May Blues

Carpet weaving season

Made from old sweaters

Residents bird

Neighbor kids

Woman in village working on carpet 

Spring time in Morocco

My apartment is becoming cozy

I made bookmarks for the women at the Association

Dar Taliba girls with bookmarks

Olive tompanade 

New police building in village

Mosque on Friday, day of prayer

Tea party at Dar Taliba

Kitchen window sill succulent plants

New plants in my apartment

Sleeping kitty at family's house

Although it’s been nice to be in one place after the past month on the go,  I have started to become homesick for the first time in country after one full year. The weather isn’t as cold, but skies are cloudy and there is rain. Recently,  I have experienced more problems with electronic inconveniences which has been very frustrating not to mention a major dent in my monthly stipend which has been unsettling and difficult. The technology here although still advancing is amazingly sophisticated. I am hoping to have wifi in my apartment this week which will help with internet connection and keeping in touch regularly. I recently dropped my second camera in the sand at the beach in Agadir leaving photos cloudy even after having it fixed at a camera shop. Although I am trying to live a comfortable and happy existence here, knowing my language skills are still somewhat limited, it’s continually aggravating to battle these technical issues in a culture that sees no importance on time or much compassion when things don't work sufficiently. I keep doing my yoga, creative art and journaling routine to combat the feelings I have and place them in some sort of outlet that makes sense and seems healthy. The culture here is extremely confusing, leaving those of us who are committed to helping out our communities left wondering why things are the way they are. With so many contradictions, uncertainties, and constant frustrations, I keep thinking of things that make me happy and stick to those. At this juncture in my service, it appears that I will never fully understand the culture here and I just need to come to accepting it for what is is and my role in it. I realize I will not have the opportunity to be closer with family and friends in my community due to the cultural differences and I now struggle mostly with having my freedom. It can be stifling and exhausting at the same time. On occasion, I sometimes see a life for myself in Morocco, but more often I know it just isn’t realistic and the experience has already changed my outlook on the world. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss home, even though I am continuing on in the moment. A change of scenery is well overdue.