A Letter of Thanks to Morocco

As we woke up this morning, we felt content with all we had experienced and accomplished. It was a quiet drive to the airport, not too far from where we were staying in Marrakech. The trip felt both fast and slow at the same time, a full circle in a sense, as we were dropped off in the middle of the night at the same airport doors we had walked through just 12 days ago. Although we were starting our return to so many familiar things back at home, we would be returning changed from when we arrived. We said our final goodbyes and headed for security and our gate to begin our final leg of the journey, our flights home.

I took some time to think about everything the students had shared last night in their gratitude circle. So many thoughts are percolating in my own mind from all their expressions.

Below is a collection of what the students shared, brought together in the form of a letter of thanks to the one and only, Morocco.

Dear Morocco,

Thank you for all you are and all you shared. The people of Morocco are so graciously warm and curious, going out of their way to always say hi, wave, smile, interact, support and help out, in such a selfless way. You’ve taught us so much. From the true power of resilience, the passion for life itself, the presence of enjoying each moment and the grace to give anyone who crosses your path the benefit of the doubt.

We’re so grateful for what we saw, what we experienced and the memories so potently percolating in our minds. We came with open minds and open hearts, excited for an adventurous journey. Although we got to spend time in a mountain village, summit Mount Toubkal, visit the oldest port city on the Moroccan Atlantic and explore the hidden gems of Marrakech, our biggest accomplishment was the exploration and introspection of our inner landscape and potential.

Many of us didn’t think we would have the opportunity to learn so much about Morocco in such a short time. However, the rich history, tradition and complex culture of this amazing country were present in each of our experiences, providing such a strong sense of the place while also leaving us with so many things to be curious about.

All these moments truly allowed us to learn so much about ourselves. Our perspectives, values, worldviews and ideals have been challenged in ways for the better. We’re leaving with the lens of a global mindset, feeling more connected to all the friends we’ve made along the way, and hopeful for a community-minded and united future.

Everything here is more intricate, colourful, bright, flavourful, and potent than the books say. From the spices to the mountains, to every carpet in between, nothing in Morocco goes unnoticed as everything seems to be intentionally crafted and beautiful in its own way. The sense of community is beyond words here, from small villages to bustling cities, people seem to find a way forward, together. Utilizing their strengths, sharing their skills, and providing support, patience and understanding while staying united as they aim to achieve their collective goals.

Lastly, we’re grateful to each other. Each one of the students and teachers on this trip brought so much intention, energy, care, engagement and curiosity to exploring what the trip had to offer. Taking the time to reflect, enjoy the grit of a true adventure and come to adore the moments of imperfection, which is the real recipe to making moments so perfect. The bonds we’ve built and the experiences we’ve shared have brought us closer together as peers, as friends and as an RSGC community.  Thank you isn’t enough, but it will have to do. We hope to find ourselves back in this incredible country in the future, but until then, we’ll be thinking of our time together fondly.

Shukran!