Big changes

Okay, it's been forever since we posted - sorry! But some big stuff has been going down. 

Most recently, Alexis spent the last week in Agadir, a southern beach resort town. It was for a Community Health training to prepare for new projects and activities in site and with other volunteers around the country. It was really helpful, with a huge group of people, and a great chance to visit Agadir. 

It was lovely. Definitely a place to visit if you ever make it to Morocco. 

In other news, we have recently been approved to move to another site in Morocco. Where? Yeah, we don't know yet. 

Why? It's been tricky. One of the perks of Taounate was always that it is a little bit bigger (around 50,000 people) and has recently gotten a lot bigger. With that, however, comes the struggle of mixing older and more conservative lifestyles with younger and, potentially, more liberal ones. The result is a mixed bag. While there are people who speak English or who are looking to be doctors or educators, there is also a high population  of ne'er-do-well individuals who spoil a great situation for everyone else by being jerks. In short, it's a good site for a male Peace Corps Volunteer or two. 

However, Alexis (as well as a female volunteer from two years ago), faces quite a bit of daily harassment in different forms. Her security hasn't been at risk more than a few boys (with poor aim) tossing rocks at her, but that in addition to everything else has reached a not great level. The majority of people we know here are wonderful, generous, and kind people, but the small percentage who are jerks have made it a non sustainable environment for us. 

We explained the situation to Peace Corps staff and they agree that it's no longer a good fit for us here, and we'll be moving soon. But for now, it's just a waiting game to see when and where. 

Other than all that, Morocco is moving into the Fall and it's pleasant and rainy outside. Also a huge thank you to everyone who has been sending post cards and care packages! These last few weeks have been a little rough, and it's made a huge difference. (Also hold off on sending any more until we have a new address please!) 

And obviously, Enib the cat is great.