The Strength of Sisterhood

 

Diana and I had just finished spending some time with Hajiba and her friends on the roof, and were making our way back to the elevator so we could go home to sleep.  We smiled as we talked about the wonderful feeling we had as we spent time with that small-- yet delightful-- group of women.  Right as we stepped onto the elevator, I felt inspired to turn back.  What for?  We quickly jumped off the elevator and made our way back to the rooftop.  I didn't know what would happen, but I knew we need to spend a little more time with the women.  Maybe simply to take a picture with them? 

The group of friends laughed and cheered as we asked if we could take a picture with them.  As a couple of them gracefully prepared their hijabs for the picture, I commented on how I would love to be taught how to wrap a scarf like them.  Before I knew it, one of the women was teaching me!  Again, everyone cheered once my hijab was in place.  Diana was next.  With both of our heads delicately wrapped in scarves, we were all ready for the pictures!  

"Now you look like a Moroccan woman!" one of the friends said to me.

"I would love to look like the beautiful women of Morocco!" I replied.

We finished taking pictures and said our farewells once again.  I consciously noted the powerful sense of sisterhood on that very rooftop.  

I'd like to make something perfectly clear.  While various populations, religions, and societies around the world have differing opinions about gender roles and what it means to be a man or woman, there is something uniquely powerful about the sisterhood worldwide.  During my time in Morocco, I have been inspired by the strength of the women.  Not only are they strong as individuals, but they also know how to come together to strengthen each other.  I'm grateful for all of my Mama's and sisters around the world who have embraced me in my travels.  We have differing faiths / beliefs, cultures, backgrounds, experiences, professions, socioeconomic status, and so on, yet we are all uniquely and beautifully strong as we come together.  

Thank you to the Moroccan women who have welcomed me into their circle. 

Special Connections

The COVID world has been quite restrictive; but let's be real-- the pre-COVID world was also restrictive in unique ways.  Two years ago, there was no way that I could have participated in religious meetings and certain family functions back home while out of the country.  Yet, much to my delight, we now live in a world where connecting with important events from a distance is more possible than ever.  

My love, Eduardo, gave a talk in church yesterday.  And where was I?  Yes, in Morocco.  (We're down to the last week being apart!)  Did I get to hear his talk live?  You betcha!  Since members of the Church are not permitted to gather at this time in Morocco, I had already arranged to join our home ward sacrament meetings virtually.  It was definitely the highlight of my day to be sitting on the other side of the world, listening to my husband speak.  And I'll tell ya-- it was a wonderful talk.  In the words of Shaun Parry, "Sign him up for General Conference."  Let's be real-- it made my heart so happy to simply see his face and hear his voice :) 

While my heart aches for the suffering and hardships that have been plaguing the wold, I am grateful for and humbled by the unforeseen and marvelous blessings that have come at the same time.  In our PSI classes, we teach about the different types of opposition and how to utilize opposition to help us grow.  For me, actively acknowledging the blessings that come out of difficult times is one of the ways that I push back against the force of the world, creating a powerful form of opposition.  Without fail, this approach to opposition has brought me growth and light.  

Yay for blessings!

Yay for opposition!

Yay for growth!

Yay for sacrament meeting talks!

Yay for technology!

Yay for Eduardo-- my best friend!

A Beautiful Soul

 

Although she is not a relative to Hajiba, I consider Hesna to be a part of my host family.  She has been closely connected to us since we arrived, and she has proved to be a loyal and loving friend.  While Diana was sick and recovering, Hesna was on the scene a lot with her daughter Hiba (pictured in one of my first posts) to make sure she was being taken care of.  

She speaks Arabic* to me while I speak English to her, and somehow we connect in ways beyond words.  She's the one who taught me to say "bezzerba" (fast) and "beshwia" (slow) in Arabic, which I use ALL of the time, especially in our PSI classes!  (Seriously, these are two of the most useful words for me right now, and I know them because of Hesna.)

While I am looking forward to returning home, I am bracing my heart for when the time comes to say goodbye to my dear friends, such as Hesna.  I learned today that her name is derived from the Arabic name "Hasan", which means "very beautiful", and that's what she is.  Hesna is a truly beautiful soul.  

* Important clarification:  Moroccan Arabic is called Derija.  The words I share in my blog are mostly Derija.  

It's in Their Eyes

There's only so much that can be expressed between two people who don't speak the same language.  Simple words like "Thank you" and "Shukran" are exchanged frequently in our classes, and handshakes and multiple kisses on the cheek are familiar and meaningful.  Yet it's the eyes that say the most.  After exceptionally difficult classes -- where certain students struggle immensely to focus, and distractions are flying around the room like an active laser pointer, trying to take a cat on a wild ride -- it only takes one student with that look in their eyes that refuels the fire within me and makes it all worth it.  They beam with a light that extends beyond their physical being as their eyes seem to hold all of the gratitude and joy in the world.  They may say only a few words in Arabic or English, but the words mean so much because of the look in their eyes.  They mean it.  They really do appreciate what we did in class!  The most tender moments are when the look and expressions of gratitude come from those who seem to be the most difficult to teach-- the ones who act like they don't care in class and cause the most conflicts.  Somehow they love the class, and are gleaning and absorbing things that are undetectable to others.  

They are learning.  They are grateful.  They are light.  

It's in their eyes. 

A Female Sheep

 

Today is a very special day for Muslims.  Today, I joined my host family as we commemorated Ibrahim's (Abraham's) sacrifice.  Families all over the world gather together to sacrifice a lamb in remembrance of how God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead of his son.  All of the stores close down, and no ones goes to work for a couple days.  A day of fasting precedes this very important day.

Today is Eid al-Adha.   

In preparation for Eid, I spent a few days in prayer and study, deepening my understanding of historic and modern day sacrifices.  As I studied the details of sacrificial lambs, as well as the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ (as I am Christian), I began to find personal connections to how I, too, want to live my life in a way that I can sacrifice all that is needful to be atoned, sanctified, and fellowshipped with God.  

The name Rachel in Hebrew (Rachel) means "ewe", or "female sheep".  In addition, Hebrew names beginning or ending in "el" denote and reverence God.  So as I analyze my own name, I see a clear reminder to offer my life as a lamb (or female sheep) for God.  While this does not mean that I need to be physically sacrificed upon an alter or cross, I recognize that there are ways that I can give of my life here on earth to do all that I can to align my will with God's will.  I want to live up to the meaning of my name. 

I am so grateful to have spent this very special day with my host family, learning from them and appreciating their faith and traditional practices.  

Eid Mubarak Sa'id!  

Photo by Diana Brewster

Enjoying our main meal of Eid with meat from the sheep.

Photo by Shaun Parry

Cleaning the kitchen after the main meal.

Gecko!

 

I was sooo thrilled to find my very first gecko in Morocco last week!  Geckos have been my faithful friends since the summer of 2017, when I lived in India for 2 1/2 months.  These adorable critters would visit my bedroom in the Elephant House frequently, especially at night as they would come to eat the insects that irritated me.  Again, geckos brought me joy when I visited the African continent in 2018, and again when I was in Guatemala in 2019.  I love these little guys! 

I found the cute gecko pictured above before one of our PSI classes.  I was getting things set up for class when I saw him running across the rug.  I quickly cupped him in my hands and carried him off to show my friends.  I was surprised when my friend, Saad, asked to kill it!  I turned him down, confused at the offer.  He then explained that geckos have a relation to some Islamic beliefs and traditions.  I was grateful to later discover this helpful article:  Islam & the Gecko.  

Perhaps my friend Saad was teasing me, or maybe he was serious.  Either way, I find it insightful to learn about the roles that certain animals play in various cultures.  I still love geckos, and I will happily care for them (as long as they aren't hurting anyone.) 

My Moroccan Mama

Hajiba is such a joy!  She is strong, selfless, and silly.  It was a delight to celebrate her birthday with her this last Sunday (July 18th) as it gave us the perfect opportunity to express an extra outpouring of our love for her.  So in the spirit of celebrating my Moroccan Mama, here are some specific examples of the type of woman she is:

• Hajiba did not hesitate to bring two strange girls from the United States into her home and heart.  When people are in need, she is quick to be the answer or at least find the answer.
• Hajiba is a wizard in the kitchen-- not only does she prepare delicious meals, but she does it consistently for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (not to mention snacks in between), feeding her family and our PSI team.  To make it even more impressive, she has been faithfully delivering many of these meals to us at the IDMAJ center, Monday through Friday.  Can you imagine preparing large meals, day after day, and then walking (yes, walking, not driving) them to a different location twice a day? 
• Hajiba treasures and honors her family.  As she cares for us, she makes it clear that her husband and children are precious to her.  She welcomes everyone to her home while also considering the needs of her family-- something that can be a difficult balance to find at times, I'm sure.  
• Hajiba enjoys sharing traditional Moroccan music and dance with us.  She is not shy as she sings and dances in the home, and I have enjoyed learning to play traditional Moroccan rhythms on the drum with her and Marwa.
• Hajiba faithfully provides Diana, Shaun, and me with water from the store since our bodies can't drink the water from the tap where we live.  She purchases large containers of bottled water to make sure we stay hydrated, and she is always reminding us to simply let her know when we need more. 
• Hajiba loves to laugh!  She will do silly things to make us smile, such as putting chocolate from the cake on our noses (pictured below.)
• Hajiba embraces the similarities and differences of others.  She openly shares her religion, faith, and culture with us as she supports our desires to practice our faith and important cultural customs as well.  We rejoice in the principles of faith that we share, and enjoy learning about the differences.  
• Hajiba is brave as she practices new English words and phrases with us.  I dare say that she is picking up English faster than we are picking up Arabic!

I could go on and on about how brilliant and radiant of woman Hajiba is.  I truly believe she is a heaven-sent blessing.  Happy Birthday, Mama! 

Photo by Diana Brewster

I gave Hajiba a necklace that says "love" on it for her birthday.  I loved seeing how happy this gift made her!  She is so loved :)