Martelley is da Man!

photo credit:  Gwenn Mangine

The people in the streets are rejoicing.  Hollering.  Happy faces.  Horns honking.  Haiti.  In this moment things are peaceful.  Joyful.  A party is in the air.  A parade is going up and down, up and down, the street.

Martelly was announced President this evening.

Wide smiles.  Shouts of relief.  Arms in the air.  Posters in their hands.  They have won.

After months and months of delay after delay Haiti has a new President.

Relief.  It seems to have rained upon the streets.

We pray that all remains peaceful and that democracy is a reality in this country.  There have been fraud claims throughout the election process, threats, manifestations, and so one wonders...how democratic is this system?  But I guess like all things, it takes time to learn something new.  So we watch.  We pray.

We hope for Haiti.  We rejoice with these incredible people tonight.  No matter what we feel about the presidential candidates, it's hard not to rejoice with the Haitian people.  They take "happy" to a whole new level.  Their bright faces and wild eyes invite you...welcome you to the party. Besides, we're outsiders here.  What do we know about Haitian politics?  I mean really.  What do any of us know?

One thing we know for sure...there is no predicting what will happen on this island.  Time is the only thing that will tell.  So we pull up a comfy chair, make some tea, and wait at the feet of time.  We wait.  We wait until Time divulges more of the story. Time is comfortable with the silence.  Time can't be rushed.  She's like a stubborn, strong-willed two year old who is determined to put on their own shoes without the help of their mother.  No rushing.  Just waiting.  Huffing, puffing, pacing, tapping your foot...but forced to wait.

I'm wondering how long the party outside will last.  I'm not being a debbie downer...wondering how long things will be peaceful in Haiti over the next few weeks.  I kind of wonder that too, but right now I'm literally wondering how long the celebrations will last tonight.  Because it's almost 9:00.  I want to go to sleep.  I only like short, early parties now that I'm a 34 year old grandma and all.