I first went to Central Asia as an On-Tracker in 2005 and fell in love with the country and the people! 

I have taken part in lots of short-term mission trips and I always knew that I would go long-term one day. 

I returned from On-Track in 2006 and began a postgraduate diploma looking at pastoral care for families

living overseas, which I finished in May 2008. After a spell working in the home office I returned to

Central Asia at the start of 2010.

 

I have now been in Central Asia since January 2010, initially doing intensive Russian study for 6 months,

followed by another 6 months of study while getting more active in getting to know the families and

children within the organisation I am working with here.  During this time I have developed the

following ‘projects’:-

1. *Monthly newsletters.  I write one for parents and one for kids.  Each month includes a book review
   

  on parenting or TCK issues; website reviews; ideas of things to do; etc.  This is an attempt at

  encouraging the parents to support each other through their contributions to the newsletter, and

  likewise with the kids. Communication is key, and families outside the city tell me that it is

  important for them to know that they are not alone in facing these issues. Eventually I will just

  collate articles and they will write them themselves.

1. *Youth Group. (‘Youth Rocks’)  I found that there was no existing group for 10-14 year olds in the city,
   

   and this was something that families said they would like in order to provide emotional and peer

   support to this age group.  This group meet monthly in various kids homes.  We also reach out to

   their peers who live outside the city.

1. *Girl’s Days and Boy’s Days - provide a relaxed social atmosphere for those who live in the city and
   

  families who visit.  Dates are arranged to coincide with visits of out-of-town families.

1. *Library.  I have a small library (currently based in my home) of resources for parents regarding
   

  parenting, parenting TCK’s, homeschooling, etc.  I also have a list of useful websites on these topics,

  which I check regularly for updates and I subscribe to newsletters and articles from these websites;

  passing on useful information as appropriate.

1. *Advice Service.  I meet with families at their request if there are specific issues they wish to talk
   

  about.  Most commonly these focus on the fact that they are soon leaving Central Asia or their kids

  best friend is leaving Central Asia.  I have various resources to help in these situations – some made

  by myself, some from others who do similar work in other countries.

1. *I am also currently developing resources for the orientation of new-comers.  Initially these resources
   

  will be for those who are new to the city, but this will eventually expand to help those who go to

  other locations in the country.

1. *Schools.  I make an effort to attend school events such as musical performances, graduation, etc. 
   

  As of September 2011, I go to a local International School for a short time each day to be available

  to the many kids who have transitioned to that school this year.  As well as being available to the rest

  of the school, as a school counsellor. Our kids spend most of their time at school and I feel it is key to

  be aware of what is happening at their schools (local school, homeschool, or international school).

  This is proving to be very useful already in a number of situations.

1. *Visits.  I have visited families in various locations around the country and have found this very useful
   

  to see first-hand what life is like for the families. I hope to visit more locations after my Home Leave.

Planned activities

1. *Newsletters.  I plan to develop these further and continue to encourage parents to write books
   

  reviews, etc.  I also plan to divide the kids newsletter into two, for different age groups.

1. *Mentoring.  I feel strongly that the kids are well placed to mentor each other as they know what it
   

  is like to grow up here. Parents know what it is like to raise a family here.  Now that I have built up

  good relationships with families through the youth group, newsletters, etc; I plan to set up one on

  one mentoring relationships. I have already seen this at work informally, with two of our young

  ladies. Families living outside the city tell me that they would like contact with families living in

  the city who have kids of similar ages.

* Orientation.  I have an “Orientation Quiz” and hope to write similar materials for other towns also.

1. *Home Leave.  While back in UK, from December 2011 - March 2012, I hope to encourage my
   

  supporters to consider meeting the needs of families here, particularly helping families in outlaying

  areas. I am currently in the process of contacting those families to find out what exact needs they

  see in their areas.

1. *Continue regular internet and book-based research. To remain aware of different resources, in order
   

  to know where to find help, before it is needed.

1. *Professional Development.  I am currently completing an online course “Introduction to Educational
   

  Consulting in Cross-Cultural Situations” in order to enhance my knowledge of how to help families

  decide how to educate their children in this country.

Pray:

> Pray for my continued language study, that God would grant me understanding and boldness to use

  the language with local people.

> Pray for the work I am engaged in with young people and Third Culture Kids specifically.

> Pray that I would continue to develop strong friendships with ex-pat and local brothers and sisters.

> Pray that I would be able to raise more support, especially my financial support, to allow me to

   continue with the work I am doing here.