Embodying Mandela

In South Africa, July 18th is known as Nelson Mandela day in which people are encouraged to celebrate his legacy by spending 67 minutes doing some kind of service to the community! Today we decided to celebrate Mandela’s life by visiting a local school! We provided the students with fruits and other school supplies but what they most appreciated was us! We were met with faces of curiosity and kindness! The students were merely interested in just simply interacting with us. Something as small as a handshake changed their entire facial expressions. It felt so good to know that I was making someone else’s day by just taking a small amount of time to engage with them! As our embodiment of Mandela came to an end, the students sent us off with waves of appreciation and pure joy! I can still see their precious smiles! The one word I would use to describe this experience is fulfillment! By doing things for others you also benefit as you gain a sense of happiness and pride! This temporary fulfillment has made me want to embody Mandela EVERYDAY! Small acts of kindness, compliments, and support can truly change a persons life! In order for my life to be fulfilled, I must ensure that others lives are as well!