Blog 31: Natalie

On our first day of leading classes, Ellie and I wound up teaching an impromptu English lesson with kids who wanted to learn more English. Our on-the-spot lesson plan consisted of using facial expressions and extreme voices to convey the emotions happy, sad, and okay. From that day on, we have frequently found them practicing these words, using the words to communicate how they feel. These 3 words may seem basic, however they can still convey the culmination of emotions I have experienced throughout this trip.

Okay

From the moment I landed in Morocco, I could already feel effects of the the heat. The transition from rainy 60 degree weather to dry 100 degree heat was stark. Everyone on our trip had to learn to live within the discomfort of the heat while taking steps to listening to our bodies and ensure all of us were properly hydrated. I’ve learned how to be okay with the heat, looking forward to our few 90 degree days and constantly sipping on gatorade powder.


Sad

On one of our final nights in our homestay, Sonya, my host sister Rhzlan, and I sat on our roof, looking up at the daily star show the village offers us. Somehow, our departure was brought up for the first time, and all of us began to cry. Hugging my host sister at this time, I felt immensely grateful for my time with her, however I couldn’t help but feel sad about leaving. I know that this goodbye doesn’t need to be the last, and I can’t wait to see how the connections and relationships I’ve made here grow beyond this month.


Happy

On our first day of teaching classes, we were overwhelmed by the number of students eager to learn English. As a designated leader of the English classes, it felt pretty daunting to manage and teach with a language barrier. However, the kids have made significant progress, and hearing them converse or sing songs in English has brought me so much joy. Although our time is almost done, I’m hoping we can help facilitate their learning into the future.



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