They call me their extra daughter. The benefits work both ways, though. Many of the families involved said they feel grateful for the opportunity to know the students. They provide wonderful role models for our children, and I, personally, am just amazed and overwhelmed by the spiritual maturity of the students. Clarinda Crawford, director of the host program for Gobin United Methodist Church, said she also believes in the reciprocity of the program.
Many students become closely involved with their host families' lives.
They attend high school sporting events for their host siblings, and go on shopping trips and out to dinner with their families. Instead of being around students all the time it has been a blessing to just get to be around a family. Each church provides some programming for the host families to participate in together. Gobin Church has hosted tailgate parties and small get-togethers for the families. Greencastle Christian Church hosts a family pitch-in brunch after church about once a month.