Hi Everybody,

Maggie and I were driving around Haiti today, getting some food, water and gas supplies because the streets are expected to be pretty empty and just about everything is closing. The streets are plastered with colorful candidate banners and posters in all directions. Politicians are doing their campaigning. I was told that this weekend will be the last days for them to campaign. There are so many candidates, I wonder how the people will make their selection. I have taken pictures of the most popular candidates for president . (See in photo section, folder "Candidates". The one that seems most likely based on conversations with people and also on the campaigning tactics, seems to me to be Preval. He was the Vice President and the one that took over when Aristide left. What do I think? I know that he did a lot of good thing, roads, schools, etc. so I feel that he would do well. He has lots of experience that’s for sure.

Schools closed today until after the elections. We understand that the US Embassy will close from the 6th until the 10th and I suspect that the other embassies will follow suit. American Airlines are closing their doors also (think beginning Monday – don’t know about other airlines.

Things are quiet but there is tension in the air and as usual many people are packing their stuff and heading for the hills so to speak (the provinces). It is hard to predict how things will turn out. Everybody hopes for the best yet there is lots of doubt in the air.

What do I think…I have decided not to think anymore…lowers my stress level. I just pray that things will go well so everybody can get on with their lives. It has been an extremely hard year on everybody and particular on ALL businesses.

Will there be any disturbances? Who knows…there are rumors that there could be some this weekend….you just don’t know. It is good to see that there is much more UN security and police on the streets – almost on every corner. Will it be enough? Again who knows….

Someone just called to share some rumors and a few facts…. I was told there was an 85 year old nun that was kidnapped, I think he said yesterday. The kidnappers blindfolded her and told her they were going to kill her and the person said that she replied…Go ahead, I’m ready to met Jesus and when I do, I’m going to tell Him about you….so they let her go!!! Rumor or fact, I thought this was too cute not to share. Of course, if they kidnap me, I have already told everybody that after a few mins, they would pay for somebody to take me back. Well, you gotta have some smile to deal with this situation.

Being very serious now, I appeal to all of you to pray fervently for Haiti. Such a beautiful country and beautiful people for the most part. I believe it is time for a change for the better so my prayers are “Thank you God”. I have more than 24 years in this country…too many years invested to not believe things will be better. I am prepared to accept again whatever is God's Will.

Bin