We live on a small farm and have sheep and cattle. We are within walking distance of Fairlie (which is near Tekapo​/​Mt Cook​/​Timaru​/​Geraldine). We are near a Christian church, swimming pool, library and shops. We also have a couple horses and a range of dogs, cats & birds. Kevin is a fly fishing guide seven months of the year and Jodi works from home so Jodi could use a hand with general farm work, maintenance, painting, building, gardening, housework, cooking, etc. Help hours and days are very flexible. Vehicle​/​bicycles may be available. Jodi is American and Kevin a Kiwi. We have two children who have now left home. Our daughter Kelty was born in 2005 and lives in Christchurch. Our son Alex was born in 2001 and lives in America. Its a bit quiet for us and we love to have visitors!

Specifically, we're looking for help with:

Our needs are varied depending on the time of the year.

A Brief Overview of Our Faith and Where We Attend Church Services:

Jodi is a Christian (non-denominational) who attends the local Anglican​/​ Presbyterian Community church. She also hosts a home fellowship on Tuesday mornings and is involved in Crisis Pregnancy Counseling and Children's ministry. Kevin is on a faith journey.

Over the course of a normal week, we expect our traveler(s) to contribute about this many hours:

20-25

Accommodations / living arrangements for volunteers:

Own bedroom, shared bathroom.

Travelers Will Fit in Well Here if They:

Flexibility and initiative are highly valued. Note, we have been hosting on an alternative program since 2019 so have a good understanding of what works.

Our Staff's Review (Required For Hosts: Please phonetically spell your name)

While most hosts are interviewed over video call, I had the unique blessing of meeting Jodi and her family in person through a work exchange. During one especially heartfelt conversation during a long car drive, the vision for what would later become Cross Exchange was born—thank you, Jodi, I am so grateful! From shearing sheep to attending a local church service and joining a house-based Bible study, my time in their home was filled with genuine hospitality and the unmistakable love of Christ. I didn’t just feel welcomed—I felt like part of the family. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the warmth, faith, and fellowship I experienced here. Jodi and her family embody the very heart of what Cross Exchange is all about, and I’m honored they are part of our hosting community. -Trent from the Cross Exchange team