Eating lunch on a roof overlooking Marrakech, Morocco, my senses took in the smell of fresh spices, the sound of vendors at work, and the taste of a life seasoned pungently with the Islam faith. Colorful carpets hung on the adobe walls of flanked buildings. The feeling of the modest rooftops larger view served to reaffirm the fact that my daughter and I had been courageously discovering the intricate and engaged city of Marrakech, unhindered by intimidating impressions.

For 4 days my daughter and I had been wandering through a maze of narrow brick alleys while struggling to avoid getting in the way of passing natives, mules pulling carts, vintage bicycles operated by skilled riders, and 80 cc motorcycles spewing out thick exhaust. We listened to the calls to prayer amplified over the city, smiled at the city cats, and were intrigued by the history and culture.

Children walked and played freely in the pathways. Bread was baked in a shared neighborhood bakery. There was a prevalent sense of community respect, minus a select few men who were triggered to provoke our attention with shady comments. Each day, we were clearly cautious of the human habit to be aggressive toward someone different, yet knowing this habit is not restricted to ethnicity or religion. This attitude opened the door to meeting extraordinarily normal people who raised families, worked hard, and helped others.

Galatians 3:28

New International Version (NIV)

²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.