Arrivals and departures. Travel patterns of individuals. Families. Groups.
People of various languages and cultures and ethnicities. In the ebb and flow through airports.
Walking the halls. Rushing from one terminal to another.
Or sitting. Wandering. Sleeping.
While they wait.
Back in the day
The TCK* in me feels a certain comfort in the chaos.
Crowds and constant movement. Backpacks and roller bags. Airport shops and transit lounges. Passport in hand.
When I was young and air travel was less common, we dressed up. Even for long flights across the ocean.
Back in the day, flight attendants handed out toys or games to kids on board. I probably still have my junior pilot pin somewhere.
And I remember meals. Served on every flight. With cloth napkins and stainless flatware in economy. Ginger ale served in a glass. Tiny salt and pepper shakers on the tray.
Arrivals and departures
Today we travel differently. Yet still on the move.
Arrivals and departures. With all the life in between.
Along the way, I listen to those around me. Hear bits and pieces in passing.
Moving through security.
Going up and down escalators.
Traipsing along moving sidewalks.
Standing in line for a quick bite to eat.
Conversations. Stories. Journeys housed in each person.
Journey by faith
Abiding in Christ, we journey by faith. Traveling here and there. With suitcases packed. And carry-ons filled to capacity.
Arrivals and departures. Amidst ongoing stories.
Laughter. Tears. Plans. Dreams. Failures. Frustrations. Fears.
And hope.
Walking. Running. Waiting. Every piece and part of this life taking us to surrender.
Trust. In our Lord and Savior. For He’s the One who knows the way.
What about you?
What have you learned through your travels? Where are you on the journey with Him?
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Taste of home – 1971 – Where is home? – Missing beauty – Loss – Riptide – Feeling sand between my toes – Rushing past – The long obedience – Learning hospitality –
*TCK: Third Culture Kid. “[A] person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents’ culture. The TCK builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture are assimilated into the TCK’s life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of the same background.” [David C. Pollock and Ruth Van Reken, Growing Up Among Worlds, 1999]
13 replies on “Arrivals and departures”
TCK’s have a special experience, but the definition above could apply to anyone who has spent several years in a country other than their passport country. I have been back in my home town and in a church I attended as a young adult, but I am a part of the culture I left and different from friends who have lived in the same community for all of their adult lives. My favorite children’s book is Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say. When on one side of the world Grandfather dreamed of the other side of the world. I still dream of going back.
You are a TCA—third culture adult☺️. Thanks for the book recommendation! And thank you for the years you spent in other places, encouraging TCKS and their families.
“How much baggage is necessary?” is a constant question, both physically and emotionally.
“Is the comfort brought by this item (or idea, or standard) important enough to justify the mental and emotional effort needed to carry it on this journey (which is extremely short compared to the time spent at the Destination)?”
“Is this carry-on draining me of strength needed to do the job the Father gave me?”
Thank you for sharing these insights. Making decisions in light of eternity…
I don’t usually know what I have learned until I am talking to someone else and they need it.
Funny how that happens 🙂
Loved these insights from your readers!🥰
Me too!!
He is with me. He’s already in the next place I go. He will be with the people I leave behind. He never changes.
Amen, sister. Praying for you as you continue following Him wherever He leads🙌🏼
Traveling is such a part of my life that when I stop doing it, I’m not sure what I’ll do.
Questions to ask:
1) “What is absolutely necessary for my trip? Can I get by with less?”
2) “Do I have all my important documents?”
3) “Am I ready for what my trip will bring?”
Good questions to ask in life.
There’s also something exciting about traveling. Getting on that plane to go halfway around the world whether it’s for a short time or long. Going through that passport control–to new adventures or returning home. Our lives are full of new adventures with God then one day we will be in our real home with Him.
Yes! Great questions for travel and for LIFE. Thank you for sharing these insights😊
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