What's in a Name?

Since we started sharing this website with friends and family, many have asked about why we selected "Ishelhayn" as our website name.

We chose the name because the Ishelhayn are a people group who live in southern Morocco where we will be moving, our future neighbors. They mostly live around Marrakesh and Agadir and number over 3 million. The Ishelhayn were most impacted by the Earthquake in September 2023, where thousands died and even more were injured. In some villages more than half the population perished. We long to bring hope and to be a blessing to this community for many years to come.

What else do we know? The Ishelhayn, sometimes known as the “Sousi”, historically live in the mountains and deserts of southern Morocco. Many of them live in small villages that are located on mountainsides along difficult roadways. These villages are quite isolated and except for a weekly trip to the market, most of these villagers stay on their land and within their homes. They are historically farmers and sheep herders. 

Our brief encounters with the Ishelhayn people have been wonderful. They are kind, hospitable and quick to welcome you into their families and lives. The tragedy and suffering that they have walked through in the past year has not lessened their generous spirits. We are truly excited to get to know them more and eager to deepen our understanding and connection with them.