"Everything that had become normal to me here was completely out of minds reach for my mom. I had to put myself back to where I was 19 months earlier to feel the confusion and the discomfort that she was feeling. I didn't realize how hard this would be. The things that once bothered me I noticed were so much easier for me to take. I noticed how hard my outer shell had become. The things that, at the beginning, I didn't think I would ever be able to handle, I was handling daily. "
Morocco Peace Corps Volunteer Alexandra Cash writes: Having a visitor to your new and different lifestyle aids in self reflection of yourself in that lifestyle
From Morocco: Visitors help show perspective
Published: Saturday, May 14, 2011, 5:10 PM
Alexandra Cash By Alexandra Cash
Having a visitor to your new and different lifestyle aids in self reflection of yourself in that lifestyle. When you are in the lifestyle with all like minded people you start to lose grasp of what is really happening. The more submerged you get, the more abnormal becomes normal, the more it all just flows together and it becomes a real life instead of just make believe.
Last month I had my first American visitor to my small Moroccan town, my mom. We had been looking forward to her visit since my grueling beginnings here. (That's 19 months now) It was hard to believe that the time had finally come for her to come and see all of this. I was finally ready to receive and entertain a guest in my new home.
My mom's adventure was a series of firsts. First time traveling alone, flying alone, flying internationally, visiting a foreign country, the list goes on. But with flying colors she passed every test and was able to meet me in the Casablanca airport in one piece and happy spirits. It had been nine months since I had seen any family of my own so the reunion was long overdue. As we left the airport we quickly entered my new way of life.
We spent our time mixed between famous Moroccan landmarks and living the day to day life of a Peace Corps volunteer. We saw the famous Al Koutoubia mosque in Marrakech. As well as Jamaa el-Fna square, Marrakech's most popular tourist destination. I rode a camel, had two monkeys put on my shoulders, ate my first banana split, and did some serious power shopping in the old city.
We saw Hassan II mosque in Casablanca which is placed so strongly just on the coast of the Atlantic. We ate at the well known Rick's American Café, inspired by none other than the movie Casablanca.
Most of our time was spent right here in my very own apartment. We would plan out our day which usually included walking tours, trips to my workplace, and visits with my Moroccan friends. Mom lived the lifestyle of mine which includes no television set, a less than convenient shower, and band of noisy neighbors that no windows can muffle.
Everything that had become normal to me here was completely out of minds reach for my mom. I had to put myself back to where I was 19 months earlier to feel the confusion and the discomfort that she was feeling. I didn't realize how hard this would be. The things that once bothered me I noticed were so much easier for me to take. I noticed how hard my outer shell had become. The things that, at the beginning, I didn't think I would ever be able to handle, I was handling daily.
My mom's visit was a refreshing recharge that came at a good time. Now I just have six more months of time left here in Morocco until my commitment is complete.
Born and raised in Jackson, Michigan Alexandra Cash is a graduate of Jackson High School, Jackson Community College, and Michigan State University. At MSU she earned a degree in journalism with a focus in international relations. Alexandra is currently serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in a small town near Casablanca in Morocco, North Africa. She will be working in youth development until November 2011.
