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 :) 

 

She Made Her Bed

 

We started the class by sitting in a large circle, just like we do in every Promethean Spark class.  As we asked the class how they were feeling that morning, we had a variety of responses:  good, tired, happy, etc.  Hafsa, however, indicated that she didn't feel like herself; she felt like a new person.  Although we couldn't analyze her comment in the moment, I could see in her expression that she was glowing.  She was processing something deeply meaningful.  

As I was bidding farewell to everyone after class, Hafsa came to me with determination as she said, "Rachel, I need to tell you something!"  She had already shared her thoughts with Shaun Parry, and now she was eager to share with me and Diana.  Once we were the only ones left in the room, Shaun, Diana, Hafsa and I gathered together.  Hafsa then shared her special secret: 

To be frank, she initially thought our class was a bunch of rubbish-- that the concepts we teach really aren't that important or impactful.  She was often late to class, and was sometimes a disrespectful distraction for others.  This pattern of behavior continued for several days... until this particular day.  

The night before, as Hafsa was going to sleep, she had a simple conversation with herself that went something like this:

"Hafsa, you need to do something tomorrow..."

"Okay... what should I do?"

"Something... maybe be on time tomorrow?"

"Why?"

"I don't know.  You just need to do something."

"Okay, okay, I will do this."

In the morning, Hafsa surprised herself as she immediately made her bed when she got up.  This was not normal!  She then surprised herself again -- this time including her mother -- when she made breakfast for herself for the first time ever!  Her mother had a hard time believing that she was seeing her very own daughter that morning.  True to the goal she had set the night before, Hafsa made it to class on time.  In fact, she was several minutes early!   

She could feel the spark of change within her.  She started to realize that the life skills we had been teaching her -- focus, goal setting, responsibility, discipline, etc. -- really do make a difference.  The vision for her life and her capacity to accomplish difficult tasks shifted.  If she can make her bed and do these other small things, then she can reach her bigger goals! 

Hafsa was beaming as she shared her story with us.  When she finished, we rejoiced with her by hugging and giving high fives.  She got it!  She started to grasp the dream!

  

It could have just been one morning of success for Hafsa, but I have been thrilled to see her arriving to class on time ever since that day.  Her comments have become extra passionate and deep in class, and she is evolving into a strong leader for her classmates.  She continues to beam each day. 

Even today, Hafsa proved her strength and determination to learn and grow after she was robbed at knife point on her way to class.  She was just outside the campus complex when a man stopped her and threatened to kill her if she didn't hand over her phone.  Several of us at the center rushed to her aid when we heard her frightened screams.  The man had fled, and Hafsa was physically unharmed, but she was clearly traumatized.  I held her as she sobbed, and those of us from the center escorted her gingerly to the dance room.  Hafsa could have decided at any moment to go home and to quit her classes for the day... but she didn't.  She sat with us.  She breathed with us.  She talked with us.  She danced with us.  Hafsa's glow returned, brighter and brighter, as the class progressed. 

Maybe you already make your bed every morning.  If you don't, start now!  That small, daily victory sets the energy for the day, and primes you for success.  If you already have a habit of making your bed each day, maybe pick another small thing that you can start doing every day.  Set the goal.  Focus on accomplishing it.  Discipline yourself to do it daily.  Take responsibility for doing it.  I promise you that you will feel the spark of change within you, and your life will become even better.  

Hafsa is becoming a new person-- and it all started with making her bed.

You can become a new person too. 

  

Miracles Amidst the Mania

I share the following information with permission from my dear friend and PSI colleague, Diana. 

It was late Sunday night, and I could see that Diana was vigorously writing in her journal by the dim light of the hallway in our new home.  I had gone to bed two hours before, and woke up to simply go to the bathroom.  Diana had already gone a few nights without sleep, and I was concerned this would become another restless night for her.  How were her mind and body functioning without sleep for this long?  After urging her to try sleeping again, she wrapped up her writing project, and we went to the bedroom.  I could tell that her mind was still active, yet I fell asleep with the hope that she would soon crash as well.  

Several hours passed, and I woke up to my alarm.  It was Monday (July 5th), and we were scheduled to teach our very first Promethean Spark classes that day.  I was startled to find that Diana was wide awake and looking at me with excitement.  I tried to quickly shake the sleepiness from my mind and body as she energetically  told me about some ideas and plans she had prepared for us to accomplish that day.  I quickly learned that she hadn't slept at all during the night.  This would be her fourth day operating without sleep.  As the morning continued to unfold, I detected strange and concerning thought processes from Diana.  She definitely wasn't herself.  Her thoughts had become outlandish, and she was unable to comprehend what was important and needful to get ready for the day.  I found myself communicating with her as I would with a toddler in order to help her get ready for the day and out the door.  I knew she wasn't in a position to teach, but we needed to make contact with Shaun Parry before we could make a game plan for the day. 

As I had expected, Shaun and I were on the same page about sending us back to our host family's home to have Diana sleep.  I would stay with her until it felt appropriate to return to teach classes with him.  

Nothing worked.

Brushing her hair; melatonin pills; playing soothing music; essential oils for relaxation; sitting in complete silence in the dark bedroom... nothing worked.  It seemed that the longer we tried to rest, the more out of control her mental and physical energy became.  Diana was existing in a different realm.  She eventually reached a point where spontaneous shouting and the collapsing of her entire body became the new norm. 

Shaun came to our aid as quickly as he could.  We knew she needed medical attention immediately.  Boubker Mazoz called upon the most able members of the IDMAJ team to help us with transportation and translation.  Little did they know that they were in for a day-long adventure. 

Hysteria; hallucinations; bursts of incredible physical strength; convoluted thoughts; screaming; intense joy; inability to walk due to the body spontaneously collapsing... We were determined to get Diana the help she needed, even when working with health professionals proved to be difficult at times.    

She was experiencing manic excess with the symptoms associated with sleep depravation-- an unfortunate combination that can tip the mind over into bipolar disorder.  

From a general hospital to a psychiatric hospital (including a total of 4 sedative injections and pills from both), and from a blood test to a pharmacy for new medications... Diana finally crashed around 9:00 PM.  

While others from the IDMAJ group were ready to eat and relax after getting Diana back home and into bed, my mind was still racing as I processed the dynamics of the day.  So many emotions.  Sorrow, for the struggle Diana's mind and body had gone through;  gratitude, for Shaun and the IDMAJ team; anxiety, for Diana's full and quick recovery; confusion, for what I may have done right or wrong while trying to help her during the day; determination, to be the best primary caregiver for Diana as I could possibly be while she took time to heal; concern, for Diana's husband and her parents, needing to inform them and help put their minds and hearts at ease; relief, for finding the needed help; humility, for seeing the hand of God amidst the mania.  

Shaun nor I felt a strong need to be in Morocco.  The PSI program only needed two life coaches in order to run.  Shaun and Diana could have run the program without me.  Diana and I could have run the program without Shaun.  Yet in the process of making our decisions to come, both Shaun and I had unique and subtle impressions that it would be the right thing to participate in the trip to Morocco.  For me, I had a distinct feeling that it would be good for me to share this experience with Diana.  I am 100% confident that God orchestrated things so that both Shaun and I would be here to support Diana in this trial.  

I was able to be with Diana every step of the way through that manic Monday, and during her days of recovery.  I took her to the bathroom and fed her as she lacked the strength to do these things on her own, and I was there for her during the night in case she woke up and needed something.  

Shaun had the strength and agility to carry Diana everywhere we went that day, which was especially crucial as Diana would turn the carrying sessions into an improvisational act like unto acrobatic partner dancing while in his arms.  Shaun was the only person who could read her body language to keep her from being dropped.  

Both Shaun and I have meaningful knowledge and experiences related to mental and physical health that allowed us to be spokespersons for Diana when she could not speak for herself.   

Shaun was able to teach the PSI classes while I cared for Diana the following days-- something that would have been impossible if only two people had come to Morocco.  The classes would have been cancelled.   

While at the general hospital, Shaun was permitted to give Diana a priesthood blessing of healing, which we have witnessed come to fruition.  

Diana's husband, Ryan, was able to rush to her side after catching the earliest flight possible to Morocco (managing to get COVID test results in time for the flight), and his work was incredible at supporting him during the crisis. 

IDMAJ proved to be the perfect sister organization to work with-- respectable, intelligent, driven, sincere, organized, and so on.  Their employees are topnotch.  

Our host family and friends have be the most loving and caring people to be surrounded by.  Hajiba, Marwa, Hiba and others stayed close by as Diana was nursed back to health. 

People may look at this event and deem the details as being coincidental or luck.  I know that divine intervention was at play, even long before we came to Morocco.  Watching Diana recover during the last two weeks has been beautiful and inspiring.  She is physically and mentally strong again, and handling our PSI classes like a champ.  As her memory has improved, we have enjoyed laughing at the bizarre details of that Monday, while also standing in amazement at the workmanship of our Heavenly Father.  His love has permeated our time here.  I know that guiding both me and Shaun to Morocco is a sign of God's love for Diana (for all of us), and I am immensely grateful that I could be a witness of this miraculous trial.  

Friday * Family * Couscous

 

I am loving the food in Morocco!  While my body isn't used to eating so much bread, I have genuinely enjoy every meal thus far.  Couscous is one of them.  And before I continue talking about couscous, I must take this opportunity to praise Hajiba for her incredible culinary skills!  She has been feeding us breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner (and other spontaneous treats in between) ever since our arrival.  Not only is she a skilled cook, but she is also gracious and cheerful while she serves in this way.  I am so grateful for her.  

I enjoyed my first meal of couscous last Friday for lunch.  Shaun, Diana, Hajiba, Marwa, several friends from IDMAJ and I gathered around the table to share a large platter.  It looked and smelled amazing.  There was joyful laughter as I struggled to figure out how to manage the couscous in my hand, and then there were celebratory cheers when I managed to make my first ball of couscous!  It felt so good to enjoy the meal surrounded by dear friends. 

Following the meal, I was surprised to find that our first afternoon class was rather late to arrive.  Upon inquiring about the delay, I was told, "Oh it's Friday.  They are having couscous."  It was then that I learned how important the meal was that I had just enjoyed.  Couscous is a meal for Friday in Morocco, and it is most commonly enjoyed with family.  While not all families eat couscous on Friday, it is understood that this is the tradition.  

True to cultural tradition, we had couscous today.  And it was delicious. 

I'm grateful for traditions, such as couscous on Fridays, that foster opportunities for loved ones to gather together.  I may become a broken record as I continue to express gratitude for my friends and family here, but I can't help it.  I am full of gratitude for the charity I've been the recipient of, and I thank God for blessing me with this opportunity to connect with so many of His beautiful and inspiring children in Morocco. 

Give What You've Got

 

"My foot hurts."

"I'm on my period."

"I'm tired."

"I forgot my supplies."

"I was absent that day."

Excuses abound when people choose not to give their 100% in life.  Sadly, those excuses are often the same things that keep us from reaching our goals.  Yes, a balance of hard work and relaxation are important; and yes, accommodations need to be made for special circumstances and needs.  What I'm talking about, though, is when we take advantage of unnecessary opportunities to "relax", and when we try to use accommodations as a crutch that stops us from trying to walk and work with the strength we actually have.    

From day one in a Promethean Spark class, students are informed that we expect their 100%.  It's part of our class rules:  "Never, never, never, never, NEVER give up!  100%!"  Every day thereafter, we drill it.  If we catch them slacking off and only giving part of their energy and part of their attention, they know it.  We demand 100%.  The trick is to recognize what one's 100% is, and to give it.  

So, your foot hurts?  You can still dance with your arms.  Can you stand?  Okay, be gentle on that foot, but do everything else full out.

You're on your period?  Cool, me too!  Let's do this together.  You're cramping?  Good news-- exercise actually helps reduce the pain!  (It releases endorphins which block pain receptors.)

You're tired?  Moving can actually help you generate energy that will wake your mind up!  It's mostly physical fatigue?  See how much you can still give; we will have time to rest soon. 

You forgot your supplies? Ask around to see if someone will share some paper and a pen with you.  They don't have anything to offer you?  Be sure to sit close to the front where you can stay focused and involved in the lesson without getting distracted.

You were absent that day?  Ask someone to help you catch up on what you missed, and see what assignments you need to make up.  

Don't let excuses hold you back.  Turn potential excuses into a prompt to think outside the box, and find a way to prove to yourself that you actually CAN do things.  Give what you've got.  

Your 100% will not look the same every day, but you will ALWAYS have something to offer.  Even if you're sick in bed, you still have something to offer.  Give it.  Give what you've got.  If you want to reach your goals, if you want to become smarter / better / faster / stronger with something, give what you've got.  

"Live at your limits, and your limits will change." ~ Shaun Parry

Photo by Zakaria (translator)

PSI Power Team

Here we go again-- another journey with Promethean Spark International (PSI)!  In the summer of 2015, I certified as a life coach in the PSI methodology, which uses dance as the vehicle to teach essential life skills (i.e. discipline, focus, goal setting, organization, personal and social responsibility, etc.) to youth worldwide.  Later, I spent 2 1/2 months during the summer of 2017 using the methodology to teach students at Rising Star Outreach of India, a boarding school for students from leprosy colonies in southern India.  I absolutely loved my time in India, and I still think of my friends and students frequently.  It fills my heart with joy whenever I can connect with one of them via email, WhatsApp, or social media.  

Now, I am on a journey with Shaun Parry (the founder and director of PSI, and friend), and Diana Brewster (a recently certified PSI life coach, and friend) to reestablish our program in Casablanca Morocco at the IDMAJ Sidi Moumen Cultural Center summer camp for at-risk youth.  We will be here for one month, teaching as many classes as we can to 200+ youth.  For more information about IDMAJ and the Sidi Moumen Cultural Center, you can visit their website:  https://www.idmaj.org

Here, we are pictured with Mr. Boubker Mazoz, the founder and director of IDMAJ.  He is a great leader, and powerful influence in Morocco.  

I have learned a lot over the years since my time in India, and I'm looking forward to utilizing refined life coaching skills with the youth in Casablanca now.  Knowing Shaun and Diana, I already feel that we are in for a dynamic and memorable month!  

Shout Out to my husband for being the lift beneath my wings that got me here.  While coming to Morocco with PSI sounded like a good idea when the opportunity came up a couple months ago, he was the loving and encouraging force that got me to commit to coming.  I'm so grateful for his love and ambition that helps both of us to grasp dreams and turn them into realistic goals.  If you know him and are close by, feel free to invite him over for dinner while I'm gone ;) 

سلام

 

سلام

(Salam)

Peace be unto you

I bring to you a blog in which I will be documenting treasured memories and information pertaining to my month in Morocco as a Promethean Spark International life coach.  I extend to you the gracious greeting and wish which many loving Moroccans pronounce upon me daily:  سلام Salam: Peace be unto you.

Home in Casablanca

Left to Right:  Hiba (family friend), Marwa (my sister), Hajiba (my Moroccan Mama), Diana, me!

"You are my sister!", Marwa said, within moments of meeting.  Truly, we became family upon finding ourselves in the same room for the first time.  We were visiting in Mr. Boubker Mazoz' office when Marwa and her mother, Hajiba, entered with their radiant smiles.  Soon after, we were guided to their home where we are staying for the duration of our time in Casablanca.  

I couldn't have asked for a better host family.  Hajiba's heart is a warm, open space for any who need her support and friendship.  Family and friends gather to her home daily, knowing that they will be given a place to sit, food to eat, and smiles to share.  In my case, I have been given food to eat and a place to sleep, in addition to the wealth of smiles and laughter.  Her love is pure.  And Marwa-- from day one, she has been my faithful friend and translator-- speaking Arabic, French and English.  At 16 years old, she is a vibrant, playful, and creative leader among her peers.  I am so grateful for her!  

I am constantly humbled by the hospitality I've been the recipient of around the world.  Here I am, in Morocco, and I have received the blessing of yet another home.  

شكراً جزيلاً

(Choukran jazeelan)

Thank you very much