Cheryl Robinson celerated her birthday during the mission to S. Africa and it was a birthday she will never forget!
Here is her story:
Hearts in Action: Airline Ambassadors Mission Trip to Johannesburg, South Africa”
“This May, a vibrant team of 14 passionate volunteers traveled with the Airline Ambassadors Program to Johannesburg, South Africa, to support vulnerable children with love, laughter, and life-changing aid. Our mission focused primarily on Maria’s orphanage—home to children who have endured hardship beyond their years—and from the moment we arrived, it was clear this journey would be unforgettable for both the kids and our team.
One of the most heartwarming moments came when we surprised Maria’s children with a trip to a trampoline park. For most, it was their first time experiencing anything like it. Their faces lit up with pure joy as they bounced, flipped, and laughed with abandon. After all that jumping, we headed to Burger King, where the children feasted on burgers bigger than their hands and finished off the day with a surprise treat: ice cream cones that melted almost as quickly as their giggles filled the air.
Another highlight was our visit to the school that Maria’s children attend. In South Africa, most schools require payment to attend, so it’s an incredible blessing that Maria’s kids are able to go to this school for free. The school itself is beautiful, clean, and modern—with up-to-date technology, friendly staff, and a warm, welcoming environment. We were deeply impressed by how respectful and well-mannered the children were. They walked the halls with pride and confidence, clearly thriving in such a supportive setting.
We also had the chance to bring the kids to an arcade and local carnival—a magical day full of games, rides, and memories. We treated them to full meals from the food court, which was a rare luxury for them, as they rarely get the chance to eat out. While we were there, we shared our mission with the restaurant manager, who was so moved by the story that she surprised every child with free ice cream. That small gesture left a big impact and added even more sweetness to an already special day.
And of course, no trip would be complete without our famous KFC party—complete with buckets of chicken, warm sides, and, yes, even more ice cream. After the meal, the children gathered to sing and perform for us. Their voices rose with strength and spirit, moving many of us to tears. In that moment, their resilience and joy became impossible to forget.
Beyond fun, we also rolled up our sleeves to paint the fence around Maria’s Daycare and temporary home, brightening their space and symbolizing the safety we hoped to build together. Special thanks to generous donations, we provided warm winter clothes, cozy socks, sturdy shoes, school supplies, medicine, hygiene items, toys, and more—going far beyond what we imagined possible. Watching the kids light up as they received their items was a reminder of the impact kindness can have.
We were also honored to celebrate Mother’s Day with Maria and Sharon, two women whose love and sacrifices have shaped countless young lives. Their strength and selflessness inspired our entire team, and the day was filled with emotion, gratitude, and deep respect.
Our journey continued at Grant and Sharon’s home, where more joyful memories were made. We played tag football, bounced on trampolines, and unleashed our inner ninjas at Total Ninja park. We surprised the children with brand-new “Essentials” sweatshirts, which they wore proudly on our adventures. Later, we shared a pizza party complete with snacks, laughter, and stories. Some brave souls—including Brian and a few little ones—even plunged into a freezing pool, their squeals echoing across the yard in a moment of shared hilarity.
The spirit of giving didn’t end with the trip. On May 19, just after we departed, the foundation was officially dug for Maria’s new orphanage. Thanks to our incredible supporters, most of the funding has already been raised. We are full of hope that by the time construction wraps, the children will have a warm, permanent home filled with love.
This year’s mission team was extraordinary—not just for their energy and generosity, but for the deep compassion they brought. Their willingness to give their hearts fully helped plant seeds of joy that will continue to grow long after our return.
Thank you to everyone who made this journey possible. You are not just helping build homes—you are helping build brighter futures.”
With gratitude,
Cheryl Robinson
Regional Director & Mission CoordinatorAirline Ambassadors International
Here are videos of our trip:
And the new land for Maria’s new orhanage!
https://youtube.com/shorts/VnhUKopedVY
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19WTj7gYbA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
