William Strait Jr - Biography

I am William Strait Jr. I want to share with you my passion and mission in Belize that began in April 2009. I was looking for a way to help and serve others in a special way. I visited the missions office in the diocese of Columbus Ohio in search of an opportunity. I was provided the phone number for Thomasita Aseudo and in our conversation was invited to Belize for the month of May. Upon arrival I found Thomasita in full steam with her life mission supplying each school and child with a rosary and picture of the Divine Mercy.

After spending a week in Belize City, I was introduced to the Toledo District of Belize, where the poorest of the poor live. I met Father Dick Pearl from Saint Peter Claver church in Punta Gorda. Father Pearl encouraged me to search for ways to help during my visit. His right hand man Ben Juarez a retired school teacher and catechist at the church, drove me and Thomasita to the local villages as we were provided access to thirty schools. Ben and Thomasita became dear friends. The joy of meeting the people, children and seeing the culture was and still is intoxicating. What I saw in the eyes of the children stole my heart as I saw their joy even amid such great need.

I helped with many small projects from providing desks and supplies to schools, coordinated and arranged transport to the city for medical care as I saw need on my journey through the villages. After only a few short years, my mother Mary Elizabeth fell ill and I returned to Columbus to care for her up until her death. My mother's life and example of faith has been much of my inspiration to serve others. Her life began in an orphanage at age 2 with her sister and three brothers. All five enlisted during world war two. I have named this foundation after my mother Mary Elizabeth in her honor.

I have made five trips back to Belize in the last two years and the need seems greater than ever. My work is funded by my limited savings and donations from a few friends and supporters. To continue my work and meet the needs that just seem to grow on each visit, I am asking for your help.

Please tour the website and view some of our past projects, new projects we would like to start as soon as possible and organizations we support.

Please help us - help the children of Belize.