberta and Ontario, organized by the MORE Network—a collaborative of Canada-wide organizations supporting missionaries in cross-cultural transition. Most of the staff are missionaries’ kids themselves. They lead sessions on Canadian culture, MK identity, transition, grief and loss, sexuality, mental health, employment and finances, to name a few.

This year, fun activities included a trip to Niagara Falls and ropes course, a movie night, outdoor sports, an off campus ‘Amazing Race’ game in downtown Toronto, group games, and a talent show!

Seven years ago, I attended ReBoot myself, having just moved from Senegal, where my parents were serving. I returned as a staff member again this year, helping lead activities and small group discussions, taking photos/videos, and, most importantly, connecting with the participants. Coming back to ReBoot over the years has helped me to step back and see how much I have learned and experienced since first attending. And, somehow, I always take away new life lessons.

There is something so beautiful about the quick bonds that form between MKs, who understand each other despite having drastically different life experiences. It’s like a breath of fresh air to be surrounded by people who have gone through similar life experiences. It helps you to share on a more honest and intimate level. By the end of the week, the MKs and staff have created deep friendships and have become more comfortable in their transition journey.

One of my favourite memories from this year, was a song made for the talent show night. Using the lyrics of ChaptGPT and the musical talent of fellow staff members, a performance of “The TCK Anthem” was born. The chorus of this song ended with the words “side by side” which quickly became a repeated slogan for the rest of the retreat - the MKs singing those words back and forth.

ReBoot has been one of the greatest highlights of each year I’m involved. But don’t take my word for it. Here are some quotes from participants of our latest retreat:

What was the best thing about ReBoot?

“It was so nice to be around people who understand.” -Jemma

“Time to take apart piece by piece, what is transition, how to deal with it, and what to use from it in the future.” -anonymous

“Making new friends! All of the memories I've made here are gonna stick with me for a long long time. The tight little community we've formed this week was such a huge blessing.” -anonymous

“Meeting people and making connections with MKs across the world who have been through the same experiences as me.” -anonymous

“Gaining a community of people unlike any other I've ever other experienced.” -Jacob

What class session was most helpful to you?

“The session on grief was helpful to let go of some emotions that were heavy on my heart and shoulders.” -anonymous

“The transitions one was really good.” -Seth

“I liked the loss session and the mental health ones.” -anonymous

“Honestly, I really appreciated the sex sessions. It's a subject that needs to be discussed!! I feel more prepared now for entering into future relationships and honoring God.” -anonymous

“I appreciated hearing some of the life stories and testimonies. They helped more than you know.” -anonymous

What would you say to a younger MK considering going to ReBoot?

“[It was a] lot of fun, you’ll meet cool people.” -Moriah

“That it is a long week and very packed, but it is worth it to get all the important lessons.” -Winnie

“You should really go. It’s a great experience and you’ll learn so much.” -Carson

“Gooooo you need to go.” -Isaac

“Definitely go! It’s a great experience and gives you great tools!” -anonymous

“Definitely recommend no matter how long ago you moved here. I thought I was fully transitioned before I came to ReBoot and I didn’t realize how much I needed it.” -anonymous

“It was a wonderful experience where I learned how to transition back into my passport culture. I also met many amazing people who have gone through similar experiences. There are others out there like you.” -anonymous

“Go, even if you don’t think you need to, you will find something useful. At the very least you make good friends.” -Seth

“Heck yeah dude! Go! Go! Go!” – Jacob

“It’s amazing” – Elise


Malik Dieleman is TCK (Third Culture Kid) who grew up in Marseille, France; London, Ontario; and Dakar, Senegal. Now he lives in Toronto! Malik first attended ReBoot back in 2016, when he was introduced to MORE Network, and has since been involved in ReBoot as a staff member. Malik works as the Digital Content Designer for MORE Network. Malik is an artist at heart and studied Photography at OCAD University. Outside of his freelance work, he loves cooking, playing volleyball, and watching reality TV.



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

 

Returning Home for the First Time

It was the 17th of November 2023. Our Biman Bangladesh Airlines evening flight began its somewhat rocky decent into Dhaka, Bangladesh. The city sprawled for miles with concrete apartment buildings as far as the eye could see. I was travelling with my wife, Reaghan, and our friends, Emma and Mitchell. This was the first time I’d be setting foot in the city and country I spent the first 12 years of my life in as an MK (Missionary Kid)...

Read more...

5 Ways to Pray for MORE Network in 2024

At the MORE Network, the key verse we’ve chosen for 2024 is Exodus 33:14: “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

Prior to this verse, God had told Moses to lead the Israelites to a land flowing with milk and honey but that He would not go with them. In response Moses says in verse 15, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.”

Just as Moses did not want to go forward without God, neither do we in the MORE Network. Not only do we want God to direct us in the way we should go in 2024, but we also want His presence to go with us.

Here are 5 Areas of Prayer for the MORE Network in 2024! 

Read more...

Lament of a Returning Missionary

Loosely based on Psalm 13, here is a prayer of lament of a returning missionary. 

How long, Lord, will I miss our former HOME where I sobbed in frustration and prayed, pounding on heaven’s door to learn language(s) & culture, and how to buy food and learn to survive, let alone thrive? ...

 

Read more...

Christmas Memories from Around the World

Watermelon, Handprints and Fireworks ... What do they all have in common? They are all elements of favourite Christmas memories and traditions from our MORE Network staff, from around the world! 

Read more...

Deeply Rooted

We invite you to join us during this season of generosity so that, together, we can give Missionary Kids and their families the opportunities to experience a richer soil in Christ and broader branches in community. 

Read more...

The Eternal Benefits of Debriefing

I recently returned from RE-VIEW, a week-long family debriefing retreat, where I served as an adult facilitator and debriefer.

While there, I had the honour of hearing the stories of missionaries who have worked in the overseas ministry context for many years. And boy, did I feel inadequate for the task as some of them had faithfully served a lifetime, having much more cross-cultural experience than I have and the wisdom that accompanies such incredible life experiences.

But what struck me the most and motivated me all the more to listen, was that many of these seasoned missionaries never had the opportunity to actually share their full stories with anyone – that is their deeply personal and valuable stories, the good, the bad and the ugly. And that’s really a reflection and a limitation of our modern missionary movement; missionaries often feel obligated to share only the positive experiences and their successes, lest they be judged or misunderstood, or worse, lose vital financial or personal support...

Read more...

Bonds Beyond Borders: The Impact of ReBoot on MKs

There is something so beautiful about the quick bonds that form between MKs (Missionary Kids), who understand each other despite having drastically different life experiences. It’s like a breath of fresh air to be surrounded by people who have gone through similar life experiences. It helps you to share on a more honest and intimate level.

Each year, the MORE Network runs Classic ReBoot, a re-entry retreat for missionaries’ kids (MKs) aged 17-20 returning to life in Canada. This is a crucial time in the lives of these young adults, many of whom are not only adjusting to a new culture, but also to new schools, jobs, relationships, and living situations.

In this article, Malik, shares about his own experience at Classic ReBoot, as well as an inside scoop from attendees of the most recent Classic ReBoot!

Read more...

Adult Third Culture Kid Research: The Heart Behind the Research

This summer, we had the privilege of connecting with Shelly Lyons about her research on Adult Third Culture Kids. Listen in to hear more about the “heart” behind the research and her big picture dreams for how it will be used! 

Adult Third Culture Kids (ATCK) are adults whose lives were shaped by mobility and cross-cultural experiences during their childhood. According to Merriam Webster, a “Third Culture Kid (TCK)” refers to "a child who grows up in a culture different from the one in which his or her parents grew up ... The 'third culture' to which the term refers is the mixed identity that a child assumes, influenced both by their parents' culture and the culture in which they are raised."

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Is Competition a Biblical Value?

One Sunday morning in the church where I pastored, a family came to me and shared how some of their friends had left our church to go to another church: a "competitor church". They were completely distracted by their news. Does the Bible encourage us to compete with fellow believers? Is there such a thing as a competitor church?

Read more...

Returning Home for the First Time
It was the 17 th of November 2023. Our Biman Bangladesh Airlines evening flight began its somewhat rocky decent into Dhaka, Bangladesh. The city sprawled for miles with concrete apartment buildings as far as the eye co...
Read more...
5 Ways to Pray for MORE Network in 2024
At the MORE Network, the key verse we’ve chosen for 2024 is Exodus 33:14: “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 (NIV) Prior to this verse, God had told Moses to l...
Read more...
Lament of a Returning Missionary
Loosely based on Psalm 13, here is a prayer of lament of a returning missionary.  How long, Lord, will I miss our former HOME where I sobbed in frustration and prayed, pounding on heaven’s door to learn language(s...
Read more...
Christmas Memories from Around the World
Watermelon, Handprints and Fireworks ... What do they all have in common? They are all elements of favourite Christmas memories and traditions from our MORE Network staff, from around the world! 
Read more...
Deeply Rooted
We invite you to join us during this season of generosity so that, together, we can give Missionary Kids and their families the opportunities to experience a richer soil in Christ and broader branches in community. 
Read more...
The Eternal Benefits of Debriefing
I recently returned from RE-VIEW, a week-long family debriefing retreat, where I served as an adult facilitator and debriefer. While there, I had the honour of hearing the stories of missionaries who have worked in...
Read more...
Bonds Beyond Borders: The Impact of ReBoot on MKs
There is something so beautiful about the quick bonds that form between MKs (Missionary Kids), who understand each other despite having drastically different life experiences. It’s like a breath of fresh air to be surro...
Read more...
Adult Third Culture Kid Research: The Heart Behind the Research
This summer, we had the privilege of connecting with Shelly Lyons about her research on Adult Third Culture Kids. Listen in to hear more about the “heart” behind the research and her big picture dreams for how it will b...
Read more...
Is Competition a Biblical Value?
One Sunday morning in the church where I pastored, a family came to me and shared how some of their friends had left our church to go to another church: a "competitor church". They were completely distracted by their ne...
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...
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