Sad News in Benin

Some of you may have already heard, but sometime last week a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin (a country bordering Burkina) was murdered in her village late one night. She was described as being very well-respected and well-liked within her community, and was nearly finished with her two years of service. She was 24 and a college graduate of William and Mary. I am overwhelmed with sadness, concern and even fear, but I have been reassured by the PC Burkina Faso staff that this was an isolated incident and (I agree) this in no way reflects the people of Benin or any other country or village in West Africa. Despite the anxiety I'm having over the news, I still feel very safe in my village and will take all the advised percautions to maintain that safety. I'm also currently in the middle of three full weeks of in-service training out of my site, which is probably best given the timing of this sad news. I had had a great last few weeks in village that I would love to share with you at a later time. I just ask that you keep Kate in your thoughts as I know it is a difficult time for her family, friends and fellow PCVs in Benin.