From a bona fide Peace Corps VOLUNTEER. Picture above is the musicians entertaining us at the reception after the ceremony.

Yes, at last through with training, had a lovely swearing in ceremony at a beautiful hotel in Fes with Ambassador Tom Riley doing the honors. His wife Nancy started crying and told me later she was fine until she looked at me [I guess I was getting a bit teary] This picture is Riley, the main man for the city of Fez, and PC Director of Morocco Bruce Cohen.


The day before we had a sumptious Thanksgiving dinner. I helped make the dressing and peeled apples for the apple crisp. We had the usual dinner, but with some of our gourmet male [and female]cooks, it was very tasty, to the point most of us stuffed ourselves at the grand feast.

We also had an election of a volunteer from each new group; that is one from SBD and one from youth, to represent on the Volunteer Advisory Council. Each new training group has a rep; the council meets quarterly and presents comments/requests of volunteers to the P. C. staff. There are two meetings in Rabat and two meetings at other locations every year. I am honored to have been chosen to be rep from five nominations for the spot from the 29 in our group. It will likely add some spice to my life and I look forward to this responsibility.

I am enjoying a few days by myself before going to my new site and new homestay family. Arrived in Rabat this afternoon by train from Fes. Checked into hotel near the train station where PCVs usually stay then walked to a big store somewhat like Target to pick up a few things that are difficult to get in tiny towns. Still, no peanut butter to be had. Tomorrow I plan to walk all over the city to see the sights. Monday morning I have my annual female checkup and also teeth cleaning, then train to Marrakesh; where I will pick up my large suitcase that P.C. shipped from Azrou then will head to my new home.