El Jadida {Citerne Portugaise}

I finally got around to editing these pictures and had forgotten what a truly beautiful city it is. We took a short day trip to finally see where John lived for a couple of months before the kids and I go to join him. It's a small city with John's project just on the outskirts… but was surrounded by a beautiful beach and is well known for a luxurious resort at the entrance of the city coming from Casablanca. Aside from that, perhaps it's more well known for its old medina and the Portuguese Cistern nestled in the center of the medina. It is astonishing how cheap it is to tour their museums and historical sites, and also how little barrier or security is placed to preserve and protect them from visitors. You are basically allowed to just roam and wonder and touching everything is not really frowned upon. So, as you can imagine our kids really appreciated these places !

Easter in Morocco

Easter in Morocco… well, we didn't see the  usual commercialism that goes along with Easter (the plastic eggs, candy, decorations, baskets, etc.) But I have to say that living in a country that truly worships and is mindful of their creator at all times was a great reminder that all else is secondary to the meaning of these celebrations. Cracking cascarones on someones head is so much fun and reminds me of Easters growing up spent with family or on a ranch, but it has nothing to do with why we celebrate Easter. This year we were able to participate in an Easter service at our branch in Rabat. The music was beautiful and the message was clear and unforgettable.  The Spirit was felt strongly in that home that evening.  After church on Sunday we watched some conference to keep that comforting feeling of the Spirit and then did the usual traditions with the kids.  Peter Rabbit left them goodies, even in Dar Bouazza and we were blessed with the most beautiful rainbow that seemed so close you could touch it. I know that our Savior lives, I know that Jesus is the Christ and was obedient in making the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. I am grateful to have that testimony and the knowledge that through him I am forgiven.