It's been 90 Days. No money back, No guarantees.

November 30th…It's been 3 months.

When I told people that I was going to live and teach abroad in Morocco, I often heard the obvious question, "Have you been there before?" I had not. I had only been to South Africa which is completely on the opposite side of the continent and dramatically different. 

So along with my mother, I'm sure MANY people thought I was crazy, I chose the word 'adventurous'. lol And perhaps it was slightly crazy. I signed a contract (less than a page long) stating my salary in Dirhams, a short list of what the school provides, and then my signature on the bottom line stating I would finish my work here after 2 years. 

TWO YEARS! Yikes! 

That is an awful long time to commit to something so new, SO foreign. But, something in me said, it's going to be alright. Time is something us humans have come to put SOOO much emphasis on. We need to do this and that by a "certain time" in our lives….etc. It stresses people beyond belief! 

Around the months of my decision it ironically had been 2 years that my sister Julienne had past away. She was only 35 years old and a mother of 2 small boys.  In the days and months following her passing, you think life cannot go on bearing so much pain. But it does. It has to. 

So I thought, wow, its been 2 years already…how did that happen? And Bingo! I knew in that moment that 2 years is a 'short' time when you think about life. My decision was made! 

I watched my younger sister for almost 3 years fight for her life, and I was worried about the possibility of being 'uncomfortable, and out of my element'? Seriously. So WHAT????

Isn't that what we are supposed to do in life? Take chances?! Live, Love and Grow!? I saw first hand how precious life had really become. 

My next question became: How much "living" can I do in the next 2 years?

Now I was suddenly excited….and thought….2 years, might not be enough! LOL

I signed the contract.

There were no guarantees about what life might offer me here, but my thoughts became more of how "I" can contribute to the school, my new students, and the people of Morocco I was about to meet. 

People had also asked me, "What if you hate it, can you come back?" "Are you afraid of living in a Muslim society?" Naturally, I had thought about that myself. As I said before, we fear things that are unknown to us. If I came home early, I would pay a fine for breaching a contract, and possibly lose the opportunity to teach abroad again. Islam world? I'll find out when I get there. 

I'll take the chance. How bad can it really be?

Its been 90 days.

I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I should clarify. The school has much to work to do, but the culture and people I enjoy. 

I sit here on my balcony writing this and think how could I have NOT taken this opportunity to enrich my life. I am so lucky! I am so happy! And it doesn't mean life is easy here by any means. In fact, if you can imagine for just one minute that life anywhere other than NY does NOT have everything in the 5 mins you ask for it. Patience being practiced every day whether I want to or not. 

I met another boy.
This time no nicknames….no pics….the only info; he's super cute, again Much younger, Moroccan, funny and smart. He took me to a place outside the square where you only see Moroccans eat. The food was Delicious and cheap!!!

When I asked for some water the plastic cup came out with water in it…..I couldn't do it.

FYI:  This is NOT him. lol

Then we went to the big square for potato and egg sandwiches….so yum! I have gone back and brought my friends and will attempt these at home. Its a pita, with cooked potatoes, sliced hardboiled eggs, cheese, hot sauce, olive oil and some spices. If it sounds gross maybe I have been living here too long already. lol

jemaa el fna food

Big square at night time. Every time I go I still get excited….so much going on.
Your senses are on overload!

One of my students came in and gave this to me. The same student who gave me the gold Eiffel Tower. The kids are too sweet!!!

Sometimes I walk to the square by myself during the day on a weekend. Totally different vibe. It's about a 20-25 min walk. Depending on how much I buy, I cab it back.

~Sights and Colors around the Market

This is a special Moroccan instrument called Qraqebs.

http://www.moroccancaravan.com/item.asp?p=800

My living room on a lazy Sunday afternoon

I honestly can't believe almost 4 months have past. The time has flown by!!! I remember after 30 days feeling a little sad and thinking what the Hell did I sign up to do, Catalina and your crazy ideas….
Since then, my ankle and foot have healed so much, and I have established routines, places I frequently go and still so many to discover.

Coming home on Thursdays to see the warm smile of my friendly, Moroccan maid with dinner on the stove, (that I point to the week before in a cookbook I bought) and tea made has become a welcomed ritual. Suppose I miss my mom and her cooking. Everyone still needs their Mama….guess this is how I'm getting my fix. lol

And this is the way we heat the rooms at ASM. Don't ask. I didn't. The kids showed me where to plug it in, kicked it once and it lit up. Okey, dokey.

Lexi in a frightful moment. We had 4 in cab instead of 3. They are very strict about this. But we managed to convince them. ;)

Another night in the square…We had 'special sippy' cups with us…..

Made for lots of twists and turns and getting lost….

Liz, Annie, Lexi, Me

I don't remember taking this pic….you could def get lost in the souks….as I think we did that night.

I want to create a mural of the experiences, places and people I have met. Luckily there is a really nice art store close buy. It's not a Michael's but it will do for now.

I have started volunteer work at the local orphanage. OMG, the 1st day was hard! I had to almost walk out of the infant room. These babies are so beautiful and they have no parents for varies reasons. Once a week I go and help feed the babies and play with the infants and toddlers. 2nd week was much easier.
From the words of Aung San Suu Kyi..."When you are feeling helpless, help someone." I Love that quote!
Being with these little ones is a way to help for now.  I almost put one under my sweatshirt while walking out! :)

First Xmas away from home…..like EVER!!!
I bought a few things…and I'm sure I will get my fill when I go home for the holiday. On the up side it's actually kind of nice not having those stupid songs ringing in your ear since Halloween!!!!!
Too much pressure to BUY, BUY, Buy!!!!! I am learning a lot about not having the holidays shoved obnoxiously in your face.

Of course we did a feast! After all, we are in an American School. The kids loved it!
Some of these kids know how fortunate they are….others not. So teaching to be Thankful was of a different challenge this year.

Not the typical carrot cake or pumpkin pie, but these pastries will do. :)

This was my Thanksgiving dinner I came home to, (string beans with beef and olive tangine). My maid Naima comes every Thursday. I was a bit emotional that day, as Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Even though we had to work, the kids made it a great day and I am Thankful for all I have!!!
Truly!!!! <3