Merry Christmas from Morocco!

Today is Christmas Eve, although it sure doesn't feel like it. While much of the U.S. is having a white Christmas, its in the 50s here in Ouarzazate province. Unfortunately, that's true inside and outside the house, so its a little chilly. Its strange not being at home for Christmas, although my family sent me a package to open Christmas morning, so I will be able to keep some traditions alive :) I have created a tree of sorts, stockings, and wrapped presents to put under the tree for my host family. Since the tree and stockings are made from blue construction paper, they are utterly unique. I'm looking forward to seeing my host family's faces when they open their gifts tomorrow.

Overall, things are going well here at site. I move into my own place in a week and have slowly been collecting all the things I need to make it "mine." I was able to buy most of my furniture and kitchen supplies from the previous volunteer, which really helped out since we only have about $500 to furnish our whole house. Getting things second hand from Mia was great. Otherwise, I've heard you have to choose between getting a refrigerator and getting a bed. Lucky me, I have both. Once I get a dresser and a few chairs, I should be totally set! I even found thick plastic to cover the open window in my dining room.

Work wise, things are slowly getting rolling. I have restarted the English classes that the previous volunteer taught. I teach a group of local women, ages 13 to 32, for a few hours a week. I'm so glad I started the classes again, because these women are wonderful. They are all very welcoming and positive people. I love sharing some of my culture with them and really appreciate their willingness to share (and explain) Moroccan culture with me.

I'm also met with my weaving association a few times and really hope to get their needs categorized within the next few weeks. Then I can get started on whatever project is most important to them. My tutor has offered to help translate their answers, since my Tashelhit (Berber) is still pretty primitive. The group seems pretty highly motivated, so I hope we're able to get some things accomplished these next two years. My tutor thinks they may want a website, which would be a pretty awesome project. We'll see what they need.