November 22, 2008--Monday

The time is going quicker and quicker all of the time. I feel as though I am a part of the Mouma family here. Everyone has been more than hospitable. The Moroccans could give classes on the definition of hospitality.

We have been busy doing day to day things (work, eating, relaxing) and also just having fun.

Classes overall are going well. Since the Ministry of Education requires us to stay pretty much on task using the textbook, there is not that much to tell there. The most interesting aspects are that the students are curious and kind. I have spent some time as well communicating with students through MSN Messenger as they are eager to have an English conversationalist and perhaps feel more comfortable through written form. It has been interesting to say the least. But then as I found out, MSN has a language all to its own--language is great, it is always transforming and changing as is evident by the youth.

I often see Abdellatif or Nadia praying on a small carpet in the living room even with their busy schedules. I even saw a lady praying at the spa!

What is most evident though is that there is a lot of laughter in this home. It is infectious and pleasant to be around. We kid around often and we have a lot of discussions about everything--cultural differences and misunderstandings of cultural stereotypes. If I could have recorded the dialogues, they would be very interesting.

Tomorrow, I am giving a powerpoint presentation on my perspectives of the American culture and asking students to teach me about their perspectives of the Moroccan culture. I have worked on this presentation for hours and hours so I am looking forward to it. Then after that, Rihab (Abdellatif's daughter) has invited me to her high school to do a presentation with her about cultural difference in the US and in Morocco. Since she spent a year in Alaska (a state that she LOVES) we will both share our thoughts. Am looking forward to all of it.

Still, I want to also make some time at the end to buy more souvenirs in Morocco. There are beautiful hand-crafted items made of wood, beautiful scarves and clothing and unique pottery and tapestry as well. My only problem--how to carry all of the weight back to the States!