The Delegate Experience

A Deeper Dive into the Delegate Experience

Many past delegates have shared that their time in South Africa with AIAIA was life changing. As this year’s trip came to a close, the 2026 delegates were asked to reflect on their diverse experiences, emotional responses, and meaningful encounters as well as the impact these might have as they return home. 

Peter shared how truly meaningful the "spa" activity was for him. He felt that “the symbolic action of washing the feet of community members in the rural village of Malungeni was the epitome of service.” During the trip, delegates provide much needed care and human connection through hand, feet, and shoulder massage to the elderly, disabled, and hard working residents of the communities we serve. 

Jeanne relayed a magical experience she had at a senior center lunch we hosted to gather old friends together who are often isolated and alone. “I had a wonderful morning and met the most lovely lady named Yolisa. We had an instant connection; we sang, we danced, and I learned about her family and life. I was so honored to have a great morning with these women who have known each other for years and were so joyful. I am eternally grateful for this trip to connect with people, to learn about the South African people, and to see their beautiful country.”

Paul was most impressed by observing the communal aspect of life that was visible everywhere we went. He shared, “As I walked through the informal settlement in the township of Guguletu with poverty surrounding me, I saw acknowledgment and recognition being given to everyone we encountered.” 

Cindy was incredibly moved seeing the living conditions in Itipini, a marginalized community in Mthatha where about 300 families live in overcrowded shacks and very challenging conditions. “Having children reach out just to hold my hand and walk with me with a desire for human connection filled my heart to the brim.”

Experiencing South Africa for the first time brings many new perspectives. Joel shared this insight about joining this year’s delegation trip. “I thought I was going to help and support people in South Africa, and I realized they were there helping and supporting me.” 

Mary expressed her view beautifully saying, “I went into this delegation with an open mind. I left with a deep understanding of the importance of acknowledgement and connection. The joy and acceptance of everyone we met was truly heart opening.” 

Carol shared what touched her the most stating, "The hope, joy, energy, and laughter that I experienced with many residents had me shaking my head in amazement every time we met. To say 'their lives have been hard' or 'they face daunting obstacles every day' does not accurately describe what we witnessed. Yet it paled in comparison to the joyful sounds of their singing, the serving and sharing of meals, the listening to their stories, and to their believing in a better future. Together, we can help them realize that. I love the people I met; they are God’s angels on earth."

Paula noted multiple things that will remain with her. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved by a travel experience. Last night, while I slept, I even dreamed of South Africa and the people we met. I find myself adding eight hours to know what time it is there. The people we encountered were beyond kind. Talk about ‘welcoming the stranger!’ I loved trying to learn a bit of the Xhosa language…the kids laughed when I goofed up, but they didn’t give up on me. I was also thrilled to meet Thandie, the elder who invited us into her home. What a life she’s had— becoming the first black nurse at the hospital, setting up family planning clinics, teaching people how to care for people dying of AIDS.

The way South African women sing and dance, there is so much joy. Once we were on a bus going to a destination, and the women with us started singing beautiful songs. No instruments, just great harmonies. One woman later told me, ‘we don’t need instruments, we’ve got our voices.’ I’ll never forget it.”

Several delegates spoke about their responses to witnessing the impact of apartheid. Pat was struck by how drastically life has been harmed saying, “I came here, and in my head, Apartheid was over. I knew that vast amounts of people would be destitute, but I realized that despite the reign of Apartheid being fairly short, over 30 years later, the effective impact is still so significant. That is why the work of this organization is so important; people struggling still need daily support but also to be lifted up out of poverty by creating new opportunities.” 

Gregg shared, “What I will take home is the lens of Apartheid, what it has done to South Africa, and its lingering impact. I believe that I will be more aware of the disparity in the U.S. which can often feel less obvious.”

Varkey George, our newest South African AIAIA board member, joined us for several activities in Cape Town and traveled with us to Malungeni. He expressed these thoughts about spending time with this year's delegation group. "Empathy, Compassion, Hospitality! All these positive traits of humanity were in full display during the days I spent traveling with the AIAIA visitors."

Father Jim Cassidy expressed these sentiments about this year’s delegation trip. “I am most grateful for those individuals here in Minnesota that take time and attention to creating new caps and clothes for the children, as well as collecting slightly used sports jerseys for a most eager group of young athletes more than ready to receive their first sports uniform. I also was aware of the camaraderie among the delegates. The willingness to check in with one another and to function as a team. It was a lived experience of the African philosophy known as Ubuntu, “I am, because we are.” On behalf of the 2026 AIAIA delegation, I want to thank Jen Song and Darryl Savage for their outstanding leadership.”

Jen wants to express her gratitude to the delegates for showing up wholeheartedly for this experience, for their ability to embrace every activity and encounter with enthusiasm and love, for their ability to adapt to unexpected changes and unforeseen challenges, and for expressing such genuine curiosity and openness to learn, contribute, and grow from this year's delegation trip. Watching them engage and build new friendships, carry heavy loads of food for the community, ask inquisitive questions and offer valuable feedback, and dance and sing with joy made her own experience one she'll always remember.

Darryl felt that this was a special group of delegates from the time they first gathered together—and he was right about that. So many of the South African residents were drawn to them—from the youngest children at TLC orphanage…to the oldest adults at the senior center and the nursing home. I would say my fondest memory of this trip was experiencing South Africa a new through their eyes. They cherished washing the feet of community members, they organized games and played “four square” with grade schoolers, they did chair yoga, danced, and held hands with people who rarely get such attention.

And they also use their professional skills and offered great strategies that could help our nonprofit get stronger into the future. Watching this new group gave me great hope about what Arm in Arm can achieve in our second quarter century!

We send our love to delegates Shari and Greg, our newest Minnesota board member, who stayed on in South Africa to continue their adventure.

With hearts and minds more fully open, the 2026 delegates return home. The deep learnings, new relationships, joyful embraces, and meaningful memories will transform how we connect, contribute, and engage with the world around us.  

Thank you again for journeying with us to South Africa and for supporting AIAIA and the many incredible partners who tirelessly work toward bettering lives each and every day.