What in the World I'm Doing Here

I've been working with Wycliffe Benin (located in Cotonou, Benin, West Africa) since last September, and I will complete my internship here in August 2015.

While Wycliffe's primary goal is to provide Scripture translations for people groups who do not have one in their heart language (read more about Wycliffe's mission on their website), I am not personally working on the Bible translation side of things. My official title here at Wycliffe Benin is "Multimedia Assistant". My co-worker Paulin and I are responsible, among other things, for the production of audio and video materials to help promote Wycliffe Benin's efforts and raise additional funds for the organization.

I've had the opportunity to film a number of fun events, including weddings, worship nights, and other large gatherings. Afterwards, we edit the footage and put it on a DVD for those that are interested in purchasing it, and those funds go back to Wycliffe Benin. In February, we also produced a 10-minute documentary highlighting different aspects of the work Wycliffe Benin is doing! Here are a few photo highlights of what goes on here...

A fun day filming my co-worker's wedding in November!

A few friends at the Wycliffe office

My usual view in the studio.

Recording a radio spot to promote Wycliffe Benin's mission

At a worship event in March

When we're not working on multimedia projects, there are documents that I am helping to translate from English to French and vice versa, and I've been able to act as an interpreter for certain anglophone visitors who pass through the office. I'm thankful that I'm able to stay relatively busy and be of assistance to Wycliffe Benin. I can't believe how much I've been learning, and I really enjoy the work I get to do!

Wycliffe Benin has a special program coming up this summer called Discover. Students from Benin and students from outside of Africa will be teaming up to intern at Wycliffe Benin for a month-and-a-half and get a taste of what it's like to live as a missionary and work on Bible translation. I will be helping to lead this trip with another coordinator from Wycliffe USA and who staff here at Wycliffe Benin. I can't wait!