tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22090916593217924092012-01-29T10:27:09.741-05:00Canadian Charity Working to Promote Social Justice & EducationStarthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.comBlogger2191100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-38385841394039822662012-01-15T20:21:00.000-05:002012-01-15T20:21:37.442-05:00

The best laid plans - a blog post  for  January 12 looking at where we are 2 years after the quake is a few days late. One needs a steady source of electricity,  strong enough to fire up modem, router, and laptop. It has been a very quiet, dark week. No electricity - perhaps hoping to quell protests - it worked.  Schools were closed but no programs planned. Some closed the day before as well as

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0Cap-Haitien, Haiti19.75622 -72.1996689999999719.727477999999998 -72.23357199999997 19.784962 -72.16576599999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-9802380918355297332012-01-04T22:29:00.006-05:002012-01-05T11:03:55.929-05:00

Whenever we've been without electricity for a few days (in this case since last year!) I never know what to do first - the dance of joy? iron that pile of clothes? pump water?  toast bread? make coffee? plug in modem and router? write a blog?  As the duration is always a mystery, I usually take a couple of moments to savour the transition  - tonight from candlelight to bright lights and internet.

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-8781360613422104322011-12-05T14:57:00.014-05:002011-12-05T19:23:01.539-05:00

According to our local radio station, the government is experiencing a 'kriz gaz', in other words a fuel shortage. This is the first time in my memory we have been given a reason for no electricity.  Thankfully its a macro problem not micro - no problem purchasing fuel for vehicles - this time. Although it's inconvenient and frustrating not being able to communicate with you, we continue to be as

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-58839432340300348652011-11-03T10:37:00.001-04:002011-11-03T11:13:12.969-04:00

Homecoming was worth the frustration. After arriving at the Provo airport at 6:30am for a 9am flight, I was informed that the flight would depart at noon. Noon became 2:30 and finally the plane arrived and I was home in a mere 35 minutes. Auguste was waiting with 2 of our students - the starter has gone on the truck and we needed a push to get it going. We picked up Sherlyne on the way, heading

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-28882249485533936892011-10-24T14:19:00.023-04:002011-10-27T18:24:29.031-04:00

Monday I return to Haiti.  A month goes by in the blink of an eye. I'm just settling into the Canadian lifestyle, revelling in the crisp Autumn weather and able to string to-gether a couple of sentences in English without lapsing into Kreyol.  Much has happened in Cap-Haitien since my Oct.1st departure.  Construction continues in Sen Rafayel. Gone are the hundreds of bamboo supports and interior

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-59223544376176259242011-10-06T22:41:00.001-04:002011-10-09T16:17:06.772-04:00

Although leaving Haiti is always emotionally wrenching, a four-month absence provides surprises upon arrival in Canada which briefly take my mind off those I have left behind.  For example,  I forgot that I had been to the laundromat the day before I travelled, and all my "Canada clothes" were clean. Good surprise.  On the kitchen table, a vase filled with beautiful cut flowers with a note from

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-88161941404022377672011-09-12T08:33:00.000-04:002011-09-12T08:33:16.123-04:00

Hi Everyone - Finally some exam results to share, although 30% of our students must rewrite as many as six exams each. Some results were available (for a fee) last Thursday in Cap-Haitien while those in the village had to wait until school administrators came down to pick up results. Still waiting for results for Nouveau Secondaire - don't ask. Opening of the new year has been bumped from

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-40402428734215882892011-08-16T18:29:00.010-04:002011-08-18T11:18:43.965-04:00

Hola! Although this keyboard lacks  accents and  punctuation marks, I'm certain  you get the idea. Am brushing up what little Spanish I have --we're heading for Santiago in the Dominican Republic with  dental student, Rose-Guerlande. We travel by bus, a great way to see both countries as this will be her first trip outside of Haiti. She will settle in with medical students Elorge and Marlene

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-7371131063537657882011-08-03T07:55:00.002-04:002011-08-03T21:58:14.970-04:00

I am only writing from personal knowledge of my little corner of Canada when I say that weather always seems be a topic of conversation, regardless of the season. Too hot, too dry, too cold, too wet, just right, favorite season, too much snow, not enough... Even given the possibility that Tropical Storm Emily might come calling early to-morrow, there is no weather talk here. Perhaps that is due

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-92004032679548767962011-07-23T04:56:00.005-04:002011-07-23T20:32:36.183-04:00

It's 2 am and there is both electricity and an internet signal. Unfortunately the battery on my computer died so if I am to take advantage of this unique occurance, I am obliged to sit in the dining room and give the marengwen (mosquitos) free reign.  Wednesday I introduced you to Inea. We had sent her to Sacre-Coeur Hospital in Milot with senior students Edwina and Camiose. Student advocates are

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-48825191871977376802011-07-20T08:32:00.003-04:002011-07-22T11:05:47.166-04:00

Last week I sat down to read the 37 letters we had received over a 3 day period. Unsolicited letters requesting support to continue secondary education.  I read for information, highlighting what we need. At the same time in Sen Rafayel, the roof was being constructed and poured on the security centre of our new compound. In the office,  used text books were received and processed. Letters:

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-11086646825834989672011-07-06T21:14:00.011-04:002011-07-08T09:26:59.110-04:00

Although hampered by persistent rain and spiralling prices,  our new education support center in Sen Rafayel is beginning to take shape. By the end of last week, masonry foundations were finished, 1000 blocks had been made (one at a time) and installed by the 3 masons, their apprentices and many of our students. It's the only summer job available in the village and like everything else there is a

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-64156796693930307602011-06-19T20:43:00.002-04:002011-06-19T20:46:54.709-04:00

Cap-Haitien By 7:30 am the temperature in our courtyard (lakou-a) was 47.8 celsius. Inside was a comparatively balmy 37. Couple that with saturation point humidity and even the dogs, cats, goats, pigs and chickens move as litttle as possible. Only the roosters remain perky. Although we hear on the radio and read in Le Nouvelliste that the state and EDH (Electrique d'Haiti) are working to-gether

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-72416654396041176692011-06-10T17:39:00.003-04:002011-06-11T10:36:46.799-04:00

It's good to be home. Yes, the student computer I was carrying was hacked at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, sending an email exchange between myself and our webmaster to places and persons known and unknown. Yes, the Sunday flight from Providenciales to Cap-Haitien was delayed for 3 hours, resulting in staff wondering where I was. Yes, my luggage didn't make it until Monday. What's

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-58921068888575484432011-05-18T10:13:00.110-04:002011-05-19T11:03:58.657-04:00

English is now my second language, supplanted by Haitian Kreyol. Back in Canada means the challenge of thinking before I speak, finding the appropriate words. It also means becoming accustomed to hot and cold running water and electricity 24 hours a day. Add to the list the availability of dentists,doctors, a personal trainer to get me into shape, and grocery stores packed several shelves high

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-11540439256690527482011-05-02T07:38:00.000-04:002011-05-02T07:38:56.062-04:00

When I began working with the youth of Sen Rafayel, there was no thought of a permanent location. But as we have grown, so have our needs. The rental spaces we have occupied   have reflected the market. Our first office (biwo-a) was one room - about 6x8. Last summer we moved into a 2 room space. Each time, structural repairs and several coats of paint were needed to make them presentable, if not

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-57044308189862043492011-04-29T21:12:00.000-04:002011-04-29T21:12:56.250-04:00

Time flies here. Another month gone and Monday I'm back in Canada for a few weeks. In the intervening weeks we have travelled to Sen Rafayel 3 times, and our truck was 'anpan' twice. The mountain track is unforgiving.Supplies were delivered and payment deadlines met. Easter break arrived and with it dozens of our students signed up for extra courses to help prepare for state national exams. In

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-15342222826075624992011-03-30T19:53:00.077-04:002011-03-31T08:09:36.734-04:00

The one constant in Haitian life is that everything can and will change very quickly. Last week the price of gas rose. Monday brought raises in fares on all forms of public transportation: buses, taxi-moto, tap-tap, taxi-boat and taxi. Drivers have to pass on the increase or go out of business. Monday all staff arived late as none could find transportation. Many drivers stayed home and the

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-23424104949878949772011-03-27T05:48:00.003-04:002011-03-28T06:57:13.800-04:00

After a week-long absence, electricity has returned, of course in the middle of the night.  As a friend pointed out, sleep is overrated, so I'll  blog, a verb I didn't know existed 5 years ago. Due to election closures, our weekly schedule was thrown off, so to-day we will head up Mon Granjil to Sen Rafayel. We have a piece of land to look at and 14 interviews scheduled. Last week, election day

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-31858670508542154072011-03-13T20:22:00.003-04:002011-03-14T08:27:44.638-04:00

As we move into the final week of  candidate stumping, violence is again on the front burner. Election run-offs will be held next Sunday Mar. 20th.  Auguste and Jack headed for town after work Thursday, Jack because he lives there, Auguste to look for a USB flash drive. Enroute they encountered folks who told them to avoid the downtown core as violence had broken out during a speech by the now

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-49144059735704247062011-03-06T14:56:00.002-05:002011-03-06T15:01:29.722-05:00

Drums, dogs, roosters, rain, bullets and babies - each component of Haiti's nocturnal rhapsody is a reminder that others are also sleep deprived. Thursday night rain, dogs and babies took turns trying to outdo each other.  Mme Cindy delivers laptop donated by Lynn D.  In the  morning, despite mud in the street, our students started arriving with the staff at 8a.m. 'Kanaval' (madigra) had

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-82253788109112968082011-02-23T21:12:00.011-05:002011-02-23T21:25:06.978-05:00

After a litany of extraordinary obstacles, Jack delivered a box of supplies from Pennsylvania yesterday. Thank you, Mme Cindy. Inside, in addition to much needed hygiene products, was a book by Nuala O'Faolain titled Are You Somebody? (Holt and Co.,1996). The introduction resonated with me, evoking Haiti's children. "I was...a nobody, who came of an unrecorded line of nobodies...I took it for

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-84698761957561694912011-02-11T17:46:00.005-05:002011-02-17T15:50:06.513-05:00

For more than a dozen years, the Starthrower story has been a voice inside my head. Although needs are often pressing here in Haiti and dire situations frequently arise, the Starthrower's response to a situation created by the universe is a reminder that I am one person but I can do something. University of Toronto student Andreas (Frostbike) also knew that he could do something.  Every young

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-31681025645575272982011-02-07T14:46:00.003-05:002011-02-07T15:24:00.097-05:00

Monday, February 7th - an auspicious, historical date and all staff arrived late. No camionets running, students turned back home, schools closed, burning barricades and projectiles which include bottles, rocks and bullets. To-day we should be celebrating the departure of the old government and welcoming the new. But the old doesn't want to relinquish power so the new remains undecided. Last

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-20213380317534081882011-01-29T05:18:00.003-05:002011-01-31T11:37:19.165-05:00

Saturday morning 5 am - The rain is letting up, voodoo drums now have competition only from the roosters and the hum of electricity. With 'kouran' comes an internet signal and news that Andreas (FrostBike) has successfully completed his ride from Kingston to Toronto. WELL DONE, Andreas and team. Many of our young people are close in age to Andreas and those who supported his challenge. How wise

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-64778126884226910832011-01-21T12:09:00.016-05:002011-01-23T07:55:25.602-05:00

Some days stand out because there seems to be an energy which gathers speed as the day progresses, hurtling one towards an exhausting yet anticlimactic finish. Those days seem indelible, as though written in the brain with a  permanent, bold marker. Those are what I've labeled  'awareness days'. Yesterday was one of those days. Awake at 4 a.m., time for yoga under the net,  out of bed at 5 a.m.,

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-36965509364546494532011-01-19T09:31:00.006-05:002011-01-21T16:37:36.994-05:00

While the macrocosm of the country continues to bubble and steam like a volcano threatening to erupt, the microcosm of Lakay Fondasyon chugs along, the little engine that could. School supplies are non existent - we have scoured the marketplace and stores weekly since early December.With schools opening (supposedly) this week, we increased the hunt. Marie-Vonette unpacks notebooks We can't

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-74252204578834827762011-01-12T00:05:00.023-05:002011-01-12T09:36:21.959-05:00

There is unutterable sadness and weariness to life lived in absolute poverty. This was true before  the tranbleman te (earthquake) of Jan. 12, 2010.  How, I ask myself,  can something already so profound be deepened? There is also inspiring joy, delight and humour in the simple things those with privilege miss. We are the privileged - I am - and perhaps you are as well. We've been to school - we

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-67976373727817850332011-01-09T15:15:00.006-05:002011-01-10T05:26:16.617-05:00

"Dèyè mon gen mon" . Loosely translated, behind every mountain is another mountain. This kreyol expression  succinctly sums up life here.  We have literal mountains such as Morn Granjil which we travel weekly to meet with our staff and students in Sen Rafayel. One is surrounded by mountains and led by mountains. Look at a map of Haiti - so many mountains there is very little space for people,

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-64819764359921573752011-01-01T11:02:00.012-05:002011-01-04T08:57:53.440-05:00

At the moment there is electricity and an Internet signal. While preparing food for the dogs and cat at 6am, I was able to access  the  Scorpions  in concert  on YouTube-- 'Moment of Glory' and 'Winds of Change' with the Berlin Philharmonic. Listening to Klaus Meine  - an auspicious start to the new year - it doesn't get much better. Sounds of Independence Day celebrations, which began Thursday,

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-50632619738040577122010-12-17T10:45:00.002-05:002010-12-19T07:45:37.203-05:00

Voodoo (vodou) drums (boula, asoto, kata) were back last night, creating a lullaby in tandem with the rain, which has been falling for more than a week.  The drums, part of a wake ceremony for the dead, have been curiously absent for almost 2 weeks.  When I asked  if it was the rain hampering the ceremonies, staff  replied no, too many dead. Rain means cooler temperatures (19 celcius today).  

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-21573066160422343992010-12-10T10:32:00.003-05:002010-12-18T15:55:32.138-05:00

3 a.m. and finally there is some calm.  Gunfire has ceased - outside my window the occasional mango drops, somewhere a dog barks, roosters crow, a child cries. When I left Canada Nov. 15th I fully expected to be home in Cap-Haitien the next day.  When manifestasyon yo (protests) closed the airport for 5 days, precipitating a minor personal financial crisis in Provo, the universe put Lesline of

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-46157435136661913412010-12-08T08:43:00.003-05:002010-12-08T09:40:34.732-05:00

Hello everyone - Daniel here - due to little electricity, Sharon was only able to send these two quick updates this morning.  I know she is working on a long blog that I hope to receive this week.____________________ Electricity just back - internet arrived last night after a week of frustration and long distance phone calls to re-activate our account.  But it's here - just need electricity for

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-74217683206983138142010-11-30T14:23:00.000-05:002010-11-30T14:23:19.637-05:00

Tomorrow we head up Sen Rafayel.  We have 2 active cases of cholera that we know of - Illiomene (student staff) and Suzanne. Vaudre has recovered and we are going to pay his hospital bill to get him released. Thank you to everyone who donated money to help us fight the Cholera crisis and also to get Vaudre out of the hospital. Alex was in today - his aunt died this morning in Sen Rafayel and he

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-83303925612935834982010-11-25T11:11:00.001-05:002010-12-03T10:18:02.426-05:00

Hello everyone, this is Daniel, the french Canadian "web guy".  Sharon phoned me this morning from Cap-Haitien and because she has no access to Internet, told me this message over the phone.(Typos and bad sentence structures all mine). Things are not well over there.  Cholera is spreading fast, all the kids are scared of catching it.  Some carry bleach with them to wash their hands, some have

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-80198278897510744782010-11-16T16:22:00.000-05:002010-11-16T16:22:39.713-05:00

Daniel here - Sharon has asked me to post this news article from the BBC. 16 November 2010 UN agencies expected a significant increase in the number of cholera cases after a nationwide review.... Cholera is now present in all 10 of Haiti's provinces." _____________________________ UN peacekeepers kill demonstrator amid cholera protest At least one man has been shot dead in clashes with

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-40943559541203369442010-11-16T12:07:00.001-05:002010-11-16T12:07:38.510-05:00

Tuesday morning, 10 a.m., Comfort Suites, Providentiales, Turks and Caicos. The plan was for me to be picked up at the Cap-Haitien airport at 9 a.m.  Ah, the best laid plans of mice and men... Going to Haiti for an extended stay means routines - pay the hydro in advance, put the phone on seasonal service and pay it in advance, prepare and deliver rent cheques for the upcoming year, deliver a

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-55711363802048612272010-11-14T21:18:00.003-05:002010-11-14T21:20:14.620-05:00

My Scottish grandmother always said that no news is good news.  I, on the other hand, would rather have the news, no matter the quality.  Auguste was able to send news via email twice this week.  He is tenacious - no electricity, daily rain, yet he managed to find a cybercafe with a signal.  Good news to me.  Cap-Haitien has had rain every day since Siklon Tomas (Hurricane Tomas) went through

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-63392244857064389852010-11-07T14:39:00.002-05:002010-11-07T15:56:39.565-05:00

This is the third concerted effort to put to-gether an update.  The first responded to the cholera outbreak, the second the impending Siklon Tomas (Hurricane Tomas).  As we no longer have internet service at the centre in Cap-Haitien and the supporting solar/inverter is in need of new battteries, communication with the staff has been sporadic and frustrating.  To send an email, Auguste must first

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-84786989624481320592010-10-14T12:24:00.003-04:002010-10-19T10:23:33.601-04:00

October is a month of change - seasons change, clocks change, in some places we get out the winter clothing.  Daniel has been working furiously to create our new website which showcases the young people we serve, as well as some of those on our active waiting list.  As of to-day, it is live, yet another change.  We will be adding more faces from time to time, as we are still waiting for some

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-24839703270097205732010-09-19T16:13:00.066-04:002010-09-26T17:40:34.367-04:00

Last week brought 2 visitors to Lakay Fondasyon, Daniel our website administrator (aka webguy) and ELECTRICITY!  For the first time in 12 years there was electricity daily.  Admittedly it was intermittent, not strong enough to pump water from the well, provide internet access, freeze water or run a fan, but it was present. The first day of Daniel's visit, we took it easy as the humidity of summer

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-50618727972690869302010-09-07T08:39:00.002-04:002010-09-08T13:27:39.374-04:00

Communication is always a challenge here - sometimes its the language, an expression new to me, sometimes the equipment with which one communicates.  I have made many attempts to write this update, each time thwarted by either lack of internet access or electricity or solar power.  Perhaps to-day.  The SIM card on my cell phone gave up the ghost as well, taking with it all of my contact phone

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-17277423478123597402010-08-15T08:52:00.002-04:002010-08-16T09:02:27.423-04:00

Toward the end of "The Poisonwood Bible", author Barbara Kingsolver writes of "...if...would have...but instead...all because...every life is different because you passed this way and touched history." (pg. 538) It may be history which is never written, published or discussed, but that doesn't make it any less important. Monumental journeys often remain anonymous. What speaks to me so in this

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-83410272128935215582010-08-07T18:16:00.011-04:002010-08-09T17:10:52.158-04:00

I often find myself unobtrusively observing the work ethic of those we serve.  My presence is most times unnecessary.  Our book refurbishing program is in full swing - text books piled everwhere - with some still to come in as we had several students writing state exams this week.  Funds are limited this year so student staffers are working alternate days.  Rather that than no work.  We

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-70546405578992745262010-07-24T21:55:00.002-04:002010-07-25T09:31:14.280-04:00

Yesterday the long awaited solar technician arrived from Port-au-Prince (Potoprens). An American trained Haitian who knows solar systems, computers, the internet, and electricity.  He worked on our set up for the better part of a day, uncovering a system which was never properly installed, leading to the suspect terminal breaking off and shorting out.  None of the connections were tight,

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-71313991337953788762010-07-22T08:17:00.001-04:002010-07-22T08:20:21.694-04:00

In my spare time here in Cap-Haitien, I read.  I have always been a voracious reader.  I have been reacquainting myself with Jon Kabat-Zinn's profoundly insightful guide to living "Wherever You Go There You Are".  I can spend time with just the title.  Saturday found us very present in the village of Sen Rafayel.  Staff put out the word that we wanted to meet with each student, to update photos

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-56949674675782468632010-07-13T21:58:00.011-04:002010-07-15T22:34:09.599-04:00

2 a.m. The storm has abated and hydro has arrived. While I will not hop out of bed and iron clothes, although the heat has dropped somewhat and my bed no longer feels like an electric blanket set on high, I will try and assemble some thoughts on our trip to Leogane July 1-3. It will take more than a blog, but it is a start. The dogs are restless tonight, (toumante ko li) and I guess I am as well.

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-3262455879605596802010-06-29T09:56:00.000-04:002010-07-10T15:58:35.023-04:00

Homecoming It's been just over 10 days since I arrived home in Cap. And what an arrival it was! The truck makes it possible for more folks to travel (students, staff, dogs) so I was greeted with a joyful, chaotic scene as I emerged from customs. Jackson, our driver (chofe-a) has been serving as driving instructor, so Auguste drove home from the airport. He was calm, cool and collected - a gift

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-79480994977021600242010-06-13T10:09:00.004-04:002010-06-13T10:19:28.904-04:00

As I prepare to return to Cap-Haitien this week, I want to thank everyone for your support of our centre and our students in Haiti. We've received some much needed supplies that I can take back with me.   Student Nursing Books, Medical Supplies Update Thanks to our Starthrowers, we now have some of the items from our Things We Need list [See previous post for details] The list of supplies needed

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-68053503453649515192010-05-30T10:35:00.002-04:002010-05-30T16:05:45.272-04:00

Hello Everyone, Here's an update on what's happening with Starthrower Foundation in Haiti. Our apologies for the long interval since the last update. It's been a very busy time. Here's what has been happening in Haiti: House Repairs Schools, Universities Classes, Students Summer Programs / Travel New Vehicle, Driver Repairs to Lakay Fondasyon Lakay Fondasyon Cap-Haitien Haiti Quake

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-68258239119876942872010-04-12T11:51:00.003-04:002010-04-12T14:34:38.019-04:00

Repairs to Starthrower's house in Haiti, Cap-Haitien Manifestations, Food Aid Chaos, and Schools News Hello Eveyone, Sharon Gaskell phoned this morning (Monday) from Cap-Haitien, Haiti. I hadn't heard from her at all in over a week, so she called to let us know that she is alive and well. As she spoke, the sound of hammering made it hard to hear her at times. She explained that the house is

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-12005817163235156222010-03-29T16:36:00.015-04:002010-03-30T11:10:48.791-04:00

An eventful few weeks in Cap-Haitien, Haiti! First, the good news:  Edwinna has a sponsor to see her through high school. Thank you, Tracey and family in Canada, and welcome to the Starthrower community! Quake repairs Update Students Homes Photo: Repairing Roof at Lakay Fondasyon - Cap-Haitien, Haiti Center We're still making repairs to our place and to our own students' housing. Those

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-82228477483798166312010-03-11T10:19:00.007-05:002010-03-12T14:11:12.961-05:00

. Bonjou tout moun Another busy week in Cap-Haitien Haiti: Malaria returns, Inspecting a vehicle with view to purchase, mosquito nets and beds, and outfitting student nurse for return to Leogane to work in field hospital. And through it all, intermittent hydro and rain,rain and more rain. (Click on an image to enlarge, then click Back to return to this post) Malaria drugs, Cloroquine Resistance

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-3472300649844572512010-02-28T08:49:00.020-05:002010-02-28T17:50:02.474-05:00

The News this week from Starthrower in Haiti: Water, Propane, Food Distribution, Medical, Dental, Supplies Propane Supply Found We've been without ice for almost 2 weeks. Vegetarian lifestyle is the most reasonable option. And we ran out of propane last Sunday. Staff had been scouring the city to find a refill tank. More important than cooking, we need it to boil the well water. Jacques

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-7229267669697755412010-02-20T21:09:00.016-05:002010-02-21T11:00:31.603-05:00

News from Cap-Haitien and Sen Rafayel Haiti Bonjou tout moun!  Hello Everyone! This week began innocently enough. I was allowed to turn the water back on Sunday night at 6 p.m., the plumbing operations, performed Saturday were sufficiently dry and I was exhausted so bed at 6:30. When one is up with the roosters at 4 a.m., fatigue sets in early. Besides we had endured a weekend of torrential

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-4545529854889563752010-02-19T10:22:00.007-05:002010-02-22T09:29:47.426-05:00

Diri, Pwa, Chabon, Sik Blan Costs Rise in Cap-Haitien Hello Everyone, If you are poor in Haiti, It costs you more to cook and eat if you are middle class in Canada. Though the cost of staples in Haiti -- rice, beans, oil -- and charcoal needed to cook them have risen dramatically in the past few years, they have risen more since the quake in January. Here are some examples of what these basic

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-49695342955839344862010-02-13T13:19:00.013-05:002010-02-13T21:48:26.171-05:00

Post Trauma Stress Continues, Schools Still Closed . Hello Everyone, Here's more news of what's happening at Lakay Fondasyon in Cap-Hatien, about student stress and fire losses, schools, Port-au-Prince 'refugees', quake damage, and aid. Student Update Markendy arrived on Monday. He had finished his apprenticeship barber training more than a year ago, but now he wants to go back to school.

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-11346960446143417432010-02-12T17:06:00.008-05:002010-02-12T17:52:25.355-05:00

Hospitals, Clinics, Banks, Shops, Water Plant Closed Til Monday . Hello Everyone, Everything is closed in Haiti today to honor the one month since trembleman de te (earthquake). Only churches are open. Hospital Justinien is closed, as are all hospitals and all clinics, so no clinics or hospital consults are available. Also closed / not operating are camionets, taxis, businesses, banks, the few

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-90895002396585000132010-02-06T19:27:00.009-05:002010-02-10T09:49:27.967-05:00

. Hello Everyone, It's been an exhausting and emotional first week back in Haiti as we begin to deal with the Haiti earthquake aftermath. As well, there are ongoing medical, dental and housing needs of staff and students, and even our small dog. I've made a list of some essential items that are desperately needed here in Cap-Haitien as soon as possible, as well as tools needed by our

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-16621572259022989922010-02-03T09:06:00.007-05:002010-02-05T12:40:40.814-05:00

. Hello  Everyone, As well as everything else to deal with following the earthquake in Haiti, we are now dealing with staff and students' post-traumatic shock, and beginning to do damage assessment and repair. I have never doubted that what we are doing here is important and is right. These last 2 days have affirmed everything we at Starthrower Foundation have been building up for the last 12

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-16349031843236056852010-02-01T12:40:00.004-05:002010-02-01T12:46:41.424-05:00

. Hello Everyone, I arrived in Cap-Haiten at 6 p.m. yesterday (Sunday) after long day in the Ft Lauderdale (FLL) airport and then a longer than usual flight.  Here's what's happening today at Starthrower's center and updates on schools, students, earthquake damage, security and supplies. Flight to Haiti: Florida FLL via Bahamas to Cap At FLL, we learned that our plane needed an engine replaced

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-26156125741629424132010-01-31T09:28:00.007-05:002010-02-01T11:25:01.300-05:00

 . Hello Everyone, I am on my way to Cap-Haitien Haiti so by the time you receive this I may already be at Lakay. Here's an earthquake aftermath update about Cap-Haitien schools opening, students, hydro and water, food, study and job programs. As well, here are a few pictures sent from Haiti before the quake. (Click on the picture to see a larger version, then click the Back button to return to

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-268456764571198702010-01-22T15:18:00.014-05:002010-01-23T15:31:17.413-05:00

Hello Everyone, As promised, here's an update on the earthquake in Haiti aftermath regarding students, schools, hydro, water and food supplies in Cap-Haitien, as well as a brief note about donations in kind, travel to Haiti and more Thank yous! Starthrower Students in Haiti and Dominican Schools are still closed in Cap-Haitien. Guilene, a blind student at school in Port-au-Prince who received

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-43595020871691545552010-01-17T16:41:00.002-05:002010-01-18T07:47:46.948-05:00

. Hello Eveyone, News is still coming in sporadically from Haiti, some devastating, some hopeful. With no cell phone service, e-mail has been a lifeline. To upddate our previous news, here's what we know so far: Port-au-Prince Bad News, Sad News 2 students Frandzy and Peterson, in Port-au-Prince, until this afternoon were both still unaccounted for. Auguste just emailed to tell me that he heard

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-69609607340623687572010-01-13T16:25:00.004-05:002010-01-18T07:49:30.878-05:00

 .  Hello Everyone, As you know, the Mag 7.0 earthquake and  dozens of aftershocks devastated much of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. As yet, we have not heard any news from any of the students attending post secondary there. However, Auguste emailed that the house has a few more cracks after the earthquake, but seems fine.  I will see for myself when I get there. They may be old cracks.

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-32343392584655764622010-01-07T19:08:00.004-05:002010-01-08T09:05:35.313-05:00

Jwaye nouvel ane tout moun! Happy New Year, Everyone! A new year in a new decade inspires Starthrower Foundation to redouble its efforts to sponsor our young Haitian adult students in post secondary degrees and college certifications, and to address issues about our current center in Cap-Haitien. Here's how you can help us help them: Upgrading your laptop eBook, netbook? Consider donating

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-4123976332237739452009-12-16T12:31:00.005-05:002009-12-19T11:33:05.672-05:00

Bonjou tout moun / Hello Everyone! To our fundraisers and Christmas box donors, to all of you who have supported Starthrower Foundation this year, and to Starthrowers true as well as new, a huge Thank You! Sarnia, Ontario: Congratulations and many happy returns to Mme Marjorie on her 80th birthday! Instead of gifts at the open house held in her honour, Marjorie had requested donations to the

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-92037740490897416452009-11-26T17:43:00.002-05:002009-11-26T17:54:38.507-05:00

. Hello, Everyone! Here's our news about the food, water, and supplies on this day of Thanksgiving in the USA. In a few short weeks it will be Christmas, the students will have written their exams, and the web comic will have posted its final pages. A busy time for us all! Web Comic To Daniel, thanks and congratulations on your wonderful web comic www.starthrowerinhaiti.com. For those of you

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-82904222295742101332009-11-01T11:12:00.010-05:002009-11-01T14:11:20.499-05:00

Starthrower Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of a unique fundraiser to raise funds for the Education Program in Haiti. Starthrower in Haiti is a web comic, an online version of a graphic novel, created by Dan Lafrance that tells in picture form the story of Starthrower Foundation and Sharon Gaskell's work in Cap-Haitien and Sen Rafayel, Haiti, to sponsor Haitian youth in school.

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-89963331950858060412009-10-11T10:32:00.020-04:002009-10-12T11:35:49.483-04:00

Bonjou tout moun / Hello Everyone!I am back, safe and sound from Cap-Haitien. The trip was all too brief but certainly very busy and rewarding! Here's some news about shipping, new airline to Haiti, and pictures of some of the post-secondary students and life in Lakay.Student News - Good NewsAuguste and I reviewed the finances, and requests for aid from students, and then took Jackson's taxi to

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-16125022966301533222009-10-10T09:37:00.000-04:002009-10-21T20:00:35.265-04:00

In small island countries like Haiti, climate change is exacerbated by a dispiriting merry-go-round of deforestation (removal of trees), Caribbean hurricanes and tropical storms, and the resulting landslides and floods, and lack of infrastructure and extreme poverty: Is poverty the chicken or the egg? Which came first? Or are climate and poverty co-dependent? Since climate change is the focus

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-84237311271633235272009-09-19T17:36:00.010-04:002009-09-19T18:33:09.521-04:00

Bonjou tout moun! Hello Everyone!And welcome back from France, Sister Rosemary and Rosenie! This photo of them was taken at the base of the Eiffel Tower.And Great News! Last night Auguste, Starthrower's director of education at Lakay Fondasyon, in Cap-Haitien, emailed with wonderful news!Brunie, Gaby, Wisly and Alland, the four new grads that Starthrower had sent to register and write entrance

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-71949596156521816362009-08-30T12:15:00.008-04:002009-08-30T16:13:21.006-04:00

.Hello Everyone,As yet, I don't have an update from Sewoz (Sister Rosemary) on her trip to France with our student. When she phoned on their return two weeks ago, the phone connection was too poor and full of static, and she has been on retreat ever since. She did say the trip went amazingly well, and I will report details when I again hear from her and Rosenie.Registrations, Text Books,

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-36295506161858508212009-08-16T12:16:00.015-04:002009-08-16T15:02:00.275-04:00

.Haiti Exam Results are now posted for the country as a whole, and overall, Starthrower's high school students are more than holding their own, they are doing better than the national average!This is especially gratifying for us at Starthrower, since these Haiti - wide results include all socio-economic levels, while Starthrower sponsored students are almost exclusively drawn from the poorest of

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-9631389087713872582009-08-15T10:17:00.002-04:002009-08-16T13:44:41.385-04:00

.Much excitement this week in Haiti, as long-awaited visitors from America -- Starthrowers Mme Cindy and Anna, on their first trip to Haiti -- traveled by plane and bus to meet the staff and students at Lakay Fondasyon in Cap-Haitien!Welcome Sign at Lakay FondasyonStaff and students had prepared a Welcome sign to greet Mme Cindy and Anna. Until now, the stafff had known of Mme Cindy and her

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-71881799534897931072009-07-30T09:31:00.011-04:002009-08-01T12:28:01.307-04:00

Bonjou tout moun / Hello Everyone!Auguste has sent news of what's happening at Lakay Fondasyon, our centre in Cap-Haitien.Here's the news about the text book program, trip to France, school supplies status, and more high school grads who need sponsors for university.Supplies In, Backpacks Needed SAPTwo boxes of supplies (school shoes, dental supplies and meds) sent by Mme Cindy in Pennsylvania

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-38168584361693775852009-07-14T11:20:00.015-04:002009-08-01T18:07:13.244-04:00

Hi Everyone!Finally, I am able to type again! Hard enough to explain in English what's been happening.Just imagine how much harder to explain in Kreyol, to Auguste, our Director of Education in Haiti.If anyone has been waiting for an email from me, here's what's been going on the past two weeks.After being diagnosed a few weeks ago with multiple infections in the surgical wound, I spent the last

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-53269239421887981122009-06-29T10:27:00.012-04:002009-10-11T11:45:03.461-04:00

Hello, Everyone!A big Thank You! to Alex and Laura, who traveled from London ON to Starthrower Foundation to pack supplies for Cap-Haitien and to Jane, here in Orangeville.Thank you, too, to Daniel and Amy who have also volunteered to come pack supplies. We just have to find a time when my energy level can keep up with theirs!Last week I asked for support for Rose-Youdeline (DOB 03/07/85) who

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-55027645968575637222009-06-21T19:02:00.015-04:002009-08-01T12:48:44.237-04:00

Greetings from Orangeville, ONLakay Fondasyon, our centre in Cap-Haitien, is very busy these days as many students have finished writing exams and have begun to return their text books to us.Rosenie, who directs our summer book restoration program, has finished writing exams and has now started to work full time at the centre.Foto: Claudy packing the trusty hockey bag with food for distribution

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-73333604052654004712009-06-08T10:02:00.015-04:002009-06-08T10:53:55.928-04:00

Salye tout moun (Hello Everyone),A big Thank You to all of you who responded to help fund our food distribution program!We have been able to purchase and distribute food sacks for the remainder of the school year, the end of June (photo).As I have written before, Lakay Fondasyon, Starthrower's centre in Cap-Haitien, is busy year round, with the ongoing need for school supplies, vitamins, clothing

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-1345059682364431822009-05-30T19:00:00.002-04:002009-06-02T12:18:31.146-04:00

Hello Everyone,We received this email from the president of CASCO, the American company that has been handling our shipping of goods from Florida to Cap-Haitien. It is posted here to assist those of you who require this information.Here are excerpts with contact information for the new business.Caribbean American Shipping Corp (CASCO) is closing effective May 29, 2009.I truly appreciate your

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-54599632360110082602009-05-24T15:55:00.005-04:002009-05-24T16:27:14.863-04:00

Bonswa tout moun / Hello Everyone!Last night I was doing something I never do in Haiti: Watching television. The 'crawl' on the bottom of the news channel read '11 Haitians dead as storms sweep through small towns in the North.' I had been waiting for news from Auguste before putting this blog post together. It had been 8 days without a report -- a very long time. This same system moved on to

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-77708858274361482752009-05-09T19:12:00.005-04:002009-05-09T19:27:06.812-04:00

Hello Everyone,First of all, a big Thanks! to those who responded so generously to the plea to help us restart the Food Distribution Program at Lakay Fondasyon in Haiti for the remainder of this school term. Because of Cindy and friends in Pennsylvania, Daniel and family, and Margaret and Kate in Canada, we have reached the halfway mark (see previous post for details).This is very heartening, and

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-42459961267838713612009-04-25T10:35:00.015-04:002009-05-03T11:52:58.410-04:00

Hello Everyone,Here is the current food price list from Cap-Haitien, Haiti, for foods needed to relaunch the food distribution program at Lakay Fondasyon. Starthrower hopes to be able to run this program from now until the end of Haiti school exams, roughly the second week in July.Here are the amounts need so that we would be able to distribute one sack of food with enough rice and beans for 2

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-50405478535408822932009-04-22T18:04:00.011-04:002009-05-03T11:41:35.010-04:00

Happy Earth Day!Earth Day / Earth week is the perfect time to stop and reflect on one's place and role on this planet. As well, this Saturday, April 25, is Malaria Awareness Day. From the perspective of those who live in absolute poverty, every day is Earth Day and Malaria Awareness Day.Perhaps those of us on this planet who live in comparative luxury need these designated days to jog our

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-74796208019801250872009-03-28T10:33:00.003-04:002009-05-03T11:42:23.994-04:00

Tonight, March 28, 2009, as you observe Earth Hour (8:30-9:30 p.m), I urge you to turn your thoughts towards Haiti, where every hour is Earth Hour.This simple truth was brought home to me today, when at the end of her visit, one of my visiting caregivers said, very seriously, that she hoped I was going to observe Earth Hour tonight. She went on to say she understood what a sacrifice it was to

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-15078879153749193792009-03-24T16:15:00.004-04:002009-03-24T16:27:48.153-04:00

.Salye tout moun (Hello Everyone),I hope those of you fortunate to have free time are enjoying or did enjoy a restful March break. Activites in Orangeville certainly seemed to slow down last week.Although I am (for the time being) still grounded, Starthrower continues to function effectively. I spoke with Auguste and Carmine last week. Mme Carmine told me that if I could get her a passport, she

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-491442991815003262009-02-22T15:43:00.006-05:002009-02-22T15:53:16.418-05:00

Bonjou tout moun [Hello Everyone!] Auguste, who has been managing the center in my prolonged absence, informs me that everything at Lakay Fondasyon in Cap-Haitien is continuing to function well. However, when I return to Haiti in the spring, we will likely need to add another staff member, as not one of them has had a day off since I was airlifted out on October 10.The staff have been wonderful.

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-51446214118969323482009-02-01T19:02:00.008-05:002009-02-01T19:17:33.838-05:00

Hello Everyone,I received some news from Auguste, who is managing the center in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, so I am sending it along as the Update From Haiti for this week. I translated from Kreyol to English.Auguste writes:Good morning, Madam - How is your health today?Madam Jane came to visit with Father Henry. They're coming back Monday to talk with Sister Rosemary when she will be here.Dieugrand has

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-26573921504765766352009-01-18T18:21:00.003-05:002009-01-18T18:40:38.675-05:00

* * *Hello Everyone,It's been a long time since the last blog post update. I hope everyone had a good break over the holidays. I am in regular contact with the staff in Cap-Haitien, and I've had some news to pass on to you.Auguste emails that, following the Christmas break, our young people in both Cap-Haitien and Sen Rafayel started school again on Monday, January 12. He is busy paying second

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-11683478150534632872008-12-14T18:25:00.006-05:002008-12-14T18:35:22.345-05:00

Hello Everyone!Many thanks to those who phoned and sent cards, flowers and get well gifts over the past few weeks. Your support is very encouraging. The healing process continues and will involve further surgery and recovery time. I hope to have more information after tomorrow's (Monday, Dec. 15) appointment at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto.Sister Rosemary, who flew to Canada with me on the

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-7655245632091096062008-12-02T11:11:00.001-05:002008-12-02T11:13:12.841-05:00

The season of good will to all: Merry Christmas from Starthrower Foundation!As this challenging year comes to a close, let us remember that for the people of Haiti, every year is a challenging year.Young adults, especially, have a very difficult time finding their way in the world. Many of them are orphans who are trying to support themselves as well as other family members. Any help we can give

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-57371182443612285112008-11-27T11:40:00.002-05:002008-11-27T11:45:19.181-05:00

Hello Everyone,Here's a brief update from Starthrower Foundation on American Thanksgiving Day 2008. Sharon GaskellSharon traveled to Toronto on Monday for her check up at St. Michael's Hospital, where her constant companion for these many weeks, a vacuum pump, was disconnected and removed.Sharon continues to recuperate at home in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada, and, with the help of a

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-8958366858363337762008-11-09T10:26:00.007-05:002008-11-09T10:53:11.870-05:00

Hello Everyone,Auguste, who continues to operate Lakay Fondasyon, Starthrower Foundation's center in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, while Sharon Gaskell is in Canada recovering from surgery(ies), sends this news about sponsored students.[Sharon had gone into hospital then returned to Toronto prior to completion of students registrations for school for the fall term; Haiti's summer of hurricanes and

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-80897749935491865872008-10-23T09:49:00.019-04:002008-10-23T10:33:58.659-04:00

Hello Everyone,Week Two in St, Michael's Hospital: Sharon's health continues to gradually improve. Even though the crisis period has passed, her condition is still very much day-to-day, with some days much better than others, if she's had energy-draining testing and scans and various procedures to track issues following her surgeries.If you've ever been in hospital yourself, you will recall that

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-43690173696780123592008-10-16T08:46:00.012-04:002008-10-16T09:27:35.724-04:00

Hello Everyone,It was a great relief to visit with Sharon yesterday afternoon at St. Michael's Hospital (picture) in Toronto. She is still heavily medicated and undergoing treatment for three (3!) bacterial infections, as well as continuing treatment following her surgery, but her responses are most encouraging. I even managed to elicit several good smiles from her!At this time, however, like

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-72796986029818491312008-10-15T00:01:00.001-04:002008-10-15T00:01:02.527-04:00

Hello Everyone,Starthrower Foundation joins the blogging community in focusing on world poverty issues today, October 15, 2008.That Sharon Gaskell, Starthrower's founder, is currently seriously ill from complications borne of living in poverty conditions in Haiti (see Haiti hospital post and Thanksgiving Day post) dramatically underscores the urgent need to help ensure everyone, everywhere has

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-54608275832809724742008-10-10T07:52:00.008-04:002008-10-10T10:01:06.552-04:00

Hello Everyone,Good news! Sharon arrived in Toronto close to midnight Thursday after a 6 hour flight on a Fox Flight air ambulance from Cap-Haitien, and is now in St. Michael's Hospital.Sister Rosemary (Sisters of St. Joseph Toronto) has been by her side from Haiti to home, with the hospital providing a cot for her last night. She told Sharon's sister this morning that just to be in cool air, on

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-49162569719367379772008-10-08T08:40:00.003-04:002008-10-08T10:05:22.620-04:00

___________Hello Everyone,Once again, I could not reach Sister Rosemary this morning to get an update on Sharon's condition. Update 10 a.m. I spoke briefly to Sister just now. The line kept breaking up, but I was able to hear that Sharon is awake and aware of what is going on, and talking to them.Here is a report from Sharon's sister as of last night."Sharon is on two different antibiotics and

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2209091659321792409.post-33798930564492434162008-10-07T08:36:00.001-04:002008-10-08T08:39:50.906-04:00

Hello EveryoneI was not able to contact Sister Rosemary this morning, but Sharon's sister just sent this message: "I spoke with Sister this morning at 8:00 a.m. She was sitting with Sharon then and said she was stabilizing. "Doctors seem surprised at her "progress" but are going to watch carefully for infection over the next few days as she is still very critical." . . .B.L.I should perhaps

Starthower Founderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06564616273890799156noreply@blogger.com0