Leaving

Whether you are coming to the end of your final term in Africa, planning to return after a home assignment, or are uncertain whether this is your final term or not, finishing well is important. There are some things you can do to make this transition less bumpy.

Your End of Term Review

Your End of Term review with your Unit Leader or supervisor should be done up to three months before your departure and will enable you to evaluate and discuss your work and personal growth, and how this has contributed towards Christ-centred churches among all African peoples. The End of Term form is then sent to your Mobilsing Region and the International Office, and will form the basis for your debrief in your home country.

Preparing to Leave

Before You Get ‘Home’

The booklet Before You Get “Home” addresses issues that need to be faced before returning to your passport country (as well as once you get home). Each chapter includes two parts, relating to both the re-entry of the Israelites as they returned from Egypt centuries ago, and re-entry today. You may find it especially helpful to consider chapters 3 and 4:

Chapter 3: Leaving This chapter provides the opportunity to think about specific practical details and potential stressors involved in leaving. ‘This leaving stage begins when you first seriously consider leaving and ends when you actually walk out the door on your way to the airport.’ (Koteskey)

Chapter 4: Building a RAFT This chapter gives you very practical helps for bringing proper closure before you leave (even if you will be returning).
Please read this one carefully.

Leaving good things and leaving difficult things

Take a look at the early chapters in the booklet Coming ‘Home’. You will find that there are a lot of examples in the Bible about leaving good things and leaving difficult things!
In chapter 2, Leaving Good Things and chapter 3, Leaving Difficult Things there are some helpful questions that will complement your End of Term Review and the RAFT exercise.

Transitions and Grief

As you prepare to leave and re-enter, you may find the following helpful:

The Transition Curve – a chart designed to illustrate the emotions experienced by many during the different stages of a transition.

Emotionally Leaving Well: helping us to help others