I have my own home

So I just want to check in because I haven’t been around for a while.  Time in town has been filled getting things for my new home so I don’t have time to stop by the internet.  Yes, I got the place my heart was set on and everything is coming together, little by little.  Last week I was in town almost every day getting things for my house.  I can only get so much each trip because everything has to taken up by transit van into the mountain.  But most importantly, on Saturday, I got a bed!  It is just a firm piece of foam but it is full size and I sleep so good!  Actually it is dangerous to have a bed, because now I have true refuge when I have a bad day and I just want to be alone.  Not to say I have many bad days but when you are living in a world where no one speaks your language, you still don't understand them, they don't understand you and you are always around people....you need some "alone" time.  Hopefully I will be able to get my house all cleaned up and settled soon so I can get you all some pictures.  I met my delegate on Friday.  He is basically the delegate for my province in the Artisana for Traditional Handicrafts, which is who oversees my association.  I gave him my resume and he explained what he would like to see me do with my association.  His ideas for me is to teach them English, turn the association into a co-op and up there quality of products.  I was honestly surprised about the English, which I was planning on doing, but that was his number one order.  I will do as he and the women want, however as long as it is sustainable when my time is done.  I also hope to empower them, teach them basic math, and how to keep their own records.  Turning them into a co-op doesn't do much but make them for profit, rather than not-for-profit.  I need to read up more to understand the Morrocan laws on this, however, that is what was explained to me by a fellow volunteer.  My days have been good.  I started washing clothes in the river which is so much easier than by bucket, however the walk back up the hill is no joke! Not to mention the women repeatedly telling me how to wash my clothes! After the fifth time explaining that you should let your clothes soak before scrubbing, I had to give them some assertiveness and then they apologized and finally changed the subject. Yes, I know it is not good for the eco-system, all the women do it anyway and I do not use that much soap.  If anyone is interested you can send me eco-friendly soap. The earth and I would greatly appreciate it!  I am heading home now from visiting souk.  Wow, my first time shopping alone in souk the vendors were eating me up with the prices.  Most of the time I just walked away. I am going to try and go every week so I am known there, because souk is and should be the best price for anything and everything.  I am supposed to be going to a workshop next week with 2 of my women for a whole week on product quality, pricing, etc. It is being done by a fellow volunteer.  I hope it all works out because one of the women sounds as if she is not going.  I will let you all know.  This will be a huge accomplishment, especially this early in site.  I am actually going to my counterpart's house tonight to discuss this, so wish me luck. Until next time...peace!