Nelson Mandela

Yesterday was Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday.

(Yes, I know I am perpetually incapable of posting about things on the day they occur.)

The celebration of Mandela's life and work came with much anticipation here in Lesotho.

Nestled within South Africa, this small nation is woven inextricably into it's story of apartheid.

During apartheid, many black South African children left their homes to attend school in Lesotho, where no restrictions were placed on their education because of their skin color.

Understandably, many of these individuals, now adults who have returned to South Africa, have mixed emotions about their time spent in this mountain kingdom.

...

Both South Africa and Lesotho continue to recover from the ravages of apartheid...the effects still far too apparent.

But in his 94th year Nelson Mandela continues to provide both these nations with strength.

Personally, I find great inspiration in the closing words of Mandela's autobiography.

...

I have walked that long road to freedom.

I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way.

But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.

I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come.

But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.  


-Nelson Mandela