M-I-Z-Z-O-U!

This weekend the University of Missouri (Mizzou) will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the invention of Homecoming so I have decided to decorate my blog in the distinct black and gold that defines and embodies my fair alma matter.

In 1911, Athletic Director Chester Brewer invited Missouri fans to "come home" for the game against our arch rival, Kansas (kU). Over 9,000 people attended the game and Homecoming was born.

For the last 100 years Mizzou has been celebrating Homecoming in style. With one of the largest blood drives in the nations, a huge parade, and house decorations which take months to prepare, Homecoming is the highlight of the school year for students and alumni alike.

This year will be no different.

I am sad, frankly devastated, I can't be at the 100th celebration. I am sure it is going to be a blast. I am expecting lots of pictures, so be prepared.

Every true son, so happy hearted, the sky's above us are blue. There's a spirit deep within us, Ole Missouri here's to YOU!

GO TIGERS. 

Morocco, via CNN

This week Morocco has been featured as an 'Destination Adventure' travel destination. There are some great articles, great photos and even better quotes. 

Here's my favorite:
 "Whatever exotic dream I had of Morocco before I went was more than confirmed.  It was way better than I ever expected, and by far the farthest thing from our life in the U.S. that I have ever visited."


Yes, Morocco is fun, beautiful, and tough. I love it.

My Ole Missouri Home

I saw this really nice bus outside our hotel in Fez. Awesome, right? It reminded me of home.

Putting in Running Water, InShalla

Sarah-Kate and I have been working hard these past few weeks to get our water access projects started in two neighboring villages. We are collaborating with the commune and a local association to help fund and implement these projects. Building a water tower, installing many kilometers of piping and ensuring that all 18 houses in each village have a water tap are our primary objectives. After the project is complete in January we will collaborate with the local health clinic to provide health lessons to the women of the village! This is what is taking up nearly all my time recently but it's been fun, a lot of fun. The enthusiasm the villagers have is contagious. 

This is the association in the village I will be working in. They are quite a fancy village with lots of nice houses. The men were super cooperative and the meeting went well, really well.

These are the women who will benefit most from this running water. As of now they have to hike about 1km down hill and the back up this HUGE hill everyday to reach this well. I can only imagine how many hours a day they carry water. Soon, they will just be able to turn the faucet.

Me and the ladies. I still can't believe they let us take this picture. The ladies are hilarious and we are going to have a blast, I just know it.

My Reality Check

I spent the last five days enjoying the spledors and joys of Rabat as well as the company of many other Peace Corps Volutneers. One thing that seemed to be the theme of my consistent internal monologue lately is the reality of leaving. Being only eight (or possibly seven) months away from close-of-servicing (COS), the reality of life here is coming into focus.

Things I will miss about Morocco:
1. Amazing seasonal fresh fruits and vegitables
2. Freshly baked bread, all the time
3. Being able to travel anywhere without a car
4. The excitement people feel when I speak Tashlheet to them
5. Living alone in a relatively stress-free environment
6. Being able to travel around Europe when I need a break
7. Weekends in Agadir
8. Everyone welcoming you to their house for dinner, even if you just met them
9. Speaking Tashlheet, since I won't ever be able to do it again
10. Having ample time to read, study, think, run and cook

Things I will NOT miss:
1. Being harassed
2. The way some men look at me
3. Hours upon hours of un-airconditioned travel
4. Constantly having to ask "what?" when people talk to me
5. The constant anxiety I feel when I leave my house
6. Having to carry around my passport

This is just a summary of how I am feeling now, granted, these feelings change with the weeks but the reality is that Morocco has been really good to (for) me and I am grateful for that.