Member Care - How do we deal with being apart from our families?

It is difficult to be away from family. I know we live in a society where it is rare for us to live around extended family like we used to. Because of job opportunities many Americans relocate from the home town.

Still as a global worker it is magnified. We move to the other side of the world. Our children go long periods of time between visiting their grandparents, aunts & uncles, and cousins. Many of our TCKs do not have the support system from family, church and school structures. It can be challenging.

It can be challenging for us as well. When our first grandchildren were born, we were overseas, we always thought we would be there. Our children understood and were supportive of our calling but it was still difficult. There was a void.

There are no easy answers to this. I do not believe it gets easier. Once you adjust to being away from family while you live overseas, your children grow up and go to university in the states. The impact of the empty nest is magnified.

My only consolation is being away from family and other support structures caused me to lean into Jesus. For Cathy and I there were times Jesus was all we had.

I am grateful for our colleagues who became dear friends, supported us, and prayed with us. It is amazing to me how so quickly we become close with our colleagues. When it is all you have, you lean in.

I guess those are the words that speak to me the most.

Whatever state you find yourself in:

• Lean into Jesus.
• Lean into your colleagues.
• Lean into your calling.

Lean in.