JULY 2009:
Candlelight's burning, but I wanted to catch you up on some sights, happenings, and some thoughts. Yesterday we rode a train to a neighboring city, and I think I experienced the hottest temperature in my 25 years and 10 months of existence. I think it was somewhere around 42 degrees Celsius outside the train, and there's no telling how hot it was inside the train.
After talking for an extended period with a couple of boys, I realized that I was sitting with a family (minus Dad). I taught the two boys and their younger sister how to play Crazy Eight, and they taught me how to play a card game I'd never seen before. It was great fun. I learned how to say, in their language, "heart", "father", and "eight". In the end, I felt the need to give them a gift. As the boys had been teaching themselves English, mostly by listening to American music at home, I chose to give them my favorite book. I hope they'll read it and love it like I do. Maybe they can share the stories with their family, too.
On the three hour ride, I looked out the window to see a world where shepards still keep watch over flocks. Every now and then, the arid landscape was saddled by a small village complete with a protective wall encircling its earthen abodes. The fields were littered with stones. Instead of the barbed wire found in the western U.S., giant cacti were used to create property borders and corrals for livestock. Believe it or not, people were out working in the oppressive heat. Still more were riding donkeys. I really don't know where they rode those donkeys; there weren't any 7/11 stores.
We arrived at the nearby city, found a hotel room (with the only A/C thus far), and set out to explore the markets. Once there, we saw snake charmers, henna artists, and musicians in the street. After pushing our way through the barricade of tourist traps, we found the fresh orange juice stands. After enjoying a bit of real orange juice, we took in the sights of exotic spice stands in all their colorful regalia. There were dried figs, dates, golden raisins, pumpkin seeds, and more. All the while, the cooks were preparing for a night of what was to be the most sensuous feast I've ever been blessed to enjoy. And by sensuous, I mean all of my five senses were involved. But more about that later...
The shops of the market were joined to form a labyrinth of enormous proportions. Had I not been with such a great group of friends, some of them speaking the language of the merchants, I would have been like a drop of water joined with the river. And a river of people we were: always pushing forward. Sometimes the current would slow down enough for us to lull in a few shops. I picked up some gifts for friends and family with much glee. I do believe haggling is now one of my favorite things to do here. Note: that doesn't mean I'm good at it. The merchants are very good at what they do for a living.
Hours went by and stomachs grew empty as feet felt weary. Trying to get out of the seemingly impossible maze once it got dark was a real trip. Scores of men on motorbikes (not motorcycles, like we're used to) wove through the thick pedestrians in ways that solidify my hunch that someone is watching out for us on Earth below. Finally, we made it out of the market and into the great commons to behold rising columns of savory smoke. Each column of smoke led the eyes and nose to a culinary treasure too great to reduce to mere verbatim.
We were seated at a long table, among scores of long booths, right next to our respective outdoor kitchen. Half of the food I ate that night is still a mystery to me. It was very tasty. And yes, I had three minuscule bites of goat brain which had the consistency of soft butter. The service was great. Our poor waiter was having a time of it; apparently he was the bottom rung of the ladder. All the other workers were shouting at him as he worked beyond fatigue and through the heat of the kitchen. Our leader encouraged him and spoke kindly to him.
We shared time with students, and they asked some pretty probing questions. I hope their hearts were touched as much as ours, and they received what was meant for them. So many diligent and gifted students. So many dreams and aspirations. May they come to enjoy the abundant life we know and take it to all they meet. I bet they'll go far.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Flashback Series: Northern Africa Trip III
JULY 2009:
We arrived at the basketball courts at about 4pm to begin the second day of work on the mural project. Again, we were blessed with helpers for the community! I'm so thankful for that, because there was so much to complete. Today we were able to paint the bottom of the office/sports equipment storage building. The kids were sent to finish the far corner across the courts.... and they found that we'd practically run out of paint! Some water was added and the blue "wash" was used to finish off the corner.
Lots of hands were put to use painting basketball goals, hoops, and backboards. They all look amazing! Lines on the court are scheduled to be completed tomorrow. That about takes care of the equipment and the office/storage area. However, much is yet to be done as far as the mural is concerned. Another team member and I began to lay out the outlines of a couple segments of the mural. There are five segments all together, along with a few logos. Tomorrow will HAVE to be very productive. We need divine blessing and endurance beyond reason. We'll start early tomorrow, and I hope we will finish the mural leaving something beautiful. It is cool to know that so many in the community partnered in creating something that they can take pride in.
A couple of the girls taught me how to say a handful of words in Arabic. They seemed excited to see efforts taken to learn their language; I was happy to oblige. If I can't speak their language, I want them to know that I'm genuinely interested in them and learning from them.
We broke for dinner, and a couple of girls came with us to dine. Some of us got to help them make American style sandwiches. Then the fun began... About a third of the group can play at least a bit of piano. So, we and our guests were treated to a few songs after dinner came to a close.
Finally it was time to take our guests to their respective homes. As we were driving them home, we passed a group of white linen clad Muslim men talking in the street next to a popular mosque in town. We also passed a traditional Berber wedding. Apparently those, with their music and dancing, go from 8pm until 7am of the next day. There are about 7 costume changes and lots of great food.
I digressed!
Well, we dropped our friends off, and I was dropped off myself (with a couple of other girls) at our place. Man! We are tired. Please don't forget us as we put in hours of work for what is unseen. May the effects of spending time with our Moroccan friends last longer than the mural itself. We hope for fruit and lots of it!
We arrived at the basketball courts at about 4pm to begin the second day of work on the mural project. Again, we were blessed with helpers for the community! I'm so thankful for that, because there was so much to complete. Today we were able to paint the bottom of the office/sports equipment storage building. The kids were sent to finish the far corner across the courts.... and they found that we'd practically run out of paint! Some water was added and the blue "wash" was used to finish off the corner.
Lots of hands were put to use painting basketball goals, hoops, and backboards. They all look amazing! Lines on the court are scheduled to be completed tomorrow. That about takes care of the equipment and the office/storage area. However, much is yet to be done as far as the mural is concerned. Another team member and I began to lay out the outlines of a couple segments of the mural. There are five segments all together, along with a few logos. Tomorrow will HAVE to be very productive. We need divine blessing and endurance beyond reason. We'll start early tomorrow, and I hope we will finish the mural leaving something beautiful. It is cool to know that so many in the community partnered in creating something that they can take pride in.
A couple of the girls taught me how to say a handful of words in Arabic. They seemed excited to see efforts taken to learn their language; I was happy to oblige. If I can't speak their language, I want them to know that I'm genuinely interested in them and learning from them.
We broke for dinner, and a couple of girls came with us to dine. Some of us got to help them make American style sandwiches. Then the fun began... About a third of the group can play at least a bit of piano. So, we and our guests were treated to a few songs after dinner came to a close.
Finally it was time to take our guests to their respective homes. As we were driving them home, we passed a group of white linen clad Muslim men talking in the street next to a popular mosque in town. We also passed a traditional Berber wedding. Apparently those, with their music and dancing, go from 8pm until 7am of the next day. There are about 7 costume changes and lots of great food.
I digressed!
Well, we dropped our friends off, and I was dropped off myself (with a couple of other girls) at our place. Man! We are tired. Please don't forget us as we put in hours of work for what is unseen. May the effects of spending time with our Moroccan friends last longer than the mural itself. We hope for fruit and lots of it!
Flashback Series: Northern Africa Trip II
JULY 2009:
It all started at about 8am; the team got together for the best Moroccan breakfast in town. After a full night's sleep, I was able to emerge from my zombie-like trance to enjoy our fellowship, my honeyed flat bread, and some hot chocolate on the side of the street. Everyone's stomachs full, we left finally went back to the apartment to have a time to focus on our purpose for being here.
Afterward, we departed for the basketball facility to begin a day of serious labor. While most of the team went in a van, I elected to catch a taxi with two people I knew and four I didn't! It was an experience I'll not soon want to forget. We were "tight" if you know what I mean.
Finally our driver dropped us off on a square where we began the haul to the courts. The streets were littered with sundry trash items, and people were curiously watching us from their windows and their curbside chairs. Upon reaching the courts, we were greeted by not one or two people.... but at least a dozen people! I must say, I was flabbergasted when I beheld the magnitude of work that lay ahead, but I was overjoyed in that so many workers had been graciously provided! We were blessed beyond all measure. After an informal introduction of each person on the team while all the helpers listened intently, we handed out Shorter College sunglasses and hats. Grins spread across the room.
Then the real work began... The 71 meter long wall was looming in the background as the scrapers and sandpaper were divvied out amongst men, women, and kids of all ages. They set to work with fervor, and I began to work out plans for the mural. The sun grew high and hot with the hours of effort marching on. Seeing the headmaster of the school, the manager of the basketball facility, the kids from the community, and my team put in so much effort was enough to make me dance with joy over our unity in purpose. Working alongside everyone really made me feel a connection.
We were able to scrape off the old paint, sand rough spots, remove weeds growing out of the concrete, pick up litter, and paint about 70% of the wall. With all the heat and none of the shade we could have wanted, we were blessed with the zeal and energy to do so much more work than anticipated. It could have only come from above.
We broke for lunch and walked a few blocks down the way. After lunch, it was back to work. Still, the volunteers persisted in their efforts! It's my hope that, aside from just trying to be helpful, they are being drawn in by the greatest love... That they are seeing something good and reaching for it.
I was able to sit and do some drawings for the murals, and a group of curious teen girls came to watch. Normally, I don't like to have people "over my shoulder" while I work, but I couldn't help but want them to stay close. I was having trouble sketching a sliding kick (for a soccer drawing), so I had two girls model for me. They loved it! And so did the rest of the laughing throng, Moroccan and American alike.
The day of work came to an end with a game of "knock-out"... Actually, several games of "knock-out". I was about knocked-out with fatigue! Volunteers left and the team headed to a friend's house for dinner. We met a new friend there. She was a beautiful, very well-spoken girl from a local university.
On our van ride home, we reflected on our first whole day here. I, for one, was amazed at how hospitable everyone is here. Southern hospitality ain't got nothing on Moroccan hospitality! Can I get a witness?!
Tonight we took the longer way home, and we saw the streets. They were piled high with offal, and a million people must have been all around us in every direction. To know that there is a purpose for each of their lives amidst all the squalor... it breaks me down. There is hope for them yet. I just plead that they will grab onto that hope and embrace the kind of life it affords. Please, don't let them leave your hearts and thoughts. Please don't forget to think about us. We just want a chance to serve and communicate good stuff. May we receive endurance surpassing that of the Arabian horse and courage more bold than that of the African lion!
It all started at about 8am; the team got together for the best Moroccan breakfast in town. After a full night's sleep, I was able to emerge from my zombie-like trance to enjoy our fellowship, my honeyed flat bread, and some hot chocolate on the side of the street. Everyone's stomachs full, we left finally went back to the apartment to have a time to focus on our purpose for being here.
Afterward, we departed for the basketball facility to begin a day of serious labor. While most of the team went in a van, I elected to catch a taxi with two people I knew and four I didn't! It was an experience I'll not soon want to forget. We were "tight" if you know what I mean.
Finally our driver dropped us off on a square where we began the haul to the courts. The streets were littered with sundry trash items, and people were curiously watching us from their windows and their curbside chairs. Upon reaching the courts, we were greeted by not one or two people.... but at least a dozen people! I must say, I was flabbergasted when I beheld the magnitude of work that lay ahead, but I was overjoyed in that so many workers had been graciously provided! We were blessed beyond all measure. After an informal introduction of each person on the team while all the helpers listened intently, we handed out Shorter College sunglasses and hats. Grins spread across the room.
Then the real work began... The 71 meter long wall was looming in the background as the scrapers and sandpaper were divvied out amongst men, women, and kids of all ages. They set to work with fervor, and I began to work out plans for the mural. The sun grew high and hot with the hours of effort marching on. Seeing the headmaster of the school, the manager of the basketball facility, the kids from the community, and my team put in so much effort was enough to make me dance with joy over our unity in purpose. Working alongside everyone really made me feel a connection.
We were able to scrape off the old paint, sand rough spots, remove weeds growing out of the concrete, pick up litter, and paint about 70% of the wall. With all the heat and none of the shade we could have wanted, we were blessed with the zeal and energy to do so much more work than anticipated. It could have only come from above.
We broke for lunch and walked a few blocks down the way. After lunch, it was back to work. Still, the volunteers persisted in their efforts! It's my hope that, aside from just trying to be helpful, they are being drawn in by the greatest love... That they are seeing something good and reaching for it.
I was able to sit and do some drawings for the murals, and a group of curious teen girls came to watch. Normally, I don't like to have people "over my shoulder" while I work, but I couldn't help but want them to stay close. I was having trouble sketching a sliding kick (for a soccer drawing), so I had two girls model for me. They loved it! And so did the rest of the laughing throng, Moroccan and American alike.
The day of work came to an end with a game of "knock-out"... Actually, several games of "knock-out". I was about knocked-out with fatigue! Volunteers left and the team headed to a friend's house for dinner. We met a new friend there. She was a beautiful, very well-spoken girl from a local university.
On our van ride home, we reflected on our first whole day here. I, for one, was amazed at how hospitable everyone is here. Southern hospitality ain't got nothing on Moroccan hospitality! Can I get a witness?!
Tonight we took the longer way home, and we saw the streets. They were piled high with offal, and a million people must have been all around us in every direction. To know that there is a purpose for each of their lives amidst all the squalor... it breaks me down. There is hope for them yet. I just plead that they will grab onto that hope and embrace the kind of life it affords. Please, don't let them leave your hearts and thoughts. Please don't forget to think about us. We just want a chance to serve and communicate good stuff. May we receive endurance surpassing that of the Arabian horse and courage more bold than that of the African lion!
Flashback Series: Northern Africa Trip I
JULY 2009:
We arrived in Casablanca at about 7am on Friday. After inching our way through the customs line, we made it through to the other side! Our fearless leader embraced his old friend in true Moroccan friendship. After the hugs and kisses, we were off to the streets. We rode past men riding on their motorcycles, a donkey pulling a cart, and a couple of mosques. Contrasting the dry colors of the land, bursting Bougainvillea spilled over courtyard walls. Perhaps this contrast could properly serve as a parallel to some of the communities we past. There were shanty towns littered with trash on the same road as sparkling manors.
Upon reaching our destination, we were able to relax and sort through the experiences of the day. All the while, our group was beginning to bask in the camaraderie and friendly faces about the den. Hungry as we were, we did not put up the least resistance in savoring an authentic Moroccan meal (3 courses) with our new found friends. As we dug into the communal dishes, we learned names and took in tips in Moroccan etiquette.
Needless to say, a nap was in order. It was the best one hour nap I could have asked for!
Once awakened, we regrouped for our orientation. Sure, there was laughing about learning the proper way to greet people, but there was so much more. How inspiring it was to hear about my group. Story after story of how all financial needs were met left me feeling confident about being here. Also, listening to what kind of growth had been transpiring in everyone's walk during the past few weeks and days was a particularly cherished time. I know that greater things will be done in this city. Why I have been chosen to participate in serving the people here is beyond me, but I know we're all just so excited to see how we will be used!
We arrived in Casablanca at about 7am on Friday. After inching our way through the customs line, we made it through to the other side! Our fearless leader embraced his old friend in true Moroccan friendship. After the hugs and kisses, we were off to the streets. We rode past men riding on their motorcycles, a donkey pulling a cart, and a couple of mosques. Contrasting the dry colors of the land, bursting Bougainvillea spilled over courtyard walls. Perhaps this contrast could properly serve as a parallel to some of the communities we past. There were shanty towns littered with trash on the same road as sparkling manors.
Upon reaching our destination, we were able to relax and sort through the experiences of the day. All the while, our group was beginning to bask in the camaraderie and friendly faces about the den. Hungry as we were, we did not put up the least resistance in savoring an authentic Moroccan meal (3 courses) with our new found friends. As we dug into the communal dishes, we learned names and took in tips in Moroccan etiquette.
Needless to say, a nap was in order. It was the best one hour nap I could have asked for!
Once awakened, we regrouped for our orientation. Sure, there was laughing about learning the proper way to greet people, but there was so much more. How inspiring it was to hear about my group. Story after story of how all financial needs were met left me feeling confident about being here. Also, listening to what kind of growth had been transpiring in everyone's walk during the past few weeks and days was a particularly cherished time. I know that greater things will be done in this city. Why I have been chosen to participate in serving the people here is beyond me, but I know we're all just so excited to see how we will be used!
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