Letting Go...'nmshat' in Arabic

It's getting close to the time of departure with only a few months left. As I have been filling my time with work, yoga, meeting people, marathons, one thought comes to mind: 'It's time to stop saving the world and save myself'. As I am reflecting and looking toward my future life, a new life, a life I so desperately lean toward, I know I have to let go of what has been a apart of my life for the last 3 years and 3 months. I cannot know how morocco will affect me moving forward and I can only hope the work will benefit me and I have paid it forward. I have a few things to look forward to to keep me occupied as well as each day packing and giving a little of myself to others while I detach. I suppose this part of my service is normal and expected, but it doesn't make it easy. I continue to be here, in the moment knowing my heart is missing a part of my old life, the people who know me and a basic understanding of American culture.There is always a beginning, a middle and an end. It seems I have come to the realization that I have begun the process of an end to my service in Morocco.

Bracelet making with youth

Association of girls, aerobic group

Happy Valentines Day muffins!

Thursday English class

Desks anyone?

Paper chain art project with preschoolers

Weekend running group, youth

Lilou....

Muslim (hijab) scarf wrap

A family I visit from time to time.

Marrakech 1/2 Marathon, 'A Job Well Done'

At the start line-9am

Peace Corps Voluneers, Annie, Laura, Jane and Mounaim-pre race 

Ready, set, GO!!!

Post race 2:45 or so...

Medal happy

Marrakech Katoubia-post race

Mounaim's sister and her children, Marrakech

We did it-21 kilometers!!!

All Peace Corps Volunteers gather pre race-start line!

Annie and I displaying our efforts

So happy to be finished!!!

After nearly 9 hours to get to Marrakech, we finally arrived where it was like summer..we have been training in the cold up North. After all the training we were ready to show Marrakech what we have been doing the past several months. Although the race was overall challenging with lack of water, (or none) available on the course, no maps including  poor organization and planning on behalf of Morocco's Marrakech marathon, we finished running all the way in roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes, even after getting lost twice. Kind of comical...It was worth the effort in training, and few days of sore muscles afterwards and I'm not sure if I'll run another marathon, but I will always be able to say I participated training with others and completed a marathon in Morocco.