A lot can change in ten years, especially when you throw being an expat in the mix. From reflections on moving abroad for the first time to a hilarious quiz on today’s lingo, Denise, Melissa, and Alicia explore a decade’s worth of fun and wisdom in this episode. Join them for a discussion about how their surroundings, families, and hearts have changed through their prospective journeys. Grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and listen in because when these three get together, you will want to be a part of the conversation! After all, it's tea time somewhere.

Show Notes

Connect with Alicia

Connect with Denise

Connect with Melissa

Questions discussed during this episode:

What were you doing ten years ago?

When you look back on the decade, what is something that really sticks out?

What is something you are leaving behind this year?

Mentioned in this episode:

The Meaning of the 30 Most Popular Slang Words These Days by Good Housekeeping

Taking Route on Instagram

Third Culture Thriving on Instagram

The Missionary Life Cycle in 5 Stages

Noteworthy Quotes:

“Your first holiday overseas is the hardest.”

“None of the things we thought we were coming over to do really happened.”

“As I look back over the last decade I really feel like it was the Lord’s timing in His preparation for where we are now.”

“I know that the Denise of 2010 would not have been ready for the life I am living now.”

“I think the thing that really struck me was accepting who God made me to be, what my skill set is, what my giftings are, and being comfortable and ok with using those for His glory instead of trying to look like everybody else’s skillsets and everybody else’s gifting.”

“In the past 10 years I have remembered who God made me to be and now I am operating in the giftings He’s given to me.”

“I feel like myself. I feel like I’m right where I need to be, doing what I need to be, with the skillset and giftings I have. It’s just a very joyous feeling, instead of always feeling so anxious about not measuring up to the standard I had built up in my head.”

“When I moved overseas, it was like I immediately did not know who I was anymore. And I also didn’t know if it was okay to be who I was.”

“It was hard to start each day, even as I was getting dressed in clothes that weren’t my style, and feeling like ‘This is not who I am.’”

“With losing language I felt like I also lost my sense of humor.”

“The Lord will give confirmation to you that you are walking in the right direction or doing the right thing or He’ll say, ‘that’s something I want you to lay down.’ Either way it requires going before the Lord.”

“There’s a difference between asking for advice and seeking someone’s approval.”

“If you’re seeking their approval for how you do things, you’re just going to bend over backwards and maybe be someone you aren’t in the process.” 

Related previous episodes:

It's Tea Time Somewhere: All About Expectations

Episode 02: Transparency in the Expat Marriage

Episode 29: Finding Your Place as a Trailing Spouse

Show credits: 

Hosted by Denise James, Alicia Boyce, and Melissa Faraday // produced and edited by Melissa Faraday // content managed by Heather Fallis.

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