I know a few words in Arabic; at least Moroccan Arabic, which I’m told is different from plain Arabic. I know how to say OK, beautiful, a little bit, straight ahead – – and it’s surprising how many times I need to say any of those words! My favorite word and my favorite usage of any word was Inshallah, or Insha’Allah إن شاء الله It was said in a heartfelt manner by nearly everyone at least once (if not ten times!) in any conversation. It means ‘god willing.’ Or ‘if god wills it’. I noticed it means that and more, including used for que sera sera, c’est la vie, etcetera. Insha’Allāh is said when speaking about plans and events expected to occur in the future. The phrase also acknowledges submission to God, with the speaker putting him or herself into God’s hands, and accepting the fact that God sometimes works in unexpected ways. It’s a beautiful phrase and used beautifully as well.

It was one of the last words I spoke to anyone in Morocco. When I said good-bye of course I cried like a baby. I can’t ever help it no matter how much I wish I could. At the riad I hugged every member of the group and we said sweet things to each other, acknowledging our time together. It was very special. Then Barbara, Mokhtar and I headed out. We dropped Barbara off at the bank to get some money and we headed to the airport where I lugged my luggage around inside trying to figure out the whole process. I’m glad because it took my mind away from the task at hand: leaving. I sat in a corner of a coffee shop and cried some more, then went off and spent the rest of my dirham on a few little things I had forgotten to buy along the journey, grabbed a French baguette and proceeded to the gate to wait for my flight, talking to no one. I had no time for chitchat as I knew I’d probably break down in tears. And besides, I had to mentally prepare for my time ahead in Madrid and then Istanbul.

So until we meet again, Morocco. Insah’Allah!