Community Mapping

Today we met with some local men and women to discuss basically what they do on a daily basis. Then, using their daily schedule, what their seasonal calendar would look like. The main idea that we, as volunteers, are trying to understand is when would the best time of day/year be to plan events, discussions, meetings, etc. And then we discussed where in the community men and women usually “hung out” and that helps us figure out where they’ll be during a specific time a day. Just in case we’re looking for a group to interview, talk to, or just understand what they’re doing.

The basic theory behind it all is to get a basic feel for the community we’ll be living in. And to use these tools to help in our own projects and goals. And in using these practice exercises we’ll be better prepared when we’re by ourselves trying to figure it all out.

Now, what I’m sure you’re wondering is if it worked. And the answer is yes. I was completely surprised at how many women showed up for our “meeting.” I’d say about 10-15 women showed up; and I know that doesn’t seem like a lot, but trust me, it is. These women were more than happy to cooperate, answer, and discuss all the questions we had for them. I think this get together even let them all vent, just for a minute about their work and hard life they live on a daily basis. The discussion then took a turn towards us American women, when we were asked what we do for work, if we care for animals, work in fields, etc. We did acknowledge that we have some things that make life easier (dishwasher, lawnmower, washing machine) but we also have our own stress’s and hardships. I did defend the LI farmers, not that I am one, but I know they’re out there.. or at least they’re out there hiring Mexicans to do it with them. Then the big question came: Why are you here? Why are you in Morocco? And we all just paused, not ready for that one. Aisha quickly recovered and answered, we’re here to learn from Moroccans; teach them about America; and integrate both cultures together and help each other. They loved it. Jeeze louise, these women are incredible. [One is actually pregnant and we learned she won’t stop her daily chores until she’s about to give birth. This means carrying pounds of sticks/alfalfa/laundry on her back to and from the fields or river].

The men were just as helpful in their daily routines, but obviously not as chatty as the women. Because of course, men are men (it’s true). We were able to get the information we needed, learned that they too are very hard workers and will find work year round just to provide for their family. These people are such hard workers and community oriented. It’s amazing to hear that they will, when needed, pull together and wo

rk together as a team [for example, if a member of a family passes here, the men will go door to door collecting money for the family]. It’s comforting to realize that communities worldwide will stick together. And though everyone in this community knows each other, it makes me feel a little better to know that even if you don’t know everyone in your town, people still come together when needed.

That’s my feel good entry for the moment. On a different note, I’ve just about mastered the bun-styled scarf (I don’t think I’m describing this right, I’m sure I’ll put a picture up); which is always a plus! It looks cute and means I don’t have to wash my hair everyday, which obviously will not be happening. Tomorrow, I follow my host mom around and she what she does for the day! I wonder if I’ll get to milk our cow...