Neighborliness: a disposition to be friendly and helpful to neighbors
It really sounds like a funny word, but I couldn’t find another word I liked better to describe the people of Morocco.
The word was hospitality: the friendly and generous reception of guests, visitors, and strangers
But that doesn’t quite capture it. How do you explain hospitality that includes talking on the phone late at night fighting for a price that is 10x’s less than the normal price just so an American, whom you met today, can celebrate her birthday in the desert? Or explain how a young man can up and leave his home, his friends, his wife, and his activities just to spend two weeks with you, again strangers, in the Sahara to make sure you don’t get scammed and have someone who knows the area, even though he is probably going to be bored half the trip? Or explain how people invite you to their home for dinner in a moment’s notice. Or a man who openly welcomes six rough looking travelers off the road in a random alley and offers a place to stay, and then the next day says you can stay as long as you need. They make you breakfast and the MOST AMAZING TEA. If you eat dinner and stay to talk, chances are more free food and free tea are on the way. They smile, they will talk to you nonstop… even when you don’t understand a single word they are saying, they don’t care, they want to talk to you. The kids just want to spend time with you… every time. Kids are always loving and warm anywhere you go. How do explain people who spend all day with you sharing everything they have as if it is your own. They cook the finest meals. Enjoy the best conversations. Live life at a pace… okay I’m not sure of the pace. Time seems to be irrelevant here. Which is great! No one’s ever late… or early… or maybe there at all.
I’ve never had a slower month pass by faster in my life. Yesterday was debrief in Spain, today is drawing close to the end of our stay in Morocco. There are things in Morocco I found uncomfortable. Challenges of a different culture and a different way of life. The lifestyle is different. The driving techniques strange. The expectations of a “good” price sometimes less than honest. People ask for money regularly as a way of life. It’s hard not to want to give. But never were the local people (the ones not just after your money) not warm, kind, and willing to show hospitality. Take notes America. We often get uncomfortable if someone is on our porch and we didn’t have them scheduled to be there. Moroccans flow. Stranger? Doesn’t matter. It’s natural to change plans in a moment in order to accommodate relationship.
Honestly, I wish I could see more. This month was good, but I still feel I have only scratched the surface of a complex and rich culture. Muslim? Yes, but only for two generations. People had grandparents that had no religion. Two generations more, maybe Morocco is a different religion. But one thing I pray remains steadfast. Neighborly love. The willingness to show any stranger or traveler or fellow Moroccan hospitality because that is just what they do. It’s natural. It’s a disposition.
With Faith, Hope, and Love
Nathan
