Last week, Emmanuel Bible College hosted ReBoot, a retreat organized by the Canadian MK Network to help missionary kids between the ages of 16 and 20 transition back to Canada for post-secondary education. Among other topics, the week included sessions on faith and culture, relationships, finances and employment.
We sat down with Isaac, one of the participants, to hear his take on the week. Isaac is 17 years old and will be starting his final year of high school in Canada this fall. His family has served in Turkey, Morocco and India.
Why did you decide to attend the ReBoot retreat?
“Our [missions] organization heard about it. It sounded like a great place to connect with kids that are similar to me. We thought it would be good, since I am transitioning back to Canada having never lived here.”
What aspect of transitioning back to Canada do you think will be most challenging?
“I’m going into twelfth grade. I have one year at a school and then there is the inevitable transition again, moving and not having the promise of long-term relationships. The most challenging part will be moving back and building new relationships knowing that I’m going to have to say goodbye.”
What are some of the key things you learned this week?
“I think some of the best things have been accurate depictions of the stuff that we as missionary kids go through. A lot of the lessons we’ve learned have been in relationships. Missionary kids build relationships one way. People in Canada build relationships another way. You don’t always think about the things that you do. If someone has had life experiences like we’ve had, people here might think we are arrogant or bragging. It’s been interesting to look at how I might come off in a way I might not want to.”
Any final thoughts about the retreat?
“It’s really cool to see all the work that’s gone into knowing stuff about [missionary kids]. It’s been really helpful as we’re preparing to adapt into the culture here.”
Interested in learning more about the Canadian MK Network? Click here.