The Golson Sisters Redefine Home

For a family separated by nearly 8,500 miles and the Atlantic Ocean, home is defined by relationships rather than location. 

Sisters and Cedarville University students Bryn, Reyna and Erin Golson are far from South Africa, where they were raised by missionary parents. Their journey to Ohio has been marked by a blend of faith, family and community support, culminating in a redefined understanding of home. 

Older sisters Bryn and Reyna, who are twins, are juniors. They discovered Cedarville when they learned that Cedarville supports third culture kids (TCKs) — children who spend most of their childhood in a culture other than that of their parents or their country of origin — and international students. Cedarville’s international student services help more than 140 TCKs and international students from 44 countries.  

“I love getting to learn about their experiences and help them bring those experiences to Cedarville in a way that opens new opportunities for them and for all of Cedarville,” said Jonathan Sutton, director of international student services at Cedarville.   

The youngest Golson sister, Erin, a freshman, did not intend to follow in her sisters’ footsteps by going to Cedarville but made her decision when she discovered Cedarville matched all of her academic and worldview requirements. The presence of her sisters was a welcome bonus. 

Each of the girls arrived in the United States nine months before beginning classes. During this time, they lived with their grandparents and worked to help finance their education. Their dedication allowed them to adjust to the culture and prepare for the challenges of college life.  

“We made major adjustments and missed the life we knew in South Africa, but our reward is going to a great school with each other,” said Reyna, who is majoring in communications. 

Like most TCKs and international students, the Golson sisters do not have the ability or funds to see their parents often, and all the money that they make during the school year and summer helps fund their education. But these sisters have been blessed by the international community at Cedarville on more than one occasion. 

During the twins’ freshman year, they did not anticipate returning to South Africa during summer breaks. However, the combined network of their parents’ supporters and family made it financially possible for them to make the trip. 

As sophomores, the twins dreamed of celebrating 10 years of ministry in their home country with their family. After mentioning this dream to another TCK student, the twins were gifted a fully funded trip to see their family, thanks to their International Community at Cedarville. 

“Home is where my sisters are, home is back with my parents, home is by myself, home is with the Lord, home is with our friends at Cedarville, home exists anywhere when you are surrounded by those who love you,” said Erin, who is studying international relations. 

This Christmas season, the Golson sisters’ new family has blessed them once again with another gift that will send Erin back to South Africa for her first Christmas since moving to the United States. 

For missionary kids like the Golson sisters, home is never easy to define. 

“I felt like South Africa was my home, but then I moved. I felt like being with my parents was home, then I didn't have that anymore,” said Bryn, who is majoring in international studies. “And for now, it's just the three of us, but in reality, home is with the people you love.” 

Cedarville University, a Baptist institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.