There might be other mamas and daddies out there who are dropping their oversized kiddos off at college this time of year. And missionary parents are right along with the throngs of them. The thing is that it is a little more traumatic for families and a lot more hassle trying to cross oceans and continents to settle our college kids into not just new schools, but new lives and worlds as well.
I just got an e-mail from a missionary friend of mine who just arrived back in Africa after saying tearful goodbyes to her 2 oldest left behind in the States to go to university. Her heart was breaking as she wondered how they would do...and how would she do. Navigating these transitions can be emotionally draining, not to mention physically and financially draining.
Many 18 year old MKs show up to America have never lived more than a few years, let alone a few months in their "home" country. Within a few short weeks before classes start they have had to get a drivers licence and open a bank account. They aren't familiar with debit cards or how to pump gas. Navigating their new surroundings can be difficult since they are not the "normal" kid next door.
In this stage in life our kids have needed extra support from us...and others too. We have made a specific effort to help our kids settle and have tried to do everything possible to set them up for success. It's meant road trips, plane tickets, visits, calls, skypes and texts. It's meant lots and lots of prayer. It hasn't always been easy, but we have seen God's hand of help and provision. And we have seen the body of Christ bless our family. They have graciously opened their homes, hearts and wallets.
Saying goodbye for the next 4-6 months leaves a parent's heart aching. That emptiness in our heart can only be filled with God's peace and grace as we trust him for this next leg in the journey.
