Swearing In!

All 57 of us Health and Environment Volunteers

It’s official. I’m a volunteer. No longer a mere trainee. At about 11:00 this morning, we all took the oath as Peace Corps volunteers. It’s the day we’ve been pointing toward throughout training, and it’s a big deal. 

Our country director, Peggy McClure, talked about what an exciting time it is to be in Morocco. Morocco, perhaps alone among the North African countries, is pursuing democratic reforms through a political process, and we’ll be witnesses to that. Peace Corps has a long history in Morocco – next year it will be celebrating 50 years in the country. And Morocco was the first country in the world to recognize the U.S. as a sovereign nation way back in 1777. Our countries’ association and mutual respect go a long way back.

Brahim gives his speech in Tamazight

After she spoke, three of the volunteers – the highest scorers on the LPI – spoke in their target language. My buddy Ryan (Brahim) gave the Tamazight speech and got quite a few laughs. 

Afterwards there was a very nice reception for us. Now we have the rest of the day free to say goodbyes and finish packing for our departures tomorrow.

My training group - Najat, me, Amel, Said, Brahim, & Zizi