One Month Away!!

A big thank you to all of my sponsors!! Your support means more to me than words can express. To know that so many people believe in me and the cause that I'm fundraising for is unbelievable and truly inspiring. Thank you!

Exactly one month from now I will officially be high in the sky on my way to Morocco! I cannot WAIT!! I feel like it was just yesterday that I had two months to go before the big day... I have SO much to do before then!

I spoke with Sharon, my Program Manager, on the phone yesterday. She called to check in and see if I had any questions, concerns, etc. It sounds like it's going to be very likely that I will be at the orphanage with my experience with kiddos. She reminded me to pack clothing that I wouldn't mind getting "soiled" from holding babies and playing with toddlers... I have NO idea whatever she may be talking about! :) I assured her that I've experienced just about every body fluid on me possible, and that I'll be just fine. I will find out in two weeks what my work placement is.

She also wanted to talk about Ramadan, and how it's a truly exciting but different experience unlike anything I've been a part of. Apparently I misunderstood and Ramadan isn't likely to begin until August 22nd or around there, which is much later into my trip than I originally thought (the exact date depends on the lunar calendar, so it will be impossible to know exactly what day until you get a bit closer to the date). It's somewhat of a relief that it won't be going on the whole time I am there due to the extreme changes in society that come with it, but I'm also SO glad I get to be a part of it and that I'm staying a week longer than I originally planned for! To be a part of Ramadan in a Muslim country is going to be an experience unlike any other. Sharon said that it's important that I wear baggy clothes during Ramadan, so I need to go on a hunt for some baggy pants... Maybe I should hit up my brother's closet?

I will also be beginning a French Class for Travelers on Saturday. Majority of Moroccans speak a mix of French and Moroccan Arabic, but the latter is virtuously impossible to find classes for here in the West. I'm hoping a little bit of French will help me get around and attempt communication with locals.

That's about it for now! Thank you again for all of your support and encouragement!