Today was a WHIRLWIND. If I ever say I am tired again, I
will look back on this moment and say “Nope, okay, nevermind. I feel great.” I’m
not even sure where to start telling the story. Today seems like it has been about
a full century long.
The great news is, I’m here! I made it to Casablanca without
any major problems. There were a few pulse-raising situations with late takeoff
and confusing airport terminals, but I’m here and that was the only goal I hoped
to achieve. (justgettherejustgetthere) As a bonus, I learned a few things
during my extensive trip to reach Morocco. First, French is a gorgeous language
that I truly wish I had taken the time to learn – but did not, and that is becoming
apparent. Turns out there’s only so far “s’il vous plait” will get you. Second,
airplane food in France is considerably better than airplane food in the
states. Surprise, surprise. Third, this world is full of some truly kind
people.
As much as I tried to be the calm, cool, collected
travel-savvy explorer I wish I was, today I was just a puddle of nerves. I was
nervous about all the natural things – will this plane land on time, will my
luggage get sent to Tanzania, will I end
up in Tanzania – and several really ridiculous things that only I would worry
about – is this Moroccan child sitting next to me on the plane offended because
all I can do is nod and smile at his stories, how many times can I go back to
Starbucks during this layover before it becomes creepy, should I have gone to
Tanzania instead? But my warranted and obnoxious fears were subsided by very
sweet people along the way who were able to help me, sometimes with a loaned
cell phone or precious directions in English, or just with a very kind smile
and insisting I have a cup of tea (Merci, Air France flight attendant – you were
right, it did help.).
So after a long day and a half of flights, I finally arrived
in Casablanca, Morocco. The city is so bustling and eclectic, almost like New
York City with more palm trees. It is truly beautiful and alive. That was my
first impression of Morocco and its people, that they are full of vigor and
life. I ventured out with a few other students to see the city, and we were
stopped by several locals who wanted to speak with us in English and share their
stories. “Welcome to Morocco!” was their harmonious chant. I felt welcomed, but
so overwhelmed.
It hit me hard on the streets of Casablanca that this really
is a big adventure. It scared me a little to realize how far I really am from
my home and family, and how little I know about the world or how to make my way
through it. I felt very small as I struggled to communicate and navigate. I
didn’t expect a lot of the emotions that overcame me, but after a little
freakout and a shower to clear my head, it did become clear that the fear is a
good thing. If I came to Morocco and nothing struck me as new or scary, I would
leave myself pigeonholed with no room to grow. Stretching your comfort zone
leaves you feeling a little, well, stretched out. Maybe a little unsure of
yourself. Maybe more than a little. But discomfort and fear exist for a reason,
so I’m proud of myself for embracing those emotions along with all the really exciting
ones.
Tonight we finished up with an orientation from our
coordinators Daniel and Mohsin to prepare for our new lives in Meknes. Both of
them, as well as our female coordinator Iman, are wonderful and energetic. They’re
the kind of people whose presence alone makes you feel like you can conquer the
world. I’m extremely excited to learn from their knowledge and leadership. Tomorrow
we will tour the city, spend time at the beach front neighborhood Ain Diab, and
then depart for the four-hour ride to Meknes to settle in to our temporary
homes.
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