The question “Where are you from?” is easy enough for most people, but my kids never know how to answer. Their mother is American, but their dad is Salvadoran. They were born in San Salvador, but grew up in Turkey. Here in Turkey, they’re foreign kids, but in America, they’re kids who grew up overseas.
Sometimes we don’t know where we belong. For 14 years, Turkey has been our home, yet last year we returned to America for 9 months. About the time we got used to life there, it was time to turn around and come back here. We’re delighted to be back, but I’d be lying if I said it was easy. Our tongues are slower to speak Turkish, and our car feels foreign driving in this traffic that unravels me all over again.
You don’t have to move overseas to feel foreign.
Moving to a new city can make you feel like an outsider, especially when your children struggle to find friends and adapt to a new school. Even if you spend your whole life in the same place, seeking to live out your faith in our non-Christian culture can make you feel like an alien. You might feel alone as the only believer at your job…
Follow this link to join me over at My Messy Desk to find out what can give us courage and hope when we feel out of place. My friend Liz Giertz encourages women to study the Word with her Word Nerd Wednesdays series. Today I’m writing on “Citizen.”
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I’m linking up with Lyli Dunbar’s Thought-Provoking Thursday, Arabah Joy’s Grace and Truth, Dance with Jesus, and Deb Wolf’s Faith ‘N Friends. Check out these communities for more encouragement.
PERFECT words for me to be reading today before I leave for work. So often I feel out of place there, and it’s obvious that I will after 22 years at home with kids. So thankful that my heart’s true home is unchanged and unchangeable! Heading over to read the rest of your words now!
I didn’t know you now work outside your home. Where do you work? That might be in my future too. 🙂 I’m sure you feel out of place after 22 years at home!
Thrilled to have you over at My Messy Desk this week! I so enjoy your wise and encouraging words, Betsy! xo
Thanks, Liz. The privilege is MINE! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your space with me.
Betsy,
Just a note to say that you have been in my thoughts and prayers with everything that has been going on in the world and especially within Turkey. Praying for God to place a hedge of protection around you and your family.
Blessings and prayers,
Bev xx
Thank you so much, Bev. I really appreciate it. We’re at peace. The best thing of all is that my kids do not feel fearful. (And with so much news of shootings in the US, it doesn’t seem much more dangerous here.) Thank you.
Your words always refresh my mind. I feel so relax after reading your blog posts. I pray for you and your family. You’re really doing a great job for people like me.
~Dr. Diana
Thank you.
You aren’t alone, Betsy! Hundreds of families like yours and mine go back and forth across the globe, trusting in God’s grace and mercy to help us navigate the transitions. Praying for you and yours…
Thanks, Joanna! May the Lord bless you today, friend. Cover you with His grace.
Ahhhh, Betsy … I love this post. Of course, your verse map is amazing! I’ve been doing more of them. So often I feel out of place … and teaching my kids it’s ok to feel that way is a challenge. But to grasp that heaven is our true home! Thanks so much for this beautiful reminder that while we wait, we can enjoy fellowship with our fellow heaven-bound citizens!
Thank you, Dianne. The verse map picture was kind of small, but I hope people could see it at Liz’s place. May the Lord give grace to your kids and to you as you try to pass on the truth about where we truly belong.