Over the past year and a half, I’ve written twenty-four of my childhood stories and have enjoyed the feedback from those who read them. Every month I posted the articles on my blog, then uploaded them to several Facebook groups for MKs (missionary kids).

One of the groups is Kent Academy, the boarding school in Nigeria where I lived for grades one through nine (except grade five in California). I know most of the 540 members in the group, or at least recognize their names. I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with those long-time friends from my mission family.

Another of the Facebook groups where I’ve uploaded my stories is comprised of MKs worldwide. Among its 6,000 members I formed many new friendships through the conversations sparked by my posts. Their parents were missionaries on various continents, and now these adult MKs live all around the world.

New Adventures

Recently I had the honor of meeting five of these globally-mobile individuals in person. What an amazing adventure to shake hands, share a hug, and sit across the table from these well-traveled souls, while we exchanged the history of our lives.

At first, I was a little nervous about approaching these new friends, however I had often conversed with them through my blog, messaging, and texts. Therefore, I felt I already knew them and was excited to meet in person. Not surprisingly, we found that some of our experiences were similar, yet others differed widely.

Sharing Stories

Some went to boarding school, others attended a local school. Some had an easy, happy childhood on the mission field. Others experienced serious challenges with significant long-term effects. Some fit back in to their “home” culture easily, while others still feel a lonely disconnect. They long for the roots of their childhood home. After chatting for a while, it felt great to be reminded that our experiences can be both unique and universal at the same time.

However, we all were amazed at how quickly a camaraderie grew as we delved instantly into meaty conversations. We shared a common bond of having lived overseas, with the distinctive joys and challenges that type of life entails. That kept us feeling more like long-lost siblings than folks meeting for the first time.

The Highs Continue

These meet ups were such an emotional high I fear I’m now addicted. Next year I’m making plans to get together with Dani, a young gal who grew up on a ship and in England. Her parents served with Operation Mobilization. Just recently Dani moved to Edinburgh, where Chris and I will be vacationing in March.

Next May I’m looking forward to connecting with Karen Eager. She spent most of her childhood in Irian Jaya, which is now known as Papua, Indonesia. Since Karen lives in Anchorage, I’m excited that I’ll get to see her on my annual visit to my sister, who recently moved to Alaska from Hawaii.

Looking Ahead

I still have some difficult stories to write as I journey back through my childhood on a continent half a world away. But these heartfelt exchanges with fellow travelers restored and invigorated me in a special way.

I felt God’s hand and purpose in gathering us together. That deepened my faith as I still am seeking Above All Else to find where God was in the pain of my childhood. Most of all, I felt warmed by their support, which filled me with courage and is helping me reach out to meet others.

Link It to Your Life

Have you ever reconnected with a friend, school mate, or adult from your past? What feelings did you have as you chatted with someone you hadn’t seen in many years? What did you talk about? Is there anything more you wish you might have said?

Delving Deeper

Think about someone you’d like to meet up with again. What can you do to try to make that happen?