We’re a South African family who immigrated to the United States in 1996 after winning Green Cards in the US Green Card lottery. Here is some quick information about who we are, our backgrounds, and what we are doing at this stage of our lives. (For privacy reasons we’re keeping this relatively limited.)
Here’s more about us…
John grew up in a small Karoo town not far from Port Elizabeth. After high school, he studied Electronic Engineering and later Management Practice. He also served in the South African military during the conscription period.
After the military, John started working at South Africa’s national broadcaster. During his last few years in South Africa, he worked in television production at outside venues — mainly sports broadcasts like rugby, cricket, boxing, and marathons.
In 1996, John moved to the US with his family.
In the US, John started a new career as a computer programmer, working for several companies over the years. He later ran his own company specializing in website development and online marketing, and has since retired.
Esmé was born and grew up in the Johannesburg area. She loved sports in school, and did very well in tennis and “korfbal.” She also spent a lot of time on her family’s farm in Namibia.
After high school, Esmé studied towards a teacher’s diploma and went on to work in television production at South Africa’s national broadcaster. Before moving to the US, she worked in the automotive industry in Port Elizabeth.
About a year after arriving in the US, Esmé started working for a major airline as an Airport Sales Agent, a job she held until our second son was born.
Esmé was a full-time Mom while the kids were growing up, and has since retired. She has devoted a lot of her time to the South African community over the years.
Johnny was born in Port Elizabeth and was still a toddler when we left South Africa to come to the US.
During his school years, Johnny earned a 3rd Degree black belt in Taekwondo. He also developed into a strong competitive swimmer during his high school years and continued swimming at the college level.
After college, where he earned a degree in Sports Conditioning, Johnny pursued a career in health and fitness. He is now an online health coach, helping his executive clients achieve their fitness and wellness goals.
Michael was born in the US, making him the first full-blooded American in the Els family!
When he was small, he was a handful… endless energy and strong as a bull! He started walking at 8½ months, and could climb onto (and jump off) a variety of things before his first birthday.
Michael has earned a 1st Degree black belt in Taekwondo. During high school, his favorite sport was football, and he was an excellent defensive lineman.
After high school, Michael went on to earn an Associate’s degree, then completed his EMT training and worked in emergency medical services for a period. He is now looking to move into the field of biomedical engineering.