Kenza Barrada: Post-Earthquake Reflections from Morocco

My guest today is Kenza Barrada.

Kenza is a returning guest and if you haven’t listened to our first two conversation together, I highly recommend them (episodes 113 and 119).

Today’s conversation happened in response to the earthquake that happened in Morocco just last week.  So you might guess that this conversation has some heaviness to it and we felt the heaviness of our hearts.

Late on Friday night September 8, and extending into the early morning hours of September 9, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco, with an epicenter just south of Marrakech.

I reached out to check in with Kenza, as she and her family have a farm and homestay there.  I was glad to hear they were safe and yet the devastation for many is intense.  Kenza and her community were first responders to nearby villages, and they continue to put together relief efforts now alongside the military and international aid groups who are present and assisting.

Kenza offered to share her experience and some stories of what has happened in the first days post-earthquake here on the podcast and we recorded this on September 14, 2023, just 6 days after the earthquake hit.  

At this point in time almost 3000 people are known to have died, tens of thousands are without homes, and many are still missing.

In the midst of the tragedy, Kenza shares stories of dignity, generosity, solidarity, hospitality.  Humans helping humans, coming together as communities and neighbors.

Please note, the stories shared are intense and if you feel like you may not be in a place to listen or absorb them, please take care of yourself first and foremost, even if that means not listening to this podcast.  

I’ll also let you know that our audio quality may not be the best, as we had some internet connectivity issues, but fortunately we were still able to have and record this conversation.

Kenza, thank you.  Thank you for sharing about your family, your community, your neighbors, your country.  Your willingness and ability to reflect on this experience in the first week after it has happened is remarkable and helps us see into hearts and communities in a special and unique way.

There are many ways to support relief efforts and we talk through the various options at international, national, and the local levels.  There are also links below in case you want to donate or support in some way.

Ways to donate:

• Internationally: Red Cross Relief Fund | Global Giving
• Nationally:  Bank Al Magrib Relief Fund
• Locally: please contact Kenza via LinkedIn or InstaGram - Razala Home

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