March Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER

March 2020

The impact COVID-19 is having in our lives has caused many to fear, anxiety, doubt, unknown and uncertainty.  A few weeks ago, in my Bible study we studied about fear and our worries.  There are many verses where God tells us, “Do not fear,” “Do not be afraid,” or “Do not worry,” because God knowing that we would be afraid, fearful, worried, anxious about many things in our lives.  Yet, God’s character is unchanging even in all this unknown and uncertainty that causes our fears and anxiety and worries to escalate.  God is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, this COVID-19 did not take him by surprise.  Maybe we cannot see the big picture, but we know who does.  Take time to reflect back over these weeks and see where God’s kindness was to you and your loved ones.  Remember God’s character does not change even when it seems like everything around us is.

Back in February the Dominican Republic had elections for the cities and towns local elected officials.  But due to some corruption with the electronic ballots, there was a recent re-vote.  The schools have been closed just prior to the re-vote and have remained closed.  After, the election, President Medina placed some restrictions along with a curfew and border closures.  Now, there are about 390+ people confirmed for the COVID-19.

Kids Alive has canceled all service team, interns and any new missionaries ready to leave on hold as well as any business travel to help contain the spread of the virus.  Our seven schools, the teachers have prepared packets of assignments for the kids to complete.  We are also, providing food for the families of our kids, especially those in extreme need.  Our three children’s homes are under lockdown and our home directors and medical director have put in place different protocols and routines for our kids and staff to follow.

In talking with some of our staff and missionaries since restrictions have been put in place, there are good things that are happening.  One person shared with me that many people are seeking and asking questions about God more than before.  Another person shared how she has been more connected to her students because of what they are sharing on WhatsApp than what they would share in a classroom setting.  Another person shared that even through social distancing that their conversations that they have with people has been more enriched and meaningful than before.

I’ve had the opportunity to take some webinar workshops on Third Culture Kids.  I wanted to learn more about this special group of people and to know what good resources there are for our families who are raising TCKs.  The families who serve in the Dominican Republic comprise of a widespan of TCKs.  We have seven who have graduated from the university; six who are in university; four high school; four school age; one pre-school; two toddlers and two babies.

The Third Culture Kid is anyone who has lived outside of their passport country anytime during their developmental years.  Let me give you some information regarding research on TCKs.  Many of the issues TCKs face usually do not show up until they are in their 20’s and 30’s.  Why do we need prevention?:

·      90% of TCKs are more or less “out of sync” with their age group throughout their lifetime.

·      TCKs experience 2.5 times higher rates of mental health than the general population.

·      Three times as many TCKs report feeling trapped and depressed than monocultural individuals.

·      Greater than 50% self-report internalizing disorders such as anxiety and depression.

·      80% of TCKs struggle with anxiety and depression as adults.

·      Depression and suicide rates are more prominent among TCKs than monocultural individuals.

Four struggles that TCKs may face are 1) Identity Challenges; 2) Grief and Loss; 3) Need for Change; and 4) Subconscious Expectations.  The core issues being 1) unanchored identity; 2) unresolved grief and hidden losses; 3) lack of comfort in the settled life and 4) hidden expectations of self and life.  One prevention strategy is using the CARE model by Lauren Wells, Conversations-Awareness-Relationship-Example.

Healthy TCKs:

·      Identity Challenges --- Beautifully complex identity that embraces all identities

·      Grief and Loss --- Capacity for empathy for anyone

·      Need for Change --- Adaptability correlates with resilience

·      Subconscious Expectations ---Contentment, see many ways of doing life and many levels of successes they can have

Another webinar workshop taught me how to creative storytelling with TCKs as a way to debrief them and in the process of helping them to resolve and unresolved gifts.  And creating a safe place for the child or teen to be willing to share their story.  A space to have tough conversations.

“So do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

PRAYER REQUESTS

Praise the Lord for Lindsay arrived to Constanza, DR and now safely back home!

 Praise the Lord for the beautiful tribute to my Mom!

Praise the Lord for learning about Third Culture Kids!

Praise the Lord for Robin arrived to Jarabacoa!

Praise the Lord for safety in traveling unexpectedly to the states!

Pray for Kids Alive Home Office leadership and staff.

Pray for Women’s Bible Study.

Pray for unity and grateful hearts.

Pray for our MKs in the university and those who have graduated and now in various places due to COVID-19.

Pray for the Dominican Republic during this COVID-19. 

Pray for our new missionaries who will be arriving to the DR in 2020: Audrey, Anne Peyton, Rachel, and Shelton.