Leaving Soon!

I completed the week of training in Brattleboro Vermont.
We received a greatly detailed itinerary that describes every day of the trip and really looks great. Tomorrow we leave for the airport, meet the students, and by 2:30on Tuesday, will be in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, hitting the ground running.

The first week is packed with workshops on Moroccan culture, hands-on activities like traditional cooking and crafts, and lessons in Darija, the Moroccan dialect of Arabic. I am really interested in learning some Arabic, and also having another opportunity to strengthen my French. After that we begin travel, which will take us all over the country.

It will be hot. And men will be agressive. And I won't have internet at my fingertips 24-7. But this is okay. I think the trip will be amazing. Now that I know more details, it is easier to be more excited and less anxious. I've had a year to digest Mali, and think by now I might have enough space in my head and heart to explore a new country. I am also really looking forward to getting to know the 11 teenage girls (young women?) that comprise our group, and working with them to build a strong group dynamic that will make for a fullfilling and fun experience for all.

I'll be working with a male co-leader from the States, as well as a male coordinator from Morocco and male and female staff from the Moroccan Center for Cross Cultural Learning. We are really well supported and I think this is going to be a packed, but fantastic four weeks.

Wish me a safe trip, and no lost baggage, passports, or students :)

Love,
Heather