I think that Nelson Mandela must be one of the most inspirational people alive in the world today. This is a man who spent his early years as an activist working tirelessly to break down the system of apartheid. He was then imprisoned for 27 years. It’s just mind boggling. How he came out of that with his sanity seemingly intact, a strong sense of justice (and humour) and then led the country as President is nothing short of amazing. There have been many stories written about him – and for good reason. The story of his life is interesting. His personal life is a bit messy, but no more than many others.
It always seems impossible until it’s done.
There is a massive challenge in that statement! I tend to always take the easy road - it's easier! But I am also quite competitive and I like challenges. But I'm not sure that I would have been able to endure some of the things that happened to Nelson Mandela.
The turnaround of South African politics, and the belief that something impossible, may indeed be possible, makes me think about the situation of the Burmese people. The two weeks that I spent in Mai La, the largest refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border, were two of the most amazing weeks of my life. Within the camp there was an on-going fear about what 'might' happen and what the future had in store for the inhabitants. There was also a feeling that the situation could never be resolved. I am so grateful that I don't live in a state of fear. And I am also grateful for the tireless work of people who are working to achieve the impossible in Burma - a free country.
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