Tripoli, Libya

 After four decades, Libyans celebrated an historic election that many see as the African nation's first steps toward building a free and democratic country.

   The voting was disrupted at some polling stations, but the turnout was a lot higher than anyone expected. Reports indicate more than 1.6 million of the nation's 2.8 million registered voters, or about 60%, went out to vote.

   By Saturday night, after the final votes were cast, there was huge celebration as drivers honked their horns around the capital of Tripoli as they and other Libyans rejoiced at the country's transformation over the past year.

   The city's main square, once called Green Square, so  named in Gadaffi's Green Book, but now known as Martyr's Square for all those who died in last year's revolution became a focal point for the joyous celebrations.

   "We never voted before. We never did elections before, so it's totally new to us," said medical student, Ruwida Ashour, from the city of Benghazi. "It won't be easy, but it's our country."

We take much for granted. There is so much misery and oppression in the world, we can afford to take a few moments to share in the joy of a people who have just seen the first glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow.