Im Safe

A fellow volunteer was found dead in her house last week. To get the full story please go to Peace Corps website. This post is not about her death but I would rather like to express my thoughts after the event.
Benin is a safe place. These things happen everywhere and statistically is more likely to happen in the States than in Benin. On top of that as a Peace Corps Volunteer youre more likely to get hurt on a college campus than you are in Peace Corps and I honestly feel like there is a much better support system in Benin than there was on my college campus. Peace Corps is doing everything in their power to make volunteers feel safe and continue to live at post and do positive work. Personally I feel safe at post, I do not feel threatened in any way and I certainly dont feel the need to come home.
The Beninese have been equally supportive of volunteers. They were shocked to learn about the passing of a volunteer and I was constantly told by my friends at post that this sort of thing never happens in Benin and it is extreamly rare not only for this to happen to a person who is white but a Beninese citizen as well.
I am staying in Benin, there is no doubt in my mind that I will continue to be safe at post. Also anyone reading this blog, I know that when I was applying to Peace Corps and was invited to Benin the first thing I did was google it and found out where it was. I was invited to come around this time last year and I hope that the death of Kate doesnt push them away. While the event is tragic it can happen anywhere.
If anyone has any questions about benin and the safety and security and my own personal expirences please feel free to email me, my email is on the left side of this window.