In Ghana, where I have lived as a missionary kid since 2015, my family is working with the Rafiki Foundation, a non-profit organization, helping Africans: “know God and raise their standard of living” in 10 of the poorest English speaking countries in Africa. Classical Academic Press is a great friend of Rafiki, and Dr. Perrin has spoken at several Rafiki events including the first Classical Education conference in Kenya, in November.

What is a missionary kid?

A missionary kid, often shortened to MK, is a child whose parents serve as missionaries, usually in a country other than their passport country. Such children grow up between two cultures, belonging fully to neither and learning from both, and their lives are shaped by the work their families have been called to do.

Young boy studying a globe beside an old leather suitcase, a picture of what it is to be a missionary kid — A missionary kid grows up between two cultures, at home in both and fully belonging to neither.

As a missionary kid, I see and experience a lot of things an average American teen might not experience. Some things are difficult about being an MK, but I want to highlight some blessings from this past year.

I am very thankful that God has blessed me with another year of life. We take life for granted so much of the time, but since I have been in Ghana, the fragility of life has never been clearer. I have, in fact, been to more funerals in Ghana than in the U.S. Funeral announcements for men and women in their 20s and 30s are everywhere. Headlines proclaim: “Gone to Soon” or the heartbreaking “What a Shock.” So many young influencers of the next generation die too young here in Ghana. Life is fleeting, and it is not to be taken for granted. James 4:14 reminds us: “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time, and then vanishes.” This is a reminder of how temporary life is. Thankfully, for God’s children, heaven is waiting.

The blessing of a quality education

This year, as I entered 10^th grade, I clearly began to realize what a blessing quality education is. Driving around Ghana, I see many schools packed and overflowing with students. Entering a classroom, I notice how small the desks are, how few school supplies and resources there are, and the overall atmosphere: dull and dark. Unfortunately, so many school in Africa and around the would are like this, but organizations like Rafiki Foundation are working to change the “norm” in third world countries by providing excellent curriculum along with well-trained African teachers.

Pupils at wooden desks as their teacher writes on a chalkboard in an African classroom, seen by missionary kids abroad — Good schools staffed by well-trained African teachers are changing what children in West Africa can expect.

For me, being homeschooled in Ghana has been hard at times. I miss my community of other homeschoolers in the U.S. As an extrovert, I thrive on being around people. Through the online class I take with Schole Academy, I have a growing sense of community of like-minded students. The discussions and knowledge I am gaining in Logic are great. And activities like the Schole Chronicle or the Peer-to-Peer Discussion Board provide me with a feeling of community. I am thankful for my amazing online class at Schole. I am also thankful my parents are providing me with the best education possible while in Ghana.

Sound Bible teaching amid the health and wealth gospel

Bible teaching and doctrine is another thing I am extremely grateful for. It is sad to see Africa overrun with the health and wealth gospel; it’s everywhere in Ghana. Twisted teachings which claim to be Christian infiltrate churches across Ghana. Some church sermons and events in Ghana sport titles like: “Fresh Oil for Overflow” or “How to Survive the End of the World.” These provide attendees with temporary hope and joy. Indeed, we don’t need physical anointment, for we already spiritually anointed by Christ. And why would Christians need to learn how to survive the end of the world when Christ will surely come a take us all away? His chosen ones will most assuredly join Him in heaven. True faith in Christ is all we need, but many have convoluted a simple concept by requiring congregants to pay and work for God’s goodness. Christ only requires repentance. This is the beauty of the gospel. Many churches make it look so complicated, when it’s not.

At the Rafiki Village, Bible study is a part of every day. In fact, every student, orphan, employee, and missionary studies the same passage of Scripture every week. My parents and other wise adults have showed me the Scriptures and taught me theological truths. Sound Bible teaching is such a gift. I am blessed to know that I am a child of God. I wish everyone had such joy.

Much to be thankful for, despite the difficulties

As an MK, life is full of surprises and difficulties, but there is always much to be thankful for. When I start thinking about how I wish I was with my friends in the U.S., I try to remember the blessing of experiencing a new culture and its people. Or when I want to still live in the U.S., I think about how God surely has a plan for me, and this is plan for me right now. All in all, being an MK is great and full of blessings, despite the difficulties.