College is a huge step for every high school student. From leaving friends and family behind to living on their own and making decisions about their future, the transition can be exciting, scary and nerve-wracking all at once. But for missionary kids (MKs), going to an American college has an entirely different set of challenges.
The culture shock alone would paralyze most people from taking that step, said Linda Whitworth, director of stateside assignment training for the International Mission Board (IMB).
“These kids have served overseas in vastly different cultures and then they come (to America) and everything is so different.”
To help smooth the rocky transition for MKs, IMB partnered with Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) to host the annual MK Re-Entry Retreat on Aug. 3–7.
A time to process
Held at WMU’s WorldSong Missions Place in Cook Springs this year for 94 MKs, the retreat is a time for MKs to process the transition not only to college but also to life in the United States. The retreat provides a body of support for MKs, Whitworth said, as well as helping mentally and spiritually prepare them.
Emily Yount, an MK who graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, said the retreat is much needed because it connects MKs who share “such a common bond.”
“No matter how different the culture was that each of them came from, they feel connected by their experiences.
“Right before their first semester starts, everything starts to hit all at once. Here everyone is able to be vulnerable with someone who understands. Just being with other MKs is such a healing experience.”
Bonding with others
Through worship sessions, personal devotional time, free time and Q-and-A sessions with a panel of MKs who have already transitioned into college, MKs have an understanding environment where they can talk about the upcoming opportunities and challenges of college and bond with one another.
While these things are important, the retreat’s main purpose is to help the students stand out.
Whitworth said, “We want them to adjust to college life, but we want them to be catalysts of change where they are.”
That’s why the theme for this year was “Counter Culture,” based on the book with the same title by IMB President David Platt. And because of all the social changes hitting Christians today, the retreat also featured three breakout sessions — on grace and poverty; abortion and human life; and gender and sexuality — to help prepare MKs to understand the culture they are entering.
Courage and faith
Taking a step like this, Whitworth said, takes courage and faith.
“These kids are some of the bravest people I know.”
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