Lets go Chicken get the donkey ready.

We went to the river and gathered this dry mud which Salah is going to mix with some glue like paint and paint the mud wall of the guest house. Or thats what he explained to me.

Load up and lets go home Samir (donkey).

I know that many of you have heard me speak of the guest house that Salah is building. Well exciting news It almost looks like something now. I will post more pictures soon but this is a sneak peak of what the designs on the walls look like. Also my influence on the guest house. :) Today they are putting the electricy in the rooms. On Saturday Salah wil help the guy put in the tile in the last bathroom. We need to paint and install the windows and we will have two rooms. They bathrooms will still need a toilet and sink. We we hopping to have one room with the bathroom and room finished by the time we leave and the other will be finished off in a few months. Inshallah.

Salah has his interview for June 21 2011 for his Fiancee Visa.

What dose that mean. Well he has been busy requesting official documents, getting them translated, filling out other documents, putting together evidence of our relationship, and doing to the doctor. I have only been able to help with the evidence of support and follow him to the doctor and translation places.

It was so funny when he showed me his papers and how he had organized them, I was shocked. Its so in such a nice order. I made a big deal about it because I had not yet seen this serious side of Salah. Its normally me who dose these types of things.

GOOD LUCK SALAH!!!!!!

New Excitement in Salah and my life is that the visa processes is moving along.

We got the second letter saying his petition was approved on April the 15th.

This means the papers were went to the National Visa Center. Which they

O.K. everything and send them on to Casablanca on April 28th. I emailed

Casablanca this morning and the emailed back later this afternoon saying

his interview will be June 21 and the paper work is on its way to him.

That is the shorten form of the visa journey so far. We are both Excited.

Im planning on leave Morocco for the states on June 28. Right now I am

hopping that Salah will soon follow. Then we will move to Il for me to go

to graduate school. It will all work out. INSHALLAH

Salah's first time using chop sticks/eating chinese food.

Giving it the good old college try.

The Food. Who knew you could find this in Morocco. YUM

Before we say goodbye.

These are pictures of Salah being a tourist in his own country. I gave him a full tour with history and important facts. This is the main entrance to the Chella necropolis a Roman and Marinid Arabe who has several royal family tombs there. This is a school which housed students wanting to learn the koran. This pool would be filled with water and you would do your washings here before prayer.

You can see how beautiful and green the country side is. This area was used as a port town for the Roman and it was the farthest west they settled. 70% of the Roman Empires wheat came from this area.

I think this is part of the temple of jupiter. Not exactly for sure on that one.

The Marinid Chella necropolis sits within a larger fortified site defined by massive six to twenty-meter-high perimeter ramparts. The plan of the walled area, derived from the layout of the Roman city of Sala Colonia, is an irregular five sided polygon that forms a trapezoid with one sheared corner. The site ranges from 265 to 310 meters in width along its east-west axis, and from 180 to 265 meters in length along its north-south axis. The longitudinal axis of the site is rotated forty-five degrees counter-clockwise from the north-south meridian. http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=2580

Boat ride at sun set. The buildings on the coast are an old pirate Kasbah called the Ouday in Rabat. You know Kasbah like Rock the Kasbah Rock the Kasbah. Ok this is also what is depected on the back of the 20 dhirm bill.

Salah was rocking the boat and Colleen and I right were about to be rocked right out of it.Or Maybe he was saying bad word in Arabic to make Colleen go "willy willy willy"

And everyone made it back to shore dry and clean just like they got on the boat.

*I got my computer back. The only down side is none of my information was saved. No pictures, music, or files. That will teach me to get a hard drive this time. They also sent it back with a whole new key board a Spanish one. It's worth it all. It was free to get it fixed and life is good again. Now I just need to buy a few more programs again and a hard drive.

*Salah is coming to visit me in Rabat this Friday.

*I got in to Graduate School at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a quarter time assistanship and tuition waver

*And trying to plan my life so I can start moving back State Side.

These are my 4 big news statements of the month. Soon I will have my camera and will try to post more pictures.

Sorry for not writing in over a month. A lot is going on and now I am without my computer or a camera. As soon as I have both I will up date more regular. Hers my life in a nut shell.

*Working Working Working (Happy Dena)

*Two Graduate Schools Contacted me for interviews

( I had one interview today, I could of done better)

* My computer Hard drive died. Thank God I had apple care.

* I went to Madrid, Spain for one day due to work. It's a nice city and I would like to go back.

* Had a green beer on St. Patty's Day.

* Started working on ideas of things I would like to make in the future.

* Worked on planning my life out some more, well at least the next few months.

Ok that's all for now. Hope all is well with everyone.

Today is the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. Volunteers serve for 27 months but their service life lasting. You can find more information out about Peace Corps at www.peacecorps.gov

Joining the Peace Corps was the best decision I ever made.

It's offical I turned 26 on the 26th of Feb. :)

THIS BOOK IS SO SO SO SO SO GOOD.

I read it last week in just a few short days and I'm a very slow reader. So it has to be good now I'm watching the movie. my Older brother Drew is teaching this to his Freshmen English Class in Small town Kansas. They are lucky kids to have such a cool teacher.

Fatimazahra and I doing men's work.

Salah teaching Fatimazahra how to eat sheep food.

Mawlid Holiday

Is the observance of the birthday of the prophet Mohammed.

If you want more information on it you can look it up on Wikipedia. Interesting fact about the holiday it was first observed by Shias later adapted by the Sunnis. I went to Zagora to celebrate the holiday with Salah and his family. The day after the feast and cookies his sister Nadia painted my hands with Henna.

That's me starting the drawing on to the mud wall.

Finished Product.

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This maybe silly but this is something I feel myself over and over every day and it helps me to keep my life interesting. In the past years I have failed to achieve everything I want but have learned many valuable lessons along the way. I also would have to say there are many things that wouldn't of happened if I didn't just take the chance. I'm thankful for my strong support system and their faith in me. Without them I would of never made my dreams come true.

I would of never...

Finished University

Learned how to cast iron

Applied for the Peace Corps

Went to Morocco for two years and three months with the Peace Corps

Learned a New language

Traveled by myself in a different country

Learned how to rely on myself

Apply/Got a Job working in Morocco doing cross culture education

Got engaged

Applied to Graduate School

Most important be happy with my life and what I have achieved.

I like to say this phrase. I LOVE MY LIFE.

When I envisioned my life at 16 I thought it would be impossable to acheive all that I wanted to. I'm so very thankful that I am almost 26 and happy about the present and excited for the future.

Again thank you for all the support.

Salah's Personality Test. He was an Orange. Some of it is a lot like him but not all of it. And some of it's just plain funny.

In Relationships Orange people seek a relationship with shared activities and interests with their mate. They like to explore new ways to energize the relationship, have a wide variety of friends, and prefer to be with people who like to have fun and are spontaneous. They tend to be laid back and flexible so you can choose what to do when the moment arrives. Oranges Need to feel that they are in control — not necessarily of others, but most definitely of themselves. Even if they are following orders, they need to feel some sort of freedom to follow the orders in their own fashion. When Oranges shine they are versatile, spontaneous, self-confident, resourceful, and decisive. Their playful manner can brighten up a mundane chore and add fun to a workday. They prefer to not having to plan more than 10 minutes into the future, and everything is about them. However, oranges can be very intimidating when they are stressed or low on esteem. They can become exceedingly pushy, aggressive and confrontational, even physically violent. Placed in an overly restrictive environment, they will go to great extremes to gain their freedom or control. Areas to be aware of What stresses an Orange person Lack of freedom or choices Feeling trapped Rigidity Being forced to do something another person’s way Not being able to use their skills Strict guidelines or rules Forced to keep quiet or not participate Insufficient attention No sense of humor Waiting Slow actions Indecisiveness Routine Lack of sex Details Paperwork Inactivity Lack of Money It is the Orange who laments, “What do you mean I’m out of Money? I still have checks left!”

Being exposed to stressors for a long period of time leads to behaviors such as: Acting rude and with defiance Breaks rules on purpose Fails to complete things Runs away Quits job May joke or tease inappropriately Overly competitive Manipulative Lying and cheating behavior Violent behavior

Oranges need to remember: That at times your energy is overwhelming. Others may perceive you as shallow and flighty. Take the time to organize your thoughts and complete what you start. Work harder at being on time and maintaining eye contact with people when they are talking. Important information for significant others Understand their need to multitask — “My wife is one of those people who can talk on the phone, change the channel on the TV, and discipline the kids… all while she is driving!” Grant them attention — after all, it’s all about them anyway. ;^) Make it a game. Get out of their way – Oranges would like nothing better than to have lights and sirens on their cars. If you see them coming, treat them like an emergency vehicle, just pull over and get out of their way. Freedom: they need distractions and relief. If one Orange we know is in the house for more than four hours, she needs to be taken for Slurpee run. She loves camping, but if she hasn’t hit a 7-11 or something to do with civilization in a couple of days she goes nuts — she even had to bring our living room TV out to the campfire for something else to stare at.

I took the true colors personality test with my family over Christmas and recently just took it with Salah. I was was ranked as a gold and Salah is a Orange. Below you can see the result of my personality test. I will post Salah's later. Poor guy :)

You have a GOLD personality style!

Your core Values are Tradition, Loyalty, and Family.

Your core Needs are belonging through Duty and Responsibility. Helpful Insights into a Gold Personality In Relationships You are serious and tend to have a traditional, conservative view of both love and marriage. You want a mate who can work along with you building a secure predictable life together. You demonstrate love and affection through the practical things You do for your loved ones. You like to plan parties and events around the holidays and special occasions. There is a strong sense of right and wrong that can sometimes lead to conflict. Golds Golds need to feel a sense of belonging at home, at work, at school, in the community, or in any group with which they are involved. Feeling like an outsider or outcast is very disturbing to them. They are, therefore, very responsible and adhere to the norms of the group. When Golds shine they like to do things to help. They are task and structure focused as well as serious and hardworking. They like to plan ahead and keep things organized. They care for their health and are dependable, reliable, and conscientious. Golds are respectful, responsible, and cooperative. They usually place traditions and family time high on their priority lists. However, when fatigued or stressed they may become overly rigid, self-righteous, and possessive. Natural positive attitudes can turn pessimistic, negative and highly opinionated. They may become compulsive, and get physically sick. Areas to be aware of What stresses a Gold person: Lack of follow through when others don’t do what they’ve promised Taking on too much responsibilities Irresponsibility in others untrustworthiness When things are not put back where they belong Not adhering to schedule or plans Lack of closure – having to switch what they are doing without completing it first Many things going on at the same time Indecision Change Unclear expectations, lack of rules instructions Not knowing where they fit in lack of membership or belonging

Being exposed to stressors for a long period of time leads to behaviors such as: Complaining and self pity Exhibits anxiety and worry Reacts physically to stress Judges self and others harshly Exhibits “blind herd” mentality Displays negative attitude Becomes controlling, rigid and close-minded

Golds need to remember: At times Golds are perceived as the keepers of the law. In their respect for doing things well and right, you might come across as more concerned for the correct answer than the loving response. The rules are not always as important as the spirit of the rule. That the people around you might need you to see the big picture, it’s okay to be late from time to time, and that some rules are made just so that they can be broken. Flexibility goes a long way in bringing people together, and relationships are more important than obligations. Important information for significant others Be Responsible. If you said you would do something, do it. Keep your agreements with a Gold person. Golds are dependable and they expect others will be as well. This shows them respect and appreciation. Provide clear expectations. They want to know where they stand and what is expected of them. To leave them guessing is one of the most stressful things you can do to a Gold. If they have guessed wrong and can violate some unspoken rule they can be crushed. After all, they were doing the best they can under the circumstances, and now they have done something “wrong”. They try at all costs to be “right” and appropriate.

Trip Around Morocco. It's best if you view these pictures from the bottom up so that you see them in order. There are many more pictures but these are just a few of the highlights.

This was during out outing to the Zagora (tzagort) Mountains for afternoon tea picknick.

Salah is playing house with his neices (habibas).

Salah had a head start because he's a cheater.

cutest puppy ever that Salah wouldn't let me have...:_(

This was Salah's reward for scaling the wall and crossing the freezing cold river. Its pretty cool but I'm to much of a scary pants to even try it.

We were all waiting for Salah to bit it and fall in the freezing cold river below. He made it there and back to land safe and dry. Humdullah

Water Sources that our friends Alicia & Aziz took Salah, Brahim, and I to.

Volubilis Roman Ruins in Morocco outside of Meknes

Salah's sister Fatima's new baby Marwa.

She is beauitful just like her moma and so happy too.

I schooled Salah in bowling. I must show this off because it's the one thing I have found that I am better at then him. Mwhahahahahah. It was also the first time I have won a game when playing with my roommate Colleen. :)

My first new hair cut and color in a long long time.

Yes. I'm that vain, but I do it all with a smile.

:)

My mother and I worked together on this project. She showed me these bags she made in a smaller version and I deiced to make them 4 times larger with her help and painted them up for a little bit of a different flair. Hope you enjoy them.

I finished my 6 grad school applications today and sent them off in the mail. The list: University of Georgia, Athens, University of Montana, Missoula, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and University of Tennessee Knoxville. Now I have to make sure the applications get there along with the rest of the material. Crossed fingers wish me luck.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm excited for what the future brings. So far Salah and I have tackled one of our first steps in this very long paper work processes. They sent a letter saying they have received our file and we can check our status online. NEXT... the letters go off to graduate school. I will post on this later. Best of luck to all.

My family was telling me about these spam emails that are going around the internet in the United States saying you shouldn't buy the EID Stamps which support Muslim holiday's. There are stamps for the following holiday's: Christmas, Chanukkah, and Kwanzaa and there was no protest against them. hummm.. Well I bought a few just to support religious freedom and happy the the U.S. Postal Service is helping by supplying stamps for EID as well.

HAPPY HOLIDAY'S TO ALL!!!

(no matter which one you celebrate)

Visa Processes

PAPERS ARE All Filled OUT AND READY TO SEND OFF

The papers are in the mail.

Humdullah

I have headed home for the holiday's and will be back in Action in Morocco January 15.

Hassan Tower

Is a picture of a half finished minaret an incomplete mosque started in 1195. It was intended to be the worlds largest mosque at 60 meters high. It was abandoned at 44 meters in 1199 when Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour passed away. Inside of the tower there is a ramp instead of stairs where the would ride a horse to the top for the call to prayer 5 times a day. The architect Jabir also used a similar design plan for the minaret in Giralda in Seville, modern day Spain. Both of these towers were modeled after the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech. All of which contain the architecture detail of a ramp on the inside instead of stairs. In Giralda the Spanish later added a western style top to the minaret and converted it in to a bell tower, Secille Cathedral after the Reconquista.

The minaret is located in Rabat my new home city.

Stamp out and the end of my two year service in Peace Corps Morocco. Nov. 12 2010 NEXT....

When I was young I would always think of what I wanted to be when I grow up and exactly when/what time I would do it all in. Most people fall to a plan B since life doesn’t ever seem to turn out how anyone plans. I on the other hand have kept to the plan. No matter how many time I have tried to stray off the path I always land back on the track to the path that I have started off toward. I look for the plan B. Its like I can’t believe that I would ever know myself well enough when I was 16 to stick to the plan. Now don’t get me wrong I don’t hate my life, actually I wake up thankful for for my job and living life to the fullest like I always set out to do. I don’t know why I look for a plan B maybe it’s because I really didn’t ever have one. Im only 24 and there is still time to find this plan B but I just started to think about how most of my friends and even my brother who I always though had his shit together, knew exactly what he wanted, and how he was going to get it is even on plan B. How could I still be going strong on this plan A. I wonder what it would be if I did have one.

Are Plan B something you really plan. Is it more like the birth control pill were it’s like holly shit I f**k up or is it more of a I just don’t think art is where I want to spend the rest of my life? Who knows maybe everyones Plan B is different. I feel as though I want something earth shattering to happen and like most americans I don’t want to wait for it to happen I want to make it happen right now. Come On Happen NOW!!!! Thats not helping. Maybe one day something will happen that will shatter my world as I know it. Make me pick up all the pieces and put it back together. Would it all just fit right back together or would it be wonderfully different. Now I am putting myself out there and looking for the challenge go a head and shatter my dream. I need someone/something to push me. When I have someone in my life I feel the need to have the approval of I work extra hard and never give up, even when I never get it. That is partly due to how I grew up as a child, a whole another topic but we wont get into that today.

Maybe I am one of those people I hate that have the overly posh life and there families afford them to do whatever they want with there life. They never have to get a real job because they know if things get real tough they can rely on mom and dad to bail them out. Although me joining the peace corps was always apart of plan A I feel as though this is going to be my growing up period. That I am so far from home, family, friends, and life as I know it that I just have to buck up and do it. While I miss my family and friends ect, it’s not like I got rid of any of that drama I just got new ones added into the pot.

I thought it would take me a year to make friends and know about all the juicy gossip but it only took two months. Now I am in a fight between my two best friends here one being a guy and the other a girl. Since I am female the the male checked out and I had no say of how I didn’t want to get in the middle but cared about them both. There were sides drawn and I was pushed to the right. I find it an interesting experiment that I couldn’t stop being apart of the human experience by not know the language I live in very well. I couldn’t help but try to make friends with the people at my local coffee shop. I did it all in the same way I have in the past. I didn’t run out and be all in there face. I just went every week. Slow week by week they got to know more about me and I would then in turn ask more questions about them. They we were friends. The lady I refereed to is like a sister to me. Its amazing to me how you don’t always need language to make friends you just need to be who you are. NO FAKES NEED APPLY.

Well now that I have written completely off the beaten path I am going to go think about my plan B. Maybe thats my plan b is I do plan A but always think about plan B. Who blep da blep know. Truck Drive??? Anyone think it’s a good plan. I just though my mouth might fit that job.

SORRY GIBBENS!!!

You will have to laugh at what happened. I have become so wrapped up in my life and what is going on here I lost tract of time and forgot to call you. I almost forgot about it for two weeks tell i looked at my calander. I know that its bad that I lost contact but well Gibbens you know I love you and will never loss contact. I'm just am pointing this out as one way I am becoming more independent. I love my friends and family but Im starting to rely on myself and no story of home to cary me though. I really like where I am at right now. I just have to state it a hunder times to myself because I never know how I will feel tomorrow. Sorry again Gibbens but you will live. You have done it to me before. Soon. And I did call but you didnt answer its hard for me not to call people in the morning.

Life is about to get better not that is horriable by any means right now. I just enjoy my priavcy a little to much. Thanks Dad, Mom, and Dennis for always give me that. Living with a family here there is none and I have all these duties. I though I had a lot of family duties in the states. It doesnt even come close to what I have here. Its not bad I am just not used to it. Sometimes It can be overwhelming but at least I have people here that care about me. When I get agervated or over whellmed I site back and tell myself that.

Im also very excited for my own house. Where I will feel free not to always be on gard In hopes of not offending anyone. I can cook myself food, play my music, in the summer wear my tanktops.

Work is good. I have no ideal what I am really do. Most days I fly by the seat of my pants but I try to do a few activities a week with the kids and then help out the health volunteers in the area with there projects where I can. I really dont feel like I do much but according to them I am helping them out in a big way. I still need to get my website fully done. I have it designed but I dont know how to put it on the web. I designed it in illustrator. So if anyone has a clue please let me know. I would like to get it up an running. So I can start to teach the kids about how to build their own free website online. I didnt do it myself because I figured that they need a more professional look being a non profit business and all.

Thats about all in my life. Not really there is a new story every day. Sometimes I wish I wrote them all down but then I think I really only need to remember the good important ones.

I need to stop comparing.

Myself to others.

Old with new.

feelings with feelings.

Im sure you can never have the same feeling twice or else it wouldn’t be authentic. Then sometimes i feel like striving for authenticity is over rated. Everyone is striving for it but always falling short so why even try. See there I go. I need to just let things be. Maybe after two years I will have accomplished just that. Anything is possible right. Im going to keep my wishful thinking that you can never have the same feeling twice. Its like no matter what you can never love everyone equally. I know moms always say that they do but its almost impassable. You can love in different ways but that doesn't mean that they are always equal. How knows Im just some kids I know nothing about life. Im just starting to try and learn about it.

So biggest lesson I need to learn STOP COMPARING PEOPLE ARE NOT FRUIT.

Ladies and Gentlemen time sure dose fly. I can’t believe that I haven’t written in so long. Hum.. there is so much that happens from day to day but I don’t really know where to start. This is going to be bumpy, winding and random very much like the highway system here which I have been spending a lot of time on lately.

I finally got my site placement. Last week I traveled to see it in all its glory. I really like my placement. There is a large amount of history which I can’t wait to learn more about. Plus its a very Berber Pride place. Its interesting because many times the word Berber is seen in a negative light by many people who would be considered to be. The people I live around seem to have taken it back by using the word themselves. The even have a pride march every year in my site. I can’t wait to see what it looks like.

As for what I will be doing for two years. Good question there are so many possibilities that I don’t exactly know where to start. The kids at the disabilities association do a variety of work. Its so all over the place but amazing how organized it is. I really like working there so far. There is large of metal work which I am thankful for. The metal work consist of welding. There are lots of iron bars which cover windows and so the kids in the welding room make them for people who commission them. There are also chairs and bed frames, tables etc. They mainly use an arch welder and there is another kind of welder I have never seen. Im going to take a picture of it and send it to the home front to find out exactly what it is. They are working on the blower at the association for me so that I can show them some smaller stuff they could forge and sale to tourist. I already started a project without thinking to hard. Thanks Toby. In another room there is some more tradition crafts with pounded tin which is more like jewelry and sadering. There is also some pottery work. hint hint. I need some help from some friends state side. The they have a kiln and everything but they don't glaze so I would like to get that started to its more of a finished product then just a clay pot. Then the kids make these amazing card. All of you will get one at one point or another. I can’t wait tell you get them. Other then the kids there is a welding association, a blacksmith, small scale casting guy, and bellows makers.

I really should just hangout get better at my language for a few months and talk to people I could possible work with. I really think that working with the kids would be a lot of fun and they are always open to new ideals. I feel like maybe my voice would be heard there more. Anyone who knows me knows thats kind of important to me. I also would like to work with the guy who dose small scale casting. He had molds laying out which looked like they were a mixture of sand and dirt. I would really like to find out more about his mold making process. The day I went to visit him he gave us tea and nuts but didn't have much time to talk because he was going to the filed to cut down dates out of the trees. My site mate asked him if he climbed the trees because he seemed pretty old and he said no his brother did. Funny thing is his brother looked about the same age. This guy also drives around town on a real motorcycle with a shield. This all equals up to this guy being a real badass. I hope to be able to work with him.

Other then that my site is beautiful. If I look out my door I can see snow capped mountains which look like the rockies,opposite of that is the desert, in the middle there is palm tree and green right where I am at. I can’t wait to be able to really know the city. It’s kind of funny I came to the peace corps to live in a bigger city then I am from. I might just be a city slicker after all. Well after that comment it probable will never happen. Although in the few days I was there I walked my butt off. Really I think that I might of lost some weight from all the walking or maybe I am just getting in better shape. Either way Its a good thing for me.

Thats all for now. There are lots of short stories I could tell and Im sure these aren’t the best of them but it gives everyone a little glimpse of what is going on in my life, let me know about yours. I love mail and have an address just email me if you want it family/friends “friends equal family”. Oh and I traveled alone for the first time in Morocco. Nothing bad and am gaining confidence.

This is the first week of Community Base Training (CBT). In the first days of being here I have been able to have sometime time to myself. I have gotten around to admitting to myself about a few things. It feels good to be honest with myself. Although it hasn’t moved anything forward.

Although Anjie and I have instated that our group go around a circle and state 5 positive things from the day before. This has helped me focus on the positive and forget the negative. It also helps me to be able to laugh at the negative. For example when I on the bus this sunday on the way to the souk. I was sitting in the front with a nice older gentleman who I had meet on the first day of being in my CBT site. We had a nice short conversation. Then I felt something on my shoulder and looked over there was a man reaching over 3 other people to touch my shoulder. I looked at the nice man I was sitting next to like is that ok. He smacked the mans hand and told him how it was unacceptable. Im sure my mother would of done the same thing but she was to far back in the bus to even see it. With everything there is a positives and negatives.

After the fun full adventures at the souk. This really consist of following my mother around in circles 5 times before we made any purchase. It wasn’t even to find out where the good prices were. It gave us some good exercise though. Towards the end of the souk my mother and I went to have lunch. It was nice even though I was the main attraction. After the souk there was a few minutes for me to do laundry before attempting to climb the mountain.

The group of little billy goats consisted for 4 ladies and 1 moroccan man as a tour guide. Our tour guide was a little disappointed that the one boy that is here with us choose not to go hiking. Funny thing the tour guide talked about how we couldn’t handle hiking the mountain. His theory didn't hold up. This little flat lander was able to hike her little hinney up the Mountain faster then the experienced hiker. Now don’t get me wrong I was huffing and puffing the whole way up. It was nice to get away and see all the little tribes from a higher view point. Then on the trek down this little lady wasn’t very graceful. I slid on some rock and put my hands out to break my fall. Stupid... I know better. Thats how I broke my arm the first time. Now I have a nice little cut or war wound on my hand and no broken arm. It didn’t turn out as bad this time. Im very thankful for that.

There have been so many good things happening since I have been focusing on the positive. I know this doesn't sound like me family but as state earlier I am working on becoming a better person. Thats all for now Im tired. One last thing my favorite quote form one of the male volunteers. “Peace Corps isn’t learning about other cultures its learning about different genders.” I thought that was funny and wanted to leave you on that note.

So much has happened in the past few weeks I don’t know where to start. This means bear with me people because I am going to jump from subject to subject. My brain is so full of information. I feel as though the information is dripping off and the sponge is full. I have also been through a range of emotions. Nothing to serious but annoyance is one of the biggest ones.

I try to make myself fell like I need to be perfect. When there is no perfection in the learning stages of language. Everyone messes up. I can barely speak english sometimes so I don’t know why I am putting so much pressure on myself to speak tamazight. The next CBT phase I feel as though I am going to try to calm myself and remind myself everyday that things could be worse, no one can be a perfect teacher, and maybe do a little yoga in the morning to get my blood flowing with my mind in a better place.

With all the trials that go along with being in a room for 8 hours with the same people, we do all for the most part get along. My group members are some cool cats and each one of them uniquely different. I love that about them. Its also nice that some how we all complement each other. Now I am not saying that we are all best friends and we hold hand skipping to class but there is a respect. We are able to have fun, learn, and support one another in tough situations. Our ten o’clock touch time really helps. Now you dirty minded folks back at home its when we give one another a hug to help one another feel loved. Peace Love and Happiness.

The past two weeks I have been living in a small rule village. It has one main town with a bunch of little towns or tribes around it. There isn’t more then 2,000 in the all the towns combined. It takes me about 20 or so minutes to walk to class every morning. Its nice to have that time to walk in the Mountains in peace. Its a very beautiful area which their main income comes from agriculture while the women I work with are weavers. They are some of the most amazing looking rugs that these women weave. It’s a cooperative that is 5 years old and 75 women who work with them.

They are planning on make them even better by spinning their own wool and dying it as well. They have received money from the government to be able to get these types of project going. They also have an amazing new building which they were very proactive in getting. This will be there first summer in the new building. They have plenty of ideals an are really well off and on there way. At first I wondered why we were there to help but I could see once we dug down what they needed. It was more help with sales.

Once they can figure out their market completely they will be will on their way to being self sufficient. I feel as though its really amazing to see a group so young in the life as a cooperative to be at this stage. I hope that these women will be able to work well once that the peace corps has left their site. They seem like they will be sustainable and there will be no problem but there are always problems with anything. Hopefully they will be able to work though their problems as they come because they will have a good basis that they are able to build on.

I love and miss you all. I show your pictures all the time to my family and explain who you are. I feel as though they think I’m a little crazy. I explain most of you as family. Oh last but not least the other cross culture thing I have showed my family was the Chicken dance because they were showing me there wedding dances and making me dance. Thats all for now. I hope you enjoyed the story isn’t as entertaining as some of the other PCV but if you read there blogs I have had some of the same experiences. Some but not all of them.

Today has been a day of panic. I might not have been showing it as much as many think but I feel as though my heart has been racing. A few minutes ago my heart was pounding so fast that I had to lay down and just take a few deep breaths. The reason for all this is we finally were assigned our language. It doesn't seem like it would be that big of a deal but it is. The language you get will effect the site you will end up with. It seemed like they really took into consideration what our needs and wants were in our interview process. This is much different then what I have heard in the past from many volunteers. Only a few were up set in our group with the language that they received.

I can understand how the would feel since I received exactly what I wanted. This being Tamazight. The reason I wanted to learn this language is due to the fact that the art created in this area is more interesting to me. Most of these sites are in the Mountains, which I feel are more beautiful than the Rockies. Sorry Andi and Nikki I hope you can understand. If not you will just have to come to see for yourself. There is also a good possibility that I could end up in the desert. But I haven’t seen the commercial sights of the deserts like man think of when they think of Morocco. There have also been no camels either but like I said there is the possibility of seeing that soon.

Many say if you do Tamazight then you are more likely to end up rural area. Today we were explained that rural you are more likely to have to travel to use internet or the pay phone. Your sight will be smaller and everyone will know everyone. In that respect it is safer. There is a possibility of no running water and electricity. Many of these sights also deal with agriculture as well as the artisanat. So the artist are not just concentrating on their art all year round.

Other then getting my CBT site I have been learning a new language for about two days. While the people learning Darija have had a full 5 days. It makes a difference because I feel as though right now Darija is completely different than tamazight. I really want to be perfect but I can’t be. Its hard because there are some guttural h sounds which is represented by an x. This is really not a sound that I am good with. I feel as though I need more film in my through. Something I have never wish for before but all the sudden it seems important.

For those of you who don’t know what Tamazight it is the language of the free people. They are the indigenous people of Morocco. A lot of Darija is in Tamazight. One interesting fact about Tamazight is that it was a language that was passed down by word of mouth. Around 70% of the population is Berber or the free people. Yet, Darija is the national spoken language unless you are looking for the official business language is French. Many other language spoken in the country are Spanish, German, Italian, and English to name a few. It is much more diverse here than many would think.

More fun fact about Morocco are that it was the first country to recognize the United States as an independent country 1777. The Moroccan American Treaty of Friendship is the oldest unbroken friendship treaty. In these early years of Americas beginnings Morocco protected the our merchant ship which were being attacked. So when many people out there ask “why are you in Morocco helping. They have never done anything for us.” You are completely wrong. Its a good feeling know that these ties are still strong and as an American I am able to give back to a country that help make the one I am from possible. Im working up all the fun facts. Thats Right be prepared to see me whip them out at any point and time. I will have as many Morocco facts as I do Kansas under my belt. I cant wait to learn more. (Colleen will you make sure Mr.Green see this part)

Thats all the fun facts for now. I wont be able to write much for the next two weeks for I will be at CBT.

Right now it seems like tention is high. All of us PCT’s are waiting on finding out how our interviews went and what language we will be speaking. Soon there will be twelve of us who will be speaking a different language. I keep telling everyone if they get a different language then me we will not be able to speak. It’s kind of a funny joke since over the past week many of us have gotten close while others have tested our patients. I feel like I have started to make some friends of a life time but who knows we have to see how it works out over our life times.

Other then that our days have been fill with language, cross culture, and talkies with the PCV in SBD. It was great the bought in a kid from out in the boonies, he is from Kansas. So it was nice to finally start the Kansas kid click. Since most of the time I have felt a little to country. He just reminded me that having Kansas pride is ok. Also I forgot all my Kansas stuff. What is wrong with me.

I was really excited with the Kansas PCV work. He is working with children with disabilities. It was amazing to know that there was something out there for these children. I have worked a little bit on this issue in the states. I really wonder how it is here in Morocco. He said that they have art day with the kids and do paper crafts. There are also many other artist in his site which he hasn't gotten to work with but is hopping to soon. Some of them which work with metal casting with jewelry. The metals that he showed me was a silver mixed with a copper but it looked like silver. It looks as though they do a standard investment casting. I was wondering what the wax they use is. I asked but he didn't have a clue since he has not yet gotten a chance to work with them. Another job that he has is giving tours of the place and is trying to help some learn english so that they will be able to communicate with the tourist. Many of the ones that come near his site speak english.

It was nice to see someone very energetic and enthusiastic about there job after a year. He also gave us some advice of just let things go. Don’t worry to much about where you end up because what he got was the exact opposite of what he wanted, but now he is happy with what he got.

We also got to see an ideal of what is going on here in Azrou from the volunteer that works here. PCV worked with quite a few different artist of different medium, genders, and ages. She was also helping to run the co opt gallery to make it more buyer friendly. It very nice that she is able to be exposed to a variety of different types of Moroccan artisanat.

Basically I am trying to tell you is that I have really figured out that I will be working with artist and some what on what capacity. Its official that I will not be digging a ditch or the worlds largest hand dug well, not even the second largest. What they told me was true but if the other happens I will let you know. You will all be receiving t-shirts in the mail. At least then if Kansas is beat it was work done by a Kansasn.

*Sorry if anyone is offended by this post. Its all from my perspective.*

I also tried to take the names out of the people due to the fact I haven't asked for their premission.

The last few days have been like what is described below. My gmail wasn’t working in the area we were staying for the past few days. So I braved not knowing any of the language. I really didn’t brave it since I was with three others but it was good for me. I say this because all the key boards were french key boards. No one realizes how hard this is tell they run into it. The keys are all in different places you have to use a completely different key for a period. It was also much more difficult since the keyboard I was using all the letters were rubbed off. The man who ran the cafe was a brother to one of my LCF (language and culture facilitator) brothers. He was very nice and gave us a very nice price of 5d for one hour. I only paid 2 since I was there such a short time.

Later that night I went out to buy my cell phone. There was a bunch of us who went on this track. It was nice to have others with me but soon there will be non of this security around. Later in the evening when we got back a few of us PCT (Peace Corps Trainees) and the LCF sat around in the sitting room. They were playing moroccan and berber music. The LCF’s were singing along and PCT clap since we don’t know any of the words for the songs. It was amazing to see the smiles on all the faces of everyone taking part. If every friday night was like this for me I would be one happy clam in a sea of sand. I know this will not be the case though. It was also very interesting that many of us Americans could not think of one slong to sing to them that everyone of us knew. It really showed me how Morocco is more group oriented then America is . I wish as an American I will be able to adopt some of these types of customs to my own life.

There are somethings about me that I will not change. Which I feel is a good thing because being in the PC is about cultural exchange. No only am I to know and understand another culture. I am to shear where I come from with the people I meet. This means I went to a cafe, which is taboo for women to do here. It didn’t seem to be that big of a deal but I also feel that people are going to stair at me no matter what, I should be able to go to the cafe to get away if thats what makes me feel better. I wasn’t alone but it was also the first time that no men were with me. This dose make a difference but I don’t feel like it makes that big of a difference. It isn’t anything like I prepared myself for so far. It hasn’t been long but long enough for me to have a good ideal.

thats all for now.

My gmail isnt working at the place we are staying. Sorry I havent really contacted any of you but this happens. I also still dont know if my dad is getting any of the messages I have sent to Taylor ect. So could someone PLEASE someone say let me know if he knows I'm alright. I really really would like to know. No answer from you all isnt a good one. Other then that I am planning on getting a cell phone. I will get the number to you all when I get it. This means that you will be able to get ahold of me and it wont charge me. A good time for you to call would be between 2pm your time and 6pm your time. It would be cheaper if you get a phone card then me I think becasue they have been charging between .50 american per min. which would eat though my allowance. Ok this is all for now.

As the plain was landing I looked out the window. Kate who was sitting next to made a really good observation and said "the buildings look like legos". They were very square and mostly white with a few flecks of color in them. Then in my groggy state I looked at the we drove towards Rabat. I looked around me and saw palm trees and dirt fields. It reminds me of Mario Brothers 3 on the original Nintendo. I know Im relating all my ideas of what the country looks like to american pop culture but I think it help. I do like to break down most of my life with american pop culture so It makes since.

Since this we have spent most of our time in the hotel working on learning all the PC policies along with a little language and cross culture. Besides that I have only ventured out a few times. We walked around the block the first night. Then tonight we went down to the market. It was buzzing with people. We walk all the way though and ended up at the grave yard. The four of us who went on this adventure only walked about 30 ft in and were in ah. After that we turned back towards the hotel.

Not all of you know this but when the group arrived in Morocco Ramadan started on Sept 2ed. This means that the people of Morocco are fasting around sun down the cannons go off and this markets the start of feasting and the call to prayer.

This is about all thats going on tomorrow we leave for Azuro.

I added money to my skyp account the other day but it hasn't been added. Sorry Dad that I haven't called but Im waiting on this to go though.

It is only a few short days I leave my small town in Kansas I will be heading to Morocco to serve in the Peace Corps in SBD.

This is going to be an adventure of a life time. I can't wait to meet everyone and have my eyes open to a whole new world which I have never been exposed to. My bags are packed and Im ready to go. All I need is the time to pass. It will be here sooner than I think. To all my family and friends state side I will miss you very much. I wish you all the best year. Write me and I will write you back. I promise. You will have to deal with my misspellings.

that is all for now.

-Dena