“We didn’t simply make it to South Africa— we experienced it far more richly than we ever imagined. ”
Our journey to South Africa was six years in the making. We started and stopped, hoped and waited, and there were seasons when we wondered if it would ever happen. Then you came into our lives at just the right moment. We believe The Most High orchestrated every step.
Because of your guidance, your warmth and the community you’ve built, we were able to explore and discern our future there. We came home certain that we want to invest and put down roots in Cape Town.
What moved us most was the chance to be of real service to the people at the Winnie Mandela Camp. That opportunity— to give, to connect and to truly matter to someone else— is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
Read Dr. Welch’s Full Letter +
Dear Melissa,
I’ve been trying to find the words for what this experience has meant to my family and me, and “thank you” almost feels too small—but from the very bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Our journey to South Africa was six years in the making. We started and stopped, hoped and waited, and there were seasons when we wondered if it would ever happen. Then you came into our lives at just the right moment— one door closed and, almost immediately, another opened. We believe The Most High orchestrated every step.
Because of your guidance, your warmth, and the community you’ve built, we didn’t simply make it to South Africa— we experienced it far more richly than we ever imagined. Yes, we got to explore and discern our future there, and we came home certain that we want to invest and put down roots in Cape Town.
But what moved us most was the chance to be of real service to the people at the Winnie Mandela Camp. That opportunity— to give, to connect, to truly matter to someone else— is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives, and it simply would not have happened without you.
And on a joyful note, we are so happy to finally be part of the “SA Club”—the community of African Americans who have made the journey not only to the Continent, but to South Africa in particular.
What a beautiful land it is; we have no doubt it is part of God’s Promised Land of old. To have finally set foot there, with your guidance lighting the way, is a blessing we will treasure always.
You lead with such a warm and generous spirit, and it makes all the difference. On behalf of my whole family: thank you for walking this road with us, for opening doors, and for the gift of an experience that changed us.
With deep gratitude,
Dr. JerMara Welch & Family
