Transitions

Families in mission experience more transition than their peers in their passport countries. This is due to the ongoing cycle of working abroad and taking home assignments. In addition, when they are at their overseas assignment, their friends, church members, and colleagues are also going through this same cycle, but at different intervals.

In general, it takes 2-3 years to fully adapt after going through a major transition. This means that most globally-mobile families are in a constant state of overlapping transition: when a new transition begins before the previous transition is fully completed. This can lead to overwhelming transition: when so many transitions overlap or happen simultaneously that they cannot be effectively processed (Tanya Crossman, webinar presentation, 2025).

On this page, you will find resources related to transition in general. There are also specific resource pages for pre-departure preparation, home assignment, and repatriation.

Transitions Online Course3 hours of video content in 15 short videos plus reflective activities and resources. 6 units cover leaving, arriving, repatriation, limbo, crisis transitions, preventive care, and more.

PRE-DEPARTURE

HOME ASSIGNMENT

REPATRIATION

All images on this page designed by Freepik

Looming Transitions by Amy Young

2015

When you go abroad to serve, you’re thinking about the language, the losses,and the excitement. When you return home you’re thinking about your friends and family, the losses, and the relief. Most aren’t thinking about the process of transition—and yet if you do, it can make the difference between a smooth entry and re-entry, or a decidedly bumpy landing. Veteran of serving abroad Amy Young is the perfect companion to guide you through the much-neglected process of transitions.Practical in nature, Looming Transitions places a strong emphasis on

Keeping your soul fertile as you stay grounded in Christ
Looking for the lighter moments
Learning about yourself
Helping others
Making lists
Leaning into grief as you prepare for your transition

The Land Between by Jeff Manion

2012

Author Jeff Manion uses the biblical story of the Israelite’s journey through the Sinai desert as a metaphor for being in an undesired time of transition. After enduring generations of slavery in Egypt, the descendants of Jacob travel through the desert (the land between) toward their new home in Canaan. They crave the food of their former home in Egypt and despise their present environment. They are unable to go back and incapable of moving forward. Their reactions provide insight and guidance on how to respond to God during our own seasons of difficult transition.

The Land Between provides fresh biblical insight for people traveling through undesired and difficult transitions such as foreclosure, unemployment, uncertainty, and failure. Such times provide our greatest opportunity for spiritual growth. God desires to meet us in our chaos and emotional upheaval, and he intends for us to encounter his goodness and provision, his hope and guidance.

Acting Out Webinar - Velvet Ashes / GROWStepping onto the wobbly transition bridge with kids in tow no doubt can cause unexpected behavior in ourselves and our children. While we may be better equipped to steady ourselves, recognizing behaviors and helping our children find their balance again may be more of a challenge. Valeo’s Child Therapist, David Floge, shares knowledge from years of experience walking with families in transition. Be encouraged as you gain tools to recognize transition behaviors and be better prepared to steady your children through shaky transitional times.

Living in Limbo90 min - Learn how to support TCKs and families in the midst of transition, and ATCKs will learn how to process past experiences so it does not affect the present.

The Art of Settling Well90 min - Gain insights & strategies for supporting transitions, fostering belonging and well-being in new environments.

Coping with Change1 hr - Explore the ways our minds and bodies are impacted by change and transition, and how we can cope in the middle of it all.

Moving Forward by Dylan Meikle, Anissa Zotos, and Sakshi Mangal

2023

Picture Book

From the initial announcement of the move ahead to arriving successfully at their new destination, Moving Forward offers a relatable and upbeat message that helps children process and understand the emotions and changes that come with moving. With its optimistic - yet realistic - message, Moving Forward takes young readers on the journey of international relocation.