September 12, 2001
Are you all okay? I hope all of your families are okay, too. Let me know if there is anything I can do (though obviously from a distance). Several of my fellow trainees have friends and family in the N.Y./D.C. area, but so far, everyone is okay.
So, the scoop here is actually somewhat complicated (for me at least). Yesterday at about 2:30, just as we were all finishing naptime (the U.S. really loses out in not following that time honored tradition), we got a call on Ghizlane's (pronounced Rizlane) cellphone. Mike (another volunteer in Marrakesh) was calling to let us know that the Pentagon had been hit by a plane and had collapsed, the "WTO" had been hit, and no one knew what was going on. Luckily, the house in which we have class has a TV with a satallite dish, so after we sat in shock, we watched the BBC (which is really much better than American news-so much more evenhanded). Rachid called at about 4 to let us know, and to tell us that Barbara (Country Director) was in a meeting at the embassy with the ambassador and that he would call s back as soon as he knew anything. He called back around 5:30 and said that there was no reason to evaquate, so we could go home. At the same time, the Gendarmes came to the house and wanted all of our passport info so they could keep tabs on us to make sure we were safe. Obviously the rest of the day's language lessons were shot, and at about 6, we went back to our families. The following morning was somewhat restrained, but after an outdoor lesson (lots of fun), Rachid came at lunch and told us he'd just heard from Barbara that we should all be rounded up (including the current volunteers in the province) and should stay at the zween (nice) hotel in Azilal until further notice. So, now I'm here.
I have mixed feelings about the decision. I would actually prefer to be in Bzou (not for security reasons, just because I like it). Everyone is awfully worried, and rumors are flying around, one being that if the attacks are linked to an Islamic group we will probably be sent home. Not the best news as I am just really starting to feel comfortable. I think what everyone is really worried about (not least of whom is myself) is what possible retribution the US may dole out (especially given the current administration). We all feel quite safe here, probably even safer than we would if we were home, and all of the Moroccans have been terribly concerned and nice about the whole
thing, but the footage from the West Bank of some Palestinians celebrating was quite disturbing, and that seems to be where the POSSIBLE evacuation rumors come from.
So, that is the news from my small part of the world. The only added tidbit is that being here makes the news both somehow more dramatic and surreal. I actually have a lot more to say about the homestay, and just general info, but at this point I'm afraid anything else would sound flip.
I hope you are all doing well and that no one was hurt.
