Third Culture Thriving

Yes, I'm saying "summer off" instead of a "sabbatical" for a reason. Because when it came down to it, my sabbatical didn't go as planned in a number of ways. Today, I'm sharing some reflections and updates from the summer, as well as some of the small rhythms I've developed that I'm increasingly grateful for. I hope this will inspire you to reflect on your own last few months with both clear eyes and a thankful heart, whatever life threw your way.

Life feels like a lot right now, both in some overwhelming ways and some great ones, so I feel like it's best to give you kind of a "state of the soul" today. Both for your information, and my own need for processing. And then, to give you a bit of a manifesto as I enter a summer sabbatical of sorts. Thanks for being here.

We love WSML episodes! Here's my top 10 as we head into the end of the podcast season.

This morning, as I was again ruminating on this, coffee in hand, I heard a gentle whisper: "Why don't you instead ask: what do I desire FOR you?"

My breath caught as I let the question linger quietly in my spirit. Am I asking the wrong question?

What could the Lord desire FOR me, instead of FROM me?

Today, I want to take the time to walk you through resource that we've provided for free on our website for over a year now, but we haven't really devoted a lot of energy to here on the podcast. I hav e heard from a number of you that are making the difficult decision to transition from your host countries back to your home countries this year, and still others who are shifting assignments from one country to the next as is the norm in your field. Many of you are about to go through a major shift, and I want to support you through it.

Last year, we released a resource called "The spaces between nations: a transitions workbook." This document is over 40 pages of lists to make, journalling prompts, memories to capture, timelines to make, themes to identify, and even packing tips and travel tricks to support you on your journey. It's a resource that I poured a ton of time and emotion into, as I have watched many of my best friends make these transitions in the last few years. I pray that it will be a blessing to you, too.

In this life overseas, we all journey through these seasons where life feels like too much, but being able to step away and bring it to God feels like just another impossible thing to add to our never-ending to do list. We might even have tools at our disposal, but often we just need something that's already done and prepared for us. Something we can just plug and play.

So, today, I want to give an unsolicited and unpaid recommendation to the forthcoming Velvet Ashes Online Retreat. The Velvet Ashes team does a really incredible job crafting a beautiful retreat for expat ladies every year, and it's always a highlight for me.

Today's episode topic is deeply personal to me, because it's been a constant battle in my home really since I got married. Today, we're talking about practically valuing and protecting your family and prioritizing it over your mission. Let's get into it.

Today, we're talking about something that you're all told me is heavy on your hearts and something you don't always know how to handle: money requests from staff or local friends.

Most of us can make a list of "great things to have in our country" pretty fast by now. Seasoning mixes, seasonal teas and treats, Ziploc bags, essential oils, Western candy and snack foods, makeup and sunscreen and bug spray, passport holders, decaf coffee. We fill our suitcases and our visitors' suitcases with these things with ease.

But what about some items to really make your life easier? That maybe you haven't thought about before? Let's get into it.