Asayo's Wish Foundation

In memory of Elizabeth Durante (5/3/88 - 3/7/09).....in our hearts always.

Sarah Asayo — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:11:00 GMT

As many of your already know my story - about five years, I was inspired to reach out to the orphan children in my village in Uganda. It was a small dream at the start.... my funds were limited. I started with sending money to a church minister to help him feed the orphan children on Sundays. As word traveled, the handful of orphans became 18 children truly needing food every day. Then the 18 became 25 and they needed shelter. I could not support them on my own so I reached out to family and friends for help. They embraced my dream and it grew.

Three years ago, my dream was shared with a student at Connecticut College who shared it with others at the college. They wanted to do more than just donate - they wanted to join me as I traveled to Uganda - to give from their hearts - sharing their talents.

One of those students was Liz Durante. Her dream was to become a doctor and help those who were in need. Liz and her best friend, Stefani Hinman joined the other students and traveled with us to my village - Kaberamaido, Uganda. During their time in Kaberamaido, they jumped right in to support the local doctor and meet the needs of not only our children (then reaching approx 150 orphan children) but also the local villagers. Liz fell in love with the children and surrounding community. This inspired her - even more - to stay the course of her dream of becoming a doctor.

Last year, Liz and Stefani carried "our" dream of serving these children to others at their college and again, gathered medical donations and volunteers to join us in our good-will mission of meeting the needs of the our children (now approximately 180 orphan children). On the morning of our trip, an accident tragically altered the dream of helping the children for Liz, Stefani and their group of volunteers. We lost Liz in a car accident.

With four of us already at the airport and not knowing what happened, we boarded the plane hoping the other students had only been delayed. It wasn't until the doors closed for take off - did we find out what happened. For the 8 hour flight - we quietly cried. Once we landed in London, we quickly gathered together to make plans to immediately return to the states to see what we could do to help. One of the other volunteers asked us a very thought-provoking question "What would Liz want us to do?". It stopped us all in our tracks….then one by one - the response was the same - "she would want us to go on and fulfill her dream of serving the children". With very heavy hearts, we boarded the next flight to Uganda.

Then the miracles started to happen. Liz, Stefani and the other students had gathered close to 20 suitcases worth of medical or school donations. All their efforts to bring these needed supplies to the children and villagers seemed lost. If they tried to ship them over - most of the items would be stolen before ever reaching the children. But - one of the students, Brigid O'Gorman was traveling later than the others due to a personal commitment. She was inspired (possibly by a guardian angel named Liz) to see if she could take all the suitcases. Quickly, one of Asayo's Wish board members who was not able to travel with us, Gwen Louw, started making phone calls to the airlines, to Brigid, to the school, etc. The end result - the airline approved Brigid to bring 12 suitcases (policy is only 8) - a miracle. Quickly the 20 suitcases of donations were repacked into 12 (thank you Brigid). One of Liz's dreams was fulfilled - getting the medical donations to the children.

During this time, Liz's family was dealing with the tragic loss of their daughter but saw through their pain to make this loss result in good. A fund to build a medical clinic for the orphan children was quickly set up. Many of Liz's family, friends, fellow students and even strangers donated to this fund - another miracle.

The medical clinic location had already been in the plans but the funds made it a reality. We had the honor of humbly gathering on the sacred location. A minister blessed the ground for the good it would bring to not only the children but local villagers who did not have the means to go into town for medical help. With the help of Brigid's family donation - along with the donations made in memory of Liz, the medical clinic stands completed - another miracle.

We are blessed to be able to call Liz our friend. She touched not only the physical needs of the children but also their hearts. They remember her and asked for her by name. We explained to the children that she was not able to come but she is with them in their hearts. And it is the same for us. Liz will always remain in our hearts - to inspire us.

As we start to pack for this year's trip to the Asayo's Wish Children's Village in Kaberamaido Uganda - our hearts carry the love Liz had for the children. Stefani, along with Abby, another one of Liz's friends have collected medical donations. This time to fill the shelves in the Elizabeth Durant Medical Clinic. It will be our privilege to fulfill Liz's dream by dedicating the Elizabeth Durante's Medical Clinic in her honor. Liz's dream is alive and continues to grow. The life saving services the clinic will provide will result in people saying - "I am alive because of the clinic". And we know, they are alive because of Liz. Her name will be carried on for the good she believed in. She blessed my life, she blessed the children's lives, she blessed the villagers lives - by sharing her passion. And now the clinic stands as a testimony to her dream.

And truthfully, I believe that Liz is close by - watching over the children she loved.

With love from all of us here at Asayo's Foundation

We would like to wish our sponsors, donors, supporters and staff a Happy New Year and all the best for a happy, prosperous and healthy year ahead!

Sarah Asayo — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:48:00 GMT

Thank you to all the sponsors, donors and supporters who make our work possible. To the many Volunteers who worked so hard: we could not have done it without you! To the Family and Friends your support is essential to us. Thank you to ALL who helped us prevail this year!

To me personally the year 2009 brought very radical changes... I miss those we lost too early and cherish the time we had with them. I will never forget this year and what it meant to me.

I wanted to remind you that we alone are the masters of our own destiny. We are free to choose our own paths at any time and consciously create the future we want for ourselves. Never be afraid of changes in your life. A new year is an excellent opportunity for a fresh new start.

A very wise man once said to me: "I never regret things I've done, but I regret many things I have not done".

I wish everybody a very happy, healthy and successful New Year.

All the best to everybody... your friend,

Sarah Asayo

As Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, may Peace be your gift and Joy your blessing all year through!

Sarah Asayo — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:40:00 GMT

May Christmas kindle the fire of hospitality in your soul and a friendly flame of charity in your heart all year round.

… a poem on behalf of the orphaned children …

Dear sponsors and friends,

I wish I could mean as much to you
each minute of the day
As you have meant, my dear sponsor,
to me.

I wish I could brush the gray out of your skies
and leave them only blue;

as you have done for me

I wish I could say the kindly things
that I so oft have read in your letters,
And feel that I could revive your soul
the way that mine you've reawaken.

I wish I could give back the joy and hope
that you have given me,
Yet that were wishing you a need

I hope will never be;

I wish I could make you feel
as blessed as I, who travel on
Undaunted in the darkest hours
with you to lean upon.

I'm wishing at this Christmas time
that I could but repay
A portion of the gladness
that you've spread in my life;

And could I have one wish this Christmas,
this only would it be:
that God may send you

the sort of friend/advocate that

YOU have been to ME.

From all the children ...and all of us at Asayo’s Wish Foundation

Have a blessed Christmas!

Sarah Asayo

Happy Holidays and a thank you to all of our Donors, Sponsors and Supporters - we love you and couldn't do it without you!

Sarah Asayo — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:18:00 GMT

We extend a huge thank-you to all of our donors who make our work possible. Our individual and organizational supporters truly are the ones who enable us to help children and women in Kaberamaido Uganda grow stronger, safer, and more self-sufficient.

Without the kindness and generosity of our contributors, Asayo's Wish Foundation could not continue to care for the orphaned children and widowed women...

We celebrate Elizabeth Durante’s Life of service and Honor her memory... May 3, 1988 - March 7, 2009. Liz traveled with Asayo's Wish Foundation in 2008; she spent her spring break in Uganda providing medical services to children orphaned by War, Aids and Poverty... she loved and cared for the children like they were her own. A clinic was built in her memory- the clinic will help to enhance the quality of healthcare available to the orphaned children she loved so much and the community of Keberamaido. Liz continues to change lives even today... She will be missed tremendously… We send our love to her Family. Colossal word of thanks and deep respect for the men and women who made this clinic a reality...

Elizabeth Durante teaching first aid March 2008, Uganda

A word of thanks to our dedicated committee members (Gwen, Leslie, Becky, Andrea, Philip and Judd) you are my rock... and volunteers (Connecticut University students -Stephanie for all the medical supplies, Elizabeth- will be in our hearts always, Brigid -for engaging the children in sports, Meredith- for how you connected with the children and played with them at there level, Abby- for your gentle heart, your kindness and healing hands) Amy- for your fearless heart, your willingness to tackle the unknown and heal the sick children, Robert – for the courage to reach out and change young lives, we love you and couldn't do this without you! The children's lives have been truly enriched because you took part.... Many thanks, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

We are very thankful to everyone for all the support you have given us. We are especially grateful to our major and most dedicated donors:

Trivani Foundation - you are our anchor, thank you for your compassion and devotion towards the children and the women of Kaberamaido district, because of you the children eat 3 meals a day and can go to school and the women can now hope for a brighter sustainable future. Megan, thank you for being a friend and for caring... a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you.

Megan at the AWF Orphanage - Uganda

Security Metrics - no words on earth can articulate our gratitude; you stepped up to help when we were faced with shrinking resources, the time we needed you the most... Thanks you for being that hope for us and the children... Thank you for stepping up, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you...

We would like to acknowledge a few of our corporate sponsors and supporters:

Campbell Scientific, Inc - thank you for your donation

Cinnabar Media - for organizing the walker-a-thon

Angels in Actions - for your moral support

I love Lotus - for your encouragement

Ashton Family Foundation - thank you for your donation

Kyani - for the walker- a- thon and in kind donations

Friends - thank you for your donation

Cherry Hills Elementary - thank you for your donation

Geico Philanthropic Foundation - thank you for your donation

....a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

HUGE word of thanks to all those who are sponsoring Asayo's Wish orphaned children ... You may never know how much you mean to your sponsored child... but know this, you are their life line, you have made a deep impact in a child's life, changed the course of their life and given them hope; you will forever be remembered THANK YOU! May you be immensely blessed!

Sponsored child - Abuko

...we ask for your forgiveness if we have not motioned you, a detailed list of all our valuable donors and supporters will be posted on our web site 1^st week of January 2010...

We are very thankful to everyone for all the support you have given us... for every dollar you donated, for every phone call you made to us in support, for every email of encouragement, for a word of acknowledgement of our work and most importantly for your prayers... we love you and thank you

And I say this again, this Christmas, our prayer is a prayer for all of you who protect us, support us, and care for our work to serve the poor. As we enter this year's Holiday Season, we know there is always hope.

Merry Christmas and many prayers,

Thank you,

Sarah Asayo
P.O. Box 206
Midvale. Utah. 84047
www.asayoswish.org

"Solidarity at a Time of Economic Crisis,"

Sarah Asayo — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:42:00 GMT

"when so many are losing a sense of hope and security, there is one universal truth: we are all children of God." Now more than ever, these words strike at our heartstrings as Asayo’s Wish Foundations concerned for the orphaned children and the poorest of the poor. We certainly find ourselves in a time of profound anxiety with regard to our national economy.

Charities are feeling the pain, just in the past 12 weeks we at Asayo’s Wish Foundation had to turn away children because there was not enough food to feed the poorest of the poor children outside the orphanage as well as the orphaned children we care for. We face the undesirable task of now having to serve more children while faced with shrinking resources.

We feel the pain and are challenged to do more with less. Clearly, we recognize these are indeed difficult if not frightening times for us all. Sadly, for far too many children, every day is frightening whether the world is in good or bad economic times.

What will tomorrow bring? Far too many children will die from causes that we can prevent: starvation, disease. Every day children under the age of five die from these and other preventable causes. Add in those older than five, and the yearly death toll is staggering

While you may not be able to give as much this year, we hope you will still give what you can as the need only continues to grow.

Please remember that if each of us tries to give a little of what we have –the collective efforts will more than make up for what any one of us lacks.

"together we can find courage, wisdom, and ways to plough forward."

This Christmas, our prayer is a prayer for all of you who protect us, support us, and care for our work to serve the poor. As we enter this year's Holiday Season, we know there is always hope. Thanks to all of you for being that hope for us.

Merry Christmas and many prayers,

Sarah Asayo

Asayo’s Wish Foundation

P.O. Box 206

Midvale, Utah 84047

www.asayoswish.com

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving and Thank You for supporting Asayo’s Wish Foundation

Sarah Asayo — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:01:00 GMT

On this very special holiday, Asayo’s Wish Foundation is particularly grateful to all our sponsors. Here are just a few things we couldn’t have done without you and that we Thank You for in earnest sincerity:

A medical clinic (in memory of Elizabeth Durante) has been finished that will provide services to the community as well as the orphanage: The Clinic will soon be providing primary healthcare services to adults and children with malaria, TB and HIV related infections. In the first month of operation, we anticipate over 900 patients from the surrounding community for basic services, maternal-child health and health education.

Not only are the children in a home of their own that has been suited to their needs, but it’s also a model of sustainability and vibrant community activity. The Children’s Village currently accommodates 178 orphaned children as well as employing 8 widows and 3 men with families who were in much need of employment.


There is a new well (borehole) with good water that is shared with local families outside the orphanage. For years, villagers in community depended on only a shallow well, and each year, they had to dig deeper just to find a source for washing, cooking, and drinking. When they did find water, it was usually murky and unclean. Now the new borehole water serves more than 49,000 of the surrounding inhabitants.

In their new home the orphaned children are being taught job-skills that can help them earn a sustainable income in their adult life. They are learning skills in gardening, tending goats and chickens, sewing, bread baking and construction as well as academics. They are taught improved agricultural techniques such as crop rotation, drip irrigation and the planting of trees that will enrich over worked soil.






Our donors and sponsors continue to provide the philanthropic backbone that helps us focus on assisting the children to acquire skills that will make their future lives better, self-sufficient.

Our supporters have been as committed to our success as we have ourselves and have never wavered as these dreams became reality.

Friends, your support of our/children’s dream and your enthusiastic participation in the process of realizing it have made it more rich and powerful than even we could have imagined.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving and Thank You for being a part of Asayos Wish Foundation

Thank you,

Sarah Asayo
Asayo's Wish Foundation
P.O. Box 206
Midvale. Utah. 84047
sarah@asayoswish.com
www.asayoswish.com

Child of Greatest need

Sarah Asayo — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:35:00 GMT

In Uganda, War and disease has impacted the Northern part of Uganda greatly, creating a generation of orphans and vulnerable children.

ELVIS is a 10 year old boy living in Uganda. He is a total orphan meaning that both his mother and father have died; He witnessed his parents’ death at the hands of child soldiers as young as himself. He just joined the orphanage and lives with 178 other orphaned/abandoned children. He doesn't have a bed yet and shares a mattress with two other little boys. Your Sponsorship of ELVIS will provide him with school fees to get the education needed to have a fulfilling life. It will also provide him with a much needed meal, mattress of his own, counseling and shelter .

Would you consider sponsoring ELVIS and helping him reach his goal of becoming a Doctor one day?

Your sponsorship amount of $35 per month ensures that ELVIS receive an education, a school uniform, shoes and 2 hot meals a day. You will be able to write ELVIS, and he will enjoy writing back to you. Thank you for your willingness to contribute to the life of a child who has so little.

AWF provides a quality education and home to disadvantaged children who are at risk of becoming street children. The reason children come into our care are numerous, but whether they are orphaned, abandoned or from unstable home or from severe poverty, they desperately deserve our assistance.

By sponsoring an AWF child, you will be giving them an entire life and future that, without the support of AWF, would be unimaginable. Your sponsor-a-child donations will cover the entire living expenses of one child, including food, clothes, and school. Unlike other charities, AWF will not spend your money on community projects or spend large percentages on administration costs, but we can ensure that all your money is going towards the care and education of your sponsored child.

Government primary schools are technically free in Uganda, however, schools charge their own fees each term, we must buy uniform, stationery and so on. For our children, who have no one to care for them, or guardians who struggle to even find money for food, it is just not feasible for them to go to school.

This child desperately needs your help now. Please help balance the injustice in this world by sponsoring a child today. Click here for a Sponsor-a-Child Program FORM for Elvis

If you have any further questions or wish to discuss anything concerning the Sponsor-a-Child Program, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Email us at: childofgreatneed@asayoswish.com or call us at 801-856-5163

You have been initially presented with a Child of Greatest Need. We hope that you will consider sponsoring this child. If you would like to sponsor a child of a different age or gender please tune in weekly for a Child of Greatest need update or contact us at childofgreatneed@asayoswish.com .

Thank you.

Sarah Asayo

Asayo's Wish Foundation is please to announce the completion of Elizabeth Durante clinic on July 05, 2009

Sarah Asayo — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:14:00 GMT

Click to view images
http://asayoswishblog.com/2009/07/29/asayos-wish-foundation-is-please-to-announce-the-completion-of-elizabeth-durante-clinic-on-july-05-2009.aspx

I am the difference walk-a-thon... Thanks to all those who participated, click "more" to view pictures from that weekend

Sarah Asayo — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:13:00 GMT

http://asayoswishblog.com/2009/06/17/test.aspx

Construction progress of Elizabeth Durante Clinic as of 06/12/2009… Click "MORE" below to view current picture.

Sarah Asayo — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:15:00 GMT

http://asayoswishblog.com/2009/06/17/sarah_asayo_2009617141159flv.aspx

Elizabeth Durante Clinic Construction Progress

Sarah Asayo — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:26:00 GMT

Click below to view recent pictures of the Clinic as of 06.05.2009

http://asayoswishblog.com/2009/06/09/elizabeth-durante-clinic-construction-progress.aspx

Elizabeth Durante Clinic

Sarah Asayo — Mon, 25 May 2009 06:32:00 GMT

Elizabeth Durante Clinic's Progress- click "MORE" below to see recent pictures of the Clinic

http://asayoswishblog.com/2009/05/24/sarah_asayo_200952502725flv.aspx

ASAYO'S WISH CHILDREN SING AND DANCE

Sarah Asayo — Wed, 06 May 2009 04:23:00 GMT

Children singing and dancing at Asayo's wish children village click below to view
http://asayoswishblog.com/2009/05/05/asayos-wish-children-sing-and-dance.aspx

WATCH THE CHILDREN OF ASAYO'S WISH FOUNDATION SING AND DANCE

Sarah Asayo — Wed, 06 May 2009 04:05:00 GMT

These children love to sing and dance, watch them as they express themselves... from Asayo's Wish Children Village, Kaberamaido Uganda. Click to view

http://asayoswishblog.com/2009/05/05/watch-the-children-of-asayos-wish-foundation-sing-and-dance.aspx

Picture updates of The ELIZABETH DURANTE CLINIC AS OF April 23, 09

Sarah Asayo — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:33:00 GMT

Here are picture updates of The ELIZABETH DURANTE CLINIC AS OF April 23, 09
This clinic is going to enhance the lives of the orphaned children and the local community greatly.

ELIZABETH DURANTE CLINIC UNDER CONSTRUCTION- click below to view

http://asayoswishblog.com/2009/04/24/picture-updates-of-the-elizabeth-durante-clinic-as-of-april-23-09.aspx

SLIDES OF OUR MARCH 2009 UGANDA KABERAMADO EXPEDITION

Sarah Asayo — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 03:53:00 GMT

Click below to view the slide show
http://asayoswishblog.com/2009/04/15/slides-of-our-march-2009-uganda-kaberamado-expedition.aspx

2009 I AM THE DIFFERENCE WALK-A-THON - Sponsored by Cinnabar Media

Sarah Asayo — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:08:00 GMT

I AM THE DIFFERENCE
SATURDAY, MAY 30TH

Cinnabar Media is proud to bring the 2009 "I AM THE DIFFERENCE" WALK-A-THON to Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. This amazing event will benefit Angels in Action and the Asayo's Wish Foundation and provide the much-deserved attention and funding this project has been looking for.

This 3-mile walk through the picturesque gardens at Thanksgiving Point is a great event to bring family and friends together for a cause that truly impacts the world we live in.

WHERE: Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N ThanksGiving Way, Lehi, UT

WHEN: Saturday, May 30, 2009

TIME: Registration 7:00am, Walk Begins 8:00am

REGISTRATION FEE: $25.00 (each walker)

MINIMUM SPONSORSHIP: $100.00 (each walker)

INFO: CinnabarMedia.com or call 800-713-0485

Each walker will receive a T-shirt from the event as well as a gift bag and participation medal. Along with the $25.00 registration fee, each walker will gather a minimum of $100.00 in sponsorships from friends, family and neighbors to support Angels in Action and the Asayo's Wish Foundation.

Each walker will receive a t-shirt from the event as well as a gift bag. Along with the $25.00 registration fee, each walker will gather a minimum of $100.00 in sponsorships from friends, family, neighbors, and businesses to support Angels in Action and the Asayo's Wish Foundation. Closing ceremonies will be from 10:30am-11:00am at the Gardens Amphitheater.

PLEASE GO TO CINNABARMEDIA.COM FOR INFO AND TO REGISTER.

Clink here for more information
WALK-A-THON PRESS RELEASE

Remembering Elizabeth Durante and Her Life of Service

Sarah Asayo — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:25:00 GMT

Asayo's Wish Foundation dedicates the new clinic to Elizabeth Durante - click to see images

http://asayoswishblog.com/2009/04/13/sarah_asayo_20094132039flv.aspx

Elizabeth, You Are Gone, But Not Forgotten

Sarah Asayo — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:30:00 GMT

Dear Elizabeth,

It broke our hearts to lose you
You are gone, but not forgotten
your memory lives on

Liz, you were a blessing
who fulfilled our lives for so long.
You inspired us to be strong,
To care not only for our selves but for others

Now our hearts are filled with sorrow
for without you is how we face tomorrow
Laughter is how I remember you best
Full of faith, passion for what you believed in, sunshine, and happiness.

You live on
in the hearts of your family
in the hearts of the orphaned children you so loved
in the heart of I, your friend
when I reach out and hug a crying sick child in pain, you live on

You live on
when we choose
to give to charity,
find beauty where there is little hope.

You live on, my dear friend
here on this earth everyday in our hearts

Your legacy lives on, dear Elizabeth
We miss you
We love you

Sarah Asayo

Remembering Elizabeth Durante

Sarah Asayo — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:52:00 GMT

Elizabeth Durante, of West Islip, N.Y, was killed in a traffic collision on Interstate-395 in Montville, Conn. She was part of a group of Connecticut College students traveling to Uganda on a community service trip through the Asayo’s Wish Foundation.

Elizabeth and seven other Connecticut College students were traveling in a passenger van to Logan Airport for their flight to Uganda when the van was struck by a vehicle traveling the wrong way on I-395. The other students were taken to area hospitals. All but one have been treated and released.