Christmas Time is Here???

Well, it's been a few weeks hasn't it???  I've been keeping busy planning, grading, lounging, etc. This past month has been the coldest of my life. The weather during the day gets up to about 60--it's beautiful!  But at night, it gets into the 30s, and without insulation, indoor heating, and the amount of tile in the houses, it's FREEZING!!  I finally bought a budda heater last week.  It's a gas heater that uses a gas bottle to heat.  I have to make sure not to leave it on when I'm sleeping and to crack a window when it's open, but it is so amazing and wonderful.  I can finally feel my toes again! :) I have a feeling I'm going to go through a bottle of gas per week!  Amy also let me borrow an extra rug form her home.  This means no more walking on cold floors, and it adds a nice homey, warm touch to my room.

It's hard for me to believe that it's almost Christmas.  I don't know if I've tried to suppress the knowledge of this or just haven't thought it about it.  I've only had one day this month where I truly realized that I wouldn't be with my Ohio or Memphis friends and family for Christmas.  Most of the time, there's nothing to visually remind me of Christmas. There are no windows decorated or stole sales; no houses covered in lights; no mall or street corner Santa; no collecting or giving money for charity; no Christmas songs being blasted from every radio across town. It's crazy! It's like the movie Groundhog Day. . . only I feel like I'm living days in October over and over again.  The weather is beautiful during the day (outside) and freezing at night (inside).  No insulation, indoor heating, and houses covered with tile make for chilly living. Thankfully I was able to get a gas heater this past week, and I've been slowly thawing out.

I've been meeting with some of the teachers the past few weeks and we're discussing where we are in life (and in the world).  Sometimes I forget that I'm teaching in Morocco, and when I remember I say "I'm living in Morocco?!" in either two ones. One: I think it's the coolest thing ever. Two: I think it was the worst decision of my life.  We've been talking about what a blessing it is to be here and be lights for others even if we (especially me) get frustrated by the constant obstacle and hurdles here: students who refuse to speak in English in class, students who can't write complete sentences, walking down the street and getting harassed by men, the inability to find necessary items for cooking "normal" meals (a.k.a most canned food items), the fact that laundry takes days to dry hanging outside, when the water pipe breaks and you can't communicate with the person who's supposed to fix it, having to have someone constantly translate anything for you, not having a car and having to walk for 30 minutes to someplace it would take 2 to drive to. . .  just to name a few! :)  It's always nice to have conversations with other teachers and remember that we are here for a purpose, even if were not exactly sure what it is.  Please continue to pray that I feel at peace and can look at this obstacles as what they are--ways people do things in other cultures--rather than road blocks that continually get me down.

Miss you all.  Can't believe I won't be home for Christmas, but trying to embrace the fact that I'm gaining so many new experiences. . . and will be breathing Parisian air and WILL get to see Christmas lights and trees in Paris for Christmas! :)  xoxo

Thankfulness

Hello dear friends! Happy Thanksgiving! I'm so very thankful for you!

This month has been extremely busy, but thankfully full of days off school. The first weekend of November, we had a 5 day weekend for the Moroccan Eid el Kabir.  I spent the weekend in Melilla, Spain and had such a relaxing time (see previous posts for info on that). Last weekend we had a 3-day weekend for the Moroccan Independence Day. Unfortunately, there was a lack of barbecues, watermelon-shaped fruit bowls, and fireworks displays. Thankfully, there was an abundance of laziness, tv/movies, and junk food. I spent two of the three nights at my friends' apartment, and I think we weren't out of bed for more than an hour on Friday; instead, we snuggled in for a day full of catching up on our favorite tv shows and enjoying our day off!  This weekend we had Thursday and Friday off for American Thanksgiving!  It's definitely interesting experiencing the holiday in another country.

 I was invited to eat with some wonderful friends.  We had delicious turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes (made by your truly :) ), homemade biscuits, apple crisp, pumpkin bread, and homemade toffee!!!  I was stuffed!!  It was so wonderful to be surrounded by friends, but it was bittersweet to miss , the parade, the dog show!!, all the Black Friday advertisements, and my dear, sweet family.  I was able to skype with them for a bit--the computer was set at the dining room table and it was ALMOST like I was actually there. . . I actually spent most of the day trying to image the day as any other typical Thursday to keep myself in the here and now, and not dwell on the fact that I won't be back home anytime soon.  Here are some pics of our splendid feast!

Update on the fabric fiasco from a million blogs ago: In August, I overpaid for fabric in the Medina in order to have a chair made.  Well, the tailor didn't have his paperwork or something in order, so he told us the police closed his shop and there was no way we could get in to get the fabric out. That was 2.5 months ago! Mark was going to get some papers legalized last week and just happened to be close to the shop and stopped by. Lo and behold, the shop was open!!! Apparently the owners of the building decided to take the store back and open it themselves.  And, it seems to have been open for a while!!!  Thankfully, they still had my fabric!!!  Yesterday, I went out with Amy and Michelle and found some additional solid-colored fabric for accent pillows. Now I just need to find a trustworthy tailor to make my chair before Christmas!! I'll keep you posted--and hopefully pictures will follow!

Today I'm going out again to buy fabric to make scarves! So fun!  When am I to plan lessons for school you ask??? That's a great question! :)

I thought I'd end my blog with some things I'm thankful for right now:
1. I'm thankful for the internet that lets me keep in touch with so many back home.
2. I'm thankful for the many coffee shops within walking distance of my house.
3. I'm thankful for Mark and Amy, their friendship, and their willingness to go above and beyond to make me welcome here and feel like family.
4. I'm thankful for the awesome care package my aunt and uncle sent me!

5. I'm thankful that I can still talk to my parents multiple times a week.
6. I'm thankful for the awesome teachers at the school & that so many of us have become such great friends in just a few short months!
7. I'm thankful I was able to get my fabric (& hopefully a chair soon!).
8. I'm thankful for all the cheap bananas and oranges in season right now.
9. I'm thankful that this weekend has been full of sunshine and 60 degree weather!
10. I'm thankful that Christmas in Paris is in only 25 days!!!! :)

When I am alone. . .

I've had a song going through my head all day.  Give Me Jesus by Fernando Ortega.  It's probably one of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard, and it has the most simple & profound message for the listener--Give me Jesus!

This week I've felt lonely.  I don't know if it's because I came to Spain with friends and feel that much more comfortable here. I enjoy Morocco, I like a lot of things about Morocco, but Morocco still isn't home. It's home for the time being, but it's not where I want to be every night when I lay my head down. Spain isn't home either, but there are some things here that I can't get in Morocco and can in the U.S. (bacon, other forms of pork, Heinz ketchup), and it makes me miss home and family that much more.  On the other hand, it could just be that I'm simply lonely.  Yes, I'm usually surrounded by multiple people 6-7 days a week, but I just feel lonely. I want to constantly be surrounded by friends--people with whom I can communicate, people with whom I share similar beliefs and interests; people who know me for me and love me for me.

This song has been my heart's cry today.  When I am alone, give me Jesus!  I want to breath, lives, and be the words of this song! I find myself too often turning to other people and things to fill the emptiness that overtakes my soul so often.  I want that irresistible craving, that quench that won't ever be satisfied until Jesus returns to call us home. I want to be the person who says "Just give me Jesus!" Why do we (or at least me) always look for happiness and fulfillment elsewhere? I want to be so on fire and so passionate that you can really have the entire world as long as I can have Jesus.

I'm reminded of a dear, dear friend and sister who lived this message in her short life.  I, too, can tell that my heartstrings are longing for the creator. Oh, that I may live as she lived, and daily desire that "when I come to die, give me Jesus!!!"

Just some thoughts before bed. . . I hope that you want and crave Jesus daily, and that you find Him as you seek with your whole heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N3KPA9ltQE

Hello Break!

Well, it has been a long time, hasn't it?!

Friday  marked the end of the first nine weeks of school. That's right, folks!  One quarter down, only three to go this year.  The first nine weeks have been filled with tears, frustrations, more tears, and more frustrations! :) Actually, it was really cool to finally be a teacher.  After six years of schooling, I still wake up some days and think, "Is this really happening? Do I really have my OWN classroom?!"  It's pretty surreal.  I'm still adjusting to the life of a teacher, having difficulty managing my time, figuring out what the students REALLY need to know, and what I just THINK they need to know. . . but it's been a blessing and a learning experience--maybe not for the students, but definitely for me!

A few weeks ago, I traveled "outside" the country to Melilla, Spain with 3 other teachers from Amicitia.  Melilla is an enclave in the northeastern part of Morocco.  We took the midnight train (I would not suggest doing that as it's pretty much impossible to sleep in coach), arrived in Nador, Morocco at about 6am, took a taxi to the bus station, and a bus to the border where we walked across the border to Spain!  The guy stamping passports gave us a hard time because we didn't have our Visa papers (Of course we didn't!  They're at the police station for processing).  We can only stay in the country for 90 days until our Visa's go through, but of course, they act like they don't understand that fact when it's their rule!  Thankfully one of my roommates came with us who speaks Arabic, and she was able to talk the guard down and get him to stamp our passports.  We spent the night in Melilla, and it was super cool! My favorite part: the cars actually stop for you when you step into the crosswalk.  We walked around the quaint city center until, unfortunately, I ended up with a 24-hour flu bug that had been going around the school.  We were staying at a hostel that night (cheap route to go!), and the shared bathroom situation was definitely not my favorite that evening.  We left the next morning, Sunday, at about 10am, walked back across the border (ironically, it was the same guy as the day before and he was in a jovial mood this time!), and took a taxi to the bus stop.  We decided NOT to take the train back to Fes, as it was a 6-hour journey, and I was feeling poorly.  Instead, we all paid for seats in a grand taxi (basically a regular-sized sedan) and took the 3-hour car ride back to Fes.

The past two weeks were filled with "end of the quarter" stuff in preparation for our current break.  We had papers and tests to finish up, and now we're in the middle of a 5-day weekend in celebration of the Eid el Kabir.  This holiday is like the Moroccan version of Christmas.  They all get together with their families (so the train to Melilla yesterday was packed with people traveling home or to relatives' houses), have a week off school, slaughter a sheep in honor of Abraham nearly sacrificing Ishmael. . . . (hmmmmmm), and then feast on the sheep (yes, ALL parts of the sheep--liver, stomach, head, eyes. . . you name it, they eat it!) the rest of the week.  In my apartment building, the families keep their sheep in the basement until the actual holiday, which is Monday; the building has been continually smelling worse and worse this week.  It's like a regular farm!

In order to escape the farm smell, and the upcoming blood-fest, I traveled BACK to Melilla with the Wieds.  It was the cheapest route, as the closer we got to the holiday, the higher plane ticket prices to mainland Spain became.  Some friends of friends know a family here who have a large flat where we could all stay for a relatively cheap price.  A. and I took the train yesterday, and it was a much more enjoyable ride traveling during the way.  We chatted, read, napped, and arrived at the border about the same time as M. and boys (they drove and left three hours later than us!).  However, we were able to walk right across the border, and the men had to take forever waiting in the car! :) So. . . we got to the border, and the guy in the booth started speaking to me in Arabic.  I quickly grabbed my translator, and, come to find out, I was overdue to leave the country! What?! My 90 days expired this past week; yes, I knew that, but that's why I left the country two weeks ago! Well, he was saying that the time didn't count because we only left for a day. Excuse me?!!!! I was never told that was a problem. Everyone I had talked to who had gone to Melilla for a visa run had never had a problem; in fact, one person had left and returned in the SAME day.  Why in the world was I having a problem???  In all actuality, he could have taken my passport, detained me, and not allowed me to leave the country, but A. was able to explain to him that the police have my paperwork, and I DID leave the country within my 90 days. . . . and FINALLY he graciously stamped my passport.  So now we're just praying that they actually count this one since I'll be out of the country for about 3 days rather than just 1.  M. even had trouble crossing the border--they didn't stamp his passport! Apparently he looks Moroccan! :) By the time he got to the Spanish border he didn't have an exit stamp and had to go back through and wait, again, to get a stamp!  But, we're here now in beautiful Spain.  The weather in Fes has been rainy and cold lately, but today in Melilla, it's beautiful and sunny!!!!

I'm so thankful for this much needed break, and I'm looking forward to a great weekend with such wonderful friends!!! They are such a blessing in my life! :)  The boys and I spent the morning playing Heart & Soul on the piano, and we're about ready to head out the door and take a walk to the city center in the sunshine!

Oh, one other story before I go.  When A. and I were leaving the border guard yesterday, she said Insha'allah, the paperwork will be here by the time I have to leave the country again.  The man angrily asked if she even knew what that phrase meant.  After replying with the correct translation (If God wills it), he asked if she even trusted in God.  Yes! Really?! Yes, I trust in God through the Messiah!!! :)  So, I leave you with this little tidbit--How wonderful that we can come openly to the Father through the one He sent here. I'm so glad that I can trust through the Messiah & know that my salvation is secure!  Oh, praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead!

أعتقد أن الأفكار وأنا عالية فوق المدينة

Hello dear friends. I hope you have had a wonderful Saturday just as I have. If you're wondering, the title of my blog is "Thoughts that I think as I'm high above the city," although I'm not sure that's what it really says--that's just what I typed into Google Translate.

Today turned out completely different than I had originally planned, and it was wonderful! My typical Saturday morning routine involves sleeping in until at least 10 to catch up on a lack of sleep from the work week. However, I had promised some friends I would meet them for breakfast at 9. What was I thinking? After rolling in 15 minutes later per my usual style, I had a great time chatting with the other teachers and Amy W. Delicious cafe au lait woke me up, and the good company cheered my tired spirit.

After a breakfast of mlaui, juice, and coffee, we were off to Fes Jedid to check out fabric. . . again!  Remember the fabric I bought two months ago (and overpaid)? Well, it ended up getting locked in the tailor's store due to some incorrectly filed paperwork--or something like that. We went back to the fabric store to try to buy more, but unfortunately, they're out! I'm not sure yet what will happen now. It appears my choices are wait out the paperwork issue indefinitely, or buy new fabric. After the discussion at the fabric shop, we taxied into the rest of the medina to look at. . .what else? Shoes, of course!  I was able to find a really cute yellow leather pair. "I give you good price!" And of course, what medina trip is complete without a stop at our friend Juad's store--he calls us all "scallywag" (real pirate, this guy) and sells us silver earrings for only 5 durhams a piece! What a steal! :)

I got back home and fully intended on vegging out in my room--catching up on tv shows from the week, taking a ridiculously long nap, snacking on junk food. However, I'm so glad that I have such wonderful roommates who invite me to enjoy life! I had already been to the Medina once today,  but Kirsten and Collette were planning to go back to visit another teacher from the school.  I figured I didn't want to hang out with a bunch of people (and 4 didn't sound like too many), and I wasn't looking forward to being home along (even if I was going to be locked in my room).  So, I decided--why not??!!  I didn't go out last weekend, and I was caught up on my lesson planning.  PTL that I went! I had such a relaxing, enjoyable evening. 

We taxied to the entrance of the Medina and walked to a Tea House just inside the gates. It was beautiful--a little haven of comfort inside the city walls surrounded by so many people!  We sat and chatted, sipping on coffee and juice (surprisingly, we didn't have tea at the TEA house!) for a while before moving on. We walked down the main alleys of the Medina, found some scarves & bracelets, looked at lots of wonderful fruit (which we bought on our way out--pomegranates! mmmmmm), and made our may to the friend's house. Her apartment, 5 stories high, is the tallest in the neighborhood. After having more coffee, we headed up to the roof at sunset to look out over the Medina, singing praises to our King & creator, and interceding for the many who are lost. It was truly amazing to look out over the miles of rooftops & buildings and to think that all (or at least most) of these people are lost and don't even know it. I was really praying for a peace tonight--that everyone in the city would have an incomprehensible peace as they went to bed, and be so curious about it that they would start searching and find the One who freely gives grace and peace that passes human understanding! 

Today was just a fantastic Saturday! I felt very much at home and comfortable in the city, especially in the Medina--a place where I so often feel so overwhelmed by culture shock and language & social barriers. It was a great feeling to actually be happy in Fes--I hope this feeling continues! 

One last tidbit--when Kirsten and I arrived back at our apartment, we had a short chat about how one great thing about living in Morocco is the fact that I sometimes feel like I'm in Bible times. It really gives me a different perspective of the Arab people when I think that they live the way our Savior lived, have lots of the same traditions & customs, a similar language, etc. It really makes some passages in the Word stand out and come alive that much more! So, anyone who wants to visit and check out what I'm talking about, Maharbabik--you are welcome!

P.S. Here are some pictures from the day out!

The Tea House

My roommates--Kirsten & Collette

My first meal from a street vendor in the Medina

View from the roof

The Medina at sunset

C'est Vendredi!!!

I've officially passed the halfway mark of the first quarter, just finished up week 6 today.  It's still incredibly weird to think that I'm a teaching, I've been teaching for 6 weeks, and I live in Morocco!  While I don't think that my students have learned that much, or at least would be unable to reproduce anything we've talked about in class, I've learned a lot. I've learned that just because they can repeat a definition, they  more than likely can't use the vocabulary word correctly in a sentence. I've learned that many students don't care that they didn't do their homework. I've learned that reading is not a high priority for most of my students (and now I need to find an interesting way to teach it). I've learned they enjoy my Friday classes (apparently they're too easy, and filled with too much singing! :) ). I've learned that no matter how many times I write certain names on the board, the talkative kids don't get the message that they need to be quiet! I've learned that candy and bonus points are big motivators!

So I'm still adjusting (a bit plateaued on the "Moroccan" side, and still working hard on the "teaching" side), but I wanted to share with you about my day--it was a good Friday (or as Rebecca Black says. . . "fun, fun, fun")! My day started off with some good prayer--two of my friends dropped by for a spontaneous 30-second prayer which was just what I needed as I woke up utterly exhausted today and in no mood to teach. My freshmen were great, and we spent most of the period talking about literature, and the other part singing my favorite song for the day--Friday.  They've gotten pretty used to me jamming in the halls the last day of every week!

Lunch was great! I mean, when is it not??? :) My two roommates, Kirsten and Collette, and I have begun preparing meals 2 to 3 nights a week--which means LEFTOVERS for lunch!!! Today was spaghetti with white cheese sauce, broccoli, and mushrooms. Also, lunch break on Friday's is 20 minutes longer than the other four days = eating at a normal speed rather than scarfing my food like there's no tomorrow . . . which there may not be. Ha!

After lunch, I had my Foundations and Honors classes.  I'm pleased to announce that I assigned 2 "complaint" papers in each class! I have started a new policy--excessive complaining = a 3-5 page paper on why the students should not have complained and why he/she will no longer complain in my class. The students try to bargain and complain their way out of lots of things (nay, everything!), and it's wearing on my nerves. Thus, a new classroom policy.  We'll see whether they turn in the papers next week or not. I'll keep you posted!

I'm free the last period of the day, and so I had a nice chat with the school's director, another teacher, and Mark Weiderwohl. We chatted about the new espresso and latte's soon to be served to the teachers in the mornings (Yay!), dance classes, block scheduling, cook outs, and the like--most of the conversation was not geared toward the male in the room (Sorry, Mark!), but it was nice to feel like I could relax for 40 minutes rather than rushing around grading papers and planning for next week. I'm pleased to announce that I've switched to doing a few Units in two of my classes, so I'm caught up on planning (for the most part) for the next 2-3 weeks!

After school, the middle school English teacher and I went to my favorite cafe, Le Carlton, which is mere minutes from my apartment. It was wonderful to chat about school, language (Arabic & French), life, traveling, students and more for an hour or so. I'm so glad that I have such a great relationship with the other teachers here. It makes my job that much more enjoyable!

Back at the apartment, my roommate Kirsten, fluent in Arabic, gave me my 3rd Arabic lesson of the week.  I can now say "I went to the school today," "I want a kilo of X (vegetable/fruit) please," and "How much for a kilo of X?" However, it takes me about 3 minutes to think of the correct conjugation and pronunciation, so I'm still in the extremely beginning stages of language acquisition here. However, it is pretty exciting to think that I'm learning a few things day by day.

Tomorrow I'm going back to the Medina to look at fabric and. . . shoes! Anyone surprised??? :)  I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend, hoping to take a few more pictures to show y'all, and be able to spend time with teacher friends outside the school buildings.  Have a fantastic week!!! xoxo

Whew! Been a while. . .

Today was the last day of week three at Amicitia.  Did I just say week three??? Because it felt like week three hundred!!!!!!! They say a day in heaven is merely a moment.  In Moroccan time, a day is a millennium!!!  I have had so many ups and downs these past three weeks.  Part of my stress & frustration stems from the fact that it's a million degrees here (Wow Rachel. What a great use of hyperbole!).  I literally moved to the surface of the sun! :) (Although I'm pleased announce that there was a heaven-sent breeze blowing through my classroom windows this afternoon--first day I didn't sweat since school started!! Lately I've been stewing in my own filth. . .haha!) But enough complaining. . . . let me give you a glimpse into my crazy busy life since the beginning of September.

The school is set up on block scheduling.  That means that each class I teach is 1.5 hours long, but I don't teach every class each day. I have Freshmen & Seniors on M, W; Foundations and Honors on T, R; and then all the classes for only 45 minutes on Fridays.  I also monitor a study hall in my room 3 days a week (and my study hall students have been teaching me some Arabic the last 20 minutes of class. I learned the colors this week.).  So back to the time slots, it's nice to be able to get a lot done in one setting, but that also means I don't see all of my students each and every day making it a bit difficult to keep up with all their English needs.  So far, my classes have been pretty mild.  I tried to start out really strict--gotta get the image of the "mean teacher."  (I did hear positive results through the grapevine.) We've been moving fairly slowly, as in haven't-made-it-to-the-textbook slow.  I had to really reign in my expectations.  Some of my students don't have books yet as they're stuck in customs in Casablanca. Some of my students are needing a bit more practice in basic English, grammar, and sentence structure skills.  There's definitely a large discrepancy between what they say they know and what they can produce.  The Lord is trying to teach me patience in so many departments.  However, it's still just week three, and we have many more meetings.  I hope that some of my enthusiasm for reading can rub off onto some of the kids.  We're supposed to be getting Kindles for all the high school students with lots of novels loaded onto them already.  I'm looking forward to jumping into some great books with these kids and hopefully helping them find something they enjoy.

Fridays, even though they're jam-packed with all the shortened classes, are my favorite.  I'm a little bit more lax with the kids.  We take vocab quizzes in all the grades and then work on other stuff (or play Would You Rather with the remaining time--I really  need to work on that "not being off task" stuff. . . ), and then we all sing Rebecca Black's Friday song.  I'm pretty sure my kids think I'm weird, but somebody's gotta be, right? I've started to become more comfortable and I'm skating the line between strict and "fun." I've starting singing and bustin' out some dance moves. So fun! They're uber big and devoted negotiators though, and they haven't learned that I don't negotiated well. haha They turn in their homework late and try to get full credit. Not happening!

I really enjoy the rest of the faculty at the school as well! The new teachers are AMAZING! I think we've all bonded really well the past three weeks. Actually, we bonded before school started and I hardly see them now that we're all busy teaching and planning. :)  The returning teachers are also fantastic!  They're so willing to help and provide insight into aspects of life in the city and at the school. I live with two of them and they have been so sweet, offering wisdom about everything & really setting my mind at ease.

One thing that I've gotten to do (other than be a full-time teacher) is drive a car. That's right folks, Rachel Rufenacht has officially driven through Fes and Morocco!!! (more than once, too!) The school has a car that they loan out to the teachers if they need it to drive to the store or just around the countryside. Two weekends ago, two of the other teachers and I took the car up into the mountains to a little town called Ifrane.  The town is only two hours away and inspired by Swiss construction--all the houses have pointy roofs and look like they could be in the Alps. It was so much cooler up there, and we spent the day enjoying the sunshine, the breeze, and lounging in a cafe drinking coffee & tea--Ahhhh the life!

Lauren, Katie, Me, and Marcy before setting off

Yea. We had to stop for the sheep and the cows. Typical.

All the buildings looked like this. Love it!

We're hoping to go back and ski in the winter!

Last weekend I borrowed the car again and did some more shopping for my classroom as well as grocery shopping.  Let's discuss: grocery shopping is frustrating!!! The produce is really fresh, but that's about where the wonders end. The carts remind me of cart racing. They don't turn on a dime and I'm always an inch away from running into someone.  The food labels are all in French and Arabic--I have to make my purchases based solely on the pictures. And the checkout lines take twice as long as anything I ever waited for in Defiance or Memphis.  You bag your own groceries, and any price checks can take up to a half hour. Seriously!

I also spent Saturday morning with Amy W. We drove around Fes for a bit, ate lunch at a nice coffee shop, and found some cheap clothes. :) That night I took the boys and her to a restaurant and spent the night so we could all drive to church together.  They're so fun!!!

Let's see. . . . I feel there is so much more I should catch you up on.  My roommates and I have a maid.  I know. Lap of luxury, right?! She comes on Fridays--she's like a magic fairy. I leave in the morning, the house is super dirty. I come home at night, everything is clean and stacked in neat little piles.  I think she'll even cook for us if we leave her ingredients!  

Last week was super fun. I received books in the mail that a wonderful friend from Memphis sent to me, a letter from a dear and extremely missed friend from college, and a package from Mom and fantastic peeps from FCOG!  You all are so wonderful and faithful!  Thank you for your continuing thoughts and prayers.  I know that most of my blogs are maybe the stressful and difficult times here in Morocco (yes, there are lots of them), but it's nice to know that I can vent and know someone is listening and praying.  Morocco has lots of wonderful and beautiful parts too.  The people can be very hospitable, it's a blessing to have a job, and I'm learning so much about myself and others here. Memphis was a growing time in that I learned I could be on my own and survive.  I'm having to relearn that a bit here since survival requires so many different things than America did. I can't just reheat my leftovers in the microwave, or drive myself to the store, or walk alone at night. It's just such a different feeling living in a foreign country.  My wonderful friend Natalie from Memphis gave me a devotional before I left, and it's been so pertinent every night.  It always has encouraging words for me, and has been on the theme of TRUST lately--something that I have been working on growing in.  God is faithful and I'm learning to put my trust in him every morning.  He never lets me down and always exceeds my expectations.

That's all for now.  I'm trying to get a handle on this teaching thing and will hopefully be writing more than once every three weeks!  Hugs and kisses from the other side of the world! xoxo

From the desk of Ms. Rufenacht

I'm pleased to announce that I made it through my first day as an official high school English teacher---and it wasn't that difficult. That could be partly because today was "syllabus" day, and I spent most of the day going over expectations and procedures and giving the students a wonderful reading assessment (I'm sure the students were pleased with that on the first day!), and partly because today is a B day on the block schedule, and that means I only teach from 8:30-12:30. How wonderful to have the afternoon free for planning (or for sweating because it's ridiculously hot in the classroom)!!!

I wanted to add some pictures so you can see the before and after shots of my classroom. . . Enjoy! (The first pics are from Mr. Palossari.)

 These are what the classroom looked like this summer.  There was a balcony at the back of the room that they enclosed to help add a bit of room (still a tight squeeze, but it looks great now!)

So this is what my room looks like now. I brought over some posters that help brighten it up a bit. My desk is in the back left corner, but may need to be moved to make room for more desks (apparently lots of students want to take Honors English). I'm pretty excited about my two whiteboards. It's nice and homey--needs a bit more organization, but I'm definitely on my way to being done with it soon.

So today was my first day teaching. It was pretty nerve-wracking, but I actually had a lot of peace this morning. Such a blessing!  Tomorrow I teach my other two classes, and then the real fun starts--planning for actual lessons!  I definitely covet your prayers and thoughts as I get ready to dive into teaching my students. I really want to get to know them and find out what they need so I can cater lessons to them. I'll keep you posted!

A Humdinger of a Weekend

It probably wasn't really a "humdinger," but gosh it feels like one when you're somewhat stranded in a foreign culture and all you can say is "hello" and "thank you" and that just doesn't get you very far. Ironically, we talked about culture shock this morning at New Teacher Orientation (Yes. That in itself is SHOCKING, since I've only been going to school for, oh, my whole life! Can't believe that I actually start teaching in a week . . . but that's a whole post in itself. . .). It's one thing to say "these are the reasons for culture shock, and these are the symptoms, and these are the remedies," but it's an entirely different thing to be present and waking and living and sleeping in culture shock. So because I'm having a rough, culture shock-y day, I'm going to vent about the things that I'm finding very disagreeable at the moment:

Friday: I tried to get cash out of the ATM. Both times that I inserted my card, the machine told me, quite politely I might add, that it could not complete the requested transaction at the moment. No problem. I'm learning (or think I'm learning) to deal with NOTHING working like I think it will or should.  I'll just get money later, right? Except that it charged my card BOTH times.  Okay. No problem. I'll call the bank and tell them there's been a mistake and everything will be fine. Except it's not, because I've now discovered I have no idea how to use the phone to place calls that aren't already programmed into my cell phone. I have a number the length of a football field with a bunch of 0s and 1s and 2s and every other number under the sun, and I can't dial out. And when I do try, I get a message in French (a language I also can only say "hello" and "thank you" in), so it's uterly futile to try to get ahold of anyone. I try deleting numbers, still get the same message, and hang up disusted with my current situation. *Update: I did eventually get ahold of someone who told me how to call, and I was informed the money would return to my account at the end of 30 days. Great.

Sunday: Being sick in another culture is AWFUL! Not only do I have no idea where to buy drugs (I haven't had to buy them when I'm healthy at the grocery store. . .), I don't have mom or a dear friend to run out for me and buy me a giant box of tissues or chicken noodle soup or whatever else I may want. And of course the heat REALLY is so very comfortable and conducive to sleeping when you already have a giant headache and are sweating profusely. That's right gentlemen, girls sweat!

Monday: This is actually a couple-day frustration, but it culminated today. I bought fabric this weekend, beautiful, beautiful fabric, and was uber excited about it. Of course, when the shopkeeper showed me the price, I had a mild heart attack, but my math skills weren't sharp that day, and he used a calculator, so of course he had to be right, right?! I didn't question it; I just gave him the money. Word to the wise: ALWAYS question. He did give me back a few Durhams (the currency here), and I was totally confused, but figured he was being nice and giving me a tiny price cut because it was so expensive. Come to find out 24 hours later, the price was in Ryals, which I don't completely understand, but apparently they're like half of a Durham. Which means I paid almost double the price he had originally quoted us! ANGER! Well, I went back to try to get my money, but of course it was my word against his, and he swore he wouldn't have charged me double and I swore I knew exactly how much I had given him. I got some back, but the point is: This wouldn't have happend in the U.S.! Why? Because they have things like receipts, and cash registers that count the money and record how much should be in the system at the end of the day, and they also have U.S. dollars that I totally understand.

So, sure when I write about it the stories don't seem so bad, but when you're stressed about figuring lesson plans out for the next week (did I just say next week???!!!), and trying to figure out how to walk to place X without getting lost, and what you'll say if you do get lost since you can't ask for directions, and whether you reallly need to go to the store or you can get buy with the fruit you have in the fridge because you don't really want to walk to the store alone, and you don't want to have to meet anyone because you can't have a decent conversation, and it's hot out so you don't want to have to be modestly dressed so it's easier to stay inside. . . . then the stories seem like the most horrible things in the world. Our HR person says "get over it" when deal with culture shock, but I don't want to get over it. I want to fight and kick and scream, and so that's why I'm telling you about it--because I'm a whiney American baby who will get over it eventually, but doesn't want to just yet.

Oh, how I wish I could snuggle up with Mary, or Beka, or Kathryn, or Jacque and watch one of a thousand movies avaible on the elusive-to-Morocco Netflix, and hear them whisper that everything's okay. But I can't, so instead I want to buy a plane ticket to. . . Antarctica???. . . because I'm sure I wouldn't have ANY culture shock there. . .

Chefchaouen

I was able to travel to the Northern part of Morocco this week with a few other teachers/administration as a getaway before school starts.  We drove Wednesday morning, spent the night, and drove back Thursday afternoon. It was a relaxing time in a wonderful city, and it was such a blessing to be able to get to know the other teachers so much more and in such a great way! The 24 hour period was filled with much walking, serenading the group with musical tunes during lunch, learning useful and non-useful Arabic phrases and when to use them, lack of sleep due to staying up late listening to a trumpet player at. . . 3 in the morning???!!!!, hiking up a giant hill or small mountain (being from the flat lands, it's difficult to tell isn't it?), sharing our hearts, talking about lesson plans and students and school, lots of laughter, and so much more! Here's a little video I put together for your viewing pleasure. Don't mind the fact that this girl needs a larger vocabulary.  For being an English teacher, I sure used the word "beautiful" too much! :)

Feeling Refreshed

What a busy, interesting, and exciting day.  I woke up this morning and, running on very little sleep, helped one of the teachers move from the Medina (the old part of the city) to Fes Jedid (the not-as-old-as-the-old-part-of-the-city-but-still-an-old-part-of-the-city and where the Jewish quarter used to be). Although there was a temperate breeze that felt quite nice, after moving many boxes and trekking through many alley-ways, the sweat was dripping by 10am!

Back in my apartment, I contemplated a nap, but decided (quite shockingly!) that I would be a bit domestic before it got hot.  In the less traditional Moroccan way, I cleaned/mopped my floors.  Moroccan homes are not carpeted (a fact that I will probably find unpleasant when it turns chilly in the city), and it is necessary to mop.  Traditional floor cleaning requires a large amount of water to be dumped on the floor and then squeegeed toward a drain somewhere in the house.  Because I'm not a) good at mopping floors b) a fan of dumping water everywhere when I'm not sure what I'm doing and c) Moroccan, I went for the less risky version of cleaning and used a bucket and cloth, pushing the rag around on the end of the squeegee until everything was nice and wet.  Although I'm sure I just moved the dirt from one side of the room to the other, I still felt quite accomplished when all was said and done.  I also did two loads of laundry, washed the dishes, and looked at a bit of 12th grade literature before mid-afternoon. Go me!

This evening, all the teachers in Morocco so far (some have yet to return from summer vacation) went over to the founder of the school's home.  We had a lovely meal and wonderful fellowship.  It was great to meet the two newest members of the staff who arrived just last night somewhere around midnight.  Although they were still jet-lagging a bit, they were so bubbly and enthusiastic about their new careers here. We all went around the table and shared how we each ended up in Morocco.  Each story was unique, but they all seemed to be similar cases of doors opening, and miraculous connections just when they were needed.  It was so encouraging to see how we were all ordained to be here at this exact moment.  If I wasn't excited this morning or even this past week about teaching, I'm staring to be--and if not even about teaching, then about being in Morocco.  I'm so excited for my new friends and the experiences, joy, sorrow, frustration, grace, surprises, laughs, and everything else we're going to share together these next few years.  I just know that they will turn out to be some of my life long friends!  I know that I sometimes have a trust issues, but Daddy never lets me down when I'm in a new place. He always has new, friendly faces ready to welcome me and help me adjust, and Morocco is no exception.  I'm feeling very blessed right now, and even though it's not quite home (and I'm sure I'll have down days following this high), I'm glad that I have such wonderful people around that we can transition to the "home" stage together. :)

Tomorrow I'm going to the school to check out my classroom, and later this week we're heading up to the mountains for a mini "before school and stresses begin" vacation.  I'll try to post some of my adventures later this week!  Hugs and Kisses!


P.S. I wanted to share some devotions that I've been reading this week.  Ever since I arrived here, each one has been pertinent and applicable to my situation and feelings for that day. I hope these speak to you as well.

"Find me in the midst of the maelstrom. Sometimes events whirl around you so quickly that they become a blur. Whisper My Name in recognition that I am still with you. Without skipping a beat in the activities that occupy you, you find strength and Peace through praying My Name. Later, when the happening have run their course, you can talk with Me more fully. Accept each day just as it comes to you. Do not waste your time and energy wishing for a different set of circumstances. Instead, trust Me enough to yield to My design and purposes. Remember that nothing can separate you from My loving Presence; you are Mine."


"Expect to encounter adversity in your life, remember that you live in a deeply fallen world. Stop trying to find a way that circumvents difficulties. The main problem with an easy life is that it masks your need for Me. When you came to Me, I infused My very Life into you, empowering you to live on a supernatural plane by depending on Me. Anticipate coming face to face with impossibilities: situations totally beyond your ability to handle. This awareness of your inadequacy is not something you should try to evade. It is precisely where I want you--the best place to encounter Me in My Glory and Power. When you see armies of problems marching toward you, cry out to Me! Allow Me to fight for you. Watch Me working on your behalf, as you rest in the shadow of My Almighty Presence."

All Grown Up?

It's my first night alone in the apartment.  Mom and I bid each other a tearful farewell, and friends of the Wiederwohl's drove her to Casa for her midnight flight (as this family was already headed to the city, and Amy has been ill the last few days).  It was a lonely feeling watching them drive away, knowing that I can't just pop on over to Mom and Dad's during a long weekend or for the holiday season.  As much as it was so difficult to live 10 hours away from my parents, obviously this is so much harder.  I will miss them very much.  I had to remind myself on the elevator to my apartment tonight that, I am indeed 24, and that must mean I'm grown up--I can live alone for 2 weeks and be a teacher. :)

On the upside, the Wieds have been so generous to me.  They let me hang with them at the studio this evening so I didn't have to spend the majority of the evening alone.  What a gracious, giving family--so willing to share their time when they have so many errands, appointments, and family needs of their own.

Also, even in the half hour I've been home, I feel a bit of peace.  Sure, it's frightening (and sure the revving engines outside at 10:30 are obnoxious), but I've been blessed by 3 postings on facebook:

1.) "Elroi. . . the God who sees me." (from Mary Deming--shout out to my girl in Maine!) How wonderful to remember that God sees me, even when I feel lonely and far away from everything that I know, that is comfortable, that I understand. He sees my fears, my failures, my triumphs, my tears (both happy & sad). . . He is the God who sees me.

2.) A verse posted by my dear friend Ariel--"Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you. Listen to His instructions, and store them in your heart." Job 22:21-22. What a great reminder of the promises that God gives to us.

3.) The Psalm dad is planning to preach on soon--Psalm 139 (especially verses 9-10). "If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Once again, a blessing to know that even here, over the sea, so far from home, He is guiding me and holding me in His arms.

Love to you all! Miss you very much!

The Medina

When I’m at home in my little apartment, it’s easy to forget that I’m living in a strange and foreign land (minus the annoying rooster that crows 24/7). Obviously the buildings are much different compared to those “high rise” homes in Defiance, Ohio (or even Memphis), but there are typical grocery stores, typical clothing stores, and even a store that takes its inspiration from Ikea (and the name even sounded similar. . .Kitea??).  However, today we trekked to the Medina for a glimpse at a tannery, the Fes al Bali panorama--thousands and thousands of houses stacked on top of each other, and a few other odds and ends for my room.  Stepping into the medina is CRAZY different—like stepping-out-of-a-time-machine different.  Modern is gone; old-fashioned is in style; time has literally stopped.  The sights, smells, and sounds are like no other place I’ve been (or probably ever will be).  There’s the shopkeeper beckoning to us so he can have money for food for f’tour.  There’s the call to prayer and so many men and women flocking to the local mosque to send prayers up to Allah.  There’s the tannery and its five floors of tiny, cramped steps up to the top so tourists like us can look over the pits of dye and everything else that is necessary to make the purses, coats, shoes, and belts hanging on the shop walls.  There is the carpet store, found in a room covered with the most beautiful mosaic tile; hundreds of carpets are hung and piled around the large room as the shopkeeper and his helpers unroll carpet after carpet for our viewing pleasure.  Although overwhelming, it’s amazing to see the detail and hard work that has been put into these hand-woven and -designed Berber and Arabian carpets.  There are the food vendors and meat market—the most strange of all sights and smells.  There is the fresh lamb hanging in the doorway; there is the camel head on the wall; there are the live chickens waiting to be killed and plucked; there is the case of fresh, stinky fish; there are the dates, oranges, peaches, hobs, & sweets that will be purchased for dinner and f’tour.  But wait, we must move quickly. Up ahead there is a donkey carrying bottles of. . .water?. . . just wide enough to pass through the narrow alleys.  The tourists and inhabitants of the cramped houses and alleyways smoosh up against the walls to let the animal and his driver pass. What a different way of life here! Although it is fun to experience this exotic and medieval way of life, I am relieved and exhausted when we return home.

3 a.m.

3:15 and I’m still awake. I guess that’s what happens when you drank mint tea that probably had caffeine in it at dinner, were still sweating at 11p.m., and then proceeded to intake more caffeine accidentally in order to get rid of body pains. Stupid Midol!

It’s amazing what thoughts spew through your head when all you want to do is sleep. You lay awake in the pitch blackness, staring up at what you know is the ceiling, praying that the rustling of the sheet against your leg is just that, rather than some bug (or God forbid, a roach) that has managed to reach the top of the bed. After exhausting the possibilities of your wardrobe for tomorrow, ruling out all the long-sleeved, sweater-like, too-thick-of-cotton outfits, you move on to your minimally furnished bedroom.  The crafty person inside you wants to paint fantastic designs on the bedside tables and walls, including verse-adorned mirrors that will eventually be on the wall. They’re lofty thoughts, but it’s 2 hours before sun-up, so what else would be running through your head?  Your thoughts turn to the natives in the street.  The raucous noise has died down since Fatur, but every once in a while you hear the muffled and indistinct strains of a conversation passing by, the squeal of smashing breaks as a hurried driver misses (possibly barely) a pedestrian, and the roar of his engine as he races down the remaining road, thankful for the peace again.  You wonder what the world looks like in the dark—the unfamiliar streets, parking lots, flats, and garbage-laden sidewalks that you saw during the day would all be a blanket of darkness--except of course, for the few (or possibly many) street lamps that penetrate the darkness.  For the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t understand it.

In an attempt to grow weary, you put in an earbud and listen to the sounds of your favorite iPod playlist.  It’s titled Bathtub—a title only you understand, but you enjoy the relaxing mood it conjures up, and pray that this will be the sheep to put you over the edge--the last number before falling asleep.  The voice of Brandon Heath actually keeps you awake longer.  His song about love prods your thoughts to turn to another road as a cock crows in the distance—how is 3:22a.m. even a time that people should be waking???  Love is not proud, love is not rude. . . love after all matters the most.  Love never fails you.  You’re in this distant land, awake in a strange bed with an even stranger pillow.  You’re hot but the fan’s too breezy.  You’re cold but no air makes you sweat.  You’re hungry but there’s nothing to snack on.  You’re thirsty but making tea or warm milk would wake your mother.  How will you survive tonight let alone hundreds of them?  A voice whispers in your ear “You are my child whom I love.  Even though you’re awake when most are asleep, I see you.  I know your fears.  I knew you would be here before you were even born.  I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you in Morocco and not to harm you—plans for a hope and a future.  I know what you desire; I see what you want for your future. If you open up to me, you will be putting your future in the best hands.  Don’t be afraid of what I have to offer.  I will not let you down like the others have.  Place me in the front, make no other idols before me, and see what I will accomplish for you.  Test me and see what I won’t do.  There is nothing I won’t do for you, no door that won’t be open to you.  I will give you the grace to accomplish the tasks you see as mountains before you.  You are my child, my daughter whom I love.  In you I am well-pleased.  You have followed me to this strange land, and I will use your open and willing heart.” Thank you for your truths. Thank you for your peace.  It’s 3:26. . .perhaps now I can fall asleep in the arms of Isa—the one who brings a peace that passes understanding. 

A new friend!

Whew! Today was a hot one. I think it got up to at least 104!  What a blessing to have kind friends with air-conditioning.  I had a rough night of sleep last night, and when I got up at 9, it was already ridiculously hot.  After breakfast, I felt like I weighed 500 lbs. and it was difficult to pull myself out of the chair.  I slept on the couch for an hour or so, and Mark W. called and offered a visit to the air-conditioned studio.  We quickly agreed!  Mom and I spent the rest of the afternoon with the Wieds and their boys, reading, playing games, chatting, eating fruit—all while enjoying the cool feeling of a.c.!  For dinner, we were invited to Ginger’s house for chicken and vegetable couscous, hobs (bread), and fresh fruit.  Dinner was finished off with some Moroccan delicacies specific for Ramadan (which I have no idea how to say let alone spell) as well as mint tea. Mmmmmmm. (Yes, dad, I did like it this time. . .Probably because the leaves weren’t jammed in the glass! J) Ginger is the elementary and middle school principal at Amicitia.  She taught at Amicitia previously for a year, worked in Casablanca for two years, and moved back to Fes just last year to accept the position as principal.  Having been in Morocco for 5 years, she is very knowledgeable about the culture and Amicitia School and answered many questions for Mom and me during our 3-hour visit.  It’s wonderful to have another friend in the city!

I definitely have to focus on the blessing of air and couscous at Ginger’s, and try to forget about the little things I’m missing from home.  Today I realized that I can no longer access Hulu or Netflix online, and I was even more disappointed when I found out I can’t listen to Pandora Internet Radio either!  Oh the joys of moving abroad.

Sorry for no pictures of the day’s events. I foolishly forgot my camera this afternoon.  More stories and pics coming later!

Salamu Alikum!

Salamu alikum! We (Mom and I) have made it to Morocco!  The entire trip took 33 hours, and we were exhausted by the time we finally arrived at my apartment at 4a.m. Sunday morning—Moroccan time. What a blessing it was to finally walk through the airport customs door and see Mark waiting to greet us.  But I should probably start from the beginning. . . 

We arrived at DTW around 5:30 Friday and were surprised to find so many people standing in line waiting to check their bags!  Good thing it was a different airline.  After finding the CORRECT line, we were happy to find out home weighing system proved accurate, the four suitcases all falling ½-1 pound under the 50 lb. weight limit.  We were provided with an unexpected blessing with no charge for our second checked bags (as we had originally thought it would be $200 for an extra, then heard $70, and finally settled on $50 each. What a blessing to not have to spend an additional $100 for our luggage!). After tearful goodbyes, Dad left, and Mom and I safely made it through security.

All the flights were uneventful.  We flew from Detroit to Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany to Casablanca, Morocco.  The planes were on-time, but of course were too uncomfortable to provide adequate sleep (at least for me). J Another blessing occurred when we were able to meet up with Cori Kissner and Caroline Echterbroch, Caroline’s mother, and a friend. Living only an hour from Frankfurt, they drove to the airport and we were able to spend a few hours with them, eating lunch, and being distracted from our 8-hour layover.  There had been some confusion about where exactly we were meeting, and as Frankfurt’s airport is one of the largest in Europe, we were truly grateful for the miracle that we were able to locate them.  

Flying into Casa was a beautiful sight.  I could see the coast of both Spain and Morocco with many beautiful, twinkly, amber town lights dotting the countryside.  The 3-hour drive from Casa to Fes was filled with laughs, language practice, and long silences in which all of us had glassy, tired stares.  What a blessing that Mark was willing to drive all that way to pick up two tired, luggage-laden travelers.  

The apartment was all set up by the time we arrived, thanks to the Wiederwohl’s generosity in getting some food staples, setting up the beds, and fixing a few things around the place.  Both Mom and I slept well (only a few weird noises during the night that woke me) for 8 hours.  Now the unpacking begins—as well as a deliciously described turkey and green bean tagine that Amy is cooking for dinner!

Although I’ve only been here for less than 24 hours, the excitement hasn’t set in yet like I had hoped it would.  I’m still anxious, definitely not ready to call this strange place home.  It was an unnatural feeling when Mark wished us a “Welcome Home” before he left for his own home.  I feel like an intruder in someone else’s apartment but hope the feeling will pass when my two roommates arrive.  Pray that I begin to adjust (and adjust quickly), and that the three of us will become fast friends. Thank you in advance for all your warm thoughts. More pictures and info will follow. Much love to you all!