Goals are necessary

So I swear I’m not spending all my time sitting in my room blogging. But today was, I’ll be honest, a little rough. The enormity of my decision to live here has really hit me, and in some ways nine months seems like nine years. To remind myself why I’m here I reviewed the goal list I wrote right before I left. It is as follows:

Make every effort to adapt and integrate into the university, even when I miss home. On the flip side, I won't forget about home and all the wonderful people I have there.

Admit that there will be things about this lifestyle and culture I will never fully understand, and try to be as flexible as possible in those circumstances. 

Approach new experiences and diverse beliefs with an open mind, and not judge anyone based on their background.

Ride a camel

Learn to cook a traditional Moroccan dish. Can you say Tajine?

Travel as much as possible (as much as I can afford) both inside Morocco and in Europe.

Never pass up an opportunity to do something new and exciting.  

 Some of these seem a little self-explanatory, but they are immeasurable comfort for those “freak-out” moments. I'm sure more will come the longer I am here.