Goodbye Wycliffe Centre

Last Friday, the 14th December, saw the end of our training at the Wycliffe Centre. August, and our first introduction (for Matt at least) to linguistics and language work, seems a long time ago now. Indeed the change in weather between then and now serves as a good illustration of the kind of change that has occurred within us during this time. The 4 months of training has been varied, interesting, practical and above all (mostly) fun! We have learnt many useful skills for time overseas, and been prepared practically for the task we are traveling to do. Although we are by no means ‘literacy experts’, we are now in some position to begin to learn our ‘trade’ more clearly on the job. Our time on Centre also gave us a great opportunity to make some fantastic new friends from all over the world. It was great to be able to spend time with ‘like-minded’ people, all striving for the same goal and all keen to help each other do their best. This was one of our main concerns before starting the training, having friends to enjoy our time with, and so it is really good to be able to look back and see that this desire was well and truly met.

The next stage of our work with Wycliffe takes place on Tanzanian soil, beginning on the 19th January! This will be a huge change, though one we are very excited about. Our training has not only prepared us for our work, but also excited us about the possibility of the effect of our work. Although we are increasingly aware of the size of the task at hand, we are also increasingly aware of the potential for change there is. These are exciting times indeed!

Until then we will be spending time with friends and family, finishing up our final preparations for leaving (including ensuring we have enough support money to be allowed to leave!). We are looking forward to seeing many of you during this time, there are many things we’d love to catch up on. Please do get in touch with suggestions of dates/times and we will try and do the same.