Goodbyes

The summer has been a time of goodbye after goodbye. Many of my dearest American friends here in Morocco have now headed back to the U.S. for good, leaving me to my next phase. It's true what former Fulbright friends have predicted: the 14 months I have here are marked by a number of phases, primarily based on the changes in seasons and the coming and going of friends. No amount of anticipation can truly prepare us for what comes around the corner, month after month.

But goodbyes means lots of goodbye parties! So here are some pics in honor of the good buds who have took their leave this summer:

Final day of lunch and dirty river swimming with Darren, one of my most inspiring friends

We started our Fulbrights together in Rabat, but in July, Matt made one final tagine at his house before heading off to medical school

Hugging my city-mate Meher after her farewell dinner

Goofing with the goofiest: Jon at one last barbecue before he took off

Joe will always be one of my Army buds

Mike almost killed me for this group picture, having mass goodbyes at a late-night shindig: KD, Roz, Joe, Mike and Shaun are now gone

Roz displays pride in her hand, added to the wall in my apartment for all those friends who have been a part of my Moroccan experience

Friends from my year in Morocco who have moved so far: Liza Barron, Anna Gressel, Tara Juliard, Simo Taoufik, Ben Hammond, Cody/Teresa/Evan, Paul Heck, Katie Seckman, Addie Ryan, Elena Chopyak, Matt Murphy, Denise "Roz" Sewell, Darren Grosch, Meher Talib, Joe /Jon/Shaun/Mike, Dina and Nisreen, KD Raymond, and there will be more....