Good Evening: Like many Haitians I stayed up late last night waiting to hear the final results of the Nov elections as the CEP was to make the announcement some time before midnight. Well that time came and went as did 1:30 AM without any news...that is when I said that was enough and headed to bed. Finally the results came at 7:30 AM. As many of you are probably aware the two candidates or the March 20 run off are Mme Manigat and Michelle Martelely (Sweet Mickey). Preval's favoured candidate from his party, Jude Celestin is no longer in the picture. Silence reigns from him, but both Mme Manigat and Martely gave press conferences today.

Thus far the reaction has been quiet with no demonstrations. In Aux Cayes where there was major violence in Nov, was a town celebrating today as Martely won the second place. Hopefully this is a good sign and the calls for maintaining order will be heeded by the various partisans.
Even though there have been no demonstrations there is great concern in the city as a number of police officers have been wounded or killed in actions carried out by unknown attackers over the past week or so. Despite their collective concern they have been out patroling and manning various strategic areas around town. Please keep the officers and their families in your prayers.

We are hoping that the calm we saw today bodes well for next week as well. I am starting to get a LITTLE hopeful that the medical team scheduled for next week will be able to come as scheduled. We will just have ot wait and see what happens on Feb 7 when President Preval is to step down as President. Monday will be an interesting day as well.

The Anderson's and I have taken advantage of the open days we had (since the Jan team did not come) to do other chores. For all of you construction types that will be coming on future Mission trips, you will be so pleasantly surprised at the order in which you will find the "hardware" section of the depot. Bert and Roberta did a GREAT job of sorting and organizing everything in that corner. You will want to give them a good pat on the back when you are here. I on the other hand have spent most of the time in front of my computer writing reports, doing payroll and various other admin type tasks.

We are also pleased as discussions with the construction firm and engineers are going well thus far and we are hoping that by end of Feb. we will actually be able to start clearing the ground to start the work. Clovis, the school director met with us last week and we sorted out a few issues to ensure security of the site and that kids are not having to cross the site to attend classes. We will move the card making class to the secondary building.

and there you have if for this day..the 2 of February.

Peace be with you............Debbie