Salam! Peace. What does this mean, you ask? Well, in many countries, including Morocco, this is how we greet everyone, and it means I hope for peace to come to you. Isn't that nice? Who doesn't want peace, right? My name is Meaghen (rhymes with "me again," but said fast) and I wish you "salam"--peace. I am a woman who is originally from a small town in Montana, and have been to 11 countries and lived in five of those. And now I'm out here in the world serving in the Peace Corps in North Africa.
What does it mean to "serve"? Like a server at a restaurant? No, not exactly. I am a Volunteer who works with the Youth of Morocco. I am here to do all I can towards the goal of Peace Corps, to share peace and friendship. Isn't that cool!? This is my best job, ever! I am an like an ambassador from America and I try hard to be kind to everyone I meet here and to integrate myself into the culture so that there is an exchange of ideas and customs, building friendships along the way. But, mostly I work to help students develop the skills necessary to have a successful life: decision making, problem solving, leadership... things like that.
Everyday brings something new. Here is Morocco we have the ocean, the sea, the Sahara Desert, the High Atlas with the highest mountain in North Africa (which I climbed in March). We also have camels, horses, donkeys, mule, sheep, goats, foxes, and so many many fruits like pommegranate, grapes, lemons, limes, so many oranges and even bananas! And so always I end my day thinking about how lucky I am and how friendly everyone was to me that day. Moroccans are kind, helpful, welcoming, curious, generous and also very funny and playful. Moroccans love to joke, and dance and sing too. Do you know any Moroccans?
I am excited to share my adventures with you and cannot wait to travel throughout the school year, and beyond, together!
