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I can't seem to find the words to describe what happened two weeks ago. two weeks ago, i took off from JFK, KLM flight 865, to Casablanca. Upon arriving, my perspectives changed. Being one of 26 (American delegates), and one of 240 (MENA LDS delegates) my shared experience will go down as perhaps the most influential 10 days of my life. to speak of all the events that happened would take pages, but there are a few stories that stick out.

The memory that burns the brightest happened on the second to last day in a shisha bar someplace in downtown Casablance. There were 15 or so people, a smattering of Dutch, Americans, Mexicans, Egyptians, Moroccans etc. The conversation meandered for awhile, finally settling on religion, culture, and the differing perspectives of East and West. It was an intense experience learning about Islam, and what it truly means to consider ones self a Muslim. For me, i had to face questions of divine existence, learning about the creation of the Koran by the prophet Muhammed. This picture is me listening to one of the passages of the Koran, being read by a famous Egyptian reader. Yasmine, an MCer from Egypt explained to me that the Koran, when read in Arabic, is considered perfect. From what she said, the Koran is impossible to copy, in style and complexity, to the point where it is considered divine. This statement was quite profound, something I am still trying to understand. At the same time, I could tell that my opinions and ideas were effecting those around me. As a self proclaimed agnostic, it was difficult explaining to such religious people the journey I had taken to arrive at my current state. My stories of questioning, of being unhappy with Christianity as it had been presented to me, and ultimately my decision to find spirituality for myself, presented ideas that many of the AIESECers had not considered. With religion being so ingrained in their culture, at least one member of the table admitted that she had never openly allowed herself to question Islam, to decide what she would accept and what she wouldn't. When the shisha was done, and it was time to go, we exchanged a hug and a thank you. Now I want to go to Egypt!

I told my family this story last night, while they were in town for dinner, and got goose bumps. Revisiting that night will always be an experience unto itself. And for each and every time I do, I will think of AIESEC, and the situations it creates. this conversation was one of many for me, while I was one of 26 americans, and one of 240 delegates. The creation of MENA, and therefor this conference, is something that is going to have a lasting impact on AIESEC. For so many of these people, reality is different. I've always thought that AIESEC becomes most powerful in the regions where its most important. If this is true, then AIESEC in MENA is destined for greatness. This being the first conference only hints at the potential that lies underneath. For me, this conference instilled a sense of pride at being a part of MENA, at sharing time together with so many amazing people. I'll never forget this conference, with the crazy Tunisians and their drumming, the women's war cries, and the energy that spilled into all the sessions. So many friends and so many memories. The question I must face, is now what...