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.
No comments:
Post a Comment