'Twasl', communication

Olives are in season

Waiting....

Spices at suq

Sunset after a rainy day 

Content

The start of a rug

The beginning

Sister weaving, it's a tedious process

Two neighbor boys

Men walking home after prayer 

Tool used for rug weaving

Squash season

Green beans, eggplant, sweet potato fries

Artsy photo                               

Visiting friends in douar

Sunset in a nearby village                          

I am learning the difference between third world and developing countries. Morocco is a developing country, so what does that mean exactly? Morocco is a difficult place given it's history and sophisticated technology. There is indeed a lot of poverty and abundance of food here. It's challenging to figure out the mindset of people in the rural village as it's very different from the bigger cities. The illiteracy problem is big and there is a very high percentage of the population, about 65%, which is under the age of 25. Youth is where it's at here. I am soaking up all I can get in terms of information in my village from local harvest crops to how things are handled in the bled with families, marriages, and revenue in town, what are the struggles people are having here? How can I help? The daily smells and tastes are still new but becoming more and more familiar. Things like burning plastics and trash gnaw at me constantly and remind me that the pollution problem is grandiose and I'm am not certain how to change it? This is one of my dilemma's, or problem solving challenges. Spreading my message about carcinogens and cancer aren't going far, especially when locals believe there isn't a problem. It's all too easy to get frustrated, feel lonely and blue here. So, I have decided to combat that with visualizing my efforts in small ways and try different avenues while integration is still a big part of my work. In addition, I am still keeping in shape between stair climbing for my body and yoga for my mind and soul all of which makes me feel balanced. I am getting plenty of rest and cooking great meals. I bought some new spices at suq to experiment with. As things have naturally slowed down, the rhythm seems to go against my natural pace, even with regular meditation. Nonetheless, I am enjoying quiet time and have come to accept the up and down days as they are present and frequent. Although language seems to be getting easier, communication is still challenging even with those that do speak English, which is few.The message gets crossed or often misinterpreted and I keep wondering why? I believe the differences between a direct culture and indirect culture are more than we can understand. This point in my service is called; a 'lull'.