Where's Waldo...ah, I mean, Ven? (He really is in this photo.)
Friends, Romans, countrymen....
lend me your ears.
In May, Kay, John, Ven, Wafa and I travelled past Meknes to the Roman ruins. The day was extremely windy but I have always enjoyed going to experience what is left of "those days." Ven read some of the Latin inscriptions.
This photo is for Grady. How big is the "big guy" you ask? See below as I put my hands near him.
Right off of the main square in Meknes is a narrow street. To the left, you can see a doorway with a cross over it. This is where the Franciscan priests live and hold classes. Some people wonder why the Moroccan government allows the cross, but I was told that it was there when the French were in posession of the country and so it has stayed. (Morocco gained independence from France in 1956.)
Professors from Al Akhawayn University went to the church to assist the Moroccan EFL students that come to classes on Saturdays. Here we pose with two of the Franciscan priests.
I am on the terrace overlooking Meknes.
The refectory---and that is the size. The kitchen is even smaller.
A chapel.
Here we are, answering questions from students.
AUI pastor Karen Smith, was asked to lead a Bible study --which she did in French and English-- and then serve communion. It is interesting that Catholics asked a Protestant pastor to lead a communion service, but that is what is done here in Morocco!
Seven of us from Ifrane, went back to Meknes toward the end of March, to sing at a Lenten Choral Concert. Here we are right before we walked on stage.
Just thought I'd put a few photos up of me singing, since it is something I USED to do but have rarely done in years! We sang African spirituals to sub-Sahara African singers. Hmmmm.
Julie Reimer's brother sits in the audience. He is always very at home with anyone.
At the end of the concert, Father Pietro (in red) invited all participants to come up and do a piece together. We didn't know the piece and I didn't want to prove that I can't "move" like black people can, so I hid behind the keyboard and played chords. :)
In May, Ven and I went back to the Catholic church and did a drama improvisation workshop for beginning and intermediate Moroccan EFL students. We had much fun!
Ah...poppies, but not in OZ! A man in Azrou made the hat for Ven.
One day I went to pick up Ven where he works at AUI and we walked out of his building and into this glorious space. I have seen incredible skies since coming here.
Ven designed and painted five flats for the AUI Talent Show event. I am still waiting for a photo of the flats on stage that night BUT with the lights, they looked fabulous!
Here he is, working away. I helped paint...
Our friends from the poor community of Tarmelat, invited the Christian community to come for donkey rides, see the baby animals, and have tea. It may perhaps be unusual for Christians to spend Palm Sunday with Muslims, but that is what is done here. One boy thought that Christians worshiped donkeys, so we had to squelch that one.
After the glorious Easter service, Ven and I were invited to search for eggs; that is, chocolate eggs and bunnies. 
Looking for eggs. We found equal amounts.
Spring arrived...if only for a few days. A picnic with good friends, and wild dogs.
Lots of chocolate in these parts.
Fitting in with the culture.
Looking for shirts at the local souk.
Hmmm. Vegetables. Salmon on the counter from Fes.....
Duncan helping out.
Waiting for the STUFF to cook in a typical Locklear family fashion.
Yum de dum.
Duncan scoops out herbed couscous made by local ladies.
Ven does the honor of serving "coconut curry salmon over herbed couscous." And yes, he will make it for YOU.