Called to Serve: Parenting and teaching on the Mission Field and the Missionary Kid Experience | Maaike and Esther Prins

S6E03 - Many parents grapple with the question of whether they should they take their children overseas as missionary kids (MKs)? Is it responsible to uproot them from their home culture, away from family, to a place that may have limited medical care, educational opportunities, or stability? What does it really mean to raise a "Third Culture Kid" (TCK), and how does this impact their identity and future?

Our guests today, Maaike Prins and her daughter, Esther, share their personal experiences as a family who spent 17 years serving as missionaries in Cambodia. Maaike and her husband felt called to the mission field, even with a young daughter in tow. Esther, now a young adult, reflects on growing up in Cambodia, attending international schools, and navigating the complexities of being a TCK—living between cultures but fully belonging to neither.

The episode also explores the role of international schools designed specifically for MKs, with a focus on Hope International School in Phnom Penh, where Maaike played a leadership role. These schools aim to provide a supportive environment for MKs, helping families stay on the field long-term.

For educators considering a global mission experience, Maaike offers insights into the profound impact they can have by teaching at these international schools. Esther adds her perspective on the importance of the community these schools provide for missionary kids helping them navigate the complexities of their identity and life transitions.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in the intersection of faith, mission, and family life, this episode offers a nuanced look at the costs, challenges, and rich rewards of raising children in the mission field.

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If you are interested in serving with or supporting CMS find out more at www.cms.org.au