We have been in country for exactly a week now and it feels like at least a month. Here is the quick logistical rundown so far.

Wed March 3rd: Arrived in Casablanca, and drove 2 hours to Marrakech. On practically no sleep we had about 3 hours of policy talks and a medical orientation.

Thur. March 4th: Drove 4 hours from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, It was a beautiful, windy drive over the snow capped mountains through the desert and down into the palm tree lined, meticulously clean streets of Morocco’s version of Hollywood. At the Bab Sahara Hotel we continue our policy, safety and health conversations and begin some “survival” language training.

Fri. March 5th: Continuation of yesterday’s activities. We got to meet with some current volunteers who had alot of insightful comments, suggestions and opinions to offer. We also got our cell phone working, exchanged Dollars to Dirhams, our first real Darija (Moroccan Arabic) language lessons, and had interviews with the Environment directors about our thoughts and feelings on training, language and a little about site placement. Overall a little intimidating but equally exciting about the upcoming work.

Sat. March 6th: A big day for sure. We finally found out our Community Based Training (CBT) sites, the language we will be learning and speaking for the next 2 years and our Language and Culture Facilitator (LCF).

CBT Site: Asfalou

Language: Tashlheet

LCF: Said

Sun. March 7th: Say good-bye to all the other volunteers and our 6 person CBT group left for our little village. It was a pretty short drive from Ouarzazate but a world away. A population of around 300 or 400 people. Technically they have running water but this mostly consists of 1 tap of non-potable water.

Our host family is, comparably a small one. It is the father, Elhassan, who is the Moqaddm (authoritative leader) of the community, his wife Rahma and their children 14 year old Najat, 9 year old Hamza and 25 year old Khadija who is pregnant. They are very nice, although Elhasan is an overpowering, commanding, presence. He runs a tight ship, but when you do get a smile it’s worth a million bucks. Najat is very nice and helpful. She can read the arabic script so we can use our book to communicate, even when we can’t pronounce words and phrases correctly. She is definitely a warm and friendly person and a happy addition to have around.

This is a new CBT site, in that no PC volunteers have been there before so all the families seem to act differently. It sounds like the others in our group are having a more welcoming experience. I guess it will be good practice in putting ourselves out there and taking initiative. Other then being shown our room and the bit-lma (bathroom, with Turkish toilet) we have had to ask for everything, including where to brush our teeth and wash our hands. The response to which we have so far only gotten the latter. With 2 days of language training so far we have to take things imik S imik (little by little).

The language is going slowly, but to our credit it really has only been 2 days. At home practicing and studying, I feel like a 4 year old, counting from 1 to 10. We will just have to give it time.

Pictures coming soon...