The 5 Stages of the Missionary Life Cycle with Jonathan & Elizabeth Trotter (Encore Episode)

What makes a strong family culture on the mission field? How do you keep your values intact when everything around you is shifting? And is it possible to raise emotionally healthy kids overseas—without losing yourself in the process? In this episode, Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter spill the tea about the joys and challenges of parenting abroad. 

From bathroom disco lights and jet-skiing through monsoon floods to grief, transition, and adolescent pushback, they share honest stories and practical tools for keeping your family grounded, connected, and even playful in the midst of cross-cultural life. 

If you’re longing to raise thriving kids and stay sane yourself, this one’s packed with the wisdom and grace you need.

Connect with the Trotters: www.trotters41.com

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How to identify your family’s “secret sauce” — and what to do when you realize you’ve lost it.
• Why routines and rituals (yes, even Saturday showers) are a lifeline during hard seasons.
• What to say to yourself when your teen suddenly wants nothing to do with you.
• How to balance ministry and family without sacrificing either (spoiler: it starts with a pre-decision).
• What MKs really need to thrive — and how to create a culture that supports them long-term.

Hey missionaries—how are your finances on the field? At Modern Day Missions, we make it simple for missionaries to receive donations and for donors to give. Serving 1,100+ missionaries worldwide, we free you to focus on your calling. We also offer resources like our weekly podcast, fundraising coaching, and a resource-packed newsletter. Connect with us at modernday.org

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

Website: https://www.modernday.org/podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissions

X: https://twitter.com/Modern_Day

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/