Sparks of Morocco: 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!