And this is Morocco : Operation Smile Mission March 23 and 24

Off we went to El Jadida, I drove from Casa with a couple doctors and a dental assistant for the Operation Smile mission. During this mission, dentists and their assistants volunteer to come perform extractions and fillings for the local community.

My friend Mr. Abdou has been working with Operation Smile for over ten years. And I must say that working with him this day it was evident that he is doing wonderful work and working in his purpose-proud of him. He is very kind and his smile makes me happy “bzeefff” each time I see him.

When first arriving the dental assistants (females) were all so friendly and welcoming. We were sharing breakfast together, which consisted of Moroccan pastries and speciality breads. While I was enjo ying myself and I decided to actually enjoy some pastries(as I was had been staying away from sugar for most of the week). I dipped my pancake into some honey and there is some Arabic chatter.

Mr. Abdou says, “He says you are are round.”

Immediately, I put down the pastry and lose my appetite within seconds. They can see the expression in my face change and I say, “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

In the meantime, I am not really fine as I am wondering why do people always have to comment on how I look. I wore my glasses, no makeup, and a lose fitting top, and still someone comments.

Mr. Abdou says that “being round” in Morocco does not have the same meaning as America. He says, there is “slim, round, and fat.”

“Being round means having curves and that is what men like.”

Apparently, this was all a compliment, but for me I just would like to be left alone with my physical appearance. While it is all joking and fun in Morocco, I still would rather discuss something else, but Ce La Vie.

As we were eating breakfast, I was staring out at the front door to a bunch of mothers in jelabas and their children with their face smushed up to the window. They were all eagerly waiting to get in and I was ready for the big rush. I sat and prepared all the folders and welcomed them when they came in the door.

It became fun overtime as I would speak Arabic and French, but children knew I spoke English and they would practice their English. I would demonstrate how to brush your teeth and comfort the children who just kept crying and crying out of fear. When Mr. Abdou was busy, I would go to the door and call the names. Some of them were very difficult to pronounce, but I would try my best. The funniest moment was when I pronounced a long name and everyone stood in front of me smiling and started laughing at me. I was also laughing with them as it was all quite humorous. There was another girl working with us and when she came to the door-they were not very friendly to her as she was a bit abrasive. There really is a special connection with people from up above and boy do I cherish and appreciate it-incredible.

At lunch time, we all packed up into our cars and went to the doctor’s house for lunch. We shared cous cous and fruit and everyone was so happy and full of life. I really enjoy the Moroccan style of eating as it has this element of royalty to it. Each person gets their hands washed one by one by the helper using a silver tea pot and pouring water on each person’s hands (They do this in India as well). There is usually a cart, which has the beverages on it. The Moroccan style furniture is very elegant and the silverware and plates are nice. The tea comes out with a special tea set. It is really a nice experience each and every time.

Abdou kisses the top of his head before he eats..

I learned that dentists need 5 years on top of their 3 years for the University degree and to become a specialist that requires an extra 4 years. To be admitted to a dental school is very competitive and one must receive very high scores on their test.

The dentist at the El Jadida clinic happens to be very cute. He is quite young, 27, but I just liked the fact that he was a dentist and he was so good with the kids. He would pick them up and put them on his shoulder, kiss their cheeks, and walk them to the door. All the work he does with the clinic is volunteer work, which is very sweet. He is truly a kind, good person-from appearance, but of course that can all change with Arab men.

I just loved the kids as they were so sweet and so strong. There were the occasional kids who cried and would not go to the dentist when called, but overall they were wonderful. There was one boy who had, not one but two of his teeth extracted and he was smiling the whole entire time. It was not a good experience to see those who were held down by three of four dentists, but that is how it is done in Morocco.

Operation Smile Morocco is truly a wonderful group of people and to experiences such happiness and kindness is what makes Morocco special. Everyone was so kind, sweet, and welcoming-truly a mission to remember