Episode 108: Eléna Kappers - Belonging, cross-cultural mission, and growing up in Yemen

Strangers on The Way

In Episode 108, Lauren interviews worldwide adventurer Eléna Kappers. Eléna grew up in Yemen with her parents (her dad is Dutch-Canadian and her mom is German), went to university in Scotland, and currently lives in England. In January, Eléna will board an Operation Mobilization (OM) Ship based in Taiwan that will travel throughout Southeast Asia throughout 2025.
During her senior year at the University of Glasgow, Eléna did research on "belongingness" among TCK (Third-Culture Kids who grew up in a country different than their parents). In 2021, there were 87-million expatriates worldwide. She studied their relationships, behavior, and worldview and found fascinating research! Eléna's brilliant global perspective will fill you with wonder and wisdom!
To support Eléna as she spends the next year on the OM Ship, please visit https://www.omusa.org/ways-to-give/#specific-need and include "for the support of Elena Kappers on Doulos Hope" in the comment section of the gift.
UK residents, please give through this link: https://www.uk.om.org/Appeal/elna-kappers
Canadian residents, please give through this link: https://www.om.org/ca/give/ways-give
-
The Strangers on The Way Podcast: Transforming the world, one stranger at a time. On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and speaker Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.

Lauren L. Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller who believes that love + words can set people free. She is an author, editor, and Chief Encouragement Officer who partners with Jesus to connect people to him, their sense of self, and others. You can find her leading workshops, speaking at events and helping to pioneer Fusion USA, a ministry that equips churches to welcome and disciple college students. She is the author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet. When she’s not writing or speaking, Lauren enjoys having impromptu living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago. Visit her online at laurenhansencreative.com.