Rural Casablanca and Meeting Meriem's family

School visit to Ouled Soltana, a public primary rural school in the region of Casablanca - Settat

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Today's excursions was probably everyone's favorite day of our IFE (International Field Experience) in Morocco. At the rural primary school we had the opportunity to truly interact with students. In small groups, we taught lessons to each grade level including math, English, art and science. I helped with some mini science lessons. I was happy to take a "helper" role because elementary kids are definitely outside of my comfort zone.

The teachers and students at Ouled Soltana were incredible warm and welcoming. The students were excited to interact with us, and we all had a great time despite our language differences .In the third grade class, students were working in French lessons. The little high school French that I remember didn't help me communicate! But we did our best and had a great time.

After our school visit, we had lunch at Meriem's , our in country consultant, uncle's farm. Meriem's uncle welcomed up with open arms. The difference between the humble surroundings of the primary school and the lavish guest rooms at his home was quite startling.

But the hospitality and the experience was wonderful. During lunch, we had couscous - a second dish I was hoping to have. It, too, was as amazing as I expected.

In the evening, we drove a short distance to Meriem's family farm. This is where her family will gather on weekends to be together. In comparison to what I am used to in the US, I would describe it as more of a "hobby farm". The family has olive trees and press their own olive oil. They raise chickens and turkeys for eggs and to eat. They also raise sheep for wool, and to eat. They have bees, an we had some of the honey with our tea. The farm also has fruit trees, pea hens and pea cocks.

This was also a wonderful experience. Meriem's family was so warm and welcoming. Her mother and sister-in-law baked cookies and bread and prepared snack to have with tea. There was olive oil and honey from the farm to dip our bread. They shared cheese and butter made from the sheep's milk. Meriem's brother's prepared and poured tea for us.

I loved seeing our Meriem's family openly show their affection for one another. They would hold hands or touch each other's arms or shoulders when talking to each other. We all received a kiss on each cheek from Meriem's mother before we could leave for the evening. I noticed that Moroccan people are very affectionate people. As I mentioned earlier, I think was everyone's favorite day of our time in Morocco. I felt so privileged and blessed to be so welcomed at the primary school and especially in Meriem's home.