A Global Family "Of Sorts"

A few weeks ago my sister, Lesley, brother-in-law, Joe, and nephew, Kenan were able to come to Korea to visit. While here my dad organized a Global Family discussion that we held both at TCIS and GSIS. I never really considered my family that unique or different...however after our PD sessions I may have a different opinion.

It was really interesting to dialogue and answer people's questions about being raised as TCK's (Third Culture Kids). It was interesting to see how all four of us kids (Lisa, Laura, Lesley, and Tommy) all had very different struggles. However, now that we are all "grown up" we wouldn't change it and want our kids to have experiences that allow them to be more global.

It was fun to hear questions posed by parents currently living through trials of raising TCK's and have them look at us and say, Wow, they made it. They are relatively normal--that is debatable I know.

Anyways, for those who care to read on, I've listed my family and their transitions. Here is a run-down:

Mom and Dad--Spent their lives in NC and GA then moved to Penang, Malaysia in 1976 with 2 children. They moved back to the states in 1989 having no idea what life was like in America and having gained 2 more children making us a family of 6. After living in "America" for 8 years they returned to Asia this time to Korea and have lived there ever since.

Lisa--Moved to Malaysia in 3rd grade. Left Malaysia after high school and returned to America for college. She then returned to Asia, Korea and is living here with her husband and raising 2 TCKs...FYI--She married someone that had lived in the same house his whole life and didn't get out of NC much.

Laura--Moved to Malaysia when I was 2. I returned to the states when I was 12. I spent the majority of my years in NC. My parents moved back overseas my sophomore year of college. I married Darren, not much of a world traveler at the time. We live in Korea with our 2 children and are raising TCK's.

Lesley--Was born and raised in Malaysia until she was 8 then she returned to the U.S. She lived there until in 10th grade. In 10th grade she moved to Korea. Then she went back to the states for college. After a few difficult years she graduated from college and married Joe Kim a Korean American from her high school. Joe was born and raised in Korea. He then moved to the U.S. when he was 12. He lived there for about 4 years and then returned to Korea for 10th-12th grade. After graduating from high school he did his Korean military service. Then he went to the U.S. for college. He and Lesley got married and have a 5 month old. They are actually living in NC.

Finally Tommy, he was born and raised in Malaysia. He returned to the U.S. when he was in 1st grade. He lived there until 8th grade. He then was brought to Korea. He graduated from TCIS and when back to the U.S. for college. He is getting married to Carre, who prior to meeting Tommy hadn't hardly been out of Georgia. They can't wait to get married and move overseas.

It was interesting to reflect back on my family and see how we have all matured and were we are all now.