After 24 days of experiential learning, the participants are then given the opportunity of a lifetime. They are sent to live with a Zambian family for 3 days. This is by far the most challenging and most rewarding part of the program. Their assignment is not to go there and try to teach them everything they know about America, but instead to try to go there and learn everything they can about African life. The Homestay families are selected, approved, and prepared in advance for the participants who will stay with them. We also endeavor to make the experience as close to the participants needs as possible. Those going to an urban assignment will stay with a family in the small Petauke town, while those going to a rural assignment will stay in rural village setting. The participants are assigned to work with them, talk with them (if possible), eat with them, sleep in their home, play with them, and simply live with them for 3 days. This, more than anything, gives the participants a glimpse into African life and the issues that are important to the people God has called them to reach. Historically, participants have come away from this part of the program feeling humbled, burdened, and also prepared to love and minister to their own people group. Having walked a “mile in their shoes,” they feel better prepared for their own missionary task.
They all left for their homestays this past Friday. Please pray for them this weekend while they are going through this special experience. They return to camp Monday morning and will then board a bus and head to Ibis Gardens.
Some of the participants staying close enough to walk to their village is picked up by their homestay hosts. Here are some pics. of some of those traveling by foot.
Emily, Allisa, and Shanna
The Langston family is staying at the Chipanga's home. Here they are in front of the special little house that they have built just for 40/40 participants. The Chipanga's have hosted families before. We are so grateful for all our Zambian friends which host our participants each time. These pics. below are of their village.
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