Mixed Marriages

Yesterday we visited with a newly married mixed couple. The husband is European and the wife is Moroccan. We know the wife, let's call her Sahela.

Sahela grew up working in a fish canning factory to support her younger sisters at school. She never finished junior or senior high school. The factories have dormitories for the girls and women laboring there, rising at 4:30 or 5AM to put in long hours. She has 'paid her dues.' Her father ran away when she was a child; her mom left to raise 5 children alone. With no 'bread-winner' in the family, Sahela was selected by her older brothers as the laborer. Eventually, one and then another brother got jobs. Only then could she leave the factory job.

Sahela is light-brown skinned, slender, and pretty. She has had a number of suitors over the years. But, her brothers, acting as her guardians, turned them down. Time was passing by and she was in her late twenties. Last year, her brother approached a Moroccan living in the US with a proposal. They discussed the arrangements thoroughly, but in the end, Sahela didn't feel comfortable with the demands to learn English, French, and to read and write.

This year, Sahela was introduced to a European by mutual friends. The man worked at the port on a fishing boat. He speaks a little colloquial Arabic so they were able to communicate somewhat. After several months of consideration, Sahela and her family accepted. They filled out the marriage papers and rented an apartment. The ceremony is plannned for after Ramadan.

When my wife, Linda asked her why she chose Arnold, she replied, "After my oldest brother's bad experience and family knowledge and experience with most Moroccans, I decided to marry a foreigner." Financial security, a visa, less in-law troubles, etc.

Sahela and Arnold will live for the time being in Morocco as long as his work keeps him here. Eventually, they will move to Europe.

Everyone is looking for a better life.