I have never blogged before,so you have already achieved the communication evolution with me!!!!!

Perhaps  I should begin by saying that at Rayjon, we share our stories and maybe this is the place to share a bit of mine.

I was NOT born in 1986, but I was there in 1986 as a witness to the birth, to the beginning of Rayjon. I was a young lawyer, friend and partner of Ray Wyrzykowski in the practice of law. I listened and watched as he planned that first trip to Haiti with John Barnfield and I saw, heard and felt the impact of Haiti on his heart and in his life.

I was unable to join Rayjon in 1986 because at that time I was a single mom, having lost my husband three years earlier to cancer when we were both 27. My children were 3 and 9 months old when their father died and therefore only 6 and 3 when Rayjon was formed. It was not my time to be active in Rayjon.

But Rayjon became part of my life nevertheless.  Although Ray himself is no longer with us, in his honour and in his memory, I dedicate myself now to being a part of the Rayjon family,in Canada and in Haiti.

I believe strongly that quality of life IS justice, not charity.  Rayjon’s challenge is NOT an easy one, promoting development, supporting and respecting the dignity of those we are helping to acquire the skills and the means to overcome extreme poverty, all in the face of natural disasters and many other adversities. While it is disquieting, difficult and relentless work, it is at the same time rewarding, uplifting and life-changing. It is the pursuit of justice.

There it is! My first blog ever!!!

Debbie Austin
Rayjon Vice Chairperson