She knows how to travel...
While I've been busy working on the e-book, Moving to Myanmar, that will be available in April, I came across this great new video about Third Culture Kids.
It's called "So Where's Home? A Film About Third Culture Kid Identity" by Adrian Bautista. It's only about nine minutes long, so I hope you get the chance to watch it. If you're in Yangon, I know it might be hard to find a good enough internet connection to watch it.
There's a part where one of the third culture kids says she thinks it's "ridiculous" how at home she feels in an airport and that probably many tck (third culture kids) feel similarly. I've realized that F, even only at age six, is quite competent getting around in the airport and doesn't seem stressed about it.
The first time she flew on a plane, she was only a few months old. In under a year, she's been on at least 16 flights. By the time August rolls around, she'll add at minimum six more flights to that list. No wonder she was appalled by Junie B's behavior on her first flight.(Junie B. is a fictional character in a chapter book series.)
What did you think of the video?
Here's what I like about this...it takes me into a place that I would not otherwise have a reason to go, or really even think about if I didn't read your blog. I like that you take me outside my comfort zone and I peek inside to another world different from mine or my children's. I would imagine that that these kids turn into some amazing adults because of all they are exposed to and experience along the way. AND that exposure of our youth to other cultures is how we will someday close the gaps that separate our thinking in wordily matters. Bravo...turning the lights on! Shine on Becky!!
ReplyDeleteJune Maddox
Hi June!
DeleteI'm glad that you enjoyed the video. Yes, the kids in the video do seem like they become global citizens, don't they. There's clearly some advantages to the lifestyle, but I sometimes worry about the negative impacts, too.
:-)
Thanks for leaving a comment!
Loved the video. Like June, I love coming here and learning something new...something I never would have been exposed to otherwise. The kids featured here were amazing...so well spoken and, of course, well traveled. What an interesting way to grow up.
ReplyDeleteHi Janice!
DeleteI'm glad you liked the video. I think the kids were pretty amazing, too. Like I mentioned in June's comments though, I sometimes worry about the not-so-positive aspects. The transience and the non-rootedness of it all. A year out from moving away, my daughter still talks about "home" almost on a daily basis...it's not always rosy!
Becky, I can relate to your wonderful post in the sense that as a child my father, like his father was in the navy and my family moved a lot. He recently told me he lived in 35 different houses (and that did not include postings on ships!) before the age of 35 and one more after immigrating. I do understand the idea that place may not be a home, and of course believe that our true home is in our hearts. But for children and maybe for me too, the moon and stars and the solar movements across this planet, the equinox and solstice the phases of the moon, provide a kind of celestial guidance system as they did for early travellers. It can be difficult to share seasons and their associated festivities with other family members living in different parts of the world, time zones too can be tricky, but we all share the phases of the moon. I guess that's partly why much of my creative work is about place, space, time and story. I have found that this ability to share a common outer world is a most useful way to travel through life finding and connecting many wonderful interesting people, who also don't come from one fixed place. I am sure with the you as her mother, your daughter will be fine.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzi,
DeleteWhere did your family/dad immigrate from?
Yes, I think our homes are in our hearts, but...something inside me is drawn more to the land, the physical place. I want roots and a place - not just in my heart - that is home. Moves have always been difficult for me, even as a kid.
It was enjoyable and thought-provoking to read about the moon/stars/sun/seasons as being a way to guide you. Thank you for sharing. :)
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DeleteBecky, thank you once again for this interesting post. It has sat with me for the past few weeks and I found myself referring to it in my "minutes by the sea - easter moon" . Here is a link if you'd like to read it. http://suzipoland.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/easter-moon.html (P.S. hope that's not too spammy) thanks.
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