We resist buying into the lie that new is, by definition, better. We did not move from tenfootfamily to “A to Z” simply because the alarm clock on boring went off. We began tenfootfamily exactly 8 years ago with the primary purpose of sharing pictures and stories of our toddlers growing up as world travelers far away from grandparents and friends. We didn’t expect to have a website of our own back in those internet middle ages, but it is time.
In discussing possible names, ruling out full names for security reasons, we wanted something that represented the work we do. And one of the most significant things we do is develop the alphabet for unwritten languages. We found that “A to Z and back” can have three meanings that ring true for our ministry & life.
1. We work with peoples to develop their writing system from beginning to end, and then we start over at “A” with another unwritten language. It is cyclical.
2. We move between multiple home locations. In our first 15 years of marriage we moved 17 times. While we could not sustain that pace, we will always be traveling from “A to Z… and coming back” Lord willing. It is mobile.
3. Lastly, this work with alphabets is ongoing; we do not work from “A to Z” and finish. Since Kent’s primary focus is on African tone systems, which is a young and developing field in linguistics, there are going to be things to edit or revise. The goal is a writing system that is easy to read and embraced by the community, so that one day the translated Scriptures will be too. It is a process.
The five of us could not be part of this wild cyclical, mobile process without the partnership of many. Whether it is a timely prayer over us at 2am, or $13.35 in pocket change, we are humbled by the sacrificial support of our partners, which is a continuous reminder of God’s power and faithfulness. You are in this with us. But He will complete it.
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