You know you are having a Peace Corps moment when…
- You are doubled over laughing at your inability to communicate/ function in your new home.
- You realize that you have become the child and that society must first take care of you before you can take care of them.
- You are re-learning everything; even how to perform simple tasks.
- You create bonds with complete strangers in a matter of minutes.
- You realize that personal space/ property does not exist in your new home.
- You learn to love the lack of privacy.
- You break down behind closed doors because of all the racist and sexist comments that you hear and the disparities that you see.
- You embrace your new role as the community zoo animal (Come watch the American eat!!!! It’s hilarious!)
- You find yourself getting emotional over everything - even the fact that they killed the chicken on your roof (How could you kill sahabti djaja [my chicken friend]???!!!!).
- You wish that you had the language skills to express your gratitude/concern/frustration/joy/ desires to the community members.
- You realize that actions speak louder than words.
- Random children run up to you to kiss you in the streets.
- You don’t ask about what you are eating.
- You poo yourself.
- You find yourself dreaming in a new language.
- You think that shoving 7 people into a Prius size car is completely normal.
- You pray throughout the entire duration of a wild taxi ride while asking the driver to please pick a lane.
- You appreciate America more than ever.
- You realize how far America has to go.
- You become incredibly aware of your skin color, gender, and socio-economic status.
- You find yourself explaining that contrary to popular opinion, not all Americans enjoy eating McDonalds, drive fast cars, have an endless supply of money, are white, Christian, or support George W.
- You see the differences, but you also see the similarities.
- Every phone call, email, text from home makes your day.
- You learn to laugh more often than cry.
- You realize that the revolution is about and enacted through… love
One of the main goals of Peace Corps is to create a better
understanding on the part of the people served for Americans. So in an attempt
to fulfill this goal, I will be keeping this blog for the next 26 months to
document the highs and lows of my time here as a volunteer in Morocco. It is my
hope and dream that by writing down these meaningful moments, these glimpses
into my life here, that Americans and people all over the world can come on
this journey with me and perhaps come to a better understanding of what it is
to be Moroccan. So read along! Experience the hilarity, frustration, and joy
with me and think about what you can do in your own community to make the world
a better place.
Let’s get started!
-B
If you're taking suggestions, here are a few more:
ReplyDeleteYou become the epitome of love in action and inspire others to find the best part of themselves.
Your voice (though often interrupted by dropped international phone connections) becomes a sound sweeter than nature, any symphony, or any other ever made in the history of the universe.
When your true love's mind quiets after a long day, you become the sound of silence.
Your presence uplifts others.
You teach others how to count weeks.
You redefine the very meanings of true love and connection…daily.
I will be reading.
ReplyDeleteYES to love!