tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007971958282445822024-03-13T10:03:41.222-07:00Julie & ZachHello, Aloha, and Salamu Alaykum
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-87852684719035237432014-10-19T11:02:00.003-07:002014-10-19T11:02:57.472-07:00Training and Toubkal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Went to a Peace Corps sponsored training on project design and management with Moroccan counterparts and had an awesome few days hashing out details of projects we are really excited about for this year. Was a great opportunity for everyone.<br />
<br />
Afterwords, Zach and I took advantage of a small window of
available time to do something that has been on the wish list since
being here. Hiking Toubkal- the tallest peak in Morocco and North
Africa. It was incredible. Just insanely beautiful and gratifying after
the work it takes to get up there. <br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6gtX6YH0OVtJkBxFBnUBN5wayZBWN6EbqVGprV3p8Mfm10g_j27fUCAYSxRmOuYZZcSYHxr68Qa02uxLeFLL01ykn92xjuhc1QcMy2eJToXixV91xOwjHL5_Ug7OD3NbsUH25HOm4pU4/s1600/IMG_8204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6gtX6YH0OVtJkBxFBnUBN5wayZBWN6EbqVGprV3p8Mfm10g_j27fUCAYSxRmOuYZZcSYHxr68Qa02uxLeFLL01ykn92xjuhc1QcMy2eJToXixV91xOwjHL5_Ug7OD3NbsUH25HOm4pU4/s1600/IMG_8204.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN5oaBiwQcXy6mpbMsndVs78SasJVXv-7T45S-IUClEZikFcsiMLpVAnO67otpdUZ15fqp910s3tRmeK4gQJPqrZr_F8mCF80ED8Q1oQKjNIKEz7KXRg-V5cvn2t6yQjOLGrESOEnjGfr/s1600/IMG_8567.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN5oaBiwQcXy6mpbMsndVs78SasJVXv-7T45S-IUClEZikFcsiMLpVAnO67otpdUZ15fqp910s3tRmeK4gQJPqrZr_F8mCF80ED8Q1oQKjNIKEz7KXRg-V5cvn2t6yQjOLGrESOEnjGfr/s1600/IMG_8567.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZRh2omUYfzX-IMfFiz3JPES3UOnUNTsHPT9V3f7V8KCuA_fCnhwREACheXW_yHjKkt4uBjrWVbxFQeLt2kssNxXBP1UjbCneS-fgyoe36lNBEY8IsMM30z4Euvby14ZIu7fczulWRgeV/s1600/IMG_8566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZRh2omUYfzX-IMfFiz3JPES3UOnUNTsHPT9V3f7V8KCuA_fCnhwREACheXW_yHjKkt4uBjrWVbxFQeLt2kssNxXBP1UjbCneS-fgyoe36lNBEY8IsMM30z4Euvby14ZIu7fczulWRgeV/s1600/IMG_8566.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUA6lVW1M83RxX7Du6qcvYi62u9yszDdi6bjQqwSBxGK0n0FYsV_0aNuDZntzPzPWya3ZVSb2xs64JHaRogIz3TeAAKbbryL0bqW40F0DvKNyvjZpg2_1iEK1-PDyWzPt3wfoZsa_cHTj/s1600/IMG_8565.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUA6lVW1M83RxX7Du6qcvYi62u9yszDdi6bjQqwSBxGK0n0FYsV_0aNuDZntzPzPWya3ZVSb2xs64JHaRogIz3TeAAKbbryL0bqW40F0DvKNyvjZpg2_1iEK1-PDyWzPt3wfoZsa_cHTj/s1600/IMG_8565.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK134xRXC8C1Q__sMlgIf9EVwvV49NTjzw58tHyF_GbEG7szz8IdHoCyJvCvwVZpc3Chmk_QyKKtTr4bN1vLPbpvSY9ePdGO-z6lYgXws6aPX09eNK0AbO3vkcMmD5nrIfFHvzhW72BPWD/s1600/IMG_8556.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK134xRXC8C1Q__sMlgIf9EVwvV49NTjzw58tHyF_GbEG7szz8IdHoCyJvCvwVZpc3Chmk_QyKKtTr4bN1vLPbpvSY9ePdGO-z6lYgXws6aPX09eNK0AbO3vkcMmD5nrIfFHvzhW72BPWD/s1600/IMG_8556.JPG" height="320" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJe9yJPFzH-Lr8xH027L_huzmc4FCk6VVgmA36QhJZws7IBtROFwC19T5OAWIkc-FHmvl5JUeQSUvYFwPAcTcr3kptKgH-fWDO6LsAl0SV8dvqYmemh0OTywZmpToPQz7rnT6s6QXBIuz/s1600/IMG_8563.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJe9yJPFzH-Lr8xH027L_huzmc4FCk6VVgmA36QhJZws7IBtROFwC19T5OAWIkc-FHmvl5JUeQSUvYFwPAcTcr3kptKgH-fWDO6LsAl0SV8dvqYmemh0OTywZmpToPQz7rnT6s6QXBIuz/s1600/IMG_8563.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD3uTyVXUqhByx8vhpLg7puUXWZr2s5SmBo0zfGD9VHailUXF-bW7WBgzZJ0c7GcdqD7SwQ1jlPR227WqkhDkfxa2vm3kXWAQoYTFDJCyRqaHSfP6lLxJNt-4zUJOpSetZttvm0pxQuBF/s1600/IMG_8271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD3uTyVXUqhByx8vhpLg7puUXWZr2s5SmBo0zfGD9VHailUXF-bW7WBgzZJ0c7GcdqD7SwQ1jlPR227WqkhDkfxa2vm3kXWAQoYTFDJCyRqaHSfP6lLxJNt-4zUJOpSetZttvm0pxQuBF/s1600/IMG_8271.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe-hUbhdJhZ1wG3HKKElWu2uhE-A8PwEJp1ba1krV3vc3GGBeVl582l2P5reEgI1oa-_UXru-6grBRcZ61xL9gtnxQDt6Bs2IY8qqZTTZUemPjkq6WwhccUv4oPDFrI5d0HDDlLGPRrm6/s1600/IMG_8277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXe-hUbhdJhZ1wG3HKKElWu2uhE-A8PwEJp1ba1krV3vc3GGBeVl582l2P5reEgI1oa-_UXru-6grBRcZ61xL9gtnxQDt6Bs2IY8qqZTTZUemPjkq6WwhccUv4oPDFrI5d0HDDlLGPRrm6/s1600/IMG_8277.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5r_SFNCc6NJE5aSqkJUwsZQX-urUrvNQ_ESCHK6H2TB0nqLDGE_2J0xJ1gMylxYF21xE9W5JnTPOpqx76PFzLq1jvgbMSoB5tMl3lgG3vGrRuBpfEf2uvNzeSa142XuN_iExh0B8AAddW/s1600/IMG_8298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5r_SFNCc6NJE5aSqkJUwsZQX-urUrvNQ_ESCHK6H2TB0nqLDGE_2J0xJ1gMylxYF21xE9W5JnTPOpqx76PFzLq1jvgbMSoB5tMl3lgG3vGrRuBpfEf2uvNzeSa142XuN_iExh0B8AAddW/s1600/IMG_8298.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1kcfaOywkb_-gGc3AgtIbRSf-J6x5hid92RzeLbVB9JxNcz22Um_2Dek1gK8Ehg27QsdzHU_Z8StG9UGlW8SGvTJYL6JZ7okmSZOVb70q1ZXSBRnXwVZREf2pvckerglukhyphenhyphenu0RZgWUW/s1600/IMG_8300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1kcfaOywkb_-gGc3AgtIbRSf-J6x5hid92RzeLbVB9JxNcz22Um_2Dek1gK8Ehg27QsdzHU_Z8StG9UGlW8SGvTJYL6JZ7okmSZOVb70q1ZXSBRnXwVZREf2pvckerglukhyphenhyphenu0RZgWUW/s1600/IMG_8300.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0SP8dQ8n5qpc1tVOvZjJXAUQ8JZaPPP1_DPHq7Ze2NXtDGG68rbBACmYglqN_C1jBYOa31T9d2vYhV7QdRqOiAZ796m-Efkoeyyy49jtkmjjndiskEdNnCV5C8Gq8MXK-lijEAjzGAbO/s1600/IMG_8339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0SP8dQ8n5qpc1tVOvZjJXAUQ8JZaPPP1_DPHq7Ze2NXtDGG68rbBACmYglqN_C1jBYOa31T9d2vYhV7QdRqOiAZ796m-Efkoeyyy49jtkmjjndiskEdNnCV5C8Gq8MXK-lijEAjzGAbO/s1600/IMG_8339.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAAbHfb7FXmN2jBJKJq540eIUawLAi_f0gT2Ks1TKsHxWzGZZQxbrm8dQNzX1AeadQ4NYrPruk1T1-CA3JOHocO6Ebyam3NylbK9VqnNtbM9Q1GRyXojsQAyQvx7ia-_3bNe51UTH0ost/s1600/IMG_8352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAAbHfb7FXmN2jBJKJq540eIUawLAi_f0gT2Ks1TKsHxWzGZZQxbrm8dQNzX1AeadQ4NYrPruk1T1-CA3JOHocO6Ebyam3NylbK9VqnNtbM9Q1GRyXojsQAyQvx7ia-_3bNe51UTH0ost/s1600/IMG_8352.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZjvZECeOEyws012IToLwLGJB9N4mC_FbK0MCvahNAoxZlFKYFAohoQ-SsnKSDAw9f-qH_dgdzc2Lwir9RqPBqpYyJd_22uc1qRAiVO_EgQcudyQuUzCGCGlxSymum9H8-3gtNvPfdb-T/s1600/IMG_8379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZjvZECeOEyws012IToLwLGJB9N4mC_FbK0MCvahNAoxZlFKYFAohoQ-SsnKSDAw9f-qH_dgdzc2Lwir9RqPBqpYyJd_22uc1qRAiVO_EgQcudyQuUzCGCGlxSymum9H8-3gtNvPfdb-T/s1600/IMG_8379.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6VSg6aZ6ur7r5jNOVCpEypgDzOR3-LZRNwxQxYe2oBYvXi40LeKt4cAfVSHmYU5rcyhKDiUFCmn50rZrBcsKX6Vk9TXRRlqMp9IS52CGimnOYNqfzcx_5odghhvumgLC-Hl3LI1RHRR6/s1600/IMG_8416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6VSg6aZ6ur7r5jNOVCpEypgDzOR3-LZRNwxQxYe2oBYvXi40LeKt4cAfVSHmYU5rcyhKDiUFCmn50rZrBcsKX6Vk9TXRRlqMp9IS52CGimnOYNqfzcx_5odghhvumgLC-Hl3LI1RHRR6/s1600/IMG_8416.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsLHibANA3tWy_GzPU4DeULVuHJGO5I1OVJDARg8EorCwL28pT0EUxSCBYW9PUYg8A0T-xo9Me3ii-RUSA47NfjCwYzbqT6yI14SND7ljsrRvanQi8wXdnboF4TeUT4KTrhG_CcE_ThE_/s1600/IMG_8538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsLHibANA3tWy_GzPU4DeULVuHJGO5I1OVJDARg8EorCwL28pT0EUxSCBYW9PUYg8A0T-xo9Me3ii-RUSA47NfjCwYzbqT6yI14SND7ljsrRvanQi8wXdnboF4TeUT4KTrhG_CcE_ThE_/s1600/IMG_8538.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE4Gi4fiyuwdmkrjl6pB2CacIz4KDjWOhQwR1JNB_ivoxBt9eafROqwswmtRVL4m-shjCrWxylow-fp-ToDuKCr7pdBBc0aozX12jEhdI8wezTIPAYS71BBLl8gCEe8xPsbtK7W_EUZLY/s1600/IMG_8551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE4Gi4fiyuwdmkrjl6pB2CacIz4KDjWOhQwR1JNB_ivoxBt9eafROqwswmtRVL4m-shjCrWxylow-fp-ToDuKCr7pdBBc0aozX12jEhdI8wezTIPAYS71BBLl8gCEe8xPsbtK7W_EUZLY/s1600/IMG_8551.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMknFRq44sB75bUYs4yYOb6nTqzdlTYDqxjoncHtqvuP5_vdm1hBCM5Awdxjl08McHdN8wFComnLLhV2o03BV1lZUWQsbSarc50wWeQ87j1Vz6_qY0JgokzD37AjQIaOPHXYqp8oH01u9/s1600/IMG_8552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMknFRq44sB75bUYs4yYOb6nTqzdlTYDqxjoncHtqvuP5_vdm1hBCM5Awdxjl08McHdN8wFComnLLhV2o03BV1lZUWQsbSarc50wWeQ87j1Vz6_qY0JgokzD37AjQIaOPHXYqp8oH01u9/s1600/IMG_8552.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK134xRXC8C1Q__sMlgIf9EVwvV49NTjzw58tHyF_GbEG7szz8IdHoCyJvCvwVZpc3Chmk_QyKKtTr4bN1vLPbpvSY9ePdGO-z6lYgXws6aPX09eNK0AbO3vkcMmD5nrIfFHvzhW72BPWD/s1600/IMG_8556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJe9yJPFzH-Lr8xH027L_huzmc4FCk6VVgmA36QhJZws7IBtROFwC19T5OAWIkc-FHmvl5JUeQSUvYFwPAcTcr3kptKgH-fWDO6LsAl0SV8dvqYmemh0OTywZmpToPQz7rnT6s6QXBIuz/s1600/IMG_8563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUA6lVW1M83RxX7Du6qcvYi62u9yszDdi6bjQqwSBxGK0n0FYsV_0aNuDZntzPzPWya3ZVSb2xs64JHaRogIz3TeAAKbbryL0bqW40F0DvKNyvjZpg2_1iEK1-PDyWzPt3wfoZsa_cHTj/s1600/IMG_8565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZRh2omUYfzX-IMfFiz3JPES3UOnUNTsHPT9V3f7V8KCuA_fCnhwREACheXW_yHjKkt4uBjrWVbxFQeLt2kssNxXBP1UjbCneS-fgyoe36lNBEY8IsMM30z4Euvby14ZIu7fczulWRgeV/s1600/IMG_8566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNN5oaBiwQcXy6mpbMsndVs78SasJVXv-7T45S-IUClEZikFcsiMLpVAnO67otpdUZ15fqp910s3tRmeK4gQJPqrZr_F8mCF80ED8Q1oQKjNIKEz7KXRg-V5cvn2t6yQjOLGrESOEnjGfr/s1600/IMG_8567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VsOsa7E2ACtvOChCwreyz8ruM_KxwvfUfn3G-7bnhPL5QnlioUCK-DGgcwT9y15f8qM87ZWknvNaMDnRjgqOc82g9gf4cOQAbU4m13FEbvpaTeBxrwQtyf7Wz-2vXhGbQjDDj_SOrLMJ/s1600/IMG_8571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VsOsa7E2ACtvOChCwreyz8ruM_KxwvfUfn3G-7bnhPL5QnlioUCK-DGgcwT9y15f8qM87ZWknvNaMDnRjgqOc82g9gf4cOQAbU4m13FEbvpaTeBxrwQtyf7Wz-2vXhGbQjDDj_SOrLMJ/s1600/IMG_8571.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU38C39LHr-nDLpCj-zr6ERx72CDk20-j-_1ML-wk50aAe55ganndYHNMEkib7gKFj1tE3Btqu5CUPxY5S21ZEgP-HfnreOKMGtOCsMTfQElIKdyzhEbi5nlqNR2Z1N2Z682vkMxiX4kDj/s1600/IMG_8572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU38C39LHr-nDLpCj-zr6ERx72CDk20-j-_1ML-wk50aAe55ganndYHNMEkib7gKFj1tE3Btqu5CUPxY5S21ZEgP-HfnreOKMGtOCsMTfQElIKdyzhEbi5nlqNR2Z1N2Z682vkMxiX4kDj/s1600/IMG_8572.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-62309700085405438212014-09-22T09:44:00.000-07:002014-10-19T09:45:07.552-07:00Camps, camps, camps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We had three consecutive 10-day camps in August. Need I say more? Here are some photos and 2 honorable mentions. First, Grassroots soccer is an awesome organization using evidence based curriculum to teach about Aids using soccer. Second, Zach is now famous for being the fastest fish in the pool and having a mean rendition of "Old Mcdonald had a farm" in Arabic that keeps kids entertained for days.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJYtmI_i-8zTVcw3osQk84UlKideZ3M4bswJDN3HWDrPBsmJaTkc8e8O8ZOhGnzury1m36pIb7V0kWRq3qck03S-_JliYCL6E4NRq3nrXyQH48Ke_M_V1iv_szhsnZ17qC7LhtYDVGRo0/s1600/IMG_7395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJYtmI_i-8zTVcw3osQk84UlKideZ3M4bswJDN3HWDrPBsmJaTkc8e8O8ZOhGnzury1m36pIb7V0kWRq3qck03S-_JliYCL6E4NRq3nrXyQH48Ke_M_V1iv_szhsnZ17qC7LhtYDVGRo0/s1600/IMG_7395.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXHlUmnS6EOkzDcIYhe9Ooyey31B24yLhY2OUjM97XYARhSq-9vJ4zm_nJcBt-O_abOlp3df1hslYe02DXyESMcpZ7hKjldSnPBWdi_IiXcP6xeQ5Pxz7cvS01IM0pebbOE14TpPu7fqO/s1600/IMG_7396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXHlUmnS6EOkzDcIYhe9Ooyey31B24yLhY2OUjM97XYARhSq-9vJ4zm_nJcBt-O_abOlp3df1hslYe02DXyESMcpZ7hKjldSnPBWdi_IiXcP6xeQ5Pxz7cvS01IM0pebbOE14TpPu7fqO/s1600/IMG_7396.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPl5U7Lm2NpSpbjvk9Uglr1aeqmCzyYftpgesVYdM6F5zb3bgBLx738TW8GaiZ37_JWKmgrxK_QrkfeYTWsjIcPHhYVLLByFe8GUJZDHuc-RcrFKjWhRBCXaFYCCvWETu3Xcxk9qxtwP46/s1600/IMG_7401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPl5U7Lm2NpSpbjvk9Uglr1aeqmCzyYftpgesVYdM6F5zb3bgBLx738TW8GaiZ37_JWKmgrxK_QrkfeYTWsjIcPHhYVLLByFe8GUJZDHuc-RcrFKjWhRBCXaFYCCvWETu3Xcxk9qxtwP46/s1600/IMG_7401.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85AU0Iwe6w1qaiBJ1PBRTg_52daB4ht9g65yfIY7d4VPlqEvyhVdrJf6F4i8A2RgNil5GlzsLwVqnlsBGbQ7rHaHOWSCdb3kwssahFtqJSat2fp4mufXWuXOgmQQEQdxxpvKd_ruMv2Le/s1600/IMG_7406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85AU0Iwe6w1qaiBJ1PBRTg_52daB4ht9g65yfIY7d4VPlqEvyhVdrJf6F4i8A2RgNil5GlzsLwVqnlsBGbQ7rHaHOWSCdb3kwssahFtqJSat2fp4mufXWuXOgmQQEQdxxpvKd_ruMv2Le/s1600/IMG_7406.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGDTSmSB65o78CCUr_81AX-DFUK7xOZQu2IcrOklaIxwS8T2JM18lXkB4j93nXtedDOPsjG3WJO8dpXchcBbleyyG7jWyBD70tv6np3uHyUr96-aRNJ0wS778r8Y_nhgv0fIq9OwArCiP/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGDTSmSB65o78CCUr_81AX-DFUK7xOZQu2IcrOklaIxwS8T2JM18lXkB4j93nXtedDOPsjG3WJO8dpXchcBbleyyG7jWyBD70tv6np3uHyUr96-aRNJ0wS778r8Y_nhgv0fIq9OwArCiP/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRzHIBHHyabLbZlSjiuXEumjosdGX9HXSJe19JvQEUqgjAMBOOQdgYmrjZcCueKtY0PMAcnLn5ws6imH6ApRLxfZQOcZDdg5vtO_fFUTJPxeQL0A1StEfsmVbHQsfViw7v0ouTCe2FTR8/s1600/IMG_7826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRzHIBHHyabLbZlSjiuXEumjosdGX9HXSJe19JvQEUqgjAMBOOQdgYmrjZcCueKtY0PMAcnLn5ws6imH6ApRLxfZQOcZDdg5vtO_fFUTJPxeQL0A1StEfsmVbHQsfViw7v0ouTCe2FTR8/s1600/IMG_7826.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCXuXicdW9RT4ze33jejHj32FL2NgdO7Og9Y0MyXC7F64ZAzhH93v3KaD_C3URcmSEHMDBzkE4Gwx12rgmRCeZXMsAGuC4kq2hTXvBwFSji2_m6sJK-_S_bmqsixpek816ib8hGFNriBx/s1600/IMG_8573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCXuXicdW9RT4ze33jejHj32FL2NgdO7Og9Y0MyXC7F64ZAzhH93v3KaD_C3URcmSEHMDBzkE4Gwx12rgmRCeZXMsAGuC4kq2hTXvBwFSji2_m6sJK-_S_bmqsixpek816ib8hGFNriBx/s1600/IMG_8573.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-52338313103830486852014-08-07T09:21:00.000-07:002014-10-19T09:21:26.565-07:00Ramadan 2.0 - July<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Because religious holidays in Islam are based on a lunar calendar, the date changes from year to year. This year Ramadan, 30 days of day-time fasting, came at the end of June. It was our second while being in Morocco, different and still good.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you don't know much about the holiday,<a href="http://zachsjules.blogspot.com/2013/08/ramadan.html"> check out last year's post for more information</a> and our experience both fasting in solidarity. This year, we decided not to fast. We would be studying for the GRE and wanted full brain power; we had our experience with it last year; it isn't obligatory for us being outside the religious tradition; etc. The first day of Ramadan was our wedding anniversary and we stayed holed up in the house cooking an amazing Mexican meal knowing we were the few, if not only, able-bodied people in our community eating that day. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The second day, however, we went out to a friends house for Iftar, a meal to break the fast at sundown. We went early to help with cooking and watch the World Cup games. I was the official taste tester in the kitchen of all the dishes my friend was relying on intuition to season. It was fun but markedly different from my Iftar cooking before. When it was all ready, we all sat down around the table waiting for the call to prayer that marks sundown. It came, I grabbed a date, and waited for that whooshing feeling I grew to love last year. It didn't come. It was just a normal meal. I turned to Zach afterwords to tell him, "I miss fasting." He had been thinking the same thing. I don't know if I can describe the feeling, but it felt like we were on the other side of the window looking in on Christmas or something. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The previous year Zach had really appreciated the spirituality of fasting and the feeling of growth he had felt being deliberate about spiritual and character goals for the month. He decided to fast again fully. I admittedly mostly missed the self control and the community of it, and decided to kind-of fast drinking water and eating when I got h-angry. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Where last year, still new in our town, we broke fast with someone new almost every day of the month. This year we spent it almost exclusively with one family. It also coincided with the World Cup, which we watched every night. We traveled more this year to camps and events. Walked around our town a lot at night and enjoyed the energy of it. Studied for the GRE during down time in the days. Generally enjoyed being a part of it again, and are looking forward to how we feel next year when Ramadan comes again and we are no longer here. I have an inkling we will have a moment at our own dinner where we will look to each other and say "I miss Morocco." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Be sure to check out<a href="http://teamtaylortravels.blogspot.com/2014/08/magical-morocco.html"> this post describing one of our Ramadan days.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXntZslkQOfANttRPuoB6qFtSroznehwJ8dOgEdn15k4UwDntOvGJ05KVzMGHBEQyYFTJw1FFqtMOtbH5a0DauqJXpTrH-sD3CTKk0ye_jiGJ7e9MH19Az0fcOmwsKYc-VEqFe7GdDId7/s1600/IMG_6540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXntZslkQOfANttRPuoB6qFtSroznehwJ8dOgEdn15k4UwDntOvGJ05KVzMGHBEQyYFTJw1FFqtMOtbH5a0DauqJXpTrH-sD3CTKk0ye_jiGJ7e9MH19Az0fcOmwsKYc-VEqFe7GdDId7/s1600/IMG_6540.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUytfEXnplU2OozgWkf04ydULdkEsuMCIBisB3MiA1DZ778-CAeuIRn85v8rDiu6XrPlZgNa7t7VZ6ogKo6o5CTZxjv6uJsT_Akquu5mvfI0RhAsPRt1uYF2pbcsBcmIioBZw6TNY6RpH_/s1600/IMG_6751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUytfEXnplU2OozgWkf04ydULdkEsuMCIBisB3MiA1DZ778-CAeuIRn85v8rDiu6XrPlZgNa7t7VZ6ogKo6o5CTZxjv6uJsT_Akquu5mvfI0RhAsPRt1uYF2pbcsBcmIioBZw6TNY6RpH_/s1600/IMG_6751.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6uly7yjq_n6WEhCK-FkJ00D9W5NYghzuomPMCAdSutuv1UybcbPzplOAlcyLD-bp9ZAIGynshPOVipNJOH0IggDtQqO3Quz6ClthPB4c8C7CDwb_61qtrtjxWtTvHRtBQ9ErLHubvDOP/s1600/IMG_6762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6uly7yjq_n6WEhCK-FkJ00D9W5NYghzuomPMCAdSutuv1UybcbPzplOAlcyLD-bp9ZAIGynshPOVipNJOH0IggDtQqO3Quz6ClthPB4c8C7CDwb_61qtrtjxWtTvHRtBQ9ErLHubvDOP/s1600/IMG_6762.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhir1Fm7Xe1VGmg60ChDQ4jxuewASiFJ_6XJxBGkBSqO1MkkM6wXkBeoEdHKXsAfUg0FEKZJcTpQB7uPBAKjVXZDq01u17czl-hZoc6uNj29Tg6DJSNOGC1b5_O9bn-cEJnnbIVkpWOJJLj/s1600/IMG_6772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhir1Fm7Xe1VGmg60ChDQ4jxuewASiFJ_6XJxBGkBSqO1MkkM6wXkBeoEdHKXsAfUg0FEKZJcTpQB7uPBAKjVXZDq01u17czl-hZoc6uNj29Tg6DJSNOGC1b5_O9bn-cEJnnbIVkpWOJJLj/s1600/IMG_6772.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5UTtZUJKXmI7ciae9jQ6zKnrUGJf364s1XyMA_O2aX1EbiVELnc4lE4W1bQ6UW752osVIE_BhR_uyeo3LEA-IuGopGc_tpwBd-lekV0r5IFjPelmvjuDQnq3d7eNjtbKDeoq4x47nLDS/s1600/IMG_6921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5UTtZUJKXmI7ciae9jQ6zKnrUGJf364s1XyMA_O2aX1EbiVELnc4lE4W1bQ6UW752osVIE_BhR_uyeo3LEA-IuGopGc_tpwBd-lekV0r5IFjPelmvjuDQnq3d7eNjtbKDeoq4x47nLDS/s1600/IMG_6921.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OLMKWbN77bJxTZgKZHyy2C1QP6bD8p50fSwu1uSWT3PBH4Dw98XEBt4skwUUJVJaIc7myyqj28XXSSQHHqO6CWhbK1aAkgUrLXenqSpshSQu1rweNo94U6zAgq2l6i2IPFMsODo7NtiV/s1600/IMG_6979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OLMKWbN77bJxTZgKZHyy2C1QP6bD8p50fSwu1uSWT3PBH4Dw98XEBt4skwUUJVJaIc7myyqj28XXSSQHHqO6CWhbK1aAkgUrLXenqSpshSQu1rweNo94U6zAgq2l6i2IPFMsODo7NtiV/s1600/IMG_6979.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vX1_dJfFYWM6bQGv8HLXY1_XB_J8xyzF1sY388Rqa8FPFcM3CaTKBl6o2OG1UwZAbYEas4D6Rq8hMc9UmsFZHDymKfiaRsK_ZUIFyce5TIwR0lUYNelI4GZC0APnfe4zNXkQ-VQL-LTK/s1600/IMG_7113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vX1_dJfFYWM6bQGv8HLXY1_XB_J8xyzF1sY388Rqa8FPFcM3CaTKBl6o2OG1UwZAbYEas4D6Rq8hMc9UmsFZHDymKfiaRsK_ZUIFyce5TIwR0lUYNelI4GZC0APnfe4zNXkQ-VQL-LTK/s1600/IMG_7113.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-1350426922436325852014-07-07T08:55:00.000-07:002014-10-19T08:56:49.394-07:00Summer Break - June<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">School let out. Classes stopped. Tests were taken. Students were tired of studying, and we were tired of teaching. Attendance at clubs and other activities had fizzled with test prep and test recovery. It was time for a Moroccan endless summer part 2. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">June started with a Peace Corps training I participated in with someone we hoped we could work with. </span>A few times a year, Peace Corps will offer opportunities for volunteers and
people they work with in their communities to get trained in programs to
meet organizational goals. A big part of being a volunteer is identifying and working with leaders in your community that can help you in current projects and carry them on when you leave. We call those in-country volunteers "counterparts." Many posts in other countries assign this person to you, but in Morocco, you are on your own. Finding this person is a sometimes tricky balance of potential, dependability, and compatibility. Thankfully, we have no shortage of awesome youth and young adults we've been able to work with. For this program and training however, I didn't make a smart or fully informed choice on who to work with, which was disappointing and stressful. The venue was beautiful though; the content was awesome, and the staff and participants were great. My partner and I couldn't get on the same page, and it was an extra lesson that I had to learn the hard way. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also that week: I have been really digging this artist Stromae. We were able to sneak away from the training and see him perform in Rabat. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/oiKj0Z_Xnjc/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/oiKj0Z_Xnjc&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/oiKj0Z_Xnjc&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The summer really didn't start, however, until we had visitors come and a perfect couple of weeks being reminded again how cool Morocco is. Zach's sister and bro-in law came in via Spain; they let us show them our favorite places and travelled with us to places we'd been wanting to go. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We always love being around them, but traveling together was even better. </span>For Zach and me, being abroad for so long is a dissonant pull between exploration/newness and missing people/things. Having both at the same time when visitors come is our favorite. We took this route, avoiding the heat by staying in the mountains: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some favorite moments: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkfNPt-kYu8KN0K7Ij20HYxdD5lMVREA71jMXAj3Ml9xYliVYISSe4ggLjm857l2o7xBUiHBZ-yxNVulqD1nJiibLTQhqo8LuCtJc4v3KpZX-s7bG7yewG0OU4LsWVRJciyPQwNhhXnxN/s1600/IMG_5195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkfNPt-kYu8KN0K7Ij20HYxdD5lMVREA71jMXAj3Ml9xYliVYISSe4ggLjm857l2o7xBUiHBZ-yxNVulqD1nJiibLTQhqo8LuCtJc4v3KpZX-s7bG7yewG0OU4LsWVRJciyPQwNhhXnxN/s1600/IMG_5195.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4jj1AI02XEPZxjzjzk7foHJ8pOXDpSEUQzgiXWpWDsCdUx9k-7_-cQzqql9_CBYevLmnyNzeZJojMmF78KSit2ZB0xCwimPn9En-Lip61f6WEEfrAmEVmBEmC3nokYF4Sq7qxn2-a30b/s1600/IMG_5299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4jj1AI02XEPZxjzjzk7foHJ8pOXDpSEUQzgiXWpWDsCdUx9k-7_-cQzqql9_CBYevLmnyNzeZJojMmF78KSit2ZB0xCwimPn9En-Lip61f6WEEfrAmEVmBEmC3nokYF4Sq7qxn2-a30b/s1600/IMG_5299.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eu81PAdCoTsktQjVo7yxZ0j6D9dghUAIGIxKFNrdi0CkILLAiAitz5aJMZwb1ZdUbjIkjLLRoN1aVLQn6oWLdfnxOE9P9MnrKPWy21YeMIHqdYzW7bCSlQXZ2mta6_4YnemStwaBzafz/s1600/IMG_5300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eu81PAdCoTsktQjVo7yxZ0j6D9dghUAIGIxKFNrdi0CkILLAiAitz5aJMZwb1ZdUbjIkjLLRoN1aVLQn6oWLdfnxOE9P9MnrKPWy21YeMIHqdYzW7bCSlQXZ2mta6_4YnemStwaBzafz/s1600/IMG_5300.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kO9MQQK9-1Z_04ZcjTfobALjAgcwfDw8D1ukqwuYSDz0vC8zgpKZ3Xacv5nbsvfzGKROlB1UZNcdUvxHb_wP0I7G2bX7HyYTv5NEL-DT3EPcyW-3kpuPBIbZZcUdj7EWtQkUerAIPkOl/s1600/IMG_5444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kO9MQQK9-1Z_04ZcjTfobALjAgcwfDw8D1ukqwuYSDz0vC8zgpKZ3Xacv5nbsvfzGKROlB1UZNcdUvxHb_wP0I7G2bX7HyYTv5NEL-DT3EPcyW-3kpuPBIbZZcUdj7EWtQkUerAIPkOl/s1600/IMG_5444.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoKpDcQmSmRGATGMPoHri_CLOpedPhMWAfKvef7Ps5YdZDxJ7Q0vUIiu-TTBcw69S4vblU4Xo1JQlGAF22RjKJZ8ZZjasyoLdxyNQR2kSU62HT68jHfvyEHLOUyQY7ay1dI6ZA9a_MWDE/s1600/IMG_5448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoKpDcQmSmRGATGMPoHri_CLOpedPhMWAfKvef7Ps5YdZDxJ7Q0vUIiu-TTBcw69S4vblU4Xo1JQlGAF22RjKJZ8ZZjasyoLdxyNQR2kSU62HT68jHfvyEHLOUyQY7ay1dI6ZA9a_MWDE/s1600/IMG_5448.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68zh-_oSgOPJjxhfWxi6p1_-sWLoVNhHj1yvPwb4qtUQ1BY-3yjAatHX_FlEedK_RbpznSw1cY9CeabRJOpikoOvwpfF6N8AJlRBLrtF_tzeFkhQCLGv1jeuwSF5z_LtwSWGUkbYFY3Az/s1600/IMG_5836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68zh-_oSgOPJjxhfWxi6p1_-sWLoVNhHj1yvPwb4qtUQ1BY-3yjAatHX_FlEedK_RbpznSw1cY9CeabRJOpikoOvwpfF6N8AJlRBLrtF_tzeFkhQCLGv1jeuwSF5z_LtwSWGUkbYFY3Az/s1600/IMG_5836.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCwey5-WXuWzFKRPvGUbWHdQNYgBAPSCuqw3JWErzLjrYBd9HF-wu31FiNdYWLuJD5NcoF3qXKa82vRz6e2pAoHWn2UBV8vyYu8rpX7j3cmr6rxZMQm7-lJS9P5ZWAmo2sO6l4-bqjlNb/s1600/IMG_5840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCwey5-WXuWzFKRPvGUbWHdQNYgBAPSCuqw3JWErzLjrYBd9HF-wu31FiNdYWLuJD5NcoF3qXKa82vRz6e2pAoHWn2UBV8vyYu8rpX7j3cmr6rxZMQm7-lJS9P5ZWAmo2sO6l4-bqjlNb/s1600/IMG_5840.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZejzRrPqVdsR52My1beTEJMm1zzL5TmoY-17K8bDtCe0n4GPonoLaNqhvvGsxdtTrNFtJ-HkoU2KUeCNQhcN9XmFPzwp78O0i6Iz_Kk4W1vI0ufk5-7XnVTPpDKYHbWg0vG8Zms0qZFrx/s1600/IMG_6191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZejzRrPqVdsR52My1beTEJMm1zzL5TmoY-17K8bDtCe0n4GPonoLaNqhvvGsxdtTrNFtJ-HkoU2KUeCNQhcN9XmFPzwp78O0i6Iz_Kk4W1vI0ufk5-7XnVTPpDKYHbWg0vG8Zms0qZFrx/s1600/IMG_6191.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW08so_ds70DiX2Gmt16Lzpx2DxFsf32o89Arsoi1b2nzEnMXJfvf_J1VaRZ1m-gsxUI31thtjiSue8jOqRE1VXgEiqcCtAO7osFU_5_VSabBQP1fQdid0RUKJwwTBGzelPFtND9hO9FIn/s1600/IMG_6346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW08so_ds70DiX2Gmt16Lzpx2DxFsf32o89Arsoi1b2nzEnMXJfvf_J1VaRZ1m-gsxUI31thtjiSue8jOqRE1VXgEiqcCtAO7osFU_5_VSabBQP1fQdid0RUKJwwTBGzelPFtND9hO9FIn/s1600/IMG_6346.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yjV4rqSjhGHQgSJjTO0AbXsgJ-N1I7HYxF1X9vsEn8Sh4k5ZgVDZkdro-zp1BO_cqn3iswydsKkv0zMUWb_6dXABqiTnsC3KaeBDjFgyr5PeM8bAwpYilQAdaY7ABIOBYGEGtFqrgORp/s1600/IMG_6390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yjV4rqSjhGHQgSJjTO0AbXsgJ-N1I7HYxF1X9vsEn8Sh4k5ZgVDZkdro-zp1BO_cqn3iswydsKkv0zMUWb_6dXABqiTnsC3KaeBDjFgyr5PeM8bAwpYilQAdaY7ABIOBYGEGtFqrgORp/s1600/IMG_6390.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc9Rjb_Bt1dp11Tprff_B0CaDY_F_yV2JpNOsJpRmAFXO9u0O45AkEImEHjmVt0moDGxMfhx07A8haA11-ow-E7KMyWDCu6luBx_u9P13r0Pp2yCUhMqCzit0G-dW0VAzTn4YnbDk0mlL/s1600/IMG_6394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc9Rjb_Bt1dp11Tprff_B0CaDY_F_yV2JpNOsJpRmAFXO9u0O45AkEImEHjmVt0moDGxMfhx07A8haA11-ow-E7KMyWDCu6luBx_u9P13r0Pp2yCUhMqCzit0G-dW0VAzTn4YnbDk0mlL/s1600/IMG_6394.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0sWg2QQNFaP8Ruurej1WdsNK3f24EXlUZUz2iXR64J78us3ph-8V_bCiLY75gWX7IPWNcAd5IG1LzbAc7vUHvqoeAo-C6lpKEUsztWteyEWVHS4kQMoppSG8lR1ISFlUY1LGslQoWHwv/s1600/IMG_6396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0sWg2QQNFaP8Ruurej1WdsNK3f24EXlUZUz2iXR64J78us3ph-8V_bCiLY75gWX7IPWNcAd5IG1LzbAc7vUHvqoeAo-C6lpKEUsztWteyEWVHS4kQMoppSG8lR1ISFlUY1LGslQoWHwv/s1600/IMG_6396.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEBM0fO1AV_S6iGFBGbcNYPBgis6eLLpsd-cEedtqt1xzWI6cAvgMc2KvG7Ae9EnkXbfIIco5gVYdFxdHlrlxSra8yJqp9hz0I-4_q-O3yZxIa4OC8a1M-GpZLNaBLrEGhw52-303eKE_/s1600/IMG_6403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEBM0fO1AV_S6iGFBGbcNYPBgis6eLLpsd-cEedtqt1xzWI6cAvgMc2KvG7Ae9EnkXbfIIco5gVYdFxdHlrlxSra8yJqp9hz0I-4_q-O3yZxIa4OC8a1M-GpZLNaBLrEGhw52-303eKE_/s1600/IMG_6403.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgo_C1vylEg-W8LktCvg4Tkdvi1YBBMFWODxorjMHzjBrPs_nKdhJCpB6rssRSyoccJRd0cEG7Fx7iFz9ab6hSLPjRKtspHWyKhE6gggSzh5rQMHI7SVnlv3YMAGOGIvna8zlrLwjZ6mR/s1600/IMG_6405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgo_C1vylEg-W8LktCvg4Tkdvi1YBBMFWODxorjMHzjBrPs_nKdhJCpB6rssRSyoccJRd0cEG7Fx7iFz9ab6hSLPjRKtspHWyKhE6gggSzh5rQMHI7SVnlv3YMAGOGIvna8zlrLwjZ6mR/s1600/IMG_6405.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-6830187041358125602014-06-10T21:23:00.000-07:002014-07-15T21:36:06.509-07:00Harassment <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My experience in Morocco has largely been affected by my gender. Both my happiest moments and biggest challenges have stemmed from navigating the boundaries surrounding it. It has given me the ability to be in places, conversations, and activities that Zach can't experience. It has given me new perspectives on friendship and sisterhood. It has allowed me to meet and learn from fellow strugglers bravely and creatively challenging the status quo here in their country. It is also what makes me take a deep breath before leaving the house, daily preparing for relentless harassment on the street. The threat of violence, verbal and physical, delineates when, where, and with whom I go out. If you ask me what I love about Morocco most, I'll be at a loss to tell you just one. There are too many things I <u><a href="http://zachsjules.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-i-wish-you-knew-about-morocco.html">cherish</a></u>. However, I am often asked variations of the question, "what do you not like about Morocco," and I know this answer. It is hard to be a woman here, and harassment is the daily reminder of that reality. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="p1">
First things first; don't paint any broad strokes with this paint brush. I want to be very clear that this should not bolster the stock stereotypes, half-truths and dichotomous discourse that makes the East the great Other of the West, expressly the Arab or Muslim part. Do men here harass because they are Arab? Do they harass because they are Muslim? With the insidious information given, I wouldn't fault you for at least thinking for a moment that the answer could be yes. However, I have been harassed in America, in small towns and big cities, along with many<a href="http://www.cwfefc.org/svfacts.html"><span class="s1"> others</span></a> that are groped, insulted, catcalled, coerced, or assaulted daily. A moment of reflexivity shows us the absurdity of the conclusion; they harassed me because they are Christian (insert religion), or they harassed me because they are white (insert ethnicity). Here is a broad brush that we can paint with: In every country, every language, and every culture in the world, women and minorities experience unparalleled levels of harassment, which is not normal, or cool, or acceptable, anywhere.</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That said, Morocco has got it bad.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.cwfefc.org/svfacts.html">"<strong style="background-color: transparent;">Sexual Harassment</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;"> is any unwelcomed or unwanted sexual behavior or pressure which embarrasses, humiliates, or intimidates an individual. Sexual harrasment can be physical, verbal, and even non verbal and visual (such as staring or gestures that are suggestive or sexual)." </span></a> <span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></span></blockquote>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have lived here for 1.5 years now in a semi-urban environment with my husband. I am harassed every. day. that I leave my house alone. This ranges from icky stares, to hisses, to icky pass-by "compliments", to proposals, to yells across the street, to being followed, and on a few occasions being brushed or groped, and I feel lucky compared to many of my colleagues who have faced more serious assaults or don't have a husband or male site-mate to rely on. Some say it is because I am a foreigner, but this happens to nationals as well, and is much less temporary. I've had conversations with 12 year old girls that have already began taking strategic, longer, routes to school to avoid it. I've talked to grandmothers that are still experiencing it. In a participatory analysis activity, women identified sexual violence for them and their children as their number 1 fear. It is pervasive and relentless, and while I can only write this post from my own experience, it isn't just me who thinks so..</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some posts from both perspectives: </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<a href="http://elizabethhague.blogspot.com/2009/08/street-harassment-on-patriarchy-power.html"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">It's not about sex: On sexual harassment, patriarchy, power, and consent</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<a href="http://tiffanydevoy.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/sexual-harassment-in-morocco-volunteers-experience/"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Sexual Harassment in Morocco: Volunteer's Experience</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<a href="http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2013/11/113746/moroccan-women-speak-out-against-sexual-harassment/"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Moroccan Women Speak Out About Sexual Harassment</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<a href="http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2013/02/78458/sexual-harassment-in-moroccan-streets-who-is-to-blame/"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Sexual harassment in Moroccan streets, who is to blame? </span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<a href="http://www.marocpress.com/en/moroccoworldnews/article-25971.html"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Criminalize Sexual Harassment in Morocco: An American expatriate speaks up</span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Below is a video of Moroccan women sharing their stories.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4MA1LrH9-Mk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Sexual harassment is a problem because with it women are perpetually de-humanized. This objectification is the first allowance towards violence. If you see me as an equally valid and capable human being with hopes, fears, needs, and dreams, would you reduce me to a sound for calling animals? Could you assault me if you saw my humanity? It is a problem because this dehumanization has larger social, economic, and political implications. Fear restricts the activities of women and ability to contribute to an educated society, a healthy labor force or impact policy changes. </span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><a href="http://www.ilo.org/dyn/gender/docs/RES/429/F1845214041/Sexual%20harassement%20at%20work.pdf">Studies </a></span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><a href="http://www.ilo.org/dyn/gender/docs/RES/429/F1845214041/Sexual%20harassement%20at%20work.pdf">routinely confirm</a> that that many victims experience feelings ranging from </span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">irritation and nervousness to anger, powerlessness and humiliation. They have also shown</span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> that victims can eventually become ill when subjected to sexual harassment on a </span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">regular basis</span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">triggering a wide range of ailments, including stress-related illnesses, high blood </span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">pressure and depression. I can't imagine us wanting 1/2 of our society in that boat.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="p1">
If it is such a problem, why does it happen? First, lets talk about the reasons it doesn't happen. Although many have tried to tell me differently, it does not happen because men are men + insert nonsense about biology and animals and can't help themselves. If this were true, there wouldn't exist the of majority of men that seem to be able to control themselves just fine, and even advocate for and support your victims. Meet prefrontal cortex. “It’s a problem, there’s no excuse for it, I’m embarrassed by it.” - Moroccan male. Along similar lines: "women enjoy the compliment. They dress up for us." If women "enjoyed" the compliment, we probably wouldn't call it harassment. If someone is dressing up because they want to get someones attention, they still get the choice of who and when. Lastly, "I just said one thing, so it is no big deal." This one is answered best by <a href="http://gwynedd.ihollaback.org/five-myths-harassment/"><span class="s1">Hollaback!</span></a> "If you want to tell someone they look nice, then consider the following: if people did this to you everyday, people who you didn’t know, people who sometimes whistled, clapped, BARKED, licked their lips, and interrupted you going about your business, then even if someone did it nicely, keeping in mind the advice above… it might not make you feel so great. That one truly-friendly or well-meant thing might seem like just another threatening, weird, creepy behaviour on the part of a stranger." Single actions by many add up. If everyone threw a piece of litter on the ground, we'd have a landfill. You're right that you can't be responsible for the actions of the guy a block down, but you can be responsible for your own. To the harasser, it is one comment. To the harassed, it is a thousand in one.</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18.91499900817871px;">What I think the actual reason is: </span><span style="line-height: 18.91499900817871px;">Sexual harassment is a reflection of male privilege. It is a manifestation of the </span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">structures and patterns of patriarchy. </span><span style="line-height: 18.91499900817871px;">Sexual harassment is </span><span style="line-height: 18.91499900817871px;">reflective of a broader rape culture that tells men consent is not necessary and that violence is the victims fault. It says men are inherently violent and women aren't fully human. </span><span style="line-height: 18.91499900817871px;">It is then condoned and self-sustained through societal norms like the system of inequality it stems from. Sexual harassment isn't about sex at all. </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://gwynedd.ihollaback.org/five-myths-harassment/"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">"Like we said before, street harassment isn’t about sex. It’s about power. If street harassment was about getting dates it would be what author Marty Langlan calls a “spectacularly unsuccessful strategy.” Instead, street harassment is about “putting people in their place.” Sometimes it’s sexual, sometimes it’s racial, sometimes it’s homophobic, and sometimes it’s all of the above." </span></a></span></blockquote>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24.375px;">From my gender guru <a href="http://tiffanydevoy.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/sexual-harassment-in-morocco-volunteers-experience/">Tiffany</a>, "Harassment–in the workplace, on the street–is a way of telling women “you don’t belong here.” My impression is that the world is full of people (male and female) w</span><span style="line-height: 24.375px;">ho want to keep women in their place and that place is in the house. The public space should belong to men...</span><span style="line-height: 24.375px;">Thanks to [America's] (hard won) cultural shifts it is now far less acceptable to make women feel unwelcome in public spaces...</span><span style="line-height: 24.375px;">Morocco has not made those same shifts and women suffer for it</span><span style="line-height: 24.375px;">." </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="line-height: 24.375px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="line-height: 24.375px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This has become one of my go-to comebacks, learned from a Moroccan lady I heard speak out to her harasser as I walked past them on the street. "Is this street yours or is it ours?" she balked. To me, this question is profound, speaking simply to the heart of the issue. Is this community yours or ours? Is this country yours or ours? She doesn't know I heard her, that I use her line, or that she gave me the confidence to have my own protests, but I always hope another woman now hears me, that I can be a part of this, that this part of Morocco (and America) will change towards a more safe and equitable future, and that speaking out will get us there. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 24.375px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtDwDaGm4n_FS_sOOK379WQdsZtfzipJAjQYofz3v5s4Pt_8HS7v6sFM2-KtOyBsNBMh0TLwCqhdk1nBWSJJHqznwgdj67zZbVRSJI_Ur_BQCxiLaTPl8MNxUF6RAM-thaPajpMFwvq5M/s1600/DSC_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtDwDaGm4n_FS_sOOK379WQdsZtfzipJAjQYofz3v5s4Pt_8HS7v6sFM2-KtOyBsNBMh0TLwCqhdk1nBWSJJHqznwgdj67zZbVRSJI_Ur_BQCxiLaTPl8MNxUF6RAM-thaPajpMFwvq5M/s1600/DSC_0113.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMsvOxtKmqxhq1Hz25cAOj7x99e8GVKy1BrJBDQryVLfnb1d3gyiFnZ4Mx_kP7_yYLNwjhxTKC-zGYDQ_72FexvG4Q5xZErIMsVoE_Z-gkbWVFRAyQ85ljQzpUIYay-GvciPsGhk_84s3/s1600/IMG_0865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMsvOxtKmqxhq1Hz25cAOj7x99e8GVKy1BrJBDQryVLfnb1d3gyiFnZ4Mx_kP7_yYLNwjhxTKC-zGYDQ_72FexvG4Q5xZErIMsVoE_Z-gkbWVFRAyQ85ljQzpUIYay-GvciPsGhk_84s3/s1600/IMG_0865.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 24.375px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="line-height: 24.375px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="line-height: 24.375px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #938b8b; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-32612114313112127812014-05-29T12:02:00.000-07:002014-07-15T12:05:12.758-07:00At the souq - Bisara<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Crimson Text'; font-size: 16px;">One of my favorite things about living in Morocco, and our region specifically, is the produce. I go grocery shopping across the street at a</span><a href="http://zachsjules.blogspot.com/2013/05/its-souq-day.html" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: 'Crimson Text'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;"> daily farmers market</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Crimson Text'; font-size: 16px;"> filled with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. With all of this quality and convenience, our diet has changed its focus to creating meals centered around this seasonal produce. This little series, "at the souq," highlights some of our favorite finds and grinds.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
This is a recipe using ingredients that are always at the souq and always where ever you are with grocery stores. The tasty to easy ratio here is incredible, and a recent trip up north reminded me how much I love this stuff. You should make this one. You can thank <strike>me</strike> Morocco later.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Moroccan Bissara</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
Dried Fava Beans<br />
2-3 garlic cloves<br />
Salt, cumin, and red pepper<br />
1/2 cup (or more) tasty olive oil</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
Instructions: </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
Boil fava beans with garlic in preferred amount of water until beans are soft and breaking down. Put in spices and olive oil. Blend with an immersion blender or whatever you have until it is all smooth. Add more olive oil at the end (be generous, this is an excuse to eat good olive oil with a spoon). Depending on the water, you can make this thick like hummus or a very thin soup. Eaten with bread and olives. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Here is a youtube video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coWtuGfzGq0</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Lucida Sans Unicode, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTj9LPNKFe955WV3jgCFvwoZ6UxcIM2C6b-EC0SZCuba2bIxcZ7" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTj9LPNKFe955WV3jgCFvwoZ6UxcIM2C6b-EC0SZCuba2bIxcZ7" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFXPGMypSk8j88aMa01lAW1qh6Wi3c6pgDELh6H7-qZlPC_1lbRPGAWB9z95vY8RaNgaBhQHFkC-0b0OngZdhW3bMv4FchJ5NiB5DkycOiSfE_ClHpwCxy6xyng7m3Tj0jW9MGkZaA8P5/s1600/IMG_0238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFXPGMypSk8j88aMa01lAW1qh6Wi3c6pgDELh6H7-qZlPC_1lbRPGAWB9z95vY8RaNgaBhQHFkC-0b0OngZdhW3bMv4FchJ5NiB5DkycOiSfE_ClHpwCxy6xyng7m3Tj0jW9MGkZaA8P5/s1600/IMG_0238.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-23430334753613375112014-05-16T00:55:00.002-07:002014-05-16T00:57:09.182-07:00Post-graduation Peace Corps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="p1">
In 2012, I graduated from BYU Hawaii with my degree in Anthropology and certificates in cultural resource management and intercultural peacebuilding. In 2013, my husband and I began service with the U.S. Peace Corps in Morocco. He had graduated the month before. I've been getting questions lately from students deciding what to do after that tassel-toss. This post is for those of you thinking Peace Corps has potential as a post-grad plan for you. It certainly isn't for everyone, but volunteering has been an ideal post-graduate option for us providing a myriad of intrinsic and extrinsic benefits unfailingly matching and exceeding those we are trying to give to our community here. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The United States Peace Corps was established in 1961 by John F. Kennedy as an independent agency funded by the U.S. government. Among other specialized programs, it sends U.S. citizens abroad to one of 65 current countries to volunteer for 27 months in one of six sectors including education, health, youth in development, environment, community economic development, and agriculture. This is to the end of realizing its mission of promoting world peace and friendship and the three corresponding goals: 1. To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. 2. To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served 3. To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. I use a version of this information frequently when people inquisitively wonder, “why exactly are you here in this town?”</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
In fact, I didn’t choose it. I was sent here. While volunteers weren't able to choose their country of service, Morocco was on the top of my list, and I feel very lucky to be here. (I say weren't, because it has changed. You can now choose!) It is a diverse country geographically, culturally, and linguistically with a long and rich history full of conquest, conversion, colonization, and anything else students love to wrap their brains around. It is at its origin an Amazigh country with Arab, Andalusian, Jewish, Mediterranean, French and Spanish influence. Official languages are Modern Standard Arabic, French, and the newly recognized Amazigh from the people indigenous to Morocco. Along with most Moroccans, we speak Darija—an amalgamation of those influences into an exclusively spoken language. It is not a religiously diverse country. It is an Islamic state with 99.99 percent of the population identifying as Muslim. As a constitutional monarchy, the King is both the political ruler and the Commander of the Believers. Morocco was the first country to give official support to a fledgling America and has the longest held unbroken friendship treaty with the United States, a fact many Moroccans are quick to share. Consequently, Peace Corps has been in Morocco for over 50 years, one of the first agency partnerships.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
As the needs of the country have changed, so have the roles of the volunteers and sectors served. Unlike the common idea of a Peace Corps volunteer living in a remote village in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is a reality, we live in a town of 100,000 and rent an apartment. Experiences vary hugely based on these needs across country and regional lines. Our specific challenges are not hunger or access to water, but gender equality, health, and unemployment among other things. All volunteers in Morocco are now in the youth development sector primarily working out of government establishments called youth houses. Our day-to-day and primary responsibilities are offering classes, institutionalized camps, and clubs surrounding youth and community development. Beyond that, volunteers are given creative license, with community partners, to identify needs and develop secondary projects. These are anything from building bridges or latrines to skateboarding camps and creative writing competitions. In these responsibilities, I almost daily run a gamut of emotions from frustration, to confusion, to satisfaction, and elation surrounding the struggles and successes of navigating intercultural relationships, programs, and projects. However, the most frequent feeling is gratitude and an inability to reciprocate all that this experience and these people give to us. I have no notion that I'm saving the world or even making significant dents in this community, but I am connecting with many, helping a few, and it is gratifying work. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
For those of you excited by this roller coaster, here are some of the extrinsic benefits involved.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>Public student loans may be eligible for deferment<br />
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>Perkins loans may be eligible for partial cancellation<br />
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>A "readjustment" allowance of $7,425 (pre-tax) upon completion of service. (This is going up this year)<br />
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>Language, cross-cultural, and technical training<br />
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>Travel to and from country of service<br />
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>A monthly living and housing allowance<br />
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>Full medical and dental coverage<br />
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>48 paid vacation days<br />
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>Unique graduate school opportunities including degree completion programs, scholarships, and fellowships<br />
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>Leave for family emergencies<br />
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>Transition and job support and social networking after service<br />
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>Advantages in federal employment with a non-compete status<br />
<span class="s1">•<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span>Opportunities for short-term assignments through Peace Corps Response</div>
<ul class="ul1">
</ul>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
In addition to these, the intrinsic benefits are what stand out as I reflect on the past year. I am learning a language I love and hope to use in the future. I am now a part of this group of peers, the great network of diverse volunteers we serve with that are committed to global citizenship. I have friends and people in this country I can call family. Most apparent, however, is experience and all that pertains to it. It is one thing to study something and it is another to use it to survive, but also work, complete successful projects, and build meaningful relationships. There is creative license, space, and time, 27 months of it, to apply and grow in the specialized areas you bring skills whether as a teacher, a researcher, an evaluator, community builder, mediator, etc. Adjusting, adapting, integrating while being productive and flexible with limited knowledge and resources has been trying, but the trials have been giving. When I can teach a class with 50 people in another language with no resources but a pad of paper, I feel confident in the creativity, thriftiness, and grit required to make something a success elsewhere. I use what I learned in my ethnography classes to integrate, analyze community needs, communicate and work with cultural reflexivity. I look for and listen closely to stories, narratives that define people. This informs the projects Moroccan counterparts and I plan and execute. I focused my senior capstone paper on problems with international development, something I critiqued as "inherited political and cultural discourse rooted in power and watered in goodwill,” and this has forced me to immediately and directly answer my own critique and theory with these projects. I see that positive social change comes through a vast series of micro-conflicts and that peace is an indicator; building it means working in any of the sectors it is composed of. The means is the end, and the process is as important as the result. These are observations I can only make after being up to my neck in the process and accountable for the results.</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
It is these opportunities and more that volunteering in this capacity has provided, and I still have a year to go. In 2015, Incha’allah – God willing, I will return to the U.S. to pursue graduate studies, work that comes with a paycheck, and a bushel of babies. I believe because of this experience in Morocco, I’ll come back feeling more equipped for these goals and more valuable to continue to serve. It was the right decision for us. </div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p3">
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our Peace Corps service. </div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphf_QMPMqmP-Gz-jdfB-lFGTQBXkn1_BkpMKta39dUnJg2JJA0_6W5Y1GHSo-V-F84XA1K7gdxTNvQh_u_7XOTKvLBRgXLi0tg6IeG8Bm2oQkU_qyAWo_BbFjbukOlxabKejOzkHt7lJJ/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphf_QMPMqmP-Gz-jdfB-lFGTQBXkn1_BkpMKta39dUnJg2JJA0_6W5Y1GHSo-V-F84XA1K7gdxTNvQh_u_7XOTKvLBRgXLi0tg6IeG8Bm2oQkU_qyAWo_BbFjbukOlxabKejOzkHt7lJJ/s1600/DSC_0178.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="p4">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cBfo9Hr8dHbcCEx9CEOEPH5bFJRL11sSDBqRm5Js7Tt5DrT_KgTUQTXkhjLAubaFAwc0DbyLfwEVnnCEh__ZqMXc-o7NyNkDuHmetTQFU3SR1Nqit3A5HwLDEZB4B5IgzZZ-A0WvzlCB/s1600/530278_3494662762924_1524161922_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cBfo9Hr8dHbcCEx9CEOEPH5bFJRL11sSDBqRm5Js7Tt5DrT_KgTUQTXkhjLAubaFAwc0DbyLfwEVnnCEh__ZqMXc-o7NyNkDuHmetTQFU3SR1Nqit3A5HwLDEZB4B5IgzZZ-A0WvzlCB/s1600/530278_3494662762924_1524161922_n.jpeg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="p5">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-17978295540440380042014-05-03T09:34:00.000-07:002014-06-08T09:40:56.929-07:00Surf Camp<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Making plans in Morocco can sometimes be like writing in
water. In mid-April the volunteerism camp we had been planning on holding in
our town was cancelled at the last minute. Fortunately, I had previously been
invited to participate in a surf camp during the same week. I hopped on a train to Casablanca
the next day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Dar Bouazza, a small beach town just south of Casablanca,
I met up with my fellow Peace Corps Volunteers and friends Ryan, Lee, and
Bernice as well as American expatriates Mark, Scott and Ashley. Mark owns and
operates<a href="http://www.surfinginmorocco.com/"> Kai surfboards</a> and offers surf tours to the many known
and unknown surf spots Morocco has to offer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Camp lasted for four days and involved 45 orphans from the <a href="http://www.sos-maroc.org/">SOS village</a>. Each day campers cycled through stations where they learned how to surf, simple ways to protect the environment, how to stay healthy and avoid substance abuse. There was also a soccer game or two. Ryan, Lee, and Mark had done almost all the groundwork to
hold the camp, including writing the grant and connecting with the local
orphanage. Mark provided all the surfboards and wetsuits from his shop and surf
school. It was a privilege to be a part of their hard work. While the camp facilitators were not coordinating and
instructing we managed to score some waves ourselves.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The camp was an extreme success. Knowledge and skills were
transferred. I’m still looking into a tool for measuring ‘stoke’ levels, but
until I find one, the smiles will have to do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkpb9a5brycIQpllpOmOxlSQ53e8wiR4Jky9WIqTFkIyN3sDwCM9IxRJZE0f3JoNcp_o_p0os1M2NIoAI4edTuAJWMboWSmOLanHmXO6t_waPAi5oPT3IXXRF25ILoUpFxsl9065AfrKJ/s1600/IMG_3913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkpb9a5brycIQpllpOmOxlSQ53e8wiR4Jky9WIqTFkIyN3sDwCM9IxRJZE0f3JoNcp_o_p0os1M2NIoAI4edTuAJWMboWSmOLanHmXO6t_waPAi5oPT3IXXRF25ILoUpFxsl9065AfrKJ/s1600/IMG_3913.JPG" height="400" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbYvnaEGIUBQ469DUKBYgNwIrZB3auesgIDFNBVj6gwoy2lICDmHU0AXGwWI92PNIPSXMNEzF-hTYieIbjKR0W5BM5RX-YWIHePg5APjNOUb0REGz5JvWrERfRzNqjEl-A7KRNJgS5bv_/s1600/IMGP0997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbYvnaEGIUBQ469DUKBYgNwIrZB3auesgIDFNBVj6gwoy2lICDmHU0AXGwWI92PNIPSXMNEzF-hTYieIbjKR0W5BM5RX-YWIHePg5APjNOUb0REGz5JvWrERfRzNqjEl-A7KRNJgS5bv_/s1600/IMGP0997.JPG" height="400" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wnWTPwlz6fRyQRO5vkDzojnVsUhj9ie7B_0DaEzzFrD9bnnDdrnGxrVjRYkT8n_tRLGxtxBTbTVKg3q3MkoPGu-0TWEYrE1p22Kq1sCWMhzAwlQu2BVcc1FMApbM1kTMvIEIkw7ddoxj/s1600/IMGP0771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wnWTPwlz6fRyQRO5vkDzojnVsUhj9ie7B_0DaEzzFrD9bnnDdrnGxrVjRYkT8n_tRLGxtxBTbTVKg3q3MkoPGu-0TWEYrE1p22Kq1sCWMhzAwlQu2BVcc1FMApbM1kTMvIEIkw7ddoxj/s1600/IMGP0771.JPG" height="400" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_HRNuzz3vP3TBX2242NUOzZl3a3WmEq8dYphF-YrpxHrSG6J3puqx1DRBlzXo_lrEn5MNlf27Vrrp9kcVZwB4K8g29y0wjaEbGQkB294rvdrqUjXjv4dFeJBeNyEezcprZBgnTNCPSZb/s1600/IMG_3915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_HRNuzz3vP3TBX2242NUOzZl3a3WmEq8dYphF-YrpxHrSG6J3puqx1DRBlzXo_lrEn5MNlf27Vrrp9kcVZwB4K8g29y0wjaEbGQkB294rvdrqUjXjv4dFeJBeNyEezcprZBgnTNCPSZb/s1600/IMG_3915.JPG" height="400" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ubOS4Q-3HdfBAAoZhziizrlBgwaZOcpex_yMhW9LBKWgyGPt-RKvWjHVjHl2xuBA-oZfVKNx87yP0fd0pP_pcfo_Bre-bf45nLIu3SVkQmNYFqnRc4ieNvQCX8Es4M-ZF18xtuWXWwWg/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ubOS4Q-3HdfBAAoZhziizrlBgwaZOcpex_yMhW9LBKWgyGPt-RKvWjHVjHl2xuBA-oZfVKNx87yP0fd0pP_pcfo_Bre-bf45nLIu3SVkQmNYFqnRc4ieNvQCX8Es4M-ZF18xtuWXWwWg/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" height="400" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ-jvcmql3dxEenXV7YtrZCc2zaGNg-6LINoozltm-5mYRWjxfAWolRrxzXRWKPk1PjTYIeIHz73-Qo-lf2BovakFkAaYYYJGEK0zs-mUtKwt-Fukk-TJSQnCs-QDrFKpiGxwu5EhgpLs/s1600/IMG_3920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ-jvcmql3dxEenXV7YtrZCc2zaGNg-6LINoozltm-5mYRWjxfAWolRrxzXRWKPk1PjTYIeIHz73-Qo-lf2BovakFkAaYYYJGEK0zs-mUtKwt-Fukk-TJSQnCs-QDrFKpiGxwu5EhgpLs/s1600/IMG_3920.JPG" height="400" width="360" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-3139633046181494572014-04-24T10:53:00.000-07:002014-06-08T09:32:58.648-07:00Happy <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First, if you haven't seen it, check out the youth we hang out with in our town breaking it down. There may be a bit of J-Z in there too.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lGCwWxvnwMs?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Also, Peace Corps Morocco had to get in on the happiness. We are dancing like dorks in there as well.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nxIJeBior2U?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Mini update: we are happily starting our second year. The first brought experiences, challenges, and perspective that only could have come through being here and that will define the one to come. We're shooting for a little less confusion/mishaps/cluelessness and a little more.. < the opposite of that. Also, if it has been any indicator, 2015 will be here before we know it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBHZe4vXT6tnK2_A04plRk7Lw8TM0bF2Jt7GRx2lIzAjWqCb_JK40GkXigRCmkXB991LQIhdWvq2GoqUXHKhl7M6cuW6XOiT0ORo5mnSFx7Dv1b02futbBR6s1Imr3vkt1a-S8m9vn4DE/s1600/IMG_2878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBHZe4vXT6tnK2_A04plRk7Lw8TM0bF2Jt7GRx2lIzAjWqCb_JK40GkXigRCmkXB991LQIhdWvq2GoqUXHKhl7M6cuW6XOiT0ORo5mnSFx7Dv1b02futbBR6s1Imr3vkt1a-S8m9vn4DE/s1600/IMG_2878.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwrUZo_rXRN2FIDqJ3moZ5yl8ddx0pp1oZleaYVKqF87HCJnom4xJUkqdyzGYDqNjFyhmzE7S6jgDKyj20TiMchNxUndDbjTKkcKKbf6R4SXAOxF2Fc2Wlzl_AHZV9b_vnlO4r4kyA9oS/s1600/IMG_2922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwrUZo_rXRN2FIDqJ3moZ5yl8ddx0pp1oZleaYVKqF87HCJnom4xJUkqdyzGYDqNjFyhmzE7S6jgDKyj20TiMchNxUndDbjTKkcKKbf6R4SXAOxF2Fc2Wlzl_AHZV9b_vnlO4r4kyA9oS/s1600/IMG_2922.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XQ67uRJeFOBmXdW8-QrnjNowQiHAFFnQHe7m701TMPtYp7CKGtMIAN7vUaRQ_fjycR-xkMIKtirlcYTkeSfF9gX8Mpy4vD_TYqMyiMGCYCB28LhTo3q_395Zc3Y7EKE6yQEAiqQ7Ro9g/s1600/IMG_2968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XQ67uRJeFOBmXdW8-QrnjNowQiHAFFnQHe7m701TMPtYp7CKGtMIAN7vUaRQ_fjycR-xkMIKtirlcYTkeSfF9gX8Mpy4vD_TYqMyiMGCYCB28LhTo3q_395Zc3Y7EKE6yQEAiqQ7Ro9g/s1600/IMG_2968.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-fpLelt-QpS8CHqFVryxaZyPoejsFbDmKz3LFWaEbivVLR4Dx9JnOBDosdhRQFqYLtSX0Kqlrbi2R99yxvjKGyd3WH8LijSKq-8Pyzd_ED9eaG7w37utSmKQFm4ZfBQ4wPYRA_pUzByN/s1600/IMG_3054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-fpLelt-QpS8CHqFVryxaZyPoejsFbDmKz3LFWaEbivVLR4Dx9JnOBDosdhRQFqYLtSX0Kqlrbi2R99yxvjKGyd3WH8LijSKq-8Pyzd_ED9eaG7w37utSmKQFm4ZfBQ4wPYRA_pUzByN/s1600/IMG_3054.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-81743716581577618632014-04-15T09:16:00.000-07:002014-06-08T09:17:36.998-07:00Tilton Visit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
In late March my parents were able to find some time to slip away and come visit us in Morocco. They came bearing the essentials: Reese’s, beef jerky, and boiled peanuts. They impressed us by arriving in country, locating the train station, and making there way to our site without someone to guide or translate. Coincidentally, our friend Tyson was also traveling through and stayed with us while my parents were visiting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although they were only here for an extended weekend, we were not only able to spend some time in Sidi Slimane, but also visit Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, Meknes, Chefchouen, Moulay Boulselham and finally Tangier.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We bird watched, people watched, hiked up city alleys, rode down country mountain passes, caught up on old times, ate tajines, kefta, and street foodand and, of course, every night played the family favorite, South American Rummy. I’m glad they were able to visit us and get a taste of what our life has been for the past year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiBJjglqV7RztjIYaCT8XUK32vGNuHAm7nv3yadpAnOW3xPGRgLf_L0waAmiqEV1xgVYZyxRQqLah6v1lK4O7FxMvJTpM0SL9_j4tCqIuhOxgVDpBh4oXkILjSBvk3waRx7g8qDhIj-WJ/s1600/IMG_1673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiBJjglqV7RztjIYaCT8XUK32vGNuHAm7nv3yadpAnOW3xPGRgLf_L0waAmiqEV1xgVYZyxRQqLah6v1lK4O7FxMvJTpM0SL9_j4tCqIuhOxgVDpBh4oXkILjSBvk3waRx7g8qDhIj-WJ/s1600/IMG_1673.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHbFJ6ZcA0zRtb0i2Yxj-zcn5zIxNhEQPAHNgXnMKGgERaC6YB0-oOdDZYjw4WMCwkglryUc0RdlUjwZIHLA7TXNr7sjQ9oUMfH_CdSPB-eX59rnv9CzN2w4wBrI2ra7A0z1HiyqiOWUq/s1600/IMG_3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHbFJ6ZcA0zRtb0i2Yxj-zcn5zIxNhEQPAHNgXnMKGgERaC6YB0-oOdDZYjw4WMCwkglryUc0RdlUjwZIHLA7TXNr7sjQ9oUMfH_CdSPB-eX59rnv9CzN2w4wBrI2ra7A0z1HiyqiOWUq/s1600/IMG_3440.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszlXjjDunItT0FjY4Wn9MvXQ38QVoIcLtxBRbrqb4CkqMW78HBa0ng-1dDSSMJO3Am4jm_9L42KrS5B5d3c8YqRuauKkTAWnqLsY4vZxMuzHNLyCo4SQC9mdNxM6dBD2SFYkZaO_SHUL_/s1600/IMG_3268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszlXjjDunItT0FjY4Wn9MvXQ38QVoIcLtxBRbrqb4CkqMW78HBa0ng-1dDSSMJO3Am4jm_9L42KrS5B5d3c8YqRuauKkTAWnqLsY4vZxMuzHNLyCo4SQC9mdNxM6dBD2SFYkZaO_SHUL_/s1600/IMG_3268.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGJ4J2Ya0ZAwryecxf6ZqUKrNxlnGckBkCM29zd_h_LshSR3EUiF5dCeSW_UJaJp9P7PRUrcTisLALDcDpkheQYuLd77R6PtFknmcr1bGx5e6PoSTpDktmTIb3N5FGk-1eJUL2DLY8JBx/s1600/IMG_3671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGJ4J2Ya0ZAwryecxf6ZqUKrNxlnGckBkCM29zd_h_LshSR3EUiF5dCeSW_UJaJp9P7PRUrcTisLALDcDpkheQYuLd77R6PtFknmcr1bGx5e6PoSTpDktmTIb3N5FGk-1eJUL2DLY8JBx/s1600/IMG_3671.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPAlnwZSCChIOuZCLBo8Fj4AaaY_vQckFAB_6eANYYgjYTakrCt2aI41n0t7kQjX6yCmrx05X_UQ771s5bFQaje8GDwViEHWs1uSrCMb7hkK1RJxuIHGeBTEeUx-V-exUqhfTpzJgVZBd/s1600/IMG_3672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPAlnwZSCChIOuZCLBo8Fj4AaaY_vQckFAB_6eANYYgjYTakrCt2aI41n0t7kQjX6yCmrx05X_UQ771s5bFQaje8GDwViEHWs1uSrCMb7hkK1RJxuIHGeBTEeUx-V-exUqhfTpzJgVZBd/s1600/IMG_3672.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<o:p><span id="goog_934246426"></span><span id="goog_934246427"></span><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span id="goog_1441858225"></span><span id="goog_1441858226"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-10434715885796716292014-03-30T16:28:00.000-07:002014-05-15T16:29:59.958-07:00Wander Weekend - Moulay Bousselham <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beach, Blueberries, and Birdwatching </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
March 2014 - Wander Weekend</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Moulay Bousselham </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Featuring: The Tiltons</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d2rbodpj0xodc.cloudfront.net/stories/238169706144466156/6908f906-f920-418c-a16e-8698e782abcf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://d2rbodpj0xodc.cloudfront.net/stories/238169706144466156/6908f906-f920-418c-a16e-8698e782abcf.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Moulay Bousselham is a small town located on the coast between Rabat and Tangier. There's nothing like a sea breeze sending the smell of salt in the air. It was the first thing we noticed as we pulled into town. Usually this means Zach checking out for days full of swimming and surfing, but not this time. There are some dangerous currents that make this a better spot for other things. Like...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Birdwatching. It is the thing to do. Moulay Bousselham is a birders dream hosting rare birds and droves of seasonal residents in their RVs looking for them. I had surprised Zach by getting a little excited about this in the weeks leading up finding books and information on bird classification in Morocco. I was ready. We stayed in a nearby village a walk or boat ride away with a guide in his home converted to a hotel recommended by a volunteer who lives there. It was great. His wife cooked the meals, and he took us out on his boat to the lagoon equipped with telescopes and binoculars. (The real deals had their own binoculars around their necks.) It was a new experience for us, and we saw all sorts of feathered friends thanks to our guide and enthusiast tour mates. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The beach and the birds were nice, but our real reason for going was blueberries! Besides supermarkets in major cities (I assume), this is the only spot in Morocco to find the little blue treasures. The strawberries that are sold in our souq are brought from that region, but they hold out on the blueberries. A few international companies grow them for export, and a few sellers in their market there sell them to the public. I cleaned out one of the lady's stock with big plans for a summer full of frozen blueberries. Half were gone before we got home. The other half are going fast with buttermilk pancakes and pomegranate syrup working against them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, I feel compelled to say I had the best tea of my life here, and I'll tell you what it is because its so simple: water, sugar, mint, (the usual here) + orange blossoms. Try it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This wander weekend turned into a longer trip with a spontaneous visit by Zach's parents. We were glad we could share this one with them! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d2rbodpj0xodc.cloudfront.net/stories/238169706144466156/942a92b4-97c9-4eba-90e8-28d56d200583.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://d2rbodpj0xodc.cloudfront.net/stories/238169706144466156/942a92b4-97c9-4eba-90e8-28d56d200583.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d2rbodpj0xodc.cloudfront.net/stories/238169706144466156/3a39e8cf-0a43-4c34-9dbf-495fd5ba6df4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://d2rbodpj0xodc.cloudfront.net/stories/238169706144466156/3a39e8cf-0a43-4c34-9dbf-495fd5ba6df4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcalIKzKYMk49by3cqVjf4Z7m75i41shUKMMHqJS2wGtNc2fnga9WKYIXfFIIi1jAdYN1nZ5KDS1Lan3ilDLoKMD_xMapz4_dfhVUb1stbdfp91WsMzW3zBEzVBfepfFYfPJ8shWZ40z-/s1600/IMG_3295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQcalIKzKYMk49by3cqVjf4Z7m75i41shUKMMHqJS2wGtNc2fnga9WKYIXfFIIi1jAdYN1nZ5KDS1Lan3ilDLoKMD_xMapz4_dfhVUb1stbdfp91WsMzW3zBEzVBfepfFYfPJ8shWZ40z-/s1600/IMG_3295.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWly2KcObStME3CaTQd6vsuL-o8ch6YKFJ7oSVMJPdO-EMW18vUEgR7rtQ0Mp93qd806HMsq7fbEWw2SybI_-oADbH72P0D34c7uVvkY6Ag-wt1sOjt4s0OKhW0x7GiVKrxSurNgwD7HmM/s1600/IMG_3608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWly2KcObStME3CaTQd6vsuL-o8ch6YKFJ7oSVMJPdO-EMW18vUEgR7rtQ0Mp93qd806HMsq7fbEWw2SybI_-oADbH72P0D34c7uVvkY6Ag-wt1sOjt4s0OKhW0x7GiVKrxSurNgwD7HmM/s1600/IMG_3608.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d2rbodpj0xodc.cloudfront.net/stories/238169706144466156/939f05ad-3447-4b6e-9aee-affd60b2fe46.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://d2rbodpj0xodc.cloudfront.net/stories/238169706144466156/939f05ad-3447-4b6e-9aee-affd60b2fe46.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d2rbodpj0xodc.cloudfront.net/stories/238169706144466156/85130ae0-269f-421e-b150-877064b7eaa2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://d2rbodpj0xodc.cloudfront.net/stories/238169706144466156/85130ae0-269f-421e-b150-877064b7eaa2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d2rbodpj0xodc.cloudfront.net/stories/238169706144466156/f2e084f4-1204-4e43-a963-df89abdd7266.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://d2rbodpj0xodc.cloudfront.net/stories/238169706144466156/f2e084f4-1204-4e43-a963-df89abdd7266.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-1460529967190303452014-03-01T16:49:00.000-08:002014-03-02T17:27:10.971-08:00What I wish you knew about Morocco<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In honor of Peace Corps week, volunteers worldwide are sharing "what I wish Americans knew about my host country." Inspired by <a href="http://jaclyninmorocco.wordpress.com/2014/02/27/what-i-wish-americans-knew-about-morocco/">other volunteers</a> and compelled by misrepresentation and misunderstanding about the region, I want to add my two Dirhams and tell you what Morocco means to me.<br />
<br />
1. Morocco is a diverse country geographically, culturally, and linguistically with a long and rich history. It is at its origin an Amazigh country with Arab, Andalusian, Jewish, Mediterranean, French and Spanish influence. It was the first country to give official support to a fledgling America and has the longest held unbroken friendship treaty with the United States, a fact many Moroccans are quick to share! I wish you knew how beautiful it is, from winding old cities, to vast deserts, rolling hills, huge mountains and miles of coastline.<br />
<br />
2. It is not a religiously diverse country. It is an Islamic state with 99.99 percent of the population identifying as Muslim. I wish that this didn't need to be said, but messages and comments continue to amaze and disappoint me. This makes us no less safe. This makes us no less secure. Islam is a beautiful, peaceful religion with the same capacity as all other religions to be a force for good, for people changing their lives, striving for light, for making and keeping commitments that benefit self, family, and community. Its name is derived from the phrase I use to greet others every day, meaning peace and safety. It also has the capacity of religion to be used as a justification for immoral actions and ideologies. New members are converting every day; others are questioning and leaving every day; Its practice around the world is influenced by culture, politics, region, and tradition. It breaks my heart every time I have to try to answer the sincere question, "why do Americans hate Muslims?" or confirm with all that I can when friends say "do you know I'm not a terrorist?" It is a shame on us that islamophobia exists based on actions and beliefs of the very small minority, and in a religion with members comprising a fourth of the world's population, it is embarrassing that this message of fear and ignorance is being disseminated to the world.<br />
<br />
3. On a similar note, besides frequent invitations to convert for our own salvation, people are aware and accepting if not tolerant that we hold different beliefs. In fact, most people constantly remind us a tenant of Islam that there is no force in religion.<br />
<br />
4. I wish you knew my landlord. She makes an extra helping of couscous for us every single Friday. If we don't go upstairs, she brings it down. If we accidentally payed the equivalent of an extra 10 cents on our utilities bill, she will bring down her calculator and crumpled bills to return it to us. If we are sick or alone in the house, she will bring food.<br />
<br />
5. I wish you knew this isn't isolated. Moroccans have an almost religious commitment to hospitality, and are in fact the most hospitable, open, and giving people I've ever met. We were invited to someones house for dinner for every day during the month of Ramadan. While Zach was out of town this week, I didn't cook once. We even have to be careful to keep compliments to ourselves lest a shirt is given to us off someones back. "You are like family," and "This is your house." are more than just niceties. <br />
<br />
6. I wish you knew the people we work with. Any successes we have had or will have are thanks to Moroccan counterparts that make it possible. These are people, leaders that are actively working for change without the sexiness of being in a new country or hope of future opportunities. They are also volunteers, 100% more capable and important than us.<br />
<br />
7. I wish you knew these youth. When 14 year olds make you emotional on the regular with their experiences, dreams, thoughts, and opinions far bigger than Bieber and..whatever else 14 yr olds talk about. The ones that ride their bikes 45 minutes from surrounding villages to attend a class or activity that might increase their skill set. (I don't want to misrepresent, there is also a fair share of Bieber.)<br />
<br />
8. I wish you knew the women fighting for change on small and large scales to make their homes, the streets, the law, the religion, and the country safer and more inclusive for themselves and their children. These<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/tasneemnashrulla/32-powerful-and-brutally-honest-tweets-from-lifeofamuslimfem"> muslim feminists</a> don't need liberation, only our support. I wish you knew the men that are doing the same, heeding to instruction from the Qu'ran to treat women respectfully.<br />
<br />
Lastly, I want you to know that our life is here, and it is a good one. We almost daily run a gamut of emotions from frustration, to confusion, satisfaction, and elation surrounding the struggles and successes of navigating intercultural relationships, programs, and projects. However, the most frequent feeling is a gratitude and inability to reciprocate all that this experience, these people, and this country gives to us. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9ZDVA85O1yk08uZ8IZtZwZwLiDMdHtYttljS7Y7M67vEmsc2NEnHufnsSWxTeQl6RweI4JVnaHPSxrkAf51Aphef8KTbyd8HB4cSwI_yBAEMI7III1UrzczZ38XncTG0OhcDJ2iapJEE/s1600/_BWR3851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9ZDVA85O1yk08uZ8IZtZwZwLiDMdHtYttljS7Y7M67vEmsc2NEnHufnsSWxTeQl6RweI4JVnaHPSxrkAf51Aphef8KTbyd8HB4cSwI_yBAEMI7III1UrzczZ38XncTG0OhcDJ2iapJEE/s1600/_BWR3851.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CknEdjAuv-T-HIVr6AMlAWbPSn9YmUTmps9o7iX4x7oJ_HECrzPfs7f7bqHGds_KCOG_OVO3cdIyi-6PlCeZ5oaw9FHYxzRNIxv3w9oeMEO_KvaIIsE_ZloAZnztFpRt_f6V6LxA0Ips/s1600/IMG_0760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CknEdjAuv-T-HIVr6AMlAWbPSn9YmUTmps9o7iX4x7oJ_HECrzPfs7f7bqHGds_KCOG_OVO3cdIyi-6PlCeZ5oaw9FHYxzRNIxv3w9oeMEO_KvaIIsE_ZloAZnztFpRt_f6V6LxA0Ips/s1600/IMG_0760.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBITw1toiuCZrRTyW5DZRdjYShTQetlbyO8_I3fCmFH7tmNS4HsUVWzn2TkjcnIV1QPM_d_l5dPjPR2CgbPxjmyf5N9gT53RUUIXUffIZmSRSQ-NpPJDBcDUlsDudmVrr9n7DFbQaR7u1s/s1600/IMG_0796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBITw1toiuCZrRTyW5DZRdjYShTQetlbyO8_I3fCmFH7tmNS4HsUVWzn2TkjcnIV1QPM_d_l5dPjPR2CgbPxjmyf5N9gT53RUUIXUffIZmSRSQ-NpPJDBcDUlsDudmVrr9n7DFbQaR7u1s/s1600/IMG_0796.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidODWaSn8Ce2P72pPvYiQJUCB39j2CPRGpTf3itsj_ioyJjUYYic2TlJ8jGR0Q5oe_Fe0QBAwNU0wZzBbKbXYh0p5MiW33husAzUtBCVRFJwJ2EcpjY1KBRaMpA9HNe9-JhQQwZOQD_KUs/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidODWaSn8Ce2P72pPvYiQJUCB39j2CPRGpTf3itsj_ioyJjUYYic2TlJ8jGR0Q5oe_Fe0QBAwNU0wZzBbKbXYh0p5MiW33husAzUtBCVRFJwJ2EcpjY1KBRaMpA9HNe9-JhQQwZOQD_KUs/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8_ydsvifsr852p4hPIFtE6c5DiBLLOiW2n6ABa7aW8qu3GQ0VgAQX9QxgIE_FNIM4D_FohgWBoXxW54e0MLc8o-HjNZXx92qgSZyI0JjfDJMoqs3OsVJtCFcMTgGf1TenUwDz4H3KMKx/s1600/IMG_1316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8_ydsvifsr852p4hPIFtE6c5DiBLLOiW2n6ABa7aW8qu3GQ0VgAQX9QxgIE_FNIM4D_FohgWBoXxW54e0MLc8o-HjNZXx92qgSZyI0JjfDJMoqs3OsVJtCFcMTgGf1TenUwDz4H3KMKx/s1600/IMG_1316.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHTLw-D2cd2ffyyqsK1ywClw7uf2BFAL7CVAMssQWOlQ0lQ7Rc5tn1XQP0azbtFw_98u9K_-3VivJs3FhFE7u7_BQJ2ooGzsdZJmD0b2wLs0EanNaJne_Orj-7vYzllQOvyb0dgedNXA4/s1600/IMG_2225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHTLw-D2cd2ffyyqsK1ywClw7uf2BFAL7CVAMssQWOlQ0lQ7Rc5tn1XQP0azbtFw_98u9K_-3VivJs3FhFE7u7_BQJ2ooGzsdZJmD0b2wLs0EanNaJne_Orj-7vYzllQOvyb0dgedNXA4/s1600/IMG_2225.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXZG2Gkiezy0FbO1iLYNmfat6sA-pauVTk4xSpy7N1NqGy5b2LQzPmAPi2pMiK7KW37HNnxDujmfhgtJDSJnSJxDK-suBI_CgBINb1JM2osdlLGnAdyJdXCVW62wJrU4dZmzIPj4XeTjm/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXZG2Gkiezy0FbO1iLYNmfat6sA-pauVTk4xSpy7N1NqGy5b2LQzPmAPi2pMiK7KW37HNnxDujmfhgtJDSJnSJxDK-suBI_CgBINb1JM2osdlLGnAdyJdXCVW62wJrU4dZmzIPj4XeTjm/s1600/IMG_2294.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-79341465148447376862014-02-16T14:48:00.000-08:002014-05-15T15:16:23.537-07:00Wander Weekend - Casablanca<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Because we may have homebody tendencies and spent a lot of year one staying around our town, we made a new years resolution to get out more with one weekend of the month set aside for wandering. The way time keeps flying, we would not want to leave without experiencing all we can. Half of January was spent on a trip </span><a href="http://zachsjules.blogspot.com/2014/01/home-for-holidays.html" style="text-align: left;">home</a><span style="text-align: left;">, so February was the inauguratory month. Thanks to </span><a href="http://www.ririeville.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: left;">awesome friends</a><span style="text-align: left;"> who hosted us, we had a great time in Casablanca.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thisdistractedglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/Casablanca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://thisdistractedglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/Casablanca.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you're thinking you are already an expert because of the film, it wasn't actually shot there, but you can go to a recreation of "Rick's Cafe." </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and is the business and economic hub of Morocco, contrasting with the political capital of Rabat. It is right on the Atlantic ocean with a port used historically even by Phoenicians and Romans. Today it is modern city home of the rich and famous and the unemployed and desperate echoing urban successes and problems everywhere. If I were only spending a limited time in the country, I don't know if I would make it a priority. However, this is a demographic and a part of Morocco we don't get to see often and I'm really glad we did. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are all kinds of things to do, but we just chose a few:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went to the Morocco Mall aka Mall of America, home of everything. It's the second largest mall in Africa, and it was definitely a drastic change from our usual scenery. We got frozen yogurt and felt like ballers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also went to the King Hassan II Mosque, a mammoth of an edifice that really surprised us. We see nice mosques often, but the size of this is pretty astounding. It is the largest mosque in Morocco and the 3rd largest in the world, with the tallest minaret in the world. Every square inch of it is covered in something beautiful, be it carvings, mosaics, fountains, etc.. Pictures don't do it justice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We went to a convent of nuns from Mexico that sells Mexican food and stocked up on chips, tortillas, mole, the works. Gracias Hermanas! We also went shopping at a used souq in Hay Hassani that makes Goodwill look like nothing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The best part though was hanging out with friends and their kids, playing soccer and skating in the street, taking time to chat, decompress, reflect, and be with people that inspire us. Also, their shower. We had amazing showers. Thanks for a perfect weekend. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final photo: Zach connived and surprised me with an early valentines gift of roses and a box with noises coming out of it. What a sweetie. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQqRfYaU7mSL0PRqHxQW9g3zdAW8BtPUL9o3Hja-Q1Obm0gnGT8R1kK_7euLAJJoQ9kMNr37fCSIGdsNx4TFbUFlYmpzD_-Ooosn7b16xR8RHzV7f9KlsoMmrRBYLA-37TrDUXRPIb7fS/s1600/IMG_2442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQqRfYaU7mSL0PRqHxQW9g3zdAW8BtPUL9o3Hja-Q1Obm0gnGT8R1kK_7euLAJJoQ9kMNr37fCSIGdsNx4TFbUFlYmpzD_-Ooosn7b16xR8RHzV7f9KlsoMmrRBYLA-37TrDUXRPIb7fS/s1600/IMG_2442.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsNh6lKe5Q508Qj-woIo09-eJzJylYm0qZORG1mfDoIHM9FFqW2qq9x9HLVddrCb0vRky6GxFzNk-AhfMnXpONBykmNk52ydSYboyQ3fLUPMTLpfhuPJsxdVa_-4p4aZ-aE6RzJxhn9yh/s1600/IMG_2447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsNh6lKe5Q508Qj-woIo09-eJzJylYm0qZORG1mfDoIHM9FFqW2qq9x9HLVddrCb0vRky6GxFzNk-AhfMnXpONBykmNk52ydSYboyQ3fLUPMTLpfhuPJsxdVa_-4p4aZ-aE6RzJxhn9yh/s1600/IMG_2447.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWsMkGvAw0hAjYsQrrxZh26cXzsMjcLd4l1BYDV4KpnVw9XaXKHNhAgtGE3eWcNOwS6NFDm6YC3cfCUagSeswbwYK_FFAs4MxgBaZQMj-VpQFEUXe-51iyVdDTnTANPs12nYG5F-FCzLt/s1600/IMG_2482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWsMkGvAw0hAjYsQrrxZh26cXzsMjcLd4l1BYDV4KpnVw9XaXKHNhAgtGE3eWcNOwS6NFDm6YC3cfCUagSeswbwYK_FFAs4MxgBaZQMj-VpQFEUXe-51iyVdDTnTANPs12nYG5F-FCzLt/s1600/IMG_2482.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRum_Lqq-9-gkQ6j2nGz2F60DfezpuVwt5O2fIvVZ9tPKLQT9feioSvBVX7J681NSNTZB-F1SGw21eBmWEcvb-G1M9JYyMGf5feQlFuE-j3mE5jbiJpV4e0YTahT2A4wiuZlbFdUMN8Q5P/s1600/IMG_2485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRum_Lqq-9-gkQ6j2nGz2F60DfezpuVwt5O2fIvVZ9tPKLQT9feioSvBVX7J681NSNTZB-F1SGw21eBmWEcvb-G1M9JYyMGf5feQlFuE-j3mE5jbiJpV4e0YTahT2A4wiuZlbFdUMN8Q5P/s1600/IMG_2485.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0wbo93M-1V36AOnA997b5dK-S8Xdwjd3CsDA1g-y2_VuG0VFcP-E4aRoCAKbFgZmYuHJNXI_zs-H72uWQ1TyIzV8sxWkmzE1s25plnW_B3pHIsWZJAAMmwoQ-7hlzfWH00x7X3huKwNy/s1600/IMG_2494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0wbo93M-1V36AOnA997b5dK-S8Xdwjd3CsDA1g-y2_VuG0VFcP-E4aRoCAKbFgZmYuHJNXI_zs-H72uWQ1TyIzV8sxWkmzE1s25plnW_B3pHIsWZJAAMmwoQ-7hlzfWH00x7X3huKwNy/s1600/IMG_2494.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-32706067205642255282014-01-15T18:23:00.001-08:002014-01-15T18:23:15.160-08:00Home For the Holidays<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The decision to serve in the Peace Corps is a hard one, at least it was for us. Among all of the benefits and experiences we knew it would give, there was a looming fear of the commitment. We knew what we could give and gain, but what would we miss? A lot can happen in 27 months. Friends are finishing up graduate school programs, getting great jobs, starting families, and settling down. Nieces and nephews are growing up. New ones are coming. Folks are getting married, moving, and having reunions. A lot has happened already. Like many volunteers, we knew we wouldn't have the resources to make the trips back and planned on staying on this side of the world for a few years.<br />
<br />
A month after getting to Morocco, my family received some bad news. My brother was diagnosed with an inoperable cancer, spread throughout his brain and spine. The commitment and the distance was larger than ever. Cancer is sort of a scumbag that both stops everyone in their tracks and then says, move along, I'll be here a while. He and his wife went on courageously with treatments, school, and a newly married life. You can follow their story <a href="http://makingmemoriesofus2012.blogspot.com/p/our-journey.html">here</a>. We went on taking the private time we could as we went to bed to be able to talk, cry, and Skype for updates after the full days of being with host family, language lessons, and trainings. Those first few months were unsure and unpredictable, but radiation and chemo broke the rest of the year up into scheduled MRI's and decisions based on the results. It was this in December that urged our decision to take emergency leave granted to all volunteers with necessity.<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
When there is a family emergency, you or your family can contact an office in Washington D.C. that communicates immediately with your country director, who facilitates your leave. This process for us was incredibly fast and supportive. Depending on available flights, our work schedule, and the schedule of family back home, we left within the week. Peace Corps emergency leave grants 2 weeks including the roundtrip ticket. In addition, there is the option for the country director to approve an additional two weeks of available vacation days. We used all of them to stay the maximum 28 days.<br />
<br />
Jared didn't know we were coming so soon, and we surprised him. He then surprised us with his spontaneous graduation we were able to be there for. We had a terrific Christmas Eve and Christmas with fun, food, and traditions. After Christmas, the troops came in for a weekend party with more food and fun. In fact, excepting a few pesky doctor visits, the party didn't stop. New Years. Snow. Movies. Games. Whether it was eating, crying, talking, sitting, or playing, an unseen benefit of living abroad or far from people we care about, is having no room to take them for granted. With both distance and circumstance, the time was fully used and fully appreciated, the only consolation that made returning to Morocco a little easier. </div>
<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbJ_j6yFX1PyFnfMQX_cKeino98GXcxEOW1Af5q-nDv46N3-FvW8sf4Wq0GO1q5K21MrtE8HbTwzIBDX-PNjNZmG-yNJZVm0v_cq01fMgFZZSHor1Wfds31Gxp5yQjGECea-2ISpY8a2J/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbJ_j6yFX1PyFnfMQX_cKeino98GXcxEOW1Af5q-nDv46N3-FvW8sf4Wq0GO1q5K21MrtE8HbTwzIBDX-PNjNZmG-yNJZVm0v_cq01fMgFZZSHor1Wfds31Gxp5yQjGECea-2ISpY8a2J/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HsXXJdUmXQggHgaLl0O9sH32HJJiFGjx4T8Tpcpnt0bQpBf366PnTEYnUdkUtQZKnsJy73ex73dv0UNe98yb9-gyrRXcKkyklc2WyeYVkW2uTtflvNM60B29-iHDNTHkVpu0z9VaV8Xw/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HsXXJdUmXQggHgaLl0O9sH32HJJiFGjx4T8Tpcpnt0bQpBf366PnTEYnUdkUtQZKnsJy73ex73dv0UNe98yb9-gyrRXcKkyklc2WyeYVkW2uTtflvNM60B29-iHDNTHkVpu0z9VaV8Xw/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAmaYQDD3TQJzcrGwIdKhnlFID7EZZn0sZNUG-ZDGDM4ubS8YhuUL9L1W_BFNid-wSA27BVQnVroywaFUkWc1uUFg0wMDIjSKFevwZBVWTc5ekUyZ8OvDU-5lAmnCxZpy-eWwjba_i00-/s1600/IMG_1685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAmaYQDD3TQJzcrGwIdKhnlFID7EZZn0sZNUG-ZDGDM4ubS8YhuUL9L1W_BFNid-wSA27BVQnVroywaFUkWc1uUFg0wMDIjSKFevwZBVWTc5ekUyZ8OvDU-5lAmnCxZpy-eWwjba_i00-/s1600/IMG_1685.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0mMiXwBodJqf4BELsEsRd9TB9nIp1DtZw6rkmdgaCqtjNr2TX1EBzyfYN1cT9Ptxgo1aR_s8p7Wia_ytVKvGIFQgk9qm-41iDFCydmPHe0nDgxLSCJul3l7IIgjkwDMHpdQgtwu5tSN8/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0mMiXwBodJqf4BELsEsRd9TB9nIp1DtZw6rkmdgaCqtjNr2TX1EBzyfYN1cT9Ptxgo1aR_s8p7Wia_ytVKvGIFQgk9qm-41iDFCydmPHe0nDgxLSCJul3l7IIgjkwDMHpdQgtwu5tSN8/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLuqC7z3AV6mOZP9yqyUagPXaxETXoB_JcYVvVdAsrO_eNGmSW778OHV9t1UEfsBL0JnnHOd1Ed2UexPUoyoGt_gEAJBlKntgL7E3vIgU9Ou_YP7khPE5utVXtThcSYw5VVBexvYfUaDU/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLuqC7z3AV6mOZP9yqyUagPXaxETXoB_JcYVvVdAsrO_eNGmSW778OHV9t1UEfsBL0JnnHOd1Ed2UexPUoyoGt_gEAJBlKntgL7E3vIgU9Ou_YP7khPE5utVXtThcSYw5VVBexvYfUaDU/s1600/IMG_1853.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiOG2PfU5Id8sRDa3EXKpIrdzFeKQz__vBZZuf6I5tupTEVv1jYf27jlFwjGr9YAJFs3083rVin3cQsl3Ym5_cucgoqze93A5JtgATJx4G3s08_B4jxbgDI-UQBcgpgioFl9UIudZsLP3/s1600/1486770_10202209380573600_1983907482_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiOG2PfU5Id8sRDa3EXKpIrdzFeKQz__vBZZuf6I5tupTEVv1jYf27jlFwjGr9YAJFs3083rVin3cQsl3Ym5_cucgoqze93A5JtgATJx4G3s08_B4jxbgDI-UQBcgpgioFl9UIudZsLP3/s1600/1486770_10202209380573600_1983907482_n.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxDUNN0Ztm4DWXSDJ4ATNYUV_lXF-wwnO_zniXzsmGOPw72PO3ataFo7CcB_KKX6_nZOU-r-c5xe_2e5erCoLHN3kjEtcjeIOOTCwqXwkTJNyPEf3-5jekrvXs693nHnAcrPbwINg03Pq/s1600/1503820_10202406384388416_2067814165_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxDUNN0Ztm4DWXSDJ4ATNYUV_lXF-wwnO_zniXzsmGOPw72PO3ataFo7CcB_KKX6_nZOU-r-c5xe_2e5erCoLHN3kjEtcjeIOOTCwqXwkTJNyPEf3-5jekrvXs693nHnAcrPbwINg03Pq/s1600/1503820_10202406384388416_2067814165_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_czn3L6yM-dchnoGnRnDF7E-ngXxCB2rFMFc4odjSu38v2dpU4hZyqxjNOdlJ1jd5QbWDIHKG2tJb5Jw6hDh7HEzD31XDnIYba4Mzsg7EuDLoSB5qNbqixSpjrkYBBdNuMtTakrhbhyl1/s1600/1505165_10202209352452897_108420733_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_czn3L6yM-dchnoGnRnDF7E-ngXxCB2rFMFc4odjSu38v2dpU4hZyqxjNOdlJ1jd5QbWDIHKG2tJb5Jw6hDh7HEzD31XDnIYba4Mzsg7EuDLoSB5qNbqixSpjrkYBBdNuMtTakrhbhyl1/s1600/1505165_10202209352452897_108420733_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IC6ChJt2MeSdY0aBsXhsv6bo8LUkToJcX5e0Az4CN2HeqJ9Y8g8wCWLbtXWITpfz9MyeHDQ77yr1NFRHpZykYBNBwn1sukzUPk6CwMHuL8SemdpeMCa5cmJYTVDNgpQIo0gqsCscbJrc/s1600/1506472_10202209379213566_1031255118_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IC6ChJt2MeSdY0aBsXhsv6bo8LUkToJcX5e0Az4CN2HeqJ9Y8g8wCWLbtXWITpfz9MyeHDQ77yr1NFRHpZykYBNBwn1sukzUPk6CwMHuL8SemdpeMCa5cmJYTVDNgpQIo0gqsCscbJrc/s1600/1506472_10202209379213566_1031255118_n.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsO6Psw-AhGU6HEQQRJntBEZMAuoRkiHWJ5I-LxSzvqEjn16yXok9VicUFtGD_UvmL24ym8IN98r_j14ZWKEj_45Cfz4YoBXtWUvoTOPzpyhZXn-mXXFPfDyCjbPJWy2-ZuEwqtRZmYEa/s1600/1506822_10152118983896348_2077289313_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsO6Psw-AhGU6HEQQRJntBEZMAuoRkiHWJ5I-LxSzvqEjn16yXok9VicUFtGD_UvmL24ym8IN98r_j14ZWKEj_45Cfz4YoBXtWUvoTOPzpyhZXn-mXXFPfDyCjbPJWy2-ZuEwqtRZmYEa/s1600/1506822_10152118983896348_2077289313_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0ZNO7f39BhrDNZAIl60jUYiu5e41v80zcyAZF5xHpuftaTymav1HLJ_kjATkk3_M1KTkw5_0paWty_UI18BZtX0ltPKRSSvFqBO6SY-6_GPbIwz_CoCcvbySnvXlRMn9ZyumXXG7QPZH/s1600/1520809_10202496902851321_1574817552_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0ZNO7f39BhrDNZAIl60jUYiu5e41v80zcyAZF5xHpuftaTymav1HLJ_kjATkk3_M1KTkw5_0paWty_UI18BZtX0ltPKRSSvFqBO6SY-6_GPbIwz_CoCcvbySnvXlRMn9ZyumXXG7QPZH/s1600/1520809_10202496902851321_1574817552_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7d9WLnAIhok7DpzHrEc9Pyo9TVB9tk-33fpdtSMGaJWo128dljrFqYr-3BvPE8WTyMuxbnYL1nd78QtCKBPvbYSASEDIPAQaKiOqcI1r3kKyGfvQ5eJo4bDPYa04X7E012fai8pRcOM5/s1600/1522335_10202541000353731_1418695215_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7d9WLnAIhok7DpzHrEc9Pyo9TVB9tk-33fpdtSMGaJWo128dljrFqYr-3BvPE8WTyMuxbnYL1nd78QtCKBPvbYSASEDIPAQaKiOqcI1r3kKyGfvQ5eJo4bDPYa04X7E012fai8pRcOM5/s1600/1522335_10202541000353731_1418695215_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczQj8TqsO-9CHwuOoKe4Xtv7c5dDue7ncF4sN66Re5_CYu0Fmn7t7vRHCBRjbFPJTokHdehyphenhyphenT24e0x64oOMnG9MdY-gskAZ_pnTzNTvmxm7QByro5R-_rHFBhJ-cNKB2GwyUs_1uV4YbN/s1600/1525347_10202370638334787_273064269_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczQj8TqsO-9CHwuOoKe4Xtv7c5dDue7ncF4sN66Re5_CYu0Fmn7t7vRHCBRjbFPJTokHdehyphenhyphenT24e0x64oOMnG9MdY-gskAZ_pnTzNTvmxm7QByro5R-_rHFBhJ-cNKB2GwyUs_1uV4YbN/s1600/1525347_10202370638334787_273064269_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6ger-mw_B6R29fUn7vO6LndfPiCY26mFOz-1ogRmmAzARKHYopHTvkBY0ZsJ2aBPPwWk_cv2Bj3uyyVpSAeW5thZtqY1oxXNaWSvOrzlK34b_eRj_b9rlm8_6nLvOv04e-Y3iJ-fvzBs/s1600/IMG_2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6ger-mw_B6R29fUn7vO6LndfPiCY26mFOz-1ogRmmAzARKHYopHTvkBY0ZsJ2aBPPwWk_cv2Bj3uyyVpSAeW5thZtqY1oxXNaWSvOrzlK34b_eRj_b9rlm8_6nLvOv04e-Y3iJ-fvzBs/s1600/IMG_2019.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceKW2tz06LndzaPJDmJxbtFzS29o6x1hVVUTP6R9C1u4MVDjv9mBrwyuyDve-J2kvYSkrb39wgo_qTWziqGBX2Yb_kUap0K5eVYPAENAOAj3HhbYdYwJhSk22CUkh9noBSSXKvYBRlHnn/s1600/1531831_10202496889490987_1868434981_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceKW2tz06LndzaPJDmJxbtFzS29o6x1hVVUTP6R9C1u4MVDjv9mBrwyuyDve-J2kvYSkrb39wgo_qTWziqGBX2Yb_kUap0K5eVYPAENAOAj3HhbYdYwJhSk22CUkh9noBSSXKvYBRlHnn/s1600/1531831_10202496889490987_1868434981_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhDUA2l4ctW0fF4WCT7GSr2GLsbw9PEXTul8qTeaE0dSF34IMFJibLj4BjaD9JDo4DfYe5n0pg9iXjLi0uu6atJhzfs8Amhpc6MUYkelYVuTMdhRArBOdJl9kfMgoig98h3jQx9TR3e7Z/s1600/1536666_10202245770923336_1307451032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhDUA2l4ctW0fF4WCT7GSr2GLsbw9PEXTul8qTeaE0dSF34IMFJibLj4BjaD9JDo4DfYe5n0pg9iXjLi0uu6atJhzfs8Amhpc6MUYkelYVuTMdhRArBOdJl9kfMgoig98h3jQx9TR3e7Z/s1600/1536666_10202245770923336_1307451032_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nU7FUtpMrpc2PoP641NCqnItecbI7tHk3lJCTparQZI9rxNjwwI9tsPo456yaUhei1F6rQXYZ6F0_rfobEkGNYWKhqL9fOox3_VD4oiJDcc5Gf5gYbSIkcsKjUpEVjmtJS6c3tTJEO52/s1600/IMG_2006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nU7FUtpMrpc2PoP641NCqnItecbI7tHk3lJCTparQZI9rxNjwwI9tsPo456yaUhei1F6rQXYZ6F0_rfobEkGNYWKhqL9fOox3_VD4oiJDcc5Gf5gYbSIkcsKjUpEVjmtJS6c3tTJEO52/s1600/IMG_2006.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U-Br-mhEPn1IeUfPEtbLyM1Sy0xGC2M3u0FNg2t2B3OunSbpEnYKXewiRlmSlM7MYCla-aAJ6mgjDsPRDzjBaFuMd3F2lzG34vZSyCYhIB2WpvUTb_P5o3a0XYKeK0LLdZn2VOxX8r2v/s1600/1530480_10202540971673014_740922192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U-Br-mhEPn1IeUfPEtbLyM1Sy0xGC2M3u0FNg2t2B3OunSbpEnYKXewiRlmSlM7MYCla-aAJ6mgjDsPRDzjBaFuMd3F2lzG34vZSyCYhIB2WpvUTb_P5o3a0XYKeK0LLdZn2VOxX8r2v/s1600/1530480_10202540971673014_740922192_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It was a good, long stay that still went by too fast. We are back in Morocco now fighting jet-lag and bacon withdrawals. As we reach the one-year mark today, it is still difficult to look ahead at the possibilities for the year to come. However, I don't know of another way outside of the Peace Corps, in graduate school or other employment, that we would have been able to have this amount of time and travel provided to come and spend this valuable time with family. For that, I am grateful. At risk of crossing our mushy line for saying it, I have the best, most resilient, fun, and supportive people to visit home for. For them, I am most grateful.<br />
<br />
You can follow Jared and his wife <a href="http://makingmemoriesofus2012.blogspot.com/">here</a>. He has people praying for him all over the world, now also to Allah and in Arabic. We'd all appreciate if you sent some light their way too.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-22649231969284608112014-01-02T12:21:00.000-08:002014-03-02T12:21:42.691-08:00Best of 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What. a. year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOxITNDm8ezD_sEBnUDmJgM87-_o3yEKiQcRYQyc7epSNs779-gjHfm8jXeINAqfCbHPBbSULozimr1_yrf5q2wzlL5PFXPInkYQlPQW3S8APaeDqpr0vKCxKS9kNcClEwxDE5vzCRhYQ/s1600/IMG_0942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOxITNDm8ezD_sEBnUDmJgM87-_o3yEKiQcRYQyc7epSNs779-gjHfm8jXeINAqfCbHPBbSULozimr1_yrf5q2wzlL5PFXPInkYQlPQW3S8APaeDqpr0vKCxKS9kNcClEwxDE5vzCRhYQ/s1600/IMG_0942.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbsA2UrhXVJiiJb-I58HvYJCXAPuHU2CXGxfKyCrucvkYm2Q4x9_OJKq3U1IoKPF19H0xR_hh0hc54lDuTd1kFpFuhyJugnDFGQRv9lLDF0sCwXvgyqXJMQVm_yXsk1setgio-OEhpC5M/s1600/IMG_0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbsA2UrhXVJiiJb-I58HvYJCXAPuHU2CXGxfKyCrucvkYm2Q4x9_OJKq3U1IoKPF19H0xR_hh0hc54lDuTd1kFpFuhyJugnDFGQRv9lLDF0sCwXvgyqXJMQVm_yXsk1setgio-OEhpC5M/s1600/IMG_0344.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCSHqBEnmmWV4oVz79D8baDaGjoH3mCWdn0oX5ZotAbv4Gx6yIBxhXFZxVd7hrN58Q_ICYoywmQc9htbM9ttZfcfVCgol-Pydr_3Ko6QQwnZy3wWaQiFBVz9vyi9WkDIvTDsRK6plP5W1/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCSHqBEnmmWV4oVz79D8baDaGjoH3mCWdn0oX5ZotAbv4Gx6yIBxhXFZxVd7hrN58Q_ICYoywmQc9htbM9ttZfcfVCgol-Pydr_3Ko6QQwnZy3wWaQiFBVz9vyi9WkDIvTDsRK6plP5W1/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1CB27KRy3mt9y1rx5L5dJECrkNGa19XCgdQHd37mt0V-2qZ8QW5Qxg-Jr-ADhK9487Fsg5W9EOVRR1c00PI2XwV7lsciLfdaJCGpkPOL0pmW0KUA9meFF_0Qbf5xzpKpUownseHCNQOn/s1600/IMG_0981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1CB27KRy3mt9y1rx5L5dJECrkNGa19XCgdQHd37mt0V-2qZ8QW5Qxg-Jr-ADhK9487Fsg5W9EOVRR1c00PI2XwV7lsciLfdaJCGpkPOL0pmW0KUA9meFF_0Qbf5xzpKpUownseHCNQOn/s1600/IMG_0981.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRWWXojPJib0ZH-6_rq5RW8P67LxTkTSzSlGddqdMcNO7UPF3Hea7h_3Hr_YznU_7zkmM2nXIbRxh5C6hNYJkwkxzXBkomrwMd4B2tiBu9316BQU_GwOOLu-kplgFZjaQyWp3bM4scAWp/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRWWXojPJib0ZH-6_rq5RW8P67LxTkTSzSlGddqdMcNO7UPF3Hea7h_3Hr_YznU_7zkmM2nXIbRxh5C6hNYJkwkxzXBkomrwMd4B2tiBu9316BQU_GwOOLu-kplgFZjaQyWp3bM4scAWp/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqMrKCjhTYsJdf92d7thsj2lVHERV_gQKdpfwTFZ_6VmSCOEjor5zPPjlgyeW_koi_QpIeXrur9l9yPvt-9EdIO0T9hpkYJBu_oqMVmlRrQZlj4sjenSNPSirTyE91GTkbTl1xQLESnm7/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqMrKCjhTYsJdf92d7thsj2lVHERV_gQKdpfwTFZ_6VmSCOEjor5zPPjlgyeW_koi_QpIeXrur9l9yPvt-9EdIO0T9hpkYJBu_oqMVmlRrQZlj4sjenSNPSirTyE91GTkbTl1xQLESnm7/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YwK6mEHXPsCnMu2-2dfHlaunX5UyR7hmU1xaj5XY-fHMSEzlGqn2PGOeBJeYd5GyZ5loaPRv2toLVrxs7TymvquAiVRGqF7-J-akgiAwDmW4gECzGi3nG180kK9M4GS6gWy5mjaGe2dh/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YwK6mEHXPsCnMu2-2dfHlaunX5UyR7hmU1xaj5XY-fHMSEzlGqn2PGOeBJeYd5GyZ5loaPRv2toLVrxs7TymvquAiVRGqF7-J-akgiAwDmW4gECzGi3nG180kK9M4GS6gWy5mjaGe2dh/s1600/photo.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnWBaEy9B-6uK2YwS2Nl_yF5fGRH6iP3BIfySRkZl0ZcjdFbFraR6xFPhxpI5XjSQtOVsUeez1PhhvzXZDYe3NSZF8Z-k5ritot4iW-_OB30FUfBAykovVNaq-IiuunI2kbXu4xpmvLnT/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnWBaEy9B-6uK2YwS2Nl_yF5fGRH6iP3BIfySRkZl0ZcjdFbFraR6xFPhxpI5XjSQtOVsUeez1PhhvzXZDYe3NSZF8Z-k5ritot4iW-_OB30FUfBAykovVNaq-IiuunI2kbXu4xpmvLnT/s1600/IMG_0645.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikck1PpDJO1W8GP4K333FzrHP_5ioP0D1f5Xb4WtJ5PC4j59f4-8AxJYkTK0twSJQt8XWjx_Cho2cQPDM-BD6kYUp1I3FVftB7yd5cbOHRLJmrV5F7fsEHb0LKX49kKh_77Mebp4zjdcDJ/s1600/IMG_1258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikck1PpDJO1W8GP4K333FzrHP_5ioP0D1f5Xb4WtJ5PC4j59f4-8AxJYkTK0twSJQt8XWjx_Cho2cQPDM-BD6kYUp1I3FVftB7yd5cbOHRLJmrV5F7fsEHb0LKX49kKh_77Mebp4zjdcDJ/s1600/IMG_1258.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuDqs1NOknVc-fTTNCjvLOxiMkx9WlF_AmZNNGrl2WWcU-gZ0zWrQTxyASLF9F6kdTFTh_sh3DSzkDin6D13ScmjTVMnHyVmFXsOi9T31gvWEjpIK1uy3565fpsJ3i9k7xx4q4Lq92wVG/s1600/IMG_1267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuDqs1NOknVc-fTTNCjvLOxiMkx9WlF_AmZNNGrl2WWcU-gZ0zWrQTxyASLF9F6kdTFTh_sh3DSzkDin6D13ScmjTVMnHyVmFXsOi9T31gvWEjpIK1uy3565fpsJ3i9k7xx4q4Lq92wVG/s1600/IMG_1267.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQejYosVGsKXK97LBPlTnVVGRQStKl_9onm59ES0A6hrCCP3ikID_kAiZLyIB2JmlRgJhaj4zKkucAzGE-0KrSUnwGCoKl34weC3dd_6XSCO4AKqQ-2jVPQCY9ZaPiFmf-J0B7_m1sqZ9B/s1600/2013+March+27+Swearing-In+095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQejYosVGsKXK97LBPlTnVVGRQStKl_9onm59ES0A6hrCCP3ikID_kAiZLyIB2JmlRgJhaj4zKkucAzGE-0KrSUnwGCoKl34weC3dd_6XSCO4AKqQ-2jVPQCY9ZaPiFmf-J0B7_m1sqZ9B/s1600/2013+March+27+Swearing-In+095.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN8NtcuqDRcnFQIpVGm0V8tCqKyQUr4lFF4SGtbmpUHAMm1Sp7fwHfSIE4Xv9fbX8Lg5wjbTyxotFQRxgnp8HKhi9kT4OZpY2qFxAuWIWS_Vpj7z7TosgfuIhN65RauD7Htz_zITvTkQU/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN8NtcuqDRcnFQIpVGm0V8tCqKyQUr4lFF4SGtbmpUHAMm1Sp7fwHfSIE4Xv9fbX8Lg5wjbTyxotFQRxgnp8HKhi9kT4OZpY2qFxAuWIWS_Vpj7z7TosgfuIhN65RauD7Htz_zITvTkQU/s1600/DSC_0352.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1kogoZHS5Wvjps3UGQvSrUDEXDxad4NmVCDX5CBGnA5nSHIJ2Vpp5FuHQwVpOfjsV3roKeaqKDcsgYZ2QZDnUYxWQGbiB7zN15KpCdJBuA7Jxf-WglYIG6VZ_N-sBWrQ8XbkS_WFqiUU/s1600/DSC_0342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1kogoZHS5Wvjps3UGQvSrUDEXDxad4NmVCDX5CBGnA5nSHIJ2Vpp5FuHQwVpOfjsV3roKeaqKDcsgYZ2QZDnUYxWQGbiB7zN15KpCdJBuA7Jxf-WglYIG6VZ_N-sBWrQ8XbkS_WFqiUU/s1600/DSC_0342.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyz_vO6btTLS9HWawLP5y-HBtpkz7A71JTH_x1NTKSABaetNIZGB27PT-iFecLa03yseHtjH9RaDnhTVvWbklaxnIoxAzfaJUvzDsX30bBbbanFfeXAJTAvSGef-ngCMKgV2G5gLvnOeG8/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyz_vO6btTLS9HWawLP5y-HBtpkz7A71JTH_x1NTKSABaetNIZGB27PT-iFecLa03yseHtjH9RaDnhTVvWbklaxnIoxAzfaJUvzDsX30bBbbanFfeXAJTAvSGef-ngCMKgV2G5gLvnOeG8/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuDfeZSUwsYeeCpKLzi9vrxmXhiyQcQTMzv-jIboOI2TpMBHRSnVBvCSOLhaUg12qpmXze_qvv_DefY9y34o7z7eE0OWUbSTMzWPEl5_OhC5gg3P4qu_7vQuKWVkUDSQaZlDee2rW8f3b/s1600/IMG_1642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuDfeZSUwsYeeCpKLzi9vrxmXhiyQcQTMzv-jIboOI2TpMBHRSnVBvCSOLhaUg12qpmXze_qvv_DefY9y34o7z7eE0OWUbSTMzWPEl5_OhC5gg3P4qu_7vQuKWVkUDSQaZlDee2rW8f3b/s1600/IMG_1642.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FV1T3YWAOBx19AlzGu1yNce25WkuX8zTZc4t-z-7WeCcuJlUAfK5E3JCiKTMIoJT3CPsOjSBtcMI6vKxDt5bPlpjgHLiyDNN5f8OEyc0YB7Pmu8Lq3n3vn4xWnF0bFSIBFRar4FIZcFR/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FV1T3YWAOBx19AlzGu1yNce25WkuX8zTZc4t-z-7WeCcuJlUAfK5E3JCiKTMIoJT3CPsOjSBtcMI6vKxDt5bPlpjgHLiyDNN5f8OEyc0YB7Pmu8Lq3n3vn4xWnF0bFSIBFRar4FIZcFR/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_rZAIguHlYFIUqKrveSkP9bBBK-RLGaOrH7sJfAxD4sI53WGz-F2VctPOBnJJLkJumUlU9Kw4XuaILmYTVuQBGEDaNjsWubQU9zyqigRt0svNYQFiy4Qv3OEALpCihnfAIL9Nz9z-fov/s1600/IMG_1698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_rZAIguHlYFIUqKrveSkP9bBBK-RLGaOrH7sJfAxD4sI53WGz-F2VctPOBnJJLkJumUlU9Kw4XuaILmYTVuQBGEDaNjsWubQU9zyqigRt0svNYQFiy4Qv3OEALpCihnfAIL9Nz9z-fov/s1600/IMG_1698.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaq1Jy6ENKBqLaLA33CsPIASj1DAwcxN_foVEpoUPpouhoJcMRWruC3n0qASGtMn5eP1ycyjB_-D3CDtMnwSHPaex5GqQ8nPluU4MAc2J_6djubycaZam0ub2UGX22Folkw3OmUz93p5O/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaq1Jy6ENKBqLaLA33CsPIASj1DAwcxN_foVEpoUPpouhoJcMRWruC3n0qASGtMn5eP1ycyjB_-D3CDtMnwSHPaex5GqQ8nPluU4MAc2J_6djubycaZam0ub2UGX22Folkw3OmUz93p5O/s1600/IMG_2010.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0Nt2dadYW50qYR10Hmzj15dNOM1lJScN4oGWUzACq0GyHl7oaFcLeEYVI7L_VzJCB922O2U-vqEZN-AOzkg1hy8hAqPs33CjZcQAxvZRbce7FbDsoHTxX4Z_Io52fBYqBeCAHG0FLAZA/s1600/IMG_2288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0Nt2dadYW50qYR10Hmzj15dNOM1lJScN4oGWUzACq0GyHl7oaFcLeEYVI7L_VzJCB922O2U-vqEZN-AOzkg1hy8hAqPs33CjZcQAxvZRbce7FbDsoHTxX4Z_Io52fBYqBeCAHG0FLAZA/s1600/IMG_2288.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnU-bgCAoIgu1mH09zCHYsRp5wEiSdaFDtA5fNhLXds53xOD0YrG4WSABQMezadyumL72FpTDfQFonPcVnwYVzMPqYqhJLUVuGuLpDNXWKZcBp5HhQNpCzB5Dp69HBASuBGP7is2RmH6B/s1600/IMG_2218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnU-bgCAoIgu1mH09zCHYsRp5wEiSdaFDtA5fNhLXds53xOD0YrG4WSABQMezadyumL72FpTDfQFonPcVnwYVzMPqYqhJLUVuGuLpDNXWKZcBp5HhQNpCzB5Dp69HBASuBGP7is2RmH6B/s1600/IMG_2218.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_AME9tX0NGOQA3aa1xK_E1XpU1YqAjL8Dzb16eigjeUUb8Qm58T3RWjTIX_AFQqLUpqCDq4zoEg430X91f87iD3zEBu8YlX0D6v3FeDsuRbAUg2pW_NdZgqMmg7gt0lXCrKrebHNeFCh/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_AME9tX0NGOQA3aa1xK_E1XpU1YqAjL8Dzb16eigjeUUb8Qm58T3RWjTIX_AFQqLUpqCDq4zoEg430X91f87iD3zEBu8YlX0D6v3FeDsuRbAUg2pW_NdZgqMmg7gt0lXCrKrebHNeFCh/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYFtzDxhAZPksLhFi4sFrr9R9-rRb-tKcz6AmpNXRKsbfcCmhOYgmhxz0UTyQYUy8hcueJAgYgPLALXKnp0Aou7M3drMBkXqBgzF21hvasb2Ki5cWgIYAoBBZf6QIc9JcUEJlbO0D0yUU/s1600/IMG_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYFtzDxhAZPksLhFi4sFrr9R9-rRb-tKcz6AmpNXRKsbfcCmhOYgmhxz0UTyQYUy8hcueJAgYgPLALXKnp0Aou7M3drMBkXqBgzF21hvasb2Ki5cWgIYAoBBZf6QIc9JcUEJlbO0D0yUU/s1600/IMG_0225.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KlTA550lm5BR9-fozRxwSC4lVbD8p3dUgcsK8XqI2y4cwfLFfwkUEhBX2_84jKGwDp7tM7RVvgrPMTI78c3xnlj9hZJKscrPBveN0MLcrqcLda747C25BoBOuUN9cLpPvbuk-xIaqzy5/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KlTA550lm5BR9-fozRxwSC4lVbD8p3dUgcsK8XqI2y4cwfLFfwkUEhBX2_84jKGwDp7tM7RVvgrPMTI78c3xnlj9hZJKscrPBveN0MLcrqcLda747C25BoBOuUN9cLpPvbuk-xIaqzy5/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMsvOxtKmqxhq1Hz25cAOj7x99e8GVKy1BrJBDQryVLfnb1d3gyiFnZ4Mx_kP7_yYLNwjhxTKC-zGYDQ_72FexvG4Q5xZErIMsVoE_Z-gkbWVFRAyQ85ljQzpUIYay-GvciPsGhk_84s3/s1600/IMG_0865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMsvOxtKmqxhq1Hz25cAOj7x99e8GVKy1BrJBDQryVLfnb1d3gyiFnZ4Mx_kP7_yYLNwjhxTKC-zGYDQ_72FexvG4Q5xZErIMsVoE_Z-gkbWVFRAyQ85ljQzpUIYay-GvciPsGhk_84s3/s1600/IMG_0865.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMihYyerK8osdhGdQ1jZWSPvOwAAQL0Cl54iSIRrwUj5WPIH1mYRK3PX-S3x73rCfqpEDTMXjoarEww20_WqKTHJ5T31xD8Ta6Q7SsW93dVbNaoKf5qRZGbBR-eFdEq3_1XhpnYLsvjOnB/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMihYyerK8osdhGdQ1jZWSPvOwAAQL0Cl54iSIRrwUj5WPIH1mYRK3PX-S3x73rCfqpEDTMXjoarEww20_WqKTHJ5T31xD8Ta6Q7SsW93dVbNaoKf5qRZGbBR-eFdEq3_1XhpnYLsvjOnB/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6idQ-1MbfqKv9d15X9yimKSNfR4WdUjxYlQQRsf244oQ1QNpd_nXza_mx9D6AGPZU_NUHX49Z_b9LrjeoaIKC1CGSTemXbomFEr_2Ed2FFgurPRWd94FRkcbzx2pJiX80L8A58eQ-42HU/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6idQ-1MbfqKv9d15X9yimKSNfR4WdUjxYlQQRsf244oQ1QNpd_nXza_mx9D6AGPZU_NUHX49Z_b9LrjeoaIKC1CGSTemXbomFEr_2Ed2FFgurPRWd94FRkcbzx2pJiX80L8A58eQ-42HU/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0qq1QqQ9LT7mMvvuxSgZNT-AGwvPFH8TDI_WSJmxUidHGeN9izAzT1_wxsMLQS8aVvohvC7KO19ebFpHd3vsaUYluJMNMp8nfC_2e8eCXQLJZurq-dCDc_zc_CAZbE4lNM2Fe7-_0Apz/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0qq1QqQ9LT7mMvvuxSgZNT-AGwvPFH8TDI_WSJmxUidHGeN9izAzT1_wxsMLQS8aVvohvC7KO19ebFpHd3vsaUYluJMNMp8nfC_2e8eCXQLJZurq-dCDc_zc_CAZbE4lNM2Fe7-_0Apz/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijC_ugwUSHw6ubGXaxIoFydJNjk-ayWibLewmTRxuj1KPdbyaH8OGrGmU09rIHqdmQXzeIV30PVREk0XiRJJPhfFYJJOhm2qGD8yKbR_3l5Hiv2-fF0pVHr6r5zL9XPWrGb9v_jzfUR-Q/s1600/IMG_0702.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijC_ugwUSHw6ubGXaxIoFydJNjk-ayWibLewmTRxuj1KPdbyaH8OGrGmU09rIHqdmQXzeIV30PVREk0XiRJJPhfFYJJOhm2qGD8yKbR_3l5Hiv2-fF0pVHr6r5zL9XPWrGb9v_jzfUR-Q/s1600/IMG_0702.PNG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkA_jC4mmnUyjzB44f1m3deiufCeDd_4PMNrlFFG_WI5QVzHRY3IuEjjSCaOVgnAtnRJt7M_Xn4ZwxtsLLN-QJJqFw_R1hAqskNQpTpbMnE7DD0geCwE2fe59XmqRlrn28nSQPeUmcHC_3/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkA_jC4mmnUyjzB44f1m3deiufCeDd_4PMNrlFFG_WI5QVzHRY3IuEjjSCaOVgnAtnRJt7M_Xn4ZwxtsLLN-QJJqFw_R1hAqskNQpTpbMnE7DD0geCwE2fe59XmqRlrn28nSQPeUmcHC_3/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqT_G89zEeTesCUueHF87mL0SYhheVHwG5fffY-dQU9r7RT9uUus20K7dAS24WVJ4byLmDTzhRutlL8IjQedF_7s4O9ToSFqxOLaP6jjAujMZFZjN-XSANU6ku9CT8qprqz5S-qsf1aFW/s1600/IMG_1760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqT_G89zEeTesCUueHF87mL0SYhheVHwG5fffY-dQU9r7RT9uUus20K7dAS24WVJ4byLmDTzhRutlL8IjQedF_7s4O9ToSFqxOLaP6jjAujMZFZjN-XSANU6ku9CT8qprqz5S-qsf1aFW/s1600/IMG_1760.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEC_Rx8v867K15mMBlppPQzOfp0I_RDelGWOYP56LlywV_m38OqDIHPVbkL5jxc2EPf53EKwZo2_hkrSTO8M6_RMBXVoH2d3pCi6NNGbskXqfN6xYluPLC7uyVnqKF6Y6fr3j6Cn3EisKz/s1600/IMG_1103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEC_Rx8v867K15mMBlppPQzOfp0I_RDelGWOYP56LlywV_m38OqDIHPVbkL5jxc2EPf53EKwZo2_hkrSTO8M6_RMBXVoH2d3pCi6NNGbskXqfN6xYluPLC7uyVnqKF6Y6fr3j6Cn3EisKz/s1600/IMG_1103.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwR9gSiDxVfkt2UsyuSnV6EAUEZJkPPlUJSDUbP3RBIpwqPP1yMcwPTQUTBG60fCCVPr58p0wj5LzoH53rnBaz_rTSLs6JOJ7z1DkRm8HhB-mI68xMXPceAJW7EeqShzMjM_t9ocr8f83R/s1600/IMG_1242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwR9gSiDxVfkt2UsyuSnV6EAUEZJkPPlUJSDUbP3RBIpwqPP1yMcwPTQUTBG60fCCVPr58p0wj5LzoH53rnBaz_rTSLs6JOJ7z1DkRm8HhB-mI68xMXPceAJW7EeqShzMjM_t9ocr8f83R/s1600/IMG_1242.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GZs_9Uu8Ulue8nNzFAz0qc6xTmVH8Mc7WReENHMInBX8iyIL-z5gjo41WW8-eo8z-wv9omzooGZiAG14KgGSq8Mi2EgRE8GTYj3SveHuwKBYW2fchChlDoNynbwXdNMjtX8vCg8EvEx9/s1600/IMG_1356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GZs_9Uu8Ulue8nNzFAz0qc6xTmVH8Mc7WReENHMInBX8iyIL-z5gjo41WW8-eo8z-wv9omzooGZiAG14KgGSq8Mi2EgRE8GTYj3SveHuwKBYW2fchChlDoNynbwXdNMjtX8vCg8EvEx9/s1600/IMG_1356.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN0PC0dT6jL8KZ06Q-YpJB1PvJepUooY47YdUOH91zIORjVpfPrD-Yir7bKBjq8SGjO_5NFuB3GkicwD7wgk9kzBPFA4EFTSoObgO2coWcxKoItLFV_mjZmOOUZP3B4pogiYmdjSGG6As/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN0PC0dT6jL8KZ06Q-YpJB1PvJepUooY47YdUOH91zIORjVpfPrD-Yir7bKBjq8SGjO_5NFuB3GkicwD7wgk9kzBPFA4EFTSoObgO2coWcxKoItLFV_mjZmOOUZP3B4pogiYmdjSGG6As/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbPddwATcbahB7uICVyqZ4i5ezbs6FAgpkWlGpgf5lhKV8OzOb76pOUf9bsB9h_-tHqkEVL8y8ylKMUgBTOIYsK234ssojAga7VnXP9Z9izxB5Aqn7RKE1GmSW9r2quUAvYFzm8Qgp1uv/s1600/IMG_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbPddwATcbahB7uICVyqZ4i5ezbs6FAgpkWlGpgf5lhKV8OzOb76pOUf9bsB9h_-tHqkEVL8y8ylKMUgBTOIYsK234ssojAga7VnXP9Z9izxB5Aqn7RKE1GmSW9r2quUAvYFzm8Qgp1uv/s1600/IMG_1521.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZw_djCs31-mG1bn3HrkOVRGydMI6TSlSswJQ5Fs8CsTv7KvebmMBtw_bdbmHt22CjzLfK_x2xdsKaX3N7IfusvoyxZH4BejvG8izjLkTruRueeVRfPbZiViWDyP0QfdrgVBsDSBMXuQ0/s1600/photo_283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZw_djCs31-mG1bn3HrkOVRGydMI6TSlSswJQ5Fs8CsTv7KvebmMBtw_bdbmHt22CjzLfK_x2xdsKaX3N7IfusvoyxZH4BejvG8izjLkTruRueeVRfPbZiViWDyP0QfdrgVBsDSBMXuQ0/s1600/photo_283.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3U3U-WGDpo04zzy94KI_hQuBE5jr87SI19ujZFbsYMMyyHtQEGJdUycvIAaO5DJErqD5RcgbR9cQGzDaWUDBY-LMMhxL8ZsksxbgAG81k60J0x7v1Wi3dKo9yxwDmiVQskQdjJPswQuFw/s1600/photo_551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3U3U-WGDpo04zzy94KI_hQuBE5jr87SI19ujZFbsYMMyyHtQEGJdUycvIAaO5DJErqD5RcgbR9cQGzDaWUDBY-LMMhxL8ZsksxbgAG81k60J0x7v1Wi3dKo9yxwDmiVQskQdjJPswQuFw/s1600/photo_551.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzz_xP6IirziOySHCztVePtWrw3woELb7c25LB7d-2KmXxx1L4eS_9w-ihuLwbg1SjtQ_uzT_BnYWgQaQzjLDqivS351_pVIq36_SNkl9wxvkJP4Tb3JMlSxJWrRH7iiXlb6a6pi_LJHXW/s1600/IMG_1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzz_xP6IirziOySHCztVePtWrw3woELb7c25LB7d-2KmXxx1L4eS_9w-ihuLwbg1SjtQ_uzT_BnYWgQaQzjLDqivS351_pVIq36_SNkl9wxvkJP4Tb3JMlSxJWrRH7iiXlb6a6pi_LJHXW/s1600/IMG_1276.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YTlu9UqQbiVAA8vj9jE3IIbw8zQeKVtCklMpYwKGuDKZ-S__yoRkr_8wu2D6P_n_jliYLfbGKIqZVSkqk3ZQ-5sGIH8N4sskRUbY2eoIZXsG5kBmPuWtr5BeM-aGO_8G8BeHTEtfs3Aq/s1600/IMG_1289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YTlu9UqQbiVAA8vj9jE3IIbw8zQeKVtCklMpYwKGuDKZ-S__yoRkr_8wu2D6P_n_jliYLfbGKIqZVSkqk3ZQ-5sGIH8N4sskRUbY2eoIZXsG5kBmPuWtr5BeM-aGO_8G8BeHTEtfs3Aq/s1600/IMG_1289.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6jJd1hr1o_ihyVQZI2KSkpW8iTNbYxsDeH123Y6N0VZpMQqyIfs0qeEsJ79pOuhjSRMV8E-SiyVgNwE-8NVgPhIJPLr485x8YZwzMJa8OBXSxuvk3px127F2B9rlaFxJYq00FtiVMh6a/s1600/IMG_2330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6jJd1hr1o_ihyVQZI2KSkpW8iTNbYxsDeH123Y6N0VZpMQqyIfs0qeEsJ79pOuhjSRMV8E-SiyVgNwE-8NVgPhIJPLr485x8YZwzMJa8OBXSxuvk3px127F2B9rlaFxJYq00FtiVMh6a/s1600/IMG_2330.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vt-Nlj50nqoWkeOKT7UEMsruTRUPHSeDCVjw47OfIZYCjLTDs_6qUmf492U3VQ7T1ZhF-eQHaExW_jlmEqGefSbszhdt3xg3OtqYI5vnKBs54kDok8BJkI6iezy7JvmNeQ7Deo3Rw9Ba/s1600/DSC_0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vt-Nlj50nqoWkeOKT7UEMsruTRUPHSeDCVjw47OfIZYCjLTDs_6qUmf492U3VQ7T1ZhF-eQHaExW_jlmEqGefSbszhdt3xg3OtqYI5vnKBs54kDok8BJkI6iezy7JvmNeQ7Deo3Rw9Ba/s1600/DSC_0098.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ76rIryaoEXsc82njcdWh5qVXMM099hPqvoveWsNlLwRP3WsQjbUc0t32eSxOLPmsAsX8qP7fa5TsCph-s6LdFk8nVERp1S2P6WKu8BP-RhFOKcpbsY2kg97K0y6ZwN1v9T2T3N0KlblL/s1600/IMG_1252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ76rIryaoEXsc82njcdWh5qVXMM099hPqvoveWsNlLwRP3WsQjbUc0t32eSxOLPmsAsX8qP7fa5TsCph-s6LdFk8nVERp1S2P6WKu8BP-RhFOKcpbsY2kg97K0y6ZwN1v9T2T3N0KlblL/s1600/IMG_1252.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW-m4RiMOV8OK-aVCwzfe2P-P5_bUOfgw7e8YcX4OWANJAcN67CYaBOUdgLO7fgILuulZHLtJejLiPt47DOeGSVtV11ulmJnNNHr8X7MlojEEg6Gb0AghovLFVlU0NBgXjQkjZfHVN8qQ/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW-m4RiMOV8OK-aVCwzfe2P-P5_bUOfgw7e8YcX4OWANJAcN67CYaBOUdgLO7fgILuulZHLtJejLiPt47DOeGSVtV11ulmJnNNHr8X7MlojEEg6Gb0AghovLFVlU0NBgXjQkjZfHVN8qQ/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRAIN5KM8XRS9UBhj2e1O9Z96RSn8xaUFBV7-sWDZudjgdKBTh8JHKyiYwdYdHawYAc5KRAcV2mjKNmKSHA5k_eJW4U4xwzF1TTk5tVrbEMoyRuiFR0cjjxfk9Y3-lZrr4rkw_OmPbeOh/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRAIN5KM8XRS9UBhj2e1O9Z96RSn8xaUFBV7-sWDZudjgdKBTh8JHKyiYwdYdHawYAc5KRAcV2mjKNmKSHA5k_eJW4U4xwzF1TTk5tVrbEMoyRuiFR0cjjxfk9Y3-lZrr4rkw_OmPbeOh/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEOfOHKC1q_r67o6ArF6a7XfHa_dSfD2Rbo0TGQ1kgwo-4zPaKARax2RGK-TVZXtCD4MPVgbpwleO5G9MknWcGeds1l0TpHQxFYAD_dzpslhedoc2w1ZrH4vuhay5JcNMbKxAoy7UfDln/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEOfOHKC1q_r67o6ArF6a7XfHa_dSfD2Rbo0TGQ1kgwo-4zPaKARax2RGK-TVZXtCD4MPVgbpwleO5G9MknWcGeds1l0TpHQxFYAD_dzpslhedoc2w1ZrH4vuhay5JcNMbKxAoy7UfDln/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-48739440080664088472013-11-10T17:04:00.000-08:002014-01-10T17:04:12.919-08:00Summer to Fall<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The transition to Fall has been very welcome. Summers in Morocco for a PCV can be pretty slow. School is out. Youth Centers closed. <a href="http://zachsjules.blogspot.com/2013/08/ramadan.html">Ramadan</a> happened, aka a month of hiding from the heat and any reminders of food or water. Towns shrunk, or grew, as Moroccans headed to the coasts or to visit family. Many volunteers take the time to travel to other sites or cooler countries in the down time, but being our first summer in site, we decided to stick around. Although the pace was very different from what we're used to, we are happy that we did. It gave us valuable integration experiences, planning time, and the availability to do off-the-cuff activities and camps. I also knocked out half of the books on my list for the year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the beginning of the summer when we were really still establishing ourselves in our assignment here, our director at the youth center would tell us to slow down, study, and sleep. As we continued to ask, when we were really wanting to spend more time working in our youth center, our director would continually tell us to essentially hibernate until fall. It was a little endearing seeing him counteract our eagerness, but also incredibly difficult to have projects and goals dependent on a person and a system that kept wanting me to take a nap! As I reflect on the frustration and confusion I felt with more personal time than I've ever experienced, I have to laugh and feel grateful for the purge that it became. I have been busy for as long as I can remember. Really busy. School, employment, sports, extracurricular activities, I have never done or been only one thing at a time. While I am here in Morocco now because of that ethic, I don't think it hurts to put ourselves on the shelf for longer than a 3 day weekend. At the end of the summer, I have now sweated out <i>most</i> of my zeal and picked up a bit of patience on the way. Granted, I was still ready for our fall program a full month before the director was ready for me. Tomato, Tom'ato, September, November. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyways, with much excitement, fall is here. Our program of classes and clubs have started, and there are exciting projects in the works for the future. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Zach works too, I promise. He is just a Quick-draw Mcgraw with the camera. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GBa_UUekqDO_Hngt_Gss5DTLPecy4m48thV5GNJ0VOLtJXjcNwLOuhmOirkxydRsSF2TVmqOymiS4bWVHawGA3B2gBD7d7QHPGTVQt83YJta3Us0aaY-Skewuozo793Ugp8eGLjbTQ9l/s1600/IMG_1145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GBa_UUekqDO_Hngt_Gss5DTLPecy4m48thV5GNJ0VOLtJXjcNwLOuhmOirkxydRsSF2TVmqOymiS4bWVHawGA3B2gBD7d7QHPGTVQt83YJta3Us0aaY-Skewuozo793Ugp8eGLjbTQ9l/s1600/IMG_1145.jpg" height="398" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsy6yQi8_3hakJXkEkpN_Z58MpaKor-JVNul0RLZ3Qt2YLrdnWYYqsL4CxpBk-WP-TJpNFQejUfvLSd8ijaxwkzQ9Pt6a75gE7vlStSs3vs9lhmZQKp6hpGZMKPLeAw13nZBkC9fkm61v8/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsy6yQi8_3hakJXkEkpN_Z58MpaKor-JVNul0RLZ3Qt2YLrdnWYYqsL4CxpBk-WP-TJpNFQejUfvLSd8ijaxwkzQ9Pt6a75gE7vlStSs3vs9lhmZQKp6hpGZMKPLeAw13nZBkC9fkm61v8/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUZZyefZ99P2Vm1fv_vMNABbdy6TcCkbvNs-BgejMKiDf1lePhhL3AMee0a4fpMBlMJ_vIab7sfb_Deu6qedvJI3mBGZZ6ZT4tSj6-JwAMbh-d2Cncpjz-BD-38mY2_4x3wIo1qwtm8-W/s1600/IMG_1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUZZyefZ99P2Vm1fv_vMNABbdy6TcCkbvNs-BgejMKiDf1lePhhL3AMee0a4fpMBlMJ_vIab7sfb_Deu6qedvJI3mBGZZ6ZT4tSj6-JwAMbh-d2Cncpjz-BD-38mY2_4x3wIo1qwtm8-W/s1600/IMG_1276.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-37525394292182768832013-10-29T05:23:00.002-07:002013-11-04T02:37:17.536-08:00One way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Our women's club asked me to come teach an English lesson to the preschool/day care class they provide while the mothers are in their classes. I hesitantly agreed, knowing how much English would likely be transferred in an hour and a half to children 2-4 years old. We played duck duck goose, adapted to chicken chicken cow. We sang Old McDonald adapted to Si Mohamed. We matched animal sounds with animal names, laughing as I acted all of these out. To finish the lesson, I gave them papers and a pile of crayons to draw their own farm, chicken, cow, or monkey. With 15 kids and blank canvases, I expected this to be scribble central. On your mark, get set, go, I thought. Okay, really, go. The teacher repeated my instructions to make sure they understood. They did, but continued the hesitant stares. Thinking maybe I needed to get the ball rolling, I sat down at that mini table with knees touching my ears and began to draw on my own paper. They all continued watching as my stick figure monkey shifted shapes landing at a cross between a teddy bear and muscat. I drew a tree branch and bananas in the corner to ease any confusion, scribbled MONKEY on the top, and set my colored pencil down. All other pages were still blank. Not one defector. Confused, I slid back in my little chair, and it began. The kids, all of them, started looking for the color of crayon I used in the box. They painstakingly copied the new English letters spelling monkey with the same placement I had used. They drew the bananas, the tree, and the muscat teddy bear monkey replicating my drawing with exactness. When they were finished, they ran to show me their drawing. There was no "grrrreat, what is it?" They had brought mine along with theirs for me to judge the comparison. The kids ran out for recess. They had had a good time, the regular teachers got a little break, and I now know where to go if I ever need a photocopy.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It reminded me of another experience <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">where I was the student</span> at the same women's club. I went to spend some time with the ladies, and landed in a fabric painting group. My stencil was given to me to draw my flowers, and for the next hour I was scolded over my shoulder for my deviance. In the end, it was taken away and finished. Another time, I was at a school supplies store flipping through some coloring books, and realized that each blank picture had a colored replica opposite it to follow. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've never been able to navigate one way streets, and here in Morocco, my life has become one. There is one way to draw a monkey, one way to cook a dish, one way to arrange my ponjs, one way to run a camp, one way to be a wife, and one way to get to heaven. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">There is a lot of intersecting themes that make up the classroom experiences shared; deference to authority, collectivity, learning models, etc., and none of these can be fully explored here, but a</span>pplying it broadly, this is a culture that values a one way. It is seen in concrete traditions. It is seen in national food dishes. It is seen in gender roles. <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">It is seen in a rote learning education system and the respected practice of memorization; dialogues, textbooks, and scripture. It is seen in the nervous giggles, surprised gasps, or direct rejections when the unseen rules, big and small, are broken. The thing is,</span> I am often unknowingly or very knowingly going the wrong way, and that is t<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">he beauty and the pain of sustained intercultural interaction</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> Crossing physical or cultural borders, meeting each other, unearths values and beliefs unseen when unchallenged. I've seen my values of diversity, creativity, difference, and individuality become exaggerated. However, r</span>eflexivity reminds me that in this I also have a "one way," and mine is that there are many ways. I see many ways to draw a monkey, many ways to clean my house, many ways to come to a conclusion, many ways to succeed, pray, and live. We all value a one way street, and it is usually the one we're on. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And what do we do with that? We giggle nervously, more aware of the confines of our knowledge and experience, more aware of the learned rules that govern us, more aware of the way we view the world, aware we think there is a 'wrong way', and we attempt to try on someone else's glasses, offering another our own pair. It has been my experience that good usually comes from that.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZpeKkceskKBtvi8sQuMLOTavm-rqUCaA-Uo-oK77fOdUL-Wbi5B6AWVcbLwQZM7aTho12RuShiMsqPQqKkdmhMGEl5EuSSYWTfEZ4RrXdXcu4lPIXDIybo2bQDqpe2Awmg95xieRSiNU/s1600/5d65b2861ef07e8b936af4a6e9bf2ca3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZpeKkceskKBtvi8sQuMLOTavm-rqUCaA-Uo-oK77fOdUL-Wbi5B6AWVcbLwQZM7aTho12RuShiMsqPQqKkdmhMGEl5EuSSYWTfEZ4RrXdXcu4lPIXDIybo2bQDqpe2Awmg95xieRSiNU/s320/5d65b2861ef07e8b936af4a6e9bf2ca3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(On a related note and possible future post, if you are a fan of a rote learning system or a move towards more standardized tests in America, please come see my monkey clones.) </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-4728871164143344052013-10-24T17:00:00.000-07:002014-01-10T17:03:18.988-08:00Medical Evacuation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As many of you know, Zach was <a href="http://zachsjules.blogspot.com/2013/07/get-injured-day.html">injured</a> this summer while skating. This post is for those of you thinking "man, I would like to join the Peace Corps, but what if I do a skateboarding activity with youth and tear my ACL?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you happen to get injured during your Peace Corps service and are unable to get the treatment you need in your host country, then you have the option of getting medically evacuated (medevaced) to receive treatment in the States. You will either be sent to your home of record or to DC for your treatment which will last no more than 45 days. If you are unable to recover within those 45 days then you will have to be medically separated. If you have to be medically separated, you have the option of returning to your country of service when you recover within a year from your medical separation. Volunteers are able to travel to visit family and friends so long as it does not interfere with their medical treatment plan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My experience with the whole process was incredibly positive, although you could find other volunteers who have a different experience. My treatment from the In-country medical team, to the Peace Corps Washington staff, to the physicians that worked with me was entirely professional and pleasant. Julie was able to come with me for a week to assist me with my mobility in the days before and after my procedure. Ironically, I was put under and operated on the 50th anniversary of MLK's "I have a dream" speech. So, while millions of Americans were commemorating this moment, I was having a dream of my own, facilitated by general anesthesia. My family flew in to be with me during the operation and shortly after and I enjoyed being able to see my parents and my sister and her husband during this time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eventually my family and wife needed to leave and so I was left in DC for five weeks by myself. There was bit of a reverse culture shock with the first week, but I was able to keep myself busy to stave off the loneliness and restlessness. The Peace Corps has a great support system for medevaced volunteers, with staff dedicated to keeping the evacuated volunteers informed on Peace Corps HQ activities and events. There are even opportunities to volunteer in DC. While I was there I was able to help with recruiting opportunities at local University Campuses. I was also able to pass the time by getting involved with various volunteer opportunities through a local church congregation. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aside from the volunteering opportunities there was always some sort of activity going on in DC. I was able to go to Nationals game and carry the Tunisian flag (Morocco was taken) on the field during the national anthem for Peace Corps night. Acting Peace Corps director, Carrie Hessler-Radelet, threw the first pitch and introduced herself to me behind the scenes when I was waiting with my crutches in hand (or armpit). That was a great privilege and opportunity for me to meet her and have her commend me on my service. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I additionally attended a Capitals hockey game, the DC Redbull flugtag viewing party, and a Peace Day celebration, and a couple of street festivals with live music. I particularly enjoyed going to all the free museums, for a while. My museum outings, and my Peace Corps recruiting service, was curtailed by the government shutdown. Just about everyone at the Peace Corps HQ had to stay at home except for the medical floor and the security guards, which meant I couldn't go on any planned recruiting events or any other HQ special events, since no one was allowed to work. Nevertheless, it was interesting to be in DC during this time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was hard to be away from Julie for 5 weeks, but I was able to stay active and involved in various activities as well as make some great friendships with fellow Peace Corps volunteer and government workers who were rehabilitating as well in my same hotel. So, if you have the unfortunate fate of seriously injuring yourself during your Peace Corps service, fortunately you should have a great support system and city to help you through that process. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGU1jjtxWlZCPSrXeVaCMGzKIlDA6PRsNUsxVtrcSi4MceMp0GcDK328KV1JvpM_b67TElMBj0uLAfMn7NOpIP_86yKhzGpZ5tTBtSzX-UZERe40bK-9w0DO5S2Q8UEDarhW7tag2rwS7O/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGU1jjtxWlZCPSrXeVaCMGzKIlDA6PRsNUsxVtrcSi4MceMp0GcDK328KV1JvpM_b67TElMBj0uLAfMn7NOpIP_86yKhzGpZ5tTBtSzX-UZERe40bK-9w0DO5S2Q8UEDarhW7tag2rwS7O/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvUGNomWak4HKzxrRg-JMnto4xc6hzpg-hOGN0C1rEe1Ds5WvfMwBZYSNoYgT_I1_fx3dXD_zyFAAM0zPQYaghNrkINy6BJ7sV-MyMpeREdeSMPevJUMi2ihdgUUqrzBWvXoWUCt5ofXU/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvUGNomWak4HKzxrRg-JMnto4xc6hzpg-hOGN0C1rEe1Ds5WvfMwBZYSNoYgT_I1_fx3dXD_zyFAAM0zPQYaghNrkINy6BJ7sV-MyMpeREdeSMPevJUMi2ihdgUUqrzBWvXoWUCt5ofXU/s1600/IMG_0157.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ibFVC9WygYxQJq5zUI7Eznf2YiU1aHR0l4-AjnbeDbtaQBhNB6-kv0PzHwcojezmZq1_UW6VFZICnH_qYnYHGb3TPR0vAvTIyJVTFfdOT2UoiI3lXXf2nh0hZnlw7YViMjFXlFPIbobr/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ibFVC9WygYxQJq5zUI7Eznf2YiU1aHR0l4-AjnbeDbtaQBhNB6-kv0PzHwcojezmZq1_UW6VFZICnH_qYnYHGb3TPR0vAvTIyJVTFfdOT2UoiI3lXXf2nh0hZnlw7YViMjFXlFPIbobr/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPhedsi5xE5GrWjdCGEFUebTdnrpbGmbvUNnm-i1DjLwzxoi-Ttlq2KcXsJBpGvUqoPC-WXaERgyHe1KyzYB3jQhKS_OJq6EFvmEt61ktjtbF0nQvXdCt43VDZdMprH_KuW_CqV0QM73Q/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPhedsi5xE5GrWjdCGEFUebTdnrpbGmbvUNnm-i1DjLwzxoi-Ttlq2KcXsJBpGvUqoPC-WXaERgyHe1KyzYB3jQhKS_OJq6EFvmEt61ktjtbF0nQvXdCt43VDZdMprH_KuW_CqV0QM73Q/s1600/IMG_0717.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU-ThdoFiz1raLFEhs1Onwed0XY82lzrgeLCrHvd-Zbd-d3VcR-HtXAjN1s28HdRUFgD1A0I0Pj9Qrlf1qXGWXk8ZH0vfvLpNVxPt96VkcXZl-OhXYDLhOpNP5i_IBuw9ZSPdnDycPnl7/s1600/IMG_0718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU-ThdoFiz1raLFEhs1Onwed0XY82lzrgeLCrHvd-Zbd-d3VcR-HtXAjN1s28HdRUFgD1A0I0Pj9Qrlf1qXGWXk8ZH0vfvLpNVxPt96VkcXZl-OhXYDLhOpNP5i_IBuw9ZSPdnDycPnl7/s1600/IMG_0718.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoc6FkQlNXTpyRDxkV7USmDjblADyWqVk3oS8DwDIJg6aM8caY5FavEv5Ovkv36ACCT2XSuPwB9zebOrVlNw7XSjLhsL8dRCNc7_EA6nwsihRl_Ie8j03AM5mdFyUP8cDNEeDz-cJBSwV/s1600/IMG_0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoc6FkQlNXTpyRDxkV7USmDjblADyWqVk3oS8DwDIJg6aM8caY5FavEv5Ovkv36ACCT2XSuPwB9zebOrVlNw7XSjLhsL8dRCNc7_EA6nwsihRl_Ie8j03AM5mdFyUP8cDNEeDz-cJBSwV/s1600/IMG_0720.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCG9mYD_pM_O_-rpi33dekGQ6B35N6Wtlb9EB9wtVbyEKr_HZUCs4_MwqMIS7-g3pd18h_SpoEMx1C4MfAsdtKw6SUs-3Y5JQfLG2sSQvefKFYRLF2sbWKGlqSsOQxUdWSqu1SivmtRNW/s1600/IMG_1321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCG9mYD_pM_O_-rpi33dekGQ6B35N6Wtlb9EB9wtVbyEKr_HZUCs4_MwqMIS7-g3pd18h_SpoEMx1C4MfAsdtKw6SUs-3Y5JQfLG2sSQvefKFYRLF2sbWKGlqSsOQxUdWSqu1SivmtRNW/s1600/IMG_1321.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0swYPg_4ztf2vvvrRcFUE7YUnHDes9r0Gq4YIKouTya25Wx1yiCxpXuNTOzG5gpROZq9ikPnujpfJ6YWZLeczcUXijxAkqzIC4Z4XkdZzLZ4EErn4C7AzofepBbtNYORbkg8kPHdF8Vyj/s1600/IMG_1758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0swYPg_4ztf2vvvrRcFUE7YUnHDes9r0Gq4YIKouTya25Wx1yiCxpXuNTOzG5gpROZq9ikPnujpfJ6YWZLeczcUXijxAkqzIC4Z4XkdZzLZ4EErn4C7AzofepBbtNYORbkg8kPHdF8Vyj/s1600/IMG_1758.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUoLxPS-ERDSlEcifa_RTB7l-TRGDbjea00W7Tr1_K4vLX5P1Y06VAzWB1g-Dlsx-iJBYSRLKLM22l6LdSshL7PRyQgkF_iOQszFPtmkgrqcHmdqh8ay8Xj_jHTE-72mcStHlTYKU9PrS/s1600/IMG_1760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUoLxPS-ERDSlEcifa_RTB7l-TRGDbjea00W7Tr1_K4vLX5P1Y06VAzWB1g-Dlsx-iJBYSRLKLM22l6LdSshL7PRyQgkF_iOQszFPtmkgrqcHmdqh8ay8Xj_jHTE-72mcStHlTYKU9PrS/s1600/IMG_1760.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-13307331458475299312013-10-20T17:13:00.000-07:002013-10-22T05:21:59.905-07:00Happy Eid al-Adha (Warning: graphic photos) <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Squatting on a stool with apron tied tight, sleeves rolled up, and hands elbow deep in a tub of blood, excrement, and organs, my friends and constant teachers look at me with the joy of Christmas morning in their eyes and say "Julie, this day isn't like others. This is a special day. Look how beautiful it is." I smiled and grimaced sliding my fingers through a ruffled small intestine. This is the Eid al-Adha, the Eid al-Kabir, Festival of the Sacrifice or the Greater Festival. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The purpose of the Eid is to celebrate the will and obedience of Abraham to sacrifice his son with God's commandment. While many <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-24532959">traditions and celebrations vary</a> based on country, region, even family and devotion, the central theme is a commemorative sacrifice of an animal like the ram that was sent to replace the boy in the nick of time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/Abraham's-sacrifice-from-Raduil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/Abraham's-sacrifice-from-Raduil.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/22.12?lang=eng#11">Abraham's sacrifice</a> in the bible<br />
In the <a href="http://quran.com/37/102">Quran </a><br />
<a href="http://www.englishtorah.com/bible.php?book=1&chap=22">In the Torah</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There are many good resources if you want to read more about the festival and rites associated with it. This post is merely our experience and contains the cultural references and comparisons we understood it with. I do want to include that this sacrifice isn't what we may think of as being for the forgiveness of sin through shedding blood or even a way to gain brownie points with God. It is a remembrance. It is also ideally a time of charity, giving 1/3 of the meat to the poor. That said, there is a spectrum of how people connect religiously to the traditions, much like we celebrate Christmas in America. For some, it is all about the prophet Abraham and for others, it is all about that lamb shank. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our experience with the Eid really began when the animals came to town. It felt a bit like the holiday spirit of Christmas with corals of goats and rams in the place of pine trees in supermarket parking lots. Family coming to visit, a school break, gifts to buy, feasting to expect, and a connection to religious tradition- all of this is easy to relate to. I don't think anyone will be making an Eid scented candle anytime soon, but anticipation was in the air.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEDqca9pJop7sBOJZPIYNUWyaY1RTEH-VPRGDrKqqxDq73vXpiLyEz6YeOm17Btm0CAiopzzEl64j1r0VD6KPovDBpN9VGEoHBDC19rduoFzhJk6LJU9ZO1v_6tpNbXJ7bndNT6oDzN9R/s1600/DSC_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEDqca9pJop7sBOJZPIYNUWyaY1RTEH-VPRGDrKqqxDq73vXpiLyEz6YeOm17Btm0CAiopzzEl64j1r0VD6KPovDBpN9VGEoHBDC19rduoFzhJk6LJU9ZO1v_6tpNbXJ7bndNT6oDzN9R/s400/DSC_0049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Most people here believe that slaughtering an animal is mandatory for each nuclear family, meaning that if we were muslim, Zach and I would be expected to sacrifice our own goat, ram, cow, or even camel. As the Eid approached, we were asked frequently if we had gotten our animal yet, but we decided against it and instead participated with our host family that was kind enough to share theirs with us. They had a goat and a ram that the only son and employed sibling bought for the family. The goat was killed the day before so we could get a head start on cleaning. (Goat is considered a healthier alternative for diabetics.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vuzFkLy-r4RnGye5K2LWn7fWijEe0voP7MelXe0QG-lMv8epOJjkg8_VK9egOlAbtVqZ1gd_7JRN8jEkHBsad8aKJg0aGEQkrGkdHJWCBEl6BIHbLLTIqRZKNwEkUNGfV97aQDgM8ytt/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vuzFkLy-r4RnGye5K2LWn7fWijEe0voP7MelXe0QG-lMv8epOJjkg8_VK9egOlAbtVqZ1gd_7JRN8jEkHBsad8aKJg0aGEQkrGkdHJWCBEl6BIHbLLTIqRZKNwEkUNGfV97aQDgM8ytt/s400/DSC_0001.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fVw6QxS3E3EiwM_JMqzrx03G2nvElIcAp1y-QCbEhX0ojAhdxJXEH1vGxDAWiUG7W1XTHPIi5dE3iJsBMACKIsHYfkPo1Xvhy_HtXJKN7MQDfUgg3ytwqDpNNRo4fG-U1YH45YWPLibH/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fVw6QxS3E3EiwM_JMqzrx03G2nvElIcAp1y-QCbEhX0ojAhdxJXEH1vGxDAWiUG7W1XTHPIi5dE3iJsBMACKIsHYfkPo1Xvhy_HtXJKN7MQDfUgg3ytwqDpNNRo4fG-U1YH45YWPLibH/s400/DSC_0061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmKEUIh0jEysLd75WkPQ8AnNxf1Ajwk_8EhDnGQFsPIbVllvv4n1gz9qQByb9DfwNcBi4L0OZd_7uEeMtsZTRozUFXn_7Ta6HqS_mAD3G9BfD_tcFMgxAsbq5TO3lat_6MDRGNCuRD1Gc/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmKEUIh0jEysLd75WkPQ8AnNxf1Ajwk_8EhDnGQFsPIbVllvv4n1gz9qQByb9DfwNcBi4L0OZd_7uEeMtsZTRozUFXn_7Ta6HqS_mAD3G9BfD_tcFMgxAsbq5TO3lat_6MDRGNCuRD1Gc/s400/IMG_0666.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbCTnKIMmrwtlC3DKqgmeI3-YT63igJXxKvQMjMiRhTof5vPZG2OGrgxyV7PqkBrM6qFY4KP7_FfbulrBB_0zbqfBz-UHEP9Thj0bBZvlKKnBSQ6u12svpHl3m20pryCBmAMU6ga5C4fn/s1600/DSC_0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>On the morning of the Eid, the King of Morocco is televised as he prays in the mosque. He then kills two rams, one for the poor and one for his family. Yes, separation of church and state really isn't a thing here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/myfiles/Images/2012/10/28/me05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/myfiles/Images/2012/10/28/me05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then it all began. Standing on the balcony I saw men walking back in floods from the mosques, heard knives being sharpened, saw buckets of water being pulled out to the streets, and began yelling "Eid Mubarak" as it was being yelled up to me. Doors became revolving. Neighbors and friends were coming in and out and we were going out and in for a quick greeting and a happy holiday. Rams were being pulled out and we hurried to the street to watch. I saw a dead cockroach as we rushed down the stairs and joked I had woken up early to sacrifice it. I don't think it was funny.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc35YVv7cjrxPzLbtrcUOunmxujjnze87XvbWzLwOnWKaBll4kMddrQAGA5dZCVCIfzfQEZwSpPDJBBKxgzk6sUoZRRQYd2Nnp8xxtITDdqG9_-zOXdu_ndTaSFOeFtqDADduxq70hTxNC/s1600/IMG_0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc35YVv7cjrxPzLbtrcUOunmxujjnze87XvbWzLwOnWKaBll4kMddrQAGA5dZCVCIfzfQEZwSpPDJBBKxgzk6sUoZRRQYd2Nnp8xxtITDdqG9_-zOXdu_ndTaSFOeFtqDADduxq70hTxNC/s400/IMG_0705.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfGVcv5REX8y9Z-Z8qjwSdo62GBfAi-GdRmfXWSnL-SSkDkb4YQtltRx7cWkdYDuM1yDWGRTHnQ6rsQMcIGn3UKz7Qqx7aKlVuHVeR7sLJtolYC6MgLM56LcndZQQcdGtyVw0NHCfExJi/s1600/IMG_0734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfGVcv5REX8y9Z-Z8qjwSdo62GBfAi-GdRmfXWSnL-SSkDkb4YQtltRx7cWkdYDuM1yDWGRTHnQ6rsQMcIGn3UKz7Qqx7aKlVuHVeR7sLJtolYC6MgLM56LcndZQQcdGtyVw0NHCfExJi/s400/IMG_0734.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There were special men doing the sacrificing in our community. They were experienced and also set apart in some way as able or pious enough to say a prayer before the intentionally humane slitting of the throat. They were being scheduled and paid by different families. After it had died, he would move on to his next animal. The ram was pumped up with a bike pump or some robust lungs to make skinning faster. Legs and head were cut off. It was then hung up, skinned, and cleaned. Organs were handed to the waiting woman with bucket ready. We, the women, took that bucket of organ, legs, and head for our part of the process. We found a corner in the street to build a small fire and roasted the hair off of the legs and head. Not exactly a "Kumbaya" moment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrnTAJwmUXitNU4nKvnvzMr5DqTlcxJALaoZfrh3jFD3dLB1O_ahHtFLQoz9Rf6rSJbvTmKHrEpq0HbBWuhSkltQtrdC7KL3D_41F8wq2KEg_yme2B14zPS2sDn5M8ZAXsaTLTf8u1P3V/s1600/DSC_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrnTAJwmUXitNU4nKvnvzMr5DqTlcxJALaoZfrh3jFD3dLB1O_ahHtFLQoz9Rf6rSJbvTmKHrEpq0HbBWuhSkltQtrdC7KL3D_41F8wq2KEg_yme2B14zPS2sDn5M8ZAXsaTLTf8u1P3V/s400/DSC_0084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpiuYnDBZKruv7EWYT58QfhgZPxRN_hlVmA4CeXl8G7DTkr22xDAN1qBSWlLYIQHeetWTgmQmDGHdxyrgc4tO0wwConwBjFaex_5VlUOCNeLou91361tuXIHFzab32rPPWqR6P8kFTA1n/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpiuYnDBZKruv7EWYT58QfhgZPxRN_hlVmA4CeXl8G7DTkr22xDAN1qBSWlLYIQHeetWTgmQmDGHdxyrgc4tO0wwConwBjFaex_5VlUOCNeLou91361tuXIHFzab32rPPWqR6P8kFTA1n/s400/DSC_0090.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No permission to use this photo on demonic websites. Yikes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Zach shared a surreal memory of holding still-warm innards of a ram while someone else was digging into the rib cage for more, there were rams hanging around him at various levels of undress, another was being held down waiting for its turn, and he looked over and sees me hacking away at a charred head with an axe. I was taking off the horns. It got pretty real. When the men had done their work, they went off in search of other families to help, and we went to work on the insides. We emptied the stomach, pushed out the droppings out of the intestines, and cleaned and cut up the organs into small pieces excepting the colon, gallbladder, and other unidentifiable mysteries. Still a bit squeamish from the number of slaughterings I witnessed, I did my best to keep it together with the water(?) sloshing on to my face from dropped who-knows-whats. We mopped up the blood and cleaned the street. The whole process ran like clockwork. These people invented the assembly line way before Henry Ford.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYoxgeUhqPkuqhVoITYNVX0rUWTToup0dV75-UDPFSgbej8amYcUe6m7bSiGWPoBYLl5U4Mvli6FafeMX_FLA39QOmjHU6NWaM3RprB9huOrE8ulQva1xNkn-NeiBzc0PH-UzpewPbp2I/s1600/IMG_0814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYoxgeUhqPkuqhVoITYNVX0rUWTToup0dV75-UDPFSgbej8amYcUe6m7bSiGWPoBYLl5U4Mvli6FafeMX_FLA39QOmjHU6NWaM3RprB9huOrE8ulQva1xNkn-NeiBzc0PH-UzpewPbp2I/s400/IMG_0814.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbCTnKIMmrwtlC3DKqgmeI3-YT63igJXxKvQMjMiRhTof5vPZG2OGrgxyV7PqkBrM6qFY4KP7_FfbulrBB_0zbqfBz-UHEP9Thj0bBZvlKKnBSQ6u12svpHl3m20pryCBmAMU6ga5C4fn/s1600/DSC_0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTbCTnKIMmrwtlC3DKqgmeI3-YT63igJXxKvQMjMiRhTof5vPZG2OGrgxyV7PqkBrM6qFY4KP7_FfbulrBB_0zbqfBz-UHEP9Thj0bBZvlKKnBSQ6u12svpHl3m20pryCBmAMU6ga5C4fn/s400/DSC_0098.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxMbX11M-tu1_79f_yYLcrdkVYJbMGnzhEAKbQHyIG-uUSsmaI74h5kyBm03YRAxm5YABZeo8oJ9Jr3BwxkPmwDoLa8VZ4dae5xcEPGbqk1TcdNgEa-u_XeqE9Fc4_w83qkQWFTEd6ZYZ/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxMbX11M-tu1_79f_yYLcrdkVYJbMGnzhEAKbQHyIG-uUSsmaI74h5kyBm03YRAxm5YABZeo8oJ9Jr3BwxkPmwDoLa8VZ4dae5xcEPGbqk1TcdNgEa-u_XeqE9Fc4_w83qkQWFTEd6ZYZ/s400/DSC_0067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBXXQhMrfQrMLwXft60l6NDlJTjD5y6HB7oZOxmEovPu29v5LDAmhYzhbQUcQ9nCsKVFO5oRD5RY0zVhwL1gd4IgqX7YdghN3NugeYrsWlL0uwADDQmmreeYpUQ9vCEpT_Uny0bvUhDzX/s1600/DSC_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBXXQhMrfQrMLwXft60l6NDlJTjD5y6HB7oZOxmEovPu29v5LDAmhYzhbQUcQ9nCsKVFO5oRD5RY0zVhwL1gd4IgqX7YdghN3NugeYrsWlL0uwADDQmmreeYpUQ9vCEpT_Uny0bvUhDzX/s400/DSC_0065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotgbzvBBZh3u4zh6t1fKxGWrzUm62VBxzVJjSHBX6tY4DkfsyheLcBDP3yZynLMh2oiRfI3d2rkmuQ8xw9bvva5cxsc3srxm9FCXY9cXqxgZDvG9R4GamGFkrfuauAQfNZh_15wQF_XeI/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotgbzvBBZh3u4zh6t1fKxGWrzUm62VBxzVJjSHBX6tY4DkfsyheLcBDP3yZynLMh2oiRfI3d2rkmuQ8xw9bvva5cxsc3srxm9FCXY9cXqxgZDvG9R4GamGFkrfuauAQfNZh_15wQF_XeI/s400/DSC_0091.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We had started shortly after 9:00 and were finished by 1:00. Then, it was barbecue time. With the men back we all sat around the table and made shish-kabobs by wrapping the heart and liver with stomach fat. One of us grilled and we ate them hot as they came off the charcoals with bread and dipped in cumin and paprika. We were exhausted, a feeling reminiscent of what comes after finishing the excitement of opening Christmas presents, and found a place on a ponj for a long nap. The rest of the day was more visiting, henna, and gift giving.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH1FFZUk4kO0vnHiAS5rUl1P8DBs1ZBsY_Pgsq6wtxy6cDhIrYV7J7cW7v9vQkSMJdO_ux3omJxUaY4C-mCj81LnMT4-Mi8E_767Qb1IsT-WTCp-K805EjVJ1nrgHYTClsDu_Sdnj3auI/s1600/IMG_0795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH1FFZUk4kO0vnHiAS5rUl1P8DBs1ZBsY_Pgsq6wtxy6cDhIrYV7J7cW7v9vQkSMJdO_ux3omJxUaY4C-mCj81LnMT4-Mi8E_767Qb1IsT-WTCp-K805EjVJ1nrgHYTClsDu_Sdnj3auI/s400/IMG_0795.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDJWsgRisWeTjS9aNEiCpP1WHLIFCyy4P85hKzwIpPE7yxZn9R1fqzePbfPIS41feZTceJxIAoHI6DyVVTwB8HEP-vIf7fsbYNV4LX9LaV7I08wxG1qa9xYai9C7FF3_swBChGh-aBtw7/s1600/IMG_0816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDJWsgRisWeTjS9aNEiCpP1WHLIFCyy4P85hKzwIpPE7yxZn9R1fqzePbfPIS41feZTceJxIAoHI6DyVVTwB8HEP-vIf7fsbYNV4LX9LaV7I08wxG1qa9xYai9C7FF3_swBChGh-aBtw7/s400/IMG_0816.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHY9rROVX9l_EbF4REPpczhkkucGeGwaOs8sx2gdtNWmYE4SAj2zPkxF0hALiNbwdfwDvZRN4BS9VR2Q3KnyJO50gmnjX8KLhfaMJ6WpRaVh98XODMZ2N4VkwdzItzi6TSLy8dc9d0lGS/s1600/IMG_0843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHY9rROVX9l_EbF4REPpczhkkucGeGwaOs8sx2gdtNWmYE4SAj2zPkxF0hALiNbwdfwDvZRN4BS9VR2Q3KnyJO50gmnjX8KLhfaMJ6WpRaVh98XODMZ2N4VkwdzItzi6TSLy8dc9d0lGS/s400/IMG_0843.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That night, we had organ stew for dinner. For breakfast, we had the head with tea. We had to leave the following morning, but the Eid continues for 3-4 days afterwords. Family will visit and bring each other the legs of their rams. School is still out. Businesses are closed. The feasting continues. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
These are special days, very unlike the others, and they are unexpectedly beautiful. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-1837446845272829322013-10-07T14:56:00.000-07:002014-01-09T21:25:01.021-08:00At the Souq - Pomegranates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
One of my favorite things about living in Morocco, and our region specifically, is the produce. I go grocery shopping across the street at a<a href="http://zachsjules.blogspot.com/2013/05/its-souq-day.html"> daily farmers market</a> filled with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. With all of this quality and convenience, our diet has changed its focus to creating meals centered around this seasonal produce. This little series, "at the souq," highlights some of our favorite finds and grinds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlcXoz8LozrZ27hiVfmUWtNbjCW5-TmEIk5HIaILnaWK04kroeLEr1Nnca_qf4VSmTx3-q1XhIkjZw07hQZc_u9aW9eE65787td6sKgcQxFRQ-oEVCRdAhNd6X8WMC91bHz0JqzIPTFyU/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlcXoz8LozrZ27hiVfmUWtNbjCW5-TmEIk5HIaILnaWK04kroeLEr1Nnca_qf4VSmTx3-q1XhIkjZw07hQZc_u9aW9eE65787td6sKgcQxFRQ-oEVCRdAhNd6X8WMC91bHz0JqzIPTFyU/s1600/IMG_1291.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pomegranates. As big as my head. 50 cents for 2 kilos. I am currently eating these little gems for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. We had a get together with friends in Rabat, and everyone loved this unique salad. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Orange, Fennel, and Pomegranate Salad </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
3 oranges, 10 clementines, or other sweet-tasting citrus<br />
1 large pomegranate<br />
1 fennel bulb, sliced thin<br />
(Optional) 1 large bunch spinach </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Dressing:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
1/4 cup olive oil<br />
1 tablespoon orange zest<br />
2 tablespoons orange juice<br />
1 teaspoons rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar<br />
2 teaspoons sugar<br />
1 teaspoon cinnamon</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Peel oranges and cut horizontally into 1/2″ thick slices. Toss in fennel and spinach. Scatter pomegranate seeds on top, and finish with dressing. I didn't get a photo, but you'll just have to trust me it is easy to make, nice to look at, and complex to eat. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-86396391990121877072013-09-25T22:51:00.000-07:002013-10-05T23:14:50.070-07:00Adventures with Deb and Brad <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="p1">
Since being married, Zach and I have lived over 4000 miles on average from our parents and families, and if you knew my family, you'd say that is about 3999 miles too many. If it was my choice and didn't have 10 siblings to contend with, I would handcuff myself to my mom and throw away the key. Luckily, we keep choosing awesome places to live, and they keep coming to visit. We'll see what their real motivations are when we move to Siberia next year. Until then, this was our epic Morocco trip 2013... Can we get a sequel? </div>
<div class="p1">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="p1">
After they spent a week in Spain, we met them at the port in Tangier. We then had 10 days to pack in an ambitious trip around Morocco<i> </i>and<i> </i>a year of not seeing each other again. They were confident/brave and left all planning up to us. The time would have been well spent simply sitting on rooftops, cafes, or in our house to catch up, but we had the time we needed on top of camels, squished in old taxis, sitting on the ground, and winding through old medinas. This was our itinerary: Tangier - Chefchaouen - Moulay Idriss - Sidi Slimane - Fes - Merzouga - Ait benHaddou - Marrakech. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_dZEzqka-Ci7Mpug7vuQ6jTd2oRruNSCdGHFTi2dLftBGn4frFDTxxlRfgOBP58FYSmF-J4Yfcz8_8B6TWK1khCnw8wtTNMm34XXaSGAnwbzXEj7YrGGUQQH5aKydG4PQrOcExI6ILhP/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-06+at+4.56.16+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_dZEzqka-Ci7Mpug7vuQ6jTd2oRruNSCdGHFTi2dLftBGn4frFDTxxlRfgOBP58FYSmF-J4Yfcz8_8B6TWK1khCnw8wtTNMm34XXaSGAnwbzXEj7YrGGUQQH5aKydG4PQrOcExI6ILhP/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-10-06+at+4.56.16+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(If you are planning a trip, contact me and I can give you details on the transport/lodging we used.)</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Highlights included: The dreamy blue city of Chefchaouen, swooning at every indigo pained door and watching the sunset from an old mosque. Visiting the old Roman outpost and getting candy (and heat exhaustion) in Moulay Idriss. Our customary flat tire in the grand taxi ride on the way there. Spending a couple nights in our house and getting whisked away by people anxious to meet the parents. Spending the day eating, eating, eating and cooking bread in a mud oven. Convincing people that they legitimately could not change their plans to stay a month here with them. Meeting our first host family in Fes. Learning the complexities of the sandal/shoes rules. Making couscous and giving gifts. Mad bargaining in the Fes medina. Brad getting sick. Swimming pool in the Sahara! Riding on camels and spending the night in the desert. Zach getting sick. Gorgeous Ait benHaddou and a newly friended rug artisan. Traveling through the Tichka Pass and checking off one of the 500 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Drives-Lifetime-Worlds-Spectacular-Trips/dp/1426206771">drives of a lifetime</a> with rest stops to eat cactus fruit. A very cute hotel in Marrakech and entertainment at the Jemaa el Fna. Finishing with an always sad airport goodbye. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
That is only the bare bones, but I could fill pages. Whether it was fearing for their lives in a crazy grand taxi, sitting patiently not understanding a word at the bargaining or dinner table, trying snails, navigating cheek kissing, eating until their stomachs hurt, etc. etc. they saw a part of Morocco and our lives here that most people don't get to see. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I don't even take my camera out of the bag when Brad comes. He is the official photo documenter. All of the photos below are his, and the rest can be found at <a href="https://www.adoberevel.com/shares/daeaa0e1672443129effc76dcbf4d4f0/albums/07b29d635b8e473a8b2c1e8c6fb56a10">this link</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-aqkszUfOLXkbi0seAQW0JBWMvTPLiHzW-gPAxv_4XGZagw49YwODDdkjh1g-rg-v2CUBZ-QuPZ5xw6MlfsLTb2csvzbiJxHMHBCKwUUR_LhhSdYcOCt45F4WEvV6LB1ojfQnPXYjH2n/s1600/photo_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-aqkszUfOLXkbi0seAQW0JBWMvTPLiHzW-gPAxv_4XGZagw49YwODDdkjh1g-rg-v2CUBZ-QuPZ5xw6MlfsLTb2csvzbiJxHMHBCKwUUR_LhhSdYcOCt45F4WEvV6LB1ojfQnPXYjH2n/s400/photo_14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVExYsl4LiCsvFVpZi8xMM5Fvs3teKahYHOr_XndM-le80yBZrOI06Km7fNqzsk5c8ROXRJh2R9PFuZnkhti9oD0F0fQJfktDgO5DYQyWPKOy7i0B-mGOXYe8RbO42_YOwr9PNu3d2-Vgn/s1600/photo_48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVExYsl4LiCsvFVpZi8xMM5Fvs3teKahYHOr_XndM-le80yBZrOI06Km7fNqzsk5c8ROXRJh2R9PFuZnkhti9oD0F0fQJfktDgO5DYQyWPKOy7i0B-mGOXYe8RbO42_YOwr9PNu3d2-Vgn/s400/photo_48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CJftCIpiSH_GTdP5KRs2nkcIoFUB_yjMKlYsDRTWQMNtMCj3rmwtwxpL4mSpWOZVn956R0DhJaWkWO9Ro5cBdSDe1wxQctfox_ouhbEh_VoilXQ4sLJSuhQbL5wgze_xBm4BLPo93wxN/s1600/photo_122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CJftCIpiSH_GTdP5KRs2nkcIoFUB_yjMKlYsDRTWQMNtMCj3rmwtwxpL4mSpWOZVn956R0DhJaWkWO9Ro5cBdSDe1wxQctfox_ouhbEh_VoilXQ4sLJSuhQbL5wgze_xBm4BLPo93wxN/s400/photo_122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJUH8vhY11Bzxw2YpwQq91Nx0hBEtRh19sX2yr6XBo_V4tDGcsO22XKXDiFCcXC2I9q3MJJ9IjQxNzEfKzetGlVKDqpbHTgWaOQTDWF638kw4xOpJyXhMwrcW2kbZrTinuymuI0qw-dct/s1600/photo_158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJUH8vhY11Bzxw2YpwQq91Nx0hBEtRh19sX2yr6XBo_V4tDGcsO22XKXDiFCcXC2I9q3MJJ9IjQxNzEfKzetGlVKDqpbHTgWaOQTDWF638kw4xOpJyXhMwrcW2kbZrTinuymuI0qw-dct/s400/photo_158.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqjrnhosjZsmiApL9h0LxoS5VP6zGjWyVvvixsD9M8bqhBGBddJK3Wx6k0Q4hn5-rFFh9XBQTV6RSMOnQpFSRzR01rBhtrXvUG5S-yn2dFFtf_KMNoV6jVlPU_0ki0aU0Ja5hFWCvfuS2/s1600/photo_189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqjrnhosjZsmiApL9h0LxoS5VP6zGjWyVvvixsD9M8bqhBGBddJK3Wx6k0Q4hn5-rFFh9XBQTV6RSMOnQpFSRzR01rBhtrXvUG5S-yn2dFFtf_KMNoV6jVlPU_0ki0aU0Ja5hFWCvfuS2/s400/photo_189.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYE2UsZOP7ZGbGecPeWH1-tWT4O8RAyUxXbDVk1s_P3CrOisfeBzkj4Ha1FXxQqIBf5WtVX6MerHfH1WopyR_VJ2QFCiggncnlEgLjfUDpWv4oxvH73yOyofjlTTvWPUcg8Kf-zrhj8lev/s1600/photo_261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYE2UsZOP7ZGbGecPeWH1-tWT4O8RAyUxXbDVk1s_P3CrOisfeBzkj4Ha1FXxQqIBf5WtVX6MerHfH1WopyR_VJ2QFCiggncnlEgLjfUDpWv4oxvH73yOyofjlTTvWPUcg8Kf-zrhj8lev/s400/photo_261.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEA4gdo47lDhSEvXs_EV-N0dp2Sj1xGi1Um9I7q0csIuY_5cjyi9v3imjHP4fULZs2eKDwua9xMBAiUJtQ6YLJPpMBEGWhCvFwYErfzA25zyHg4_IQPwzHfrY3p5ruBZls3JTcoEKfwp7/s1600/photo_283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEA4gdo47lDhSEvXs_EV-N0dp2Sj1xGi1Um9I7q0csIuY_5cjyi9v3imjHP4fULZs2eKDwua9xMBAiUJtQ6YLJPpMBEGWhCvFwYErfzA25zyHg4_IQPwzHfrY3p5ruBZls3JTcoEKfwp7/s400/photo_283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sXNssEmaXPVD5f2RxNjvWYTlESvrQ1ImYW4Fxxla3s5VUWzAC9oLAuIwmqX6jb7467m6Y47qzMUUdVqJPETp6SVc5PcjzMpXjpDObZHH1Kuq448aUestAuPYtMv6Oqnzq-zXZ-LhlIsH/s1600/photo_322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sXNssEmaXPVD5f2RxNjvWYTlESvrQ1ImYW4Fxxla3s5VUWzAC9oLAuIwmqX6jb7467m6Y47qzMUUdVqJPETp6SVc5PcjzMpXjpDObZHH1Kuq448aUestAuPYtMv6Oqnzq-zXZ-LhlIsH/s400/photo_322.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jhDyY-sOd-gsdN51yzhZdJzR3SOQ5GMw2dGt_RMKWv_rItDrmxuEb8KpppYYFO6ZoqsLYgGcn0tUJaiN4ltXKDF9BT_ffnubKYkgpLUshiGmd8obRbguJEQb2Zhk5B3bRG7QVjy832XO/s1600/photo_325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jhDyY-sOd-gsdN51yzhZdJzR3SOQ5GMw2dGt_RMKWv_rItDrmxuEb8KpppYYFO6ZoqsLYgGcn0tUJaiN4ltXKDF9BT_ffnubKYkgpLUshiGmd8obRbguJEQb2Zhk5B3bRG7QVjy832XO/s400/photo_325.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb4j3TzlxhXo0Y64SHxsYi5N6OOEz7B2IGKTQ3zPlPRqppBkzu2XrfsLkqwZmp5T2wZ2iytlB2QX_YQcVicri-niE3nYgPK1aM4YWW6k8vRYaMsUziZkG4OyBNN3pkRsBukpH1-Ko6sof/s1600/photo_328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb4j3TzlxhXo0Y64SHxsYi5N6OOEz7B2IGKTQ3zPlPRqppBkzu2XrfsLkqwZmp5T2wZ2iytlB2QX_YQcVicri-niE3nYgPK1aM4YWW6k8vRYaMsUziZkG4OyBNN3pkRsBukpH1-Ko6sof/s400/photo_328.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIDdaXAx7yqZUQQOpRjiogL2234A8fSbGyCd04gYM2EltYrsBkn7NQLeBND9IPWnelnxnGJj7pOG7KQLL6VkgysWSHXkTrfWgWkKXz4neKonza6v11w5NkTlPpUV19OUG1UN7d4toGsKV/s1600/photo_329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIDdaXAx7yqZUQQOpRjiogL2234A8fSbGyCd04gYM2EltYrsBkn7NQLeBND9IPWnelnxnGJj7pOG7KQLL6VkgysWSHXkTrfWgWkKXz4neKonza6v11w5NkTlPpUV19OUG1UN7d4toGsKV/s400/photo_329.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7weKe7Xn9CfgEVcIB7qgApB9DeK4syaRRxVMYbSLKyL-l252BZLFmF8X_fZhXB-2ag3NEUOmH33tCyJX04Duc9DtCP7CGuVGwyvVwRwj-gmF7zs35Hv60tkDYWFc9Ir75_y2rDQ9h-ce/s1600/photo_353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7weKe7Xn9CfgEVcIB7qgApB9DeK4syaRRxVMYbSLKyL-l252BZLFmF8X_fZhXB-2ag3NEUOmH33tCyJX04Duc9DtCP7CGuVGwyvVwRwj-gmF7zs35Hv60tkDYWFc9Ir75_y2rDQ9h-ce/s400/photo_353.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbORG8Eg7XnB6GqIwy9jYiuAFAI2lDWDX6jlVAlRBBA_dxkteIaPClBs1q5m5-8pD2s7CcpYxFf4QV-RsBdm9ToK07n8dBtTRC3a_FpD3POm1nWPo2iQcbx_7olN47n8hNRn5YXOipJ4tk/s1600/photo_355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbORG8Eg7XnB6GqIwy9jYiuAFAI2lDWDX6jlVAlRBBA_dxkteIaPClBs1q5m5-8pD2s7CcpYxFf4QV-RsBdm9ToK07n8dBtTRC3a_FpD3POm1nWPo2iQcbx_7olN47n8hNRn5YXOipJ4tk/s400/photo_355.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYz5ddJJ45J-HgdvXWMRX5sJaKRMSbddgNxgaQORCaknd_YkM0rtZjvqegQ9AW3C2rnTY4JZ7dVV5UdJ4Y9-9ipehj-oRpcsUtWnEOaWG0c0epeXyaa2FQ6ZwfUhAL7jRqALgo6k63eqU/s1600/photo_515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYz5ddJJ45J-HgdvXWMRX5sJaKRMSbddgNxgaQORCaknd_YkM0rtZjvqegQ9AW3C2rnTY4JZ7dVV5UdJ4Y9-9ipehj-oRpcsUtWnEOaWG0c0epeXyaa2FQ6ZwfUhAL7jRqALgo6k63eqU/s400/photo_515.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCxeUoDxMvwuzTpEnuSFbxLZZ4eawyydZGSTpiC_vPunZfWHKa56RfN73TopTtY09Z2LqakCqBx79KaokIy6-soJo_9FTeDSk7GXJKngkjpl8lytyoU2cKJReMisGXFpsNkjPkw0O560g/s1600/photo_551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCxeUoDxMvwuzTpEnuSFbxLZZ4eawyydZGSTpiC_vPunZfWHKa56RfN73TopTtY09Z2LqakCqBx79KaokIy6-soJo_9FTeDSk7GXJKngkjpl8lytyoU2cKJReMisGXFpsNkjPkw0O560g/s400/photo_551.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-22892952440223683192013-08-08T23:22:00.003-07:002013-08-09T08:45:41.006-07:00Ramadan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are few efforts in my life that have precise beginnings and endings. Even fewer are those determined by the moon. Today is the final day of Ramadan, the month of fasting Zach and I have just experienced with our friends here in Morocco and believers around the world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">Ramadan is the most sacred month in the Islamic Lunar calendar. It commemorates the Muhammad receiving revelations recorded in the Quran. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Chapter 2, Revelation 185 of the Quran states:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.</span><sup style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1em;">[<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quran" style="background-image: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Quran">Quran</a> <a class="external text" href="http://www.usc.edu/org/cmje/religious-texts/quran/verses/002-qmt.php#002.185" rel="nofollow" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #663366; padding-right: 13px; text-decoration: none;">2:185</a>]</sup></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, </span>Islamic holidays <span style="line-height: 18px;">move each year according to the gregorian calendar. All muslims over the age of puberty</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, except those who are ill, traveling, pregnant, </span>breastfeeding<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">, </span>diabetic <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">or going through </span>menstrual bleeding are expected to fast as one of the five pillars of Islam<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">.</span> Fasting includes abstaining from food, water, sex, smoking, and other less visible desires or behaviors from dawn until sunset, 16 hours this year in Morocco. <span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">It is another story when the sun goes down and fasting turns to feasting as you can see in my </span><a href="http://zachsjules.blogspot.com/2013/08/foods-of-ramadan.html" style="line-height: 19.1875px;">foods of Ramadan</a><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> post. </span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Unlike everyone we interact with here and 23% of the worlds population, it was our first time fasting for Ramadan. Our own religious tradition encourages fasting, something we generally do at least one day a month. </span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">This is something we've had experience with since we were children, but Ramadan was a different story entirely. </span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Day 1-2: Over 120 degrees. Checking the clock every half hour to see if I can have a drink of water yet. Headaches. Dizzy. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Day 3-15: When fasting monthly, if my day wasn't deliberate, mindful, or prayerful accompanying the fast, I would say oh well, I'll try again next month. During Ramadan, if I wasn't mindful or fell short on goals I'd set, I could say, "I'll try again tomorrow...and tomorrow, and tomorrow." There was something uplifting about the daily struggle. For someone that struggles with personal commitment, it was a</span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> new and powerful experience to feel physically weak but otherwise in-control.</span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> Also, staying up all night watching movies and sleeping in every day felt like a fun sleepover with my BF every day. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Day 16-20: Ok. Since when is a month this long? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Day 21-30: Adapted. It became habit. The easier it was to not eat or drink, the easier it became to lose other motivations, gratitude, patience. It is funny how that works. </span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">One benefit of having this experience in a Muslim country is the world around us conforming to the challenge. No one eats in public, likely having something to do with it being illegal. Work, shops, government buildings open late and close early. Your expected to wake up at noon and go to sleep at at dawn. Our youth center was open from 10pm-midnight. Friends, neighbors, and strangers invited us almost daily to break fast with them. It was important to them that we were fasting. Eyes lit up; jumping and hugging happened; people called to check on us; women yelled out their windows to tell their neighbors. We wouldn't have had the same experience back in America, and I have a new respect for those in America silently slipping out of the cafeteria at lunch hour or carrying a date to break their fast on the go. </span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Despite steady encouragement otherwise, we are non-muslims and are aware of our ability to take these religious practices on and off. We are aware of</span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><a href="http://www.good.is/posts/why-my-ramadan-fast-is-a-reminder-to-not-be-an-asshole?utm_medium=tdg&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=limage&utm_content=Why+My+Ramadan+Fast+Is+a+Reminder+to+Not+Be+an+Asshole" style="line-height: 19.1875px;">the hope they give many</a><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">and the</span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><a href="http://aveilandadarkplace.com/2013/07/01/what-it-is-like-to-be-a-muslim-woman-and-why-we-know-what-freedom-is/" style="line-height: 19.1875px;">pain and despair they give others</a><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">living in a world where, literally,</span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><a href="http://aveilandadarkplace.com/2013/07/22/why-i-miss-ramadan/" style="line-height: 19.1875px;">"everyone is doing it."</a> This being said, these were our reasons for participating: <span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">We fasted because we now live, work, and associate almost exclusively with muslims in a country where these beliefs permeate every aspect of their, and our, lives. We fasted because we want to learn and to understand that force. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">We wanted to feel empathy for those in the world that don't get to call their hunger fasting, that don't have a feast to meet them at sunset. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">We fasted because our new friends have become dear to us, and because we want to be </span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">with</i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"> them, whether that is collaborating on a project or the hunger pangs before the sunset. But most of all, w</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;">e fasted because we enjoy fasting, and we wanted to access spirituality in a new way to draw nearer to the Divine.</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In these aims and more, we got what we put in, well, didn't put in. The month of Ramadan was an experience unlike any we've had before, and we can only reflect on it with the fondness that comes with a shared experience bringing people together and inspiring us to be kinder. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoVcAL2CjDhOEWN76A5dklOO85jQoQIk4yT0AnyR91vo4NpE8DUmOznBPTBU4sHFdSFx3n4Lr0NnldY_xA8L3QecJf4eJEB6e-7e9F62bpzAhggOAKpsrqmkche-l248ekagtWbyN0CsY/s1600/7e5404f9d4e9261bf8b5b95dce1f6170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoVcAL2CjDhOEWN76A5dklOO85jQoQIk4yT0AnyR91vo4NpE8DUmOznBPTBU4sHFdSFx3n4Lr0NnldY_xA8L3QecJf4eJEB6e-7e9F62bpzAhggOAKpsrqmkche-l248ekagtWbyN0CsY/s400/7e5404f9d4e9261bf8b5b95dce1f6170.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funny, but it is the opposite in a lot of cases. Turns out binge eating at night doesn't aid weight loss. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmCYXmWrvxaVTYiEFrtlLsngKMKZdscupY2Uaegl0HPZzbTU5UPPIJjt26wJPvlH45GCBIkvRsSVXYC8LpBpOLbWD0qMjXVqIbR-FV0yrWvQQswF4g4pkPD3kvvoL23JV_39do-wau_hC/s1600/625655a6e5c7581b4de892f541da93cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmCYXmWrvxaVTYiEFrtlLsngKMKZdscupY2Uaegl0HPZzbTU5UPPIJjt26wJPvlH45GCBIkvRsSVXYC8LpBpOLbWD0qMjXVqIbR-FV0yrWvQQswF4g4pkPD3kvvoL23JV_39do-wau_hC/s400/625655a6e5c7581b4de892f541da93cb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3G-t72JjRf0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-12672366374334259422013-08-05T16:52:00.001-07:002013-08-05T17:03:20.450-07:00Foods of Ramadan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When the grumblings of hunger have subsided leaving only the sticky dry swallowing of thirst, you have almost made it to breakfast. We gather around the table in a quiet, calm solidarity. There isn't a lot to discuss. Food and water is on your mind, and food and water is what you'd rather not talk about. 7:00 P.M. comes, and it is time to set the table. Plates and plates of uniform dishes fill every inch of space. We have eaten the same food every day for the month, and it makes them no less mouth watering. 7:25, Glasses are filled with juices, milk, and water. My mind is clear; my voice is soft; my reactions are slow. I feel weak, but also strong, in control, grateful. 7:40, the call to prayer echoes through the town, each mosque playing their part, uniform but separate, calling the same words, Allah Akbar, God is greatest, but with timing, inflections, voices as individual as a fingerprint. The hum of converging loudspeakers bounces off buildings, glides through streets, bursts through windows and crawls into our ears. The sun has set. Eat.<br />
<br />
Slowly, we take a date and a glass of milk. We peel our dates carefully and chew fully. We sip deliberately. The sun has set. Eat. My reactions haven't yet met the speed of the food piling up in front of me. The slow return to food leaves me with the momentary feeling of antigravity as the plane pushes you back into your seat before accelerating off the runway. The sun has set. EAT.<br />
<br />
Pass the harira. Pass the juice. Pass the sefouf. These are the foods of Ramadan in our corner of Morocco. Recipes included for you to try at home. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/soupsandappetizers/r/harira_recipe.htm%C2%A0"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ltz5g3GZMk1qfkrdx.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/soupsandappetizers/r/harira_recipe.htm%C2%A0">http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/soupsandappetizers/r/harira_recipe.htm </a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The main dish, most crucial, is Harira. It is a Moroccan Tomato, Lentil and Chickpea soup, with other variations throughout the Middle East. This hearty soup hits the spot every time. The recipe above calls for meat, but we have most commonly had it without. It is also usually cooked in a pressure cooker, as the recipe suggests, but can be done in a soup pot.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_442986963"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZFWoSCWHMjcA1N0gi2S4uco1yi2_ofkWfTVkDG14GPiFuQPnD6lwHWwra6wiEP4ObRB6uDnvgHJOz6Km0TDTKr1JJVW4eCsJjYNVE54ne8csM5_a2bYfRF88tOzL6JiBm5TzPqtqs0g/s320/selou.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/dessertsandcookies/r/Sellou_recipe.htm">http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/dessertsandcookies/r/Sellou_recipe.htm</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This recipe is one I would not blame you for not trying at home. Women in our community began months in advance preparing the Sfouf for Ramadan. Buckets and buckets were made to store and draw from each day. This is a pack of energy, a powder of ground sesame seeds, almonds, peanuts, flower, butter, and sugar that is eaten with a spoon. The first few times we tried it, we didn't like it. The texture is interesting, like eating a spoonful of.. of.. something dry and powdery. However, it certainly grows on you. We now can't get enough of it. A family gave us a very large tupperware of sfouf from their storage, and we joked we wouldn't be able to finish it within the year, let alone Ramadan. It was gone in 4 days. A cup of tea and a plate of this turns out to be a perfect midnight snack.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_442986942"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.muslimblog.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/ramadan2-2013.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/dessertsandcookies/r/Chebakia.htm">http://moroccanfood.about.com/od/dessertsandcookies/r/Chebakia.htm</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Chebakia, a fried cookie dipped in honey and coated with sesame seeds. A week before Ramadan, we began smelling honey in the air as every household and bakery began making this essential treat. At extreme risk for admitting it, we actually don't love Chebakia. It is a bit too sweet for both of us, but a lot of people love it. Who knows, maybe it will grow on us too when we develop the sugar tolerance of a true Moroccan. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRle7QRhwx0qw7Hu7Ira3crLQFeKPQd68jtLUXMKDt6O5iB3hM99A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRle7QRhwx0qw7Hu7Ira3crLQFeKPQd68jtLUXMKDt6O5iB3hM99A" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Moroccans bust out the blender for Ramadan. Our breakfasts have had at least 2 types of homemade juice or smoothie each night. Generally, there has been too much sugar added for me to enjoy them fully, but there is one I'll definitely be making again. Avocado, Banana, and Walnut Smoothie. It is amazing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGx4YR1elZD-9sFzyVOJ8b-aiugUc0ouIJo3a-gsg3slumwAk0eMIz7uf_XBwMRWYM7RPGTTe4w49o18iknfm2_MwqjzGlDKmY-HBDbesABkoypX_6TQpNRLw3kIQSjf9uqk8ntsecWQQ/s1600/IMG_0774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGx4YR1elZD-9sFzyVOJ8b-aiugUc0ouIJo3a-gsg3slumwAk0eMIz7uf_XBwMRWYM7RPGTTe4w49o18iknfm2_MwqjzGlDKmY-HBDbesABkoypX_6TQpNRLw3kIQSjf9uqk8ntsecWQQ/s400/IMG_0774.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBrz1m-7Ijy-v0Ugk141wDILlSZTQcBOsDPTMOhJ4QBq09Ua70QSTn_D729X1A75WKg70BWDIFHM7svl4RVvzUHsvxXWiF55Wm3eS-ashmbj2INcTjm2PFfQcNuY0VGjp_r-p6ZQcZx6z/s1600/IMG_0776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBrz1m-7Ijy-v0Ugk141wDILlSZTQcBOsDPTMOhJ4QBq09Ua70QSTn_D729X1A75WKg70BWDIFHM7svl4RVvzUHsvxXWiF55Wm3eS-ashmbj2INcTjm2PFfQcNuY0VGjp_r-p6ZQcZx6z/s400/IMG_0776.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfPPFa_JfHln4w0F6WMT5BPs_Jf5s8JOUaTU3Cdhulpp_Hot89QHW45ftTW4rwyl5xLJAXQHAectv7SXDraj5k_4VNSZvw12USm3Ea_NnP44qEJEDzDQHJV3dG7JWcD2Q0MDDPMmUQCpd/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfPPFa_JfHln4w0F6WMT5BPs_Jf5s8JOUaTU3Cdhulpp_Hot89QHW45ftTW4rwyl5xLJAXQHAectv7SXDraj5k_4VNSZvw12USm3Ea_NnP44qEJEDzDQHJV3dG7JWcD2Q0MDDPMmUQCpd/s400/IMG_0777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-alEVSgGitShX8ecpAUMNeU2iLN8-38FfUs3OVXdneeTIk3qzzLEjYJMbk1mUinJknm4Bq6-ox-rHOi-wy88Xe1YD6SAwju2XWgqz9twmRwe237qwK3XObdRiRCY6KcjNiA5Hj03osnO5/s1600/IMG_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-alEVSgGitShX8ecpAUMNeU2iLN8-38FfUs3OVXdneeTIk3qzzLEjYJMbk1mUinJknm4Bq6-ox-rHOi-wy88Xe1YD6SAwju2XWgqz9twmRwe237qwK3XObdRiRCY6KcjNiA5Hj03osnO5/s400/IMG_0798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsEZVl0fHXtsXKletdKoVdqjQkAwh9L31Olonkxin5bSDDEZqXJFFAjfGRdUXoclp7frGUB_16u8p4l6GPYh2p9wDclUpZW97NxSgYxui8jp1pF-vvAZP_Nnotm_jMVDNRV2795I2uDWS/s1600/IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsEZVl0fHXtsXKletdKoVdqjQkAwh9L31Olonkxin5bSDDEZqXJFFAjfGRdUXoclp7frGUB_16u8p4l6GPYh2p9wDclUpZW97NxSgYxui8jp1pF-vvAZP_Nnotm_jMVDNRV2795I2uDWS/s400/IMG_0813.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chebakia sellers = beehives</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3YgrCsTw9xpXUqZ5u_AsefpDS-SPlLs1X2jYUgaKbYgLMhjpUJAigiDL6BHzFWr6OpH_WgBYJXnEAE0sKEFXVkfleOuHrHSUmHO19Y7hegZhZV5sFw90hODADDwl4l36CBP8g-u2mDJt/s1600/IMG_0866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3YgrCsTw9xpXUqZ5u_AsefpDS-SPlLs1X2jYUgaKbYgLMhjpUJAigiDL6BHzFWr6OpH_WgBYJXnEAE0sKEFXVkfleOuHrHSUmHO19Y7hegZhZV5sFw90hODADDwl4l36CBP8g-u2mDJt/s400/IMG_0866.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking ( Frying) Chebakia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_9JAF0bKPD0VE48rH85qFQcOm-eGam2VMy-vaX5oOyPXpR20MqPY4YmB3R1Gae_6-AVMjWQoaEtWxCQ1vrxI-CqM_fwgQRRmN42ik-393rUclld2jzfwZ6_3Qbp3iOfwmhP8C9mQL5ns/s1600/IMG_0917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_9JAF0bKPD0VE48rH85qFQcOm-eGam2VMy-vaX5oOyPXpR20MqPY4YmB3R1Gae_6-AVMjWQoaEtWxCQ1vrxI-CqM_fwgQRRmN42ik-393rUclld2jzfwZ6_3Qbp3iOfwmhP8C9mQL5ns/s400/IMG_0917.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We have been blessed by and grateful for families in our community that have shared this special part of their lives with us. In the entire month, we have only eaten at our own house a handful of times, being the recipients of a humbling amount of hospitality. Above are photos of some of the Ramadan tables we've sat down to. While other dishes and staples like bread, fried fish, fruits, cakes, etc. depend on the family, here in our town, Ramadan wouldn't be Ramadan without these 4, actually 5, things. The 5th, is that these are all eaten after a long day with family and friends gathered around the table in a collective local and global experience that is remarkable to be a part of. The sun has set. Eat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-90668903449896879982013-07-28T15:31:00.000-07:002014-01-09T15:33:31.945-08:00Get Injured Day <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div>
After working on a weeklong project in April <a href="http://zachsjules.blogspot.com/2013/04/moroccan-skateboarding-caravan.html">where I traveled to six different cities</a> with a crew of Moroccan skateboarders, I had developed a network of friends in country who stayed connected with me through Facebook. In early June I got an invite online from a friend for the county's "Go Skateboarding Day" activity later that month. Every year, on June 21st, skateboarders worldwide take to the streets to celebrate <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_Skateboarding_Day">Go Skateboarding Day </a>. I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to connect with my friends again, meet new Moroccan skateboarders, and purchase the board I had my eyes on from the only Moroccan deck company, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/atlasskateboardco">Atlas Skateboards </a>. Atlas Skateboards, AMS and Tamara, along with DC Maroc and other associations sponsored the day long event in the country's capital, Rabat. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The morning of the 21st I took the train from Sidi Slimane (yes, its amazing, we live on the train line from Fes to Rabat) headed to Rabat. When the train stopped in Kenitra I spotted a few of my buddies on the platform that I knew from before and we rode the rest of the way together. From the Rabatville station we skated/skipped (I still didn't have my board) and rode the bus to a place called Hay Riad, or what all the locals call "White Spot", which is pretty much the Moroccan equivalent of Love Park back in the States. It sits at the feet of the massive Maroc Telecom tower and complex, which would have you think it would be crawling with security guards, but the only one I saw walked up to watch our best trick competition and let us be. When we arrived, there were already 25 or so skateboarders, by the time things really got going, we had about 100 skateboarders from around Morocco gathered for the festivities, which consisted of games of SKATE, best trick competitions, plenty of filming and photos, and just skating for fun. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I spent the first part of the morning longingly watching others skate, catching up with friends, and making some new ones. I met up with Romain, the founder and owner of Atlas, who brought the board I ordered. However, my connection for trucks and wheels fell through, and although there are some great skateshops in Morocco, the only places that might have had the goods I needed were some surf shops in the old medina on the other side of town; and that wasn't a sure deal either. So, there I was, in a sea of skaters, without a board to ride. Luckily, my friend Amine lent me his board while he filmed a bit. I enjoyed the ledges and drops that "White Spot" had to offer, but most of my skating was shaking the dust off from not being on a board in two months. After about two hours of skating and competition we left for our next spot. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The great part about Go Skateboarding Day is that getting there is literally half the fun. I will never forget the scene of 100 skateboarders barreling down the streets of Rabat in search of their next conquest. I didn't know the name of the next spot and for convenience will call it the Call Center Set. When we pulled up in the car the crowd was in full formation including the workers from the cell center who we amazed at the swarm of skaters. I watched at first, taking photos, but after a while couldn't control myself and snagged a board and ran up the steps. I attempted a frontside flip three times. Each try ended in a hubbub of Moroccan Youth cheering for more. I landed on the board the second try, but didn't roll away and fell. By this time, someone from the call center was trying desperately to clear the walkway to his establishment. He didn't want me or others to run back up the stairs, but I apologized and said the famous last words every skater knows "Just one last time". With that, I attempted the trick for the third and final time. I can't exactly remember my foot placement as I caught the board in the air, but when I landed something shifted and I locked my leg and instantly felt and heard a "POP". I rolled/hopped out of the way and stayed crouched for about a minute until I was able to get up. It was painful, but I think my endorphins kicked in and helped ease the pain. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I ended up traveling to the other four spots that were on the agenda and just watched. I called the Peace Corps medical team and reported the injury. It was a Friday afternoon, so I would have to wait until Monday to get an X-ray. I would later get an MRI and find out the following week that I had in fact torn my ACL. An unexpected benefit of tearing my ACL that day was the fact that I made a bunch of friends, more than I expected, and different that I expected. Everyone at some point during the day came over to see how I was and tell me they hope God would help me. "Allah Shefek" is what we say to someone who is sick or injured.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
After we had been to every stop we planned, Romain drove me to the train station to head back home. I spent the next hour and a half in a baggage compartment watching the sunset on that day and on my hopes of skating anymore that summer. Incidentally, I was actually able to use the deck I bought that day; it turned out to be a decent crutch. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9MfspdVykBXDyT3CyAoebS4k55akLDvLoXxLlI2lumbmBoJ4_kDaoU2Uu0ZWVk0GjyEpAKEo8z0NGjggf0yQ8q4vf-ip-fRXtXHsNtZFMvTL5VMiQtMuqNZlauFBuKaASvUMJshEd8Lv/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9MfspdVykBXDyT3CyAoebS4k55akLDvLoXxLlI2lumbmBoJ4_kDaoU2Uu0ZWVk0GjyEpAKEo8z0NGjggf0yQ8q4vf-ip-fRXtXHsNtZFMvTL5VMiQtMuqNZlauFBuKaASvUMJshEd8Lv/s1600/IMG_0338.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuOkG1RHhp8rtTXH3HZ0o1raIi40yIjYOFzf5xt66C0LLtWeSYC8MjKgQNb543BEpTw8BAfjD33YWAPB7sRvIqtPPr-gwfim-fYEBcNOmGxbUcdvkQ2IRipowF0FjSg7hTHOGuobilblw/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuOkG1RHhp8rtTXH3HZ0o1raIi40yIjYOFzf5xt66C0LLtWeSYC8MjKgQNb543BEpTw8BAfjD33YWAPB7sRvIqtPPr-gwfim-fYEBcNOmGxbUcdvkQ2IRipowF0FjSg7hTHOGuobilblw/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVSunD2gwUgvSL_NQqoUiov5PwB_rEnNhvfq8Y3rnZ6RDbY7U5TBBYPviarx8b_ELK3QLGHsoeAq-Ep9I8X3XqYK4TxiDiJ_JEB1UnXBKVt3TwXrC4FbxezT8UWpHIA8Na_Rt3xFxMVL1/s1600/IMG_0406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVSunD2gwUgvSL_NQqoUiov5PwB_rEnNhvfq8Y3rnZ6RDbY7U5TBBYPviarx8b_ELK3QLGHsoeAq-Ep9I8X3XqYK4TxiDiJ_JEB1UnXBKVt3TwXrC4FbxezT8UWpHIA8Na_Rt3xFxMVL1/s1600/IMG_0406.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUa8ZeAskhXMiVieDIbpounqqVn1YC8Bd4ZZ8566GZi2bHwSdiGAzu20JMoGquUdzIaY8LfPaQb4sOqnoycZIwGLtWDll2r2JsegniM1lZWXrZvVkkT03lKONvZ63GU2ka4cUDYSKjblM/s1600/IMG_0432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUa8ZeAskhXMiVieDIbpounqqVn1YC8Bd4ZZ8566GZi2bHwSdiGAzu20JMoGquUdzIaY8LfPaQb4sOqnoycZIwGLtWDll2r2JsegniM1lZWXrZvVkkT03lKONvZ63GU2ka4cUDYSKjblM/s1600/IMG_0432.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZqm9Nm3DugS0gCqK7bAHus9M_ES2zX3OPl0fIuaEENpT2aJ0kGucrmnucWHHbon8z8DiFy0QH5Y-wuU8Xm-ES9EE_ZF_MHTyLGVNP-e4KFMq0T-yPfsX_xoUkUHAgB2cbVSz2oZUG9sr/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZqm9Nm3DugS0gCqK7bAHus9M_ES2zX3OPl0fIuaEENpT2aJ0kGucrmnucWHHbon8z8DiFy0QH5Y-wuU8Xm-ES9EE_ZF_MHTyLGVNP-e4KFMq0T-yPfsX_xoUkUHAgB2cbVSz2oZUG9sr/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-900797195828244582.post-45199936380793759812013-07-20T23:23:00.000-07:002013-10-05T23:31:34.741-07:00New House<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since I never posted photos of our old house, it may not interest you to know we moved into a new one. Nevertheless, this is where we live now, and we like it a lot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is another room and a big skylight not pictured. We have a private entrance and are on the bottom floor. There is one more floor above us where our landlords live + a roof. Rent is about $150 a month. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Inshallah we'll make it a bit homier, because we're setting up camp for a couple more years. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriNR3U7Sf6-Jh4u8rqm90YxtYM8gi_2k0Ct4Ygaz5bjOEEQt2dOTx93_S0cDNx5HdqViExp2nGmypDHetvQtRNvISFtxH4uP_rOQKVrYDn0raUyeXnHoZMFsn79R9RJNCPHTz-Xzr4-oY/s1600/photo_199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriNR3U7Sf6-Jh4u8rqm90YxtYM8gi_2k0Ct4Ygaz5bjOEEQt2dOTx93_S0cDNx5HdqViExp2nGmypDHetvQtRNvISFtxH4uP_rOQKVrYDn0raUyeXnHoZMFsn79R9RJNCPHTz-Xzr4-oY/s400/photo_199.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanity and Laundry station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfMRzYTo4F3IbBkU-N-JzXQm-g9jbAOAQvCPdm2gUXFYo-21U4h2cpaOIYrHvQOEXrnbfMGsf5hcx_FCIBSSZzKF6sxT92WDXXLhOYvuWFIrKZTmjLbkCIAUXAAUAwlZbyT5MUKKB3oBo/s1600/photo_195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfMRzYTo4F3IbBkU-N-JzXQm-g9jbAOAQvCPdm2gUXFYo-21U4h2cpaOIYrHvQOEXrnbfMGsf5hcx_FCIBSSZzKF6sxT92WDXXLhOYvuWFIrKZTmjLbkCIAUXAAUAwlZbyT5MUKKB3oBo/s400/photo_195.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Our faithful Turkish toilet </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPmIPdhEF24SMfMSzduRzWVxlOBaOQDTscruM3ifkWssnayl3aYQFKid5BlJOlTlHth-wEGvE7ZARu4mXuF0M8k_jk9qza7Neqe8QB4ocwiIWs9OcL7_eujSfSleVftIXTpEfW2bwX0dQ/s1600/photo_200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPmIPdhEF24SMfMSzduRzWVxlOBaOQDTscruM3ifkWssnayl3aYQFKid5BlJOlTlHth-wEGvE7ZARu4mXuF0M8k_jk9qza7Neqe8QB4ocwiIWs9OcL7_eujSfSleVftIXTpEfW2bwX0dQ/s400/photo_200.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Bedroom </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8o7EpP6LPC9OsqJdjWHdZ_dRWLlbAMC0zOmMKbQ4HnBjQFzH5DI-Mx8xfW0_tW_5EpjCX3YQE7rzFKcHGy49l5sUGOhT26tZzN5Er289KFn4_nKSXt_Wo6dovjsldxf1heOEK1LpW42P/s1600/photo_196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8o7EpP6LPC9OsqJdjWHdZ_dRWLlbAMC0zOmMKbQ4HnBjQFzH5DI-Mx8xfW0_tW_5EpjCX3YQE7rzFKcHGy49l5sUGOhT26tZzN5Er289KFn4_nKSXt_Wo6dovjsldxf1heOEK1LpW42P/s400/photo_196.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Main Room with window to bedroom </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYq686wH2Qg_x3Mt8253RseBmpZeqGM9FlvFBtnCZx6mtYL1rqRR3pubNF8_EiZelRiYMrO3T1ovSawRzNWj56YEIBFDuTUsfi3BWNnngz6vfKB7yeqLLzdSWJdD5zaqMYKWV1XEbNIECK/s1600/photo_197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYq686wH2Qg_x3Mt8253RseBmpZeqGM9FlvFBtnCZx6mtYL1rqRR3pubNF8_EiZelRiYMrO3T1ovSawRzNWj56YEIBFDuTUsfi3BWNnngz6vfKB7yeqLLzdSWJdD5zaqMYKWV1XEbNIECK/s400/photo_197.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15410435560111523150noreply@blogger.com3