First Months in Morocco
Written by: Antionette Bailu, who serves in Morocco
My arrival in Morocco has been a great experience. In the beginning, there was a little difficulty because I didn’t know anyone. But, with time, we have become family with the faithful of the church. We no longer feel alone even though our children have stayed in back home in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least once a day, we have one or two young people from the parish visiting with us.
That which I learned in school, I see now regarding the beautiful geography of Morocco: the mountains, the desert, the climate, the longer days, the equinox, and the solstice. I also just experienced the earthquake, which traumatized us all. I had to dispel my fear by seeing the young people come to take refuge in the house. My heart was beating inside me, but my face was beaming with a smile.
I have also been learning about the religious landscape of Morocco. Here in Morocco, there is cohabitation between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. An association called “American Schools of Overseas Research” (ASOR), which does archaeological research, invited members from the three religious communities to meet each other. It was on this occasion that I had the opportunity to visit a synagogue and meet a rabbi for the first time.
After I was fully set up here, I saw that the church had a large plot of land, but no edible products. I asked, “Why?” They told me that the soil was not good for crops. And yet, there were flowers. I remembered what an engineer once told me: “No matter how good the soil is, if the grass grows, then you just need to know what crop to plant.” So, I tried to plant tomatoes and leeks, and it worked! Unfortunately, I didn’t know that you have to cover them to prevent birds from uprooting the tomatoes. However, I managed to protect a tomato plant and some leeks.
Please pray for:
1. This new academic year: May the Lord grant intelligence, good health and everything necessary for the success of the studies of our young people in the parish;
2. Our children who remain in our home country – that the Lord would take care of them;
3. Elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
May God bless you!
Antionette’s appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Church’s Wider Mission, and your special gifts.