Hey everyone,

I hope things are well in the states. Here, things have been better. Last weekend, we held a leadership camp for boys in high school, which went well, in Lunahuana in Lima. The boys had a blast, learning about goals and how to achieve them, sexual health, and first aid. The firefighters and our Peace Corps doctors came to speak. We played soccer, football, ultimate Frisbee, and a little rugby (just the two of us who knew how to play).

But when I returned from the camp this Monday, my host mom told me there was a big accident in my town. Apparently 2 motorcycles, with 3 people on each, crashed into each other. One of the drivers was drunk, while the others were not. Four of the boys died, 2 survived, all of them between the ages of 23 to 15. I went to all four of their houses to see their families. Their bodies in open caskets, decorated with gaudy flower patterns and notes of condolences put me through instant shock. One of the boys was so badly injured, I could barely recognize him. He was dressed up in so much make-up, his skin looked white instead of dark brown. The top of his head was clearly open, though a black plastic bag covered his forehead and up. I personally knew 2 of them, and recognize the others. One of the boys was someone I worked with personally in the high school in my town. He was a health promoter in the school in 5th grade, 3 months from graduating high school. As all his classmates would describe him, he was fun, easy-going, extremely intelligent, and had lot of potential to do great things. I often ask my students, what they will do after they graduate. He wanted to apply for universities in Ica in a medical career. Everyone in the school, including myself, grieve for him and his family.

This brings my total to 8 funerals in Peru in 2 years. All but one caused by accidents on the Pan-American Highway. Instead of going all the things I wanted to finish this week, which is stressful because I only have 7 weeks left in peace corps, I have been going to houses, funerals, mass, etc. And what's even more messed up, the 23 year old, who was driving drunk, and caused these other 3 deaths, had a liter beer bottle in his casket. Like the family doesn't realize that alcohol is the reason 4 people are dead. They put the bottle there as a reminder of how fun he was at parties.

There are good days in Peace Corps, and there are bad days in Peace Corps

Teigan

PS. I´m giving drunk driving presentations to all my secondary school kids this next month