On MYQUESTFORIMPERFECTION

I just returned from volunteering 3 weeks with CCS in Morocco. I am a very well-traveled individual with more than 80 countries that have been checked off of my list, which I have been fortunate enough to visit. I do not put much faith in the media, and their ability to report fairly and accurately the situations that are happening abroad in each individual country, as I find them always to be extremely embellished and happening in a very localized area and not in the countries as a whole. But even I was hesitant to travel to Morocco with the bombardment of information from the media and internet regarding Africa and in particular, Northern Africa. As always, I am so thankful and happy I dismissed all information and traveled to Morocco, as I wanted to rely more on my personal experience and gathering of information from Morocco itself! Morocco was nothing like I expected, I must say. The people of Morocco are very giving, loving and most of all, appreciative! The country itself is beautiful in every way and the Sahara, it is absolutely breathtaking and a trip that should be on everyone's bucket list. I was so pleased that Mohamed went out of his way to put together a trip-of-a-lifetime to the Sahara. Honestly, 3 weeks was not enough to see and experience everything Morocco has to offer. And safety, well, we did have a 24-hour security guard, though I'm not sure it was even needed, as I never felt safer in a foreign country. Mohamed and the staff are completely dedicated to your security and ensuring that you get the most out of your experience in Morocco with CCS in every way. The home base is in Rabat, the capital; however, it is so quiet, you would never know you are in a capital city and the neighborhood in particular is a part of the Diplomatic area. You can walk to practically any kind of business you can imagine that would be catering to every foreign Diplomat and their families. Definitely not Third World.
And most importantly, the placements are incredibly rewarding and are so much more than I expected. I even had a request while I was there to be able to experience a couple of placements and Mohamed made sure that happened. As I had never taught before, I felt very unprepared to teach an advanced ESL class to adults. As suggested, I was glad I had done quite a bit of research beforehand and looked for teaching tools; however, I wish I had done so much more and brought more teaching materials with me. The only negative I can point to is the home base lacks resources, in particular for my placement, to equip you properly; however, as does everything, with some effort on your part, it works out! The people of Morocco are so appreciative for the work you are doing. I definitely came away feeling that what I gained from my placement was far greater than what I felt I contributed. Morocco and the CCS staff far exceeded my expectations! Mohamed and his staff at the CCS home base in Morocco make sure you gain knowledge about the language, people and culture of Morocco; however, it is like anything, it is up to you to put forth the effort and use the knowledge you are given. For anyone with a serving heart or just curious about volunteering overseas for the first time, CCS meets you at the level you are at and takes your hand through every part of the process! I would have to say this probably is one of the most meaningful experiences I have had in my travel and mission work overseas. CCS is the “real deal” of overseas volunteering, as far as immersing you in culture and allowing you to choose your placement and grow in your placement as a volunteer. Would I go back? I am counting the minutes already!
“Travel is the only thing that you can buy that makes you richer”