When I think about the fact that in (less than actually) one month I leave for Morocco, I get the "still don't know what to think" thought in my head. I honestly do not believe I will know what to think until it actually happens. The anticipations build, it is a semi-constant thought on my mind. How can I not think about it??? I mean, today, I was in Cleveland, and before that, Chicago. All in the name of seeing the people I care about another time. Sadly I did not have a chance to see everyone due to time constraints and the snowstorm.
But these thoughts are ever-present in my life. I get confronted with questions on a daily basis, and when I meet people it becomes an instant conversation piece. I am so familiar with the discussions, that I could write you a 99% verbatim script of how it would go. I will spare you of that, as more than likely, I have had that very conversation with you!
Overall, I am ready to go. I have been transitioning in my mind since before I left Europe, and other than seeing people still left to see, I am ready to hop on a plane and start this up. I was told by previous PCV (peace corps volunteers) that the waiting game was very long, and it is a true test of patience. They were right, and I have told many people about this test of endurance.
One Month... 30 days. I still have received no word from The Peace Corps as to how to make travel arrangements for training etc. Another test of endurance!
ABOUT THE PURPOSE OF THIS BLOG
I wanted to lay out what I think the purpose of this blog should be:
1. Keeping in Touch - I want to be able to keep in touch with many of you who are curious about my time with the PC in Morocco. What I am doing, where I am going, how I am feeling etc. This is the best way to do that, and get your feedback all at the same time. I WANT YOU to ask questions, I WANT YOU to give me feedback. I will miss you all dearly. I know this.
2. Sharing my Thoughts and Feelings - While I will keep the super personal stuff for the Journaling, I want to use this forum to share my thoughts and feelings about my work, the culture, and my experiences. I know that in living in a culture where I do not speak the main languages will lead to frustrations and lack of being able to express myself. Sometimes it will lead to hilariously funny moments. I want to share these with you. The good and the bad. The old and the new. When I say that this blog does not reflect the Peace Corps in any way, I mean that. But I have to share with someone not Peace Corps, and that is you all!
3. Comparing Cultures - I have a unique opportunity to share with you the comparison of the culture that I know and you know, and the culture I will come to know. I feel like kind of a bridge of cultures for you and for the people of Morocco (I prefer to be a suspension bridge). I want to share.
So, with that all said, If you think there should be other topics as well, then let me know. Of course I will probably cover music, food, sport, religion etc... as these are all parts of culture.
Things YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE ONCE IN A WHILE:
1. Poetry - I will try to use poetry for expression sometimes. Maybe original, maybe something I find suiting
2. Music - You know me. I love most things music (eff you alt-country). I will maybe discuss a certain band I have been digging. Maybe give you a short playlist for the time. Maybe tell you about how I am trying to learn a Moroccan instrument and what it is like.
3. Pictures - If you didn't expect pictures... then too bad.
4. Probably other things as well. I just haven't thought of them yet.
So I leave you with this:
A poem by one of my all time favorites, Robert (Bob as I know him) Frost. With the snow outside, and the driving I had to do today, this poem popped into my head. I think of it, and realize that over the next two years, I will have so much to do, and while I might come to really cool places and do really cool things both now and in Morocco, I know that there is a task to be done, and know that ultimately, this task is what I am in Morocco to accomplish. I may grow weary, and I may want to stop at a nice resting place, but persistance is key.
Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening
Whose woods these are I think I know,
His house is in the village though.
He will not see me stopping here,
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer,
To stop without a farmhouse near,
Between the woods and frozen lake,
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake,
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep,
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
MUCH LOVE!
ERIC
