"I hear, I know. I see, I remember. I do, I understand" ~Confucius

Hey there,

It's been just over a week since I've been home, and I thought I'd check in one more time before signing off. Getting re-acclimated was much harder than I anticipated, and it's been a long, emotional, and spacey week for me! I've had my good days and bad days, mindful to be gentle with myself as I mourn an experience that was so near to my heart. I think the hardest thing has been realizing that I most likely will never see most of the people again whom where a large part of my life this past month. From the children at the orphanage to the nurses, CCS staff members, and volunteers. I know this will take some time.

Sharon, my CCS Morocco Program Manager, said something that I thought was eternally wise. I was telling her how I was reminding myself that just because the experience is over doesn't mean you can continue to learn and grow from it. She remarked that maybe the sad part that you go through once home is also part of the experience. How true is that?! It's the part of the experience that we would prefer to do without, but that may be necessary to ensure the experience affects us in ways we remember and continue to grow from.

So I'm doing just that. Mourning what was in Morocco, and learning how to somehow inter mesh my experience in Morocco with my day-to-day life back here in the States. Learning how to continue to move on without forgetting. I'm not sure if Morocco changed who I am but instead helped me validate and get back to parts of what I've wanted to be. Not sure if that makes any sense :)

So much more happened than what I could ever write in a blog or express through my photos. I'd love to go out and grab coffee with those who want to hear more. If you yourself are interested in volunteering with CCS, I highly recommend it! You can find more information on their website, and feel free to contact me with any questions as well.

And now, what many of you have been asking for.... PHOTOS! 475 of my favorites, to be exact. As you know, photos were not allowed at the orphanage and therefore it is only a compilation of my travels and free time outside of volunteering. My parents want to have a "show and tell" night sometime in October where we'll have dessert and I'll go through a slideshow with more explanation of the photos, so stay tuned for that!

Until then, b'salaama (goodbye), and shokran (thank you) for all of your prayers, support, and encouragement.

Moroccan Madness: A Month in Pictures