MK’s and TCK’s get asked all kinds of questions, and some are easier to answer than others. If you have lived overseas at all, you know what I’m talking about.

#1- Where are you from?

This question is, by far, the question we get asked the most! Do you mean where my parents are from, where I was born, where I identify with the most or what language my name sounds better in? If you ask an MK where they are from, get ready for a long, complicated, confusing answer because… let’s face it, we honestly have no idea anymore!

#2- What country do you like living in the most?

This is a very hard question; even though most MK’s you talk to will say the country they are missionaries to feels like home, it’s extremely difficult to really feel like you truly belong in one country or another because a part of the culture of each country stays with you forever. And it’s impossible to choose between the country you grew up in, and where the rest of your family is.

#3- You’re American… Do you eat pancakes every day for breakfast?

Umm… Yes, we eat pancakes EVERYDAY! You wouldn’t believe how many times me and my sisters get asked this question! Although, when you consider the fact that these are teens who watch American TV shows and Hollywood movies all day long, but have never actually been to the USA, you can’t exactly blame them for having that stereotype.

#4- Say something!

This one isn’t exactly a question, but it happens a lot! Kids in the States want us to say something in the language of the country we are trying to reach, and kids in the country we are trying to reach want us to say something in English. Not that we mind at all, it’s just hard to come up with something creative, on the spot, that will give them a good idea of the language.

#5- Why are you here?

This one is a biggie! We get asked this question a lot here in Portugal and it’s important to have an answer prepared for when you do get asked. We explain that we are here to start a church, but since we are in a Catholic country and Catholic churches are all over the place, we usually explain how we are different from Catholicism.

#6- Say #bleep# in English!

Or the Opposite

What does #English cuss word# mean?

Umm… No, I’m not going to translate a cuss word for you!

Alyssa Smith, MK to Portugal