As December looms ahead it was important to take some time to reflect on my Peace Corps experience in Morocco thus far. Reflection is very important and there have been many ups and downs since I boarded a plane an ocean away with 58 other future PCV’s. I can say that being here has already transformed my persona and I feel that Morocco is embedded in me. I will never be the same again. This is to say when I my service ends in 2010, Morocco will not. To feel this so early makes me afraid abit because I wonder if I will be able to face that day in the future when I have to kiss my host Jdda(grandma) good bye and say these words in her ear, “I will never forget you. I love you, Thank You, God Bless You, Goodbye.” I know now that my ending will be like a Moroccan greeting, long and through.  

Looking back, all the hardships weren’t really all that bad. All the cultural adjustments were more like stepping stones to get me to the other side. This other side is the point were me and my host country nationals reached the middle ground of understanding. Being here, we cannot turn back. Only more mutual understanding can happen.  

Looking ahead at the next 17 months I hope to continue to learn more about the culture and people with whom I share a sense of community with. This may include Peace Corps projects and education, but it will definitely include ahawsh’s (celebrations), tea, smiles, laughter, tears, a most importantly a sense of belonging.