Sena Sieda L'mgrib; New Years Morocco

Local woman in village

Mud and earthen homes in the bled, village

Place that stores fresh oil

Handmade rug, zrbia

Popular vase made from pop-cycle sticks

Suq bus, transportation (30+ locals)

Suq in Ouargui

Neighbor girl took photo of me in my kitchen

My living room space

Cozy bedroom

Bathroom

New creation made from old socks

Neighbors made me a snack, called sphinge

Girl came to see her drawings on my wall

Engagement party for my host sister

Wedding ring

Playing with silly bands

She showed me Moroccan card games

Girls working on community mapping project

                                    

Girls showing me school project

It continues to be exciting in my village. My host sister just got engaged and has moved to Kalaa, her wedding will be in February. I have been invited to more areas of my village that I have not seen before. I am meeting more people everyday some of which are local workers. It feels good to be getting back to my routine and finding more unexpected surprises each day. As the community opens to me, I am humbled to find that in return, I receive so much more than I am giving. I have become very comfortable here. It is a nice feeling to be greeted so warmly by the community and to be asked how my New Years was as well as where am I going each day? The women at the Association are getting used to my funny ways and make me feel very welcomed. The girls at the Dar Taliba are gracious and charming as they thank me after class and tell me they have missed me if a day has passed. The community jokes with me and still finds me amusing. If I am late coming home, they ask after me. I am appreciating the value of gift giving even more than before. For no reason at all, someone I don't even know will give me a piece of fruit, tell a story, share a meal, invite me over or give me a necklace. The hospitality in Morocco is truly amazing, like no other place I know. Despite the struggles people face here, they are happy for the most part and make the best of the situation. As my learning continues, I am being myself finding creative ways to surprise others.