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.
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