Send Rich to Morocco!

I just got back from the Sahara desert.  We rode a camel at sunset into the desert with the Berbers, had tea, ate dinner, then we danced by the fire as they played drums and sang.  It was overall an incredible experience.  Words can't describe what an amazing time it was.  Fortunately, pictures and videos will help!  =)  Then we woke up very early and watched the sunrise and rode our camels back out of the desert.  One of the coolest things I have ever done - because of all of you who have supported me in this whole trip.  Camping with the Berbers and dancing around the fire was such a cross-cultural experience.  It is so interesting to think that all of these cultures exist while we live our everyday lives.  We get too caught up in our own little worlds to realize that there is so much more out there.

I just want to thank all of you that helped me out in paying for this trip.  I really didn't think it would be possible, and now I'm here, two weeks into my month long trip and I'm seeing so much.  It is giving me a new perspective and making me so much more grateful for what I do have.

When working in the orphanage, I see these kids that have what most of us think would be a rough life.  They are severely disabled, malnourished, and don't get a lot of love.  When we walk in there everyday, we see them smile, laugh, and enjoy themselves.  While we may only see them smile sometimes, that is what makes a huge difference.  I'm so happy to be here helping out, even if it gives the nurses a break for just a month, I'm glad to do it.  I may not be making a huge change while I'm here, but every time one of the kids smiles or the nurses say "Shokran" (Thank you in Arabic), it makes me so grateful and I feel so blessed.  So thank you for all of this!