The Eagle has Landed

This entry is my first in-country. There’s so much that I don’t really know where to begin at this point, but I at least know where to start.

Although we were not informed about it and it was in no way addressed, as I’ve learned at this point, the world of the Peace Corps is small. Even without constant connection to the internet, we found out that a volunteer was killed in Benin shortly before the end of her service. I only mention this incident in case you’ve already heard about it and are now worried about my status. Details are filtering in and we will see in the coming days, but many crimes committed against volunteers are random and usually involve petty theft. What is left is for the Peace Corps and African authorities to conduct an investigation to determine whether the volunteer was killed because she was an American or a volunteer. There is a difference between a crime of opportunity and a planned, targeting killing for political reasons. This is why it’s important to differentiate: a crime of opportunity could happen anywhere, not just in a foreign post serving in the Peace Corps.

We have had and will continue to have countless safety and security lessons. Volunteers and staff continue to identify risk and work to eliminate it or minimize its effects. To this end, PC Albania encourages us not to travel at night. It is an unfortunate reality of the Balkans that any travel can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. The main reasons are poor roads and lax driving regulations. Knowing the risks, we make sure to travel in groups and during the day. Peace Corps works on creating policies that benefit safety of all.

In addition, the dangers and hardships of service here are very different than those in Africa. It is like comparing apples with oranges. Albania may be one of the most pro-American countries that the Peace Corps goes to, especially given the recent history of US support in issues like Kosovo’s independence. Elections will take place in June and experts and policy makers will watch them closely. A free and fair election makes the distance to the EU that much smaller, although there are still so many things that need to change to meet standards. Uneventful elections would be a step in the right direction. The Peace Corps has an emergency action plan in place for any emergencies, whether it is an earthquake or civil unrest that causes a disturbance.

Yesterday I was feeling pretty sad. Aside from the murder in Benin, one of our volunteers has already left for the United States. I felt bad about it because no one really knew what happened and many of us are left wondering. Today in school, a student asked me why this volunteer went home and I couldn’t really be much help. I found this volunteer on a Facebook group and sent her a message about Albania, so she was the first person I “knew” from this group. All I will say is that life abroad affects everyone differently. It is sad that she won’t experience life here and for that we are all sorry but certainly respect her choice.