'Insha'allah'; "If God Wills It" in Arabic

A baby bird lands in the neighbors lap

American vegetable pasta chicken salad I made

Henna for a wedding

Preparing chickens for the family wedding

Mint to prepare for tea

Traditional cous cous

The bride waits for  the veil to be lifted

Bride get hands and feet henna

Boy playing

Women eat main meal together

Bride changes dresses and gets a lift

Kids love to dance

Suq vegetables

Pasta salad with vegetables and kefta

Boy plays with pigeon

Marrakesh

 Gorgeous sunset into Fall                  

                           

Wall Cloud

It was a great experience to be a part of  my families wedding in the village, as my host sister just got married. I enjoyed preparing things for the event and watching the family roles take place. It was the first time I didn't feel like a foreigner and was able to hold a conversation with many people. It was a very happy time for everyone, and I got so much joy out of it. The hustle and bustle of the town center continues as buses with tourists pass through, donkey carts gallop on the side of the road, men ride their motor and bicycles, and trucks bring in fresh produce to the hanuts. I am getting used to the sounds of these mainstream days. Each morning, the qaran plays loudly from the coffee shop  below as I sleep with my windows a jar, it is nice to wake up to this. I have decided to start looking at two potential work opportunities in the village while I continue to wait for the Association to get going for the season. One, is creating a patisserie for locals to make breads and cookies closer to homes where it would create jobs. The other is getting funding for supplies for a pre-school that a local woman wants to start. I am very excited and am working hard to help the villagers meet their needs. Finally a step in the right direction! As time passes, I continue to observe what is around me such as nature, especially the night sky. I am continuing to appreciate all the small things and am finding my role as an active member in my community. As a friend recently said;  "you gotta live your life, Lena." So, I am....the best I know how.