Nerves, packing, more nerves, more packing, double checking, slimming down packing …here I go!

I was really excited to be accepted into NSLI-Y for Arabic this summer, and then..I got really nervous.  My NSLI-Y 101 assignments (assignments to be completed prior to program start and departure) were harder than I expected.  I was really worried about my Arabic skills.  I knew how to introduce myself and say a few..and I mean a few simple phrases and that was it!  I actually emailed the program director to make sure this was normal.  The program director assured me that students with varying levels of expertise in Arabic had been admitted into the program, but still I was worried.  

My parents drove me to Washington, DC (even though I could have flown) and we left plenty early since I was to be in D.C. by 4pm on June 12th for check-in.  The drive was nice, but I was still really nervous and worried about what to expect.  I checked in and did my COVID test, it was slightly positive (even though completed a PCR test prior to leaving home and it was negative).  I did a second test and it was slightly positive.  This result was really upsetting.  I was already nervous about going and could not depart for Morocco without a negative COVID test.  This positive result mean that my parents had to leave me quarantined in a hotel in D.C. I had two days to test negative or the trip would be canceled, and I would be on a flight back home.  I was a wreck.  Luckily, program protocol allowed for another test (several hours later) of a different brand of test, and that test was negative.  I was cleared to travel to Morocco, but I was still really worried.  After the positive test, I retreated into myself and prepared for the worst.  I really had to mentally power through add to that, I was so nervous my stomach was giving me fits.

FastForward through all the orientation, mentally I felt better after meeting some of my classmates and taking a walking tour of Washington, D.C., but physically my nervous stomach was not letting up.  I was hungry but could not eat more than a few bites at a time.  I made it on the flight to Frankfurt, Germany.  I was still really not feeling well, just nauseous and basically survived on Pringles until we arrived in Casablanca.  

We spent the night in a hotel in Rabat and the shower and bed were WELCOME sights.  I was so tired and smelly.  The next morning, we departed Rabat for Marrakesh.  

Morrocco is beautiful.  I met my host family late in the afternoon on June 16th.  I love them.  They have a 10-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter.  My host Mom is amazing, and the kindness and hospitality extended has been very humbling.  

I still don’t feel great, and I am adjusting, but the personal growth and the answers to my prayers as I encountered each obstacle on my trip have been life changing.  I am excited for the next 6 weeks and feel that I can settle in and feel truly at home in my new city and with my new host family.  Small miracles and huge blessings have surrounded this first chapter for my journey.  The NSLI-Y staff has been so kind and helpful, and I know that I have the skills and support to be successful.  I am beyond thankful and excited for all that is to come!