Spring break week at camp concluded with a great hike to the accompaniment of cultural drumming and typical camp cheers.  I just fell in love with these kids, who wanted to take turns holding "Latifa's" hand as we made our way to the top of the trail.

 

Everybody dance now!

...and sing

Camp concluded with incredibly cultural closing ceremonies.  Counselors and campers alike are extremely talented!  Now we are in the process of meeting more kids and starting up English classes.  Once again, enshala.

It’s been an eventful week in the life of this new Peace Corps volunteer.  Yes, it’s official.  We were sworn in on April 1^st by the U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, Dwight Bush.  There were 95 of us, and many donned colorful jalabas and kaftans for the formal service.  A reception followed, with a delectable array of Moroccan finger food.  Afterward, many of the new mutatatw3iin found their way to a nearby Irish pub to continue the celebration.

The following day, we exchanged tearful goodbyes and well-wishes and departed for our new site assignments.  Mal and I arrived in Marrakesh in time to catch the suq bus to our site, arriving just before sunset.  We had one day to begin settling in before spending another full day travelling to Beni Mella, where our luggage was mistakenly shipped.  And then it was Easter, so we headed back to Marrakesh to attend Mass.  The Holy Martyrs Cathedral is beautiful, and it was a delight to once again experience a Catholic church with standing room only on this wonderful holy day.  Also, I truly felt like I was in Africa as the choir inspired the congregation to dance in the aisles!

But, phew, I don’t think I’ll be getting back in a taxi, bus or train anytime in the very near future. 

This week, all students in Morocco are on spring break, so Mal and I are spending time at the ḍar šabab observing day camp activities.  I’m really impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of kids and counselors alike, as well as the range of activities available for the choosing: drama, dance, music and games.

We’ve had a lot of “settling in” work to do in town, and the good news is, I believe we’ve found an apartment that will work for us.  As wonderful and hospitable as our host families have been, we’re soooo looking forward to once again having our own space.  It’s a two bedroom unit, so we’ll have a guest room for any and all visitors!  Enšala.