Moroccan Memories
A couple of weeks ago I enjoyed a weekend with my daughter Julie while she was in town speaking at a homeschooling conference. A few of her ‘fans’ surprised her with a night of Moroccan food and dancing at an exotic restaurant. It was such a delightful evening. I enjoyed it too, reminding us both of the years Julie lived in Morocco and the week I spent visiting her there.
The evening began with a lovely hand washing ceremony to prepare us for the several-course meal that was to come.
Julie on the left next to me.
An authentic and delicious chicken, vegetable, and herb dish served family style.
After couscous and salad and other assorted dishes we were rewarded with glasses of sweet tea and baklava: “a rich, sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together with syrup or honey.” (from the Internet)
Afterwards we sat back and enjoyed an hour of authentic Moroccan dancing (yes, belly dancing) that was beautiful and profound. At one point the dancers balanced a huge sword on their heads while performing amazing dance moves without once losing the sword. The audience was spellbound.
Talented dancers charmed us all.
For me, the evening was a delightful glimpse into Moroccan cuisine and the lovely and humble nature of the country’s people. I am reminded again of the importance of opening myself to new and different experiences that broaden my outlook and my understanding of various people and their way of life.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands . . . “(Revelation 7:9)
Mom! I loved seeing these photos and reliving both that night and your marvelous trip to see me all those years ago. We are a globe of so many varied and wonderful people!
Julie
Thank, Julie. It’s fun to enjoy this experience all over again, especially with you.
Karen thank you for sharing such a beautiful experience that you had. Looking at the picture and reading your words made me feel like I was experiencing the pleasure of this wonderful adventure.For many years I taught children from all around the world and we would have a cultural fair once a year where each parent would bring food from their culture. Then I showed a slide show of photos that I had taken throughout the year of all of their families. Thank you for always sharing from your heart.
Thanks, Sandy. I love hearing that you once taught children from many different cultures. What a great experience both ways.
What a wonderful weekend ! What a blessings for the two of you. I have a special daughter too and it is wonderful to be together!
The pictures are great and I am so glad you had such a great time. May you have many more times like these with your loved ones.
Much love and blessings to you and yours! Margaret
Thanks for your warm words, Margaret.
Love the photos and your great story, Karen!!
Thanks, Glenda. Always good to hear from you.
Thanks for sharing your fun and exotic experience Karen. How special to share the dinner and past memories with your daughter. God is Good and He’s given us so much variety in our world.
I agree. We live in a rich and diverse world. How good our Creator is.
I love this, Karen. What a wonderful experience to expand our frame of reference and broaden our awareness of other cultures. It is humbling to think of how big our God is and what He is doing throughout the world!
Thanks, Heidi, for your comment. I so agree with everything you said about how wonderful it is to broaden our awareness of various people groups and their cultures. We can learn from each other.
Thank You Karen,
How special for you to share those wonderful time with your daughter. What fun to to see all the pictures. It makes me want to pack my suitcase and see the wonderful world that God has created. Yes, we are all one in HIS eyes.
Joan
Thanks, Joan. Yes, it was an amazing and lovely evening, all the more so because Julie and I recalled when we were in Morocco together many years ago when we were both young!