Couscous and Ceramics..

Hello Sahbakum w LAala (friends and family)

I am pleased to report that my stomach has settled for the time being and I’m feeling better. Thank you for your prayers. I am now sort of settled in and slightly more familiar with my surroundings. I have a local shop I regularly visit for water, a route I take to school and back, and even a class schedule and friends. Routine is attempting to interrupt my Moroccan adventure.

Events of late: I visited a ceramic shop Thursday in Fez where they create ceramics and mosaics at every stage of the process. The mosaic construction as well as pottery construction is so intricate, resulting in wonderful pieces. Very cool. We saw everything from the mud before the clay, to the molding, to the fire, to the paint and glaze, and who knows what else goes into those pieces of art. I love the imagery of a potter as our heavenly father, who has labored over us painstakingly to mold us how he wants us.

Wednesday, I had a Moroccan cooking lesson. “How to Make Couscous”. I’m sorry, but I have officially decided to never endeavor upon this long and arduous task myself. While homemade couscous is excellent, it took at least 2 and a half hours to make. Yikes. I will take my instant couscous thank you very much. The process involves mixing, multiple times boiling, sifting, and fresh chicken. (As in we picked out the chickens to be killed and then witnessed the gruesome event, bringing it home to cook that evening) However, I will add cooked vegetables and store bought chicken to my couscous in honor of the class. I realize that my food won’t ever come close to the greatness that is Moroccan couscous, but maybe someday it will resemble it?

Another fun thing, my little host brother and sister, the 6 year old and an 8 year old, have discovered the greatness of Macs. They have been recording songs on garage band and had lots of laughs with Photobooth. Silly faces connect people with greater ease then knowing the language ever does - at least with 6-year-old children. : )

Prayer requests anyone? Simply that I would stay healthy and give every moment to the Lord. Pray that every conversation I have would give God glory and that my weak body wouldn’t interfere. Pray for my French and my ability to communicate with my host family.