Last summer, over seventy students visited FEC families in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio from the Basque Country in Spain. This part of Spain is smaller than New Jersey but has maintained a special relationship with FEC for the past 15 years says Jason Coon, an American who lives and works with the exchange programs in Spain. “Students and families in the Basque Country frequently tell me what an incredible experience their student had, how they felt so loved, and how surprising it was to see faith lived in a relevant way.”
Students stay with families through the month of July practicing English and experiencing everyday activities like shopping, sporting events, church, barbecues, and youth group. One of the weeks is spent at Miracle Camp, an FEC retreat center in Lawton, Michigan, where students meet other teenagers, camp, go to chapel services, and do activities. “Many of them have never experienced anything like that before,” says Jason.
The goal this year is for eighty families to host students in the Midwest and any new states, regions, or FEC churches interested. Jason has seen time and again what a blessing it is for American families to meet and do life with these students. “It is an incredible experience to personally get to know someone from another culture. The opportunity to host a stranger from another country is a great way to show hospitality and the love of God. Families do this as they live their normal lives, not doing anything out of the ordinary, and being authentic examples of the grace and love of God in their own lives.”
Jason especially loves when an American family travels to the Basque Country to see their student. “It is incredible to see the Basque families reciprocate the experience and show their gratitude for all that has been done for their student.” This, among other opportunities, deepens this cross-continental relationship beyond a single month in the summer.
