Growing Up as a Missionary Kid in Ghana: An Honest Take

I remember one morning in Ghana, my wife Laura was trying to get our youngest to eat his porridge, and he was absolutely convinced a gecko had looked at him funny from the wall. He was maybe five years old. That gecko was a daily fixture, but this particular morning, it was an enemy. It felt like a normal morning, a normal kid problem. But then I looked out the window at the dusty road, the women carrying impossibly heavy loads on their heads, the sounds of market life already in full swing, and it hit me again: this kid was growing up as a missionary kid in a world most folks back home could only imagine.

Life on the mission field is unique for everyone, but it carves a particularly distinct path for the children who call it home. They don’t just visit another country. They live there. They learn the language, the customs, and the rhythms of a culture that is not their parents’ original one. It’s a life of constant adjustment, rich experiences, and sometimes, profound loneliness. It shapes them in ways that are both wonderful and challenging, often at the same time.

The Global Classroom: Learning Beyond Borders

Our children, like many missionary kids, learned early that the world is bigger than their backyard. Their classrooms weren’t always traditional. Sometimes, school was a small living room with a homeschooling curriculum. Other times, it was a local school where they were the obvious outsiders. Often, it was just life itself. They learned to negotiate prices in a market, to respect elders from a different culture, and to find joy in simple things like a fresh mango or a downpour after weeks of dry heat.

Language barriers were just another part of the day. Our kids picked up Twi, Ga, and other local dialects faster than Laura or I ever could. They played with local children, bridging gaps with shared games and laughter. This immersion taught them empathy and adaptability. It taught them that communication goes beyond words, and that a kind gesture can speak volumes across any cultural divide. They learned to read faces and understand unspoken cues, lessons that serve them well no matter where they go.

These experiences forge a unique perspective. They see poverty firsthand, but they also see incredible resilience and generosity. They witness the power of the Gospel changing lives right in front of them. These aren’t abstract stories from a Sunday school lesson; they are the daily fabric of their lives. That kind of education can’t be bought in any school system. It is earned through living it.

Finding Home in Two Worlds

One of the hardest parts about growing up as a missionary kid is the question of “Where is home?” For many MKs, their passport country feels foreign, a place they visit but don’t quite belong to. The mission field, the place they’ve known as home, also isn’t truly “theirs” in the same way it is for the local people. They exist in a third space, a blend of cultures that often leaves them feeling like an outsider everywhere.

We’ve seen our kids wrestle with this. They miss their friends in Ghana when we’re on furlough, and they miss the familiar comforts of American life when we’re back on the field. It’s a constant tug-of-war. They learn to adapt quickly, to make friends in new places, and to say goodbye often. This builds incredible resilience, but it also carries a quiet cost. The emotional toll of perpetual transition is real, and it’s something we as parents work hard to acknowledge and support.

The Bible reminds us, “For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come” (Hebrews 13:14). This verse resonates deeply with the MK experience. They live out a practical understanding of being pilgrims on this earth. Their true citizenship is in Heaven, and they learn to hold loosely to earthly attachments, even to the concept of “home.” It’s a hard lesson, but a vital one for any believer. We try to teach them that their true identity is found in Christ, not in a geographical location.

The Hidden Sacrifices and Unexpected Joys

People often focus on the sacrifices missionaries make, and that’s true. But the kids make sacrifices too. They often miss out on typical childhood experiences: consistent friendships, family holidays with grandparents, a stable school environment, or even just having a driver’s license at sixteen. They learn to do without things that their peers back home take for granted, like reliable electricity or running water. I remember one time, our oldest son, then a teenager, spent an entire afternoon trying to rig up a fan to a car battery during a power outage. That went about as well as you would expect, but he learned something about problem-solving and perseverance.

“An estimated 90% of missionary kids will return to their passport country for college or career, facing unique re-entry challenges.”
International Mission Board

However, the joys are just as profound, if not more so. MKs often develop a global perspective, a deep understanding of God’s heart for all nations. They are often incredibly adaptable, resourceful, and compassionate. They have a broader worldview than many adults, and they’ve seen God work in miraculous ways. They witness church plants, conversions, and lives transformed by the Gospel. These are experiences that shape their faith in a powerful, undeniable way. They have a front-row seat to the greatest show on earth: God building His church.

They learn early that relationships are paramount. In Ghana, everything runs on relationships. You don’t get things done by filling out forms; you get them done by building trust, sharing meals, and showing respect. Our kids learned this by observation and by necessity. They learned the value of a friend, a neighbor, and a brother in Christ, regardless of background. You can read more about our experiences and the principles that guide our work on the field by visiting our blog.

Faith Forged in the Furnace

Growing up on the mission field means seeing faith lived out in its rawest form. There’s no pretense, no comfortable church culture to hide behind. When you’re serving in a remote village, you’re dependent on God for everything: for safety, for provision, for open hearts. Our children see this dependence daily. They see their parents pray and then watch God answer. They witness the spiritual battles firsthand. This isn’t theoretical theology; it’s tangible reality.

I’ve seen our kids stand strong in their faith in situations that would shake many adults. They’ve learned to trust God when things are uncertain, when they’re sick, or when they feel alone. This kind of crucible experience often produces a deep, authentic faith that is rooted in personal encounter with God. They understand that the Great Commission is not just a suggestion; it is the marching order of the church.

This deep grounding can be a tremendous asset. It means they often have a clear understanding of what truly matters in life. They’ve seen the fleeting nature of material possessions and the eternal value of a soul. This doesn’t mean their faith journey is without struggles, but it does mean they often start with a solid foundation. They know what it means to truly rely on the Lord. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). This verse becomes more than just words; it becomes a way of life.

Preparing for the Future: What’s Next for MKs?

As missionary kids grow up, they face unique challenges in transitioning to adulthood. Re-entry into their passport culture can be disorienting. They might look like everyone else, but their experiences are vastly different. They often struggle to connect with peers who haven’t lived through the same things. Finding a sense of belonging, pursuing higher education, and discerning their own calling can be complex.

Many MKs feel a call to ministry themselves, often returning to the mission field or serving in cross-cultural capacities at home. Others pursue different paths, but their global perspective and adaptability continue to shape their choices. We encourage our kids, and all MKs we meet, to lean into their unique background, to see it as a gift from God. Their experiences have prepared them for a world that desperately needs compassionate, globally-minded believers.

For those interested in exploring missions themselves, perhaps even considering missionary internships, the insights gained from understanding the MK experience are invaluable. It reminds us that missions is a family endeavor, and that the Lord uses every member of the family in His work. We pray for our kids and for all missionary kids, that they would continue to walk with the Lord and use their unique preparation for His glory.

Growing up as a missionary kid is not a simple path. It’s filled with complex emotions, incredible growth, and sometimes, profound challenges. But it’s also a life rich in experience, deep in faith, and wide in perspective. These young people are a testament to God’s faithfulness and His ability to use ordinary families in extraordinary ways. They are truly world citizens, prepared by God to impact His kingdom.

If these stories resonate with you, and you feel a stirring in your heart for the work of missions, I encourage you to check out my book, Missionary on Fire. It’s about answering that call, facing the challenges, and living a life fully surrendered to God’s purpose. It’s a journey that impacts not just you, but your whole family, for generations to come. Join us in prayer and learn how you can be a part of what God is doing here in Ghana by visiting our connect page.

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