Haiti boule- burning!

Smoke in the air, helicopters making circling flights overhead, shouting and even occasional singing loudly surrounds our compound. Occasional gunshots are heard as manifestations fill the streets of Port au Prince this morning. It actually started last night about 9 pm with the announcement of the candidates that qualify for the run off. Most people seemed to hope and expect it would be Mirlande Manigate, the 70 year old former first lady, and sometime senator and Michel 'Sweet Mickey' Martelly, a popular musician throughout the country. Alas, Jude Celestin- the choice of current president Preval was announced as the run off candidate against Manigat. I suspect and hear from others that a 70 yr old woman would have less chance of winning in the January 16 run off election. Bernice, Syltane and I feel quite safe here, our compound surrounded by high walls and we have 24 hour security guards with us. Our danger more likely will come from falling fruit and palm fronds falling seemingly out of the sky.

I've been constantly busy on phone, texting etc and getting reports from around country. Friends are safe, but protests and road blocks reported in most areas.

Celestin's headquarters are on fire & reports of people heading towards Prevals home above Petion-Ville, though extent of damage reported seems minimal- I'm sure cars have been burned and rocks (rubble?) have been thrown but hopefully people will continue to protest the candidate but not hurt themselves ie business', homes, etc.

People are expressing freely their desire to see something better or at least different for their country. If the current government and candidates that have had a hand in the past history of the government haven't made a difference in their life, then its time to put someone else in place even if he has not experience and has reputation for wild antics on stage during music performances. Haiti has a history of protesting their government, none of this is new territory for them. They add and remove presidents seemingly as easy as shells from peanuts over the years. Unfortunately, nothing changes. If only....