Global Nomad

Elizabeth Liang is a Third Culture Kid, and her one-woman show weaves humorous stories about growing up as an “Alien Citizen” abroad.

Let’s take a moment to reflect and give thanks for the opportunity of a TCK experience.

“Go back to where you started, or as far back as you can,
examine all of it, travel your road again and tell the truth about it.
Sing or shout or testify or keep it to yourself: but know whence you came.”

How can we support the universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity? I say, we should increase our levels of gratitude and grateful actions.

A safari is about more than snapping photos of big cats and roaming seemingly untouched land, at least according to Jennifer New and her depiction of one TCK turned activist.

My earliest childhood memory is a jumbled concoction of airport images. Rough landings on rocky tarmac and the irritatingly redundant voices over the loudspeaker announcing gate changes. Delayed departure times. Layovers, turbulence and sleeping on leather benches — the arm-rest sharply stabbing me in the ribs. Duty-free perfume samples. Metal detectors. Overweight luggage. Airsick bags. Passport control — my eyes heavy and legs shaky, as I slowly waddle forward in the crowd, waiting for my turn. A deep grumbling in my stomach lets me know I’m either hungry or nauseated.

There’s an old adage that says, “Love comes when you least expect it.” Cara and Brandon Kelley, and now their son Sidney, are living proof that there’s truth to that proverb. Growing up a world apart, they had no clue that a chance encounter on social media would end in the creation of a happy family. For anyone who hears the story, it seems like destiny.

When I decided to travel to Kenya, I centered my documentary for Global Storytelling for Global Development around understanding the beauty of the Maasai culture. I couldn’t have been more excited about spending time with the people and learning about their traditions, rituals and daily life.