Jdid in Arabic means "New"

Bread process from grain

Washing wheat

Saida resting

Fantasia festival

On top of an Arabian 

Young girl washing hands

Soap factory

My apartment

Local wedding

Saida's house

Sunset from the roof

In a few weeks, I have learned to make bread from grain which is a unique process. I have a new puppy who is keeping me company, her name is 'Saida'. She is very sweet and I believe she called out for me along side the road on my morning walk. I've never had a dog before, so this will be interesting and educational for those here in Morocco that frown upon dogs. It was a treat to see the famous Moroccan fantasia festival, while being a foreigner has it's perks, I was able to get a photo on top of the Arabian! I continue to watch children play, and see new things like how a soap factory is run. I finally got my own apartment which I never imagined would be quite like this. The space allows me to spread out and live minimally. The opportunity to partake in a Moroccan wedding was exhausting and educational. With all of these new things, I can finally sit and watch the sun set from my balcony where it is quiet and peaceful. All is well and satisfying here as the process slowly unfolds as it should. I feel that I am integrating and becoming more a part of the community everyday. And although it continues to be challenging, I am enjoying all of these new things,  whether they are difficult to understand or uncomfortable silences, what started out bothering me is becoming a bit less bothersome and I am recognizing them to be more streamline as the culture teaches me what I need to learn. There's something very unique in being vulnerable and knowing that the people here won't exploit that. The Moroccan's are wonderful and I continue to make even more new friends daily. I am particularly enjoying the dima or center of town where I have moved to, which isn't far from the village or dour where my host sisters and most of the people I've met are from. I have set myself some very small goals and have started a routine which makes sense to me. I am enjoying early morning walks, laundry and weekly food shopping. There is so much to learn and I am grateful for all these experiences.