Through all of my professional and personal travels in the developing earth over the by 30 years, the most powerful lessons have come up from observing the determinable forcefulness of family.

I have seen families living in weather and then horrific – conditions that are unimaginable for most of us – whose chapters to overcome is inspiring. When you ask them what makes them happy they invariably refer back to the members of their family. And the beauty of many of these places is that family is not restricted to those who are blood related merely rather include the customs of human being beings in a shared place and fourth dimension.

In a pocket-size domicile shadowed by mango copse in the southernmost region of Republic of haiti, Lisena takes advantage of her only opportunity for education. By doing so, I too have learned a lesson. It'due south best to explain with her story.

"A family unit is a unit of loving and caring individuals who accept a common purpose and love for each other. It is not defined by a particular number, nor about how they function. The common denominator of a successful family is and e'er volition exist love."

The heat is sweltering here in Cote-de-Fer, where Lisena and residents have experienced the hottest temperatures in 15 years along with a tape-breaking drought.

The weather'due south furnishings are visible on the mango trees as their plough slightly browner than usual. The climate is even felt on the tables of the families, who rely on agronomics -fruits and vegetables- to consume and sell for coin. But this flavor, this heat and this drought all take their cost and leave many women here with the aforementioned.

Picayune to nothing.

But that still does not cease them from attending their classes at the CMMB Mothers' Club, where women explore problems of health and life. For many, similar Lisena, now a graduate of the program, it'due south the but formal teaching they may ever have across secondary school.

Lisena laughs with other Mother's Club members at a recent meeting. Although already graduated, Lisena returns from time to time to visit.

Lisena laughs with other Mother'due south Guild members at a recent meeting. Although already graduated, Lisena returns from time to time to visit.

Together, the women have formed a bail that Lisena does not take lightly. She encourages her sisters to continue attention the classes to go so powerful together that they may empower their families and community.

"When you acquire something, it'south not just for you," she said. "You have to go to the guild because they are talking about important things for you, your kids, your family and your community equally well."

The learning did not stop when Lisena graduated. She now visits the classes where a new group of mothers accept the opportunity to complete the course. She inspires her family, her community and certainly me.

Women like Lisena have on leadership roles that dramatically change the earth effectually them. An empowered woman helps lead the manner to a more healthy and sustainable future.  We see this in developed nations, and nosotros meet this in the countries where CMMB works.

Women assist course decisions that create the foundation of a family unit's and community's lifestyle. Their decisions have far reaching implications that can affect generations of children and adults. I see it around the world, including my home.

My family unit –my lovely wife and three sons- make upward some of my most precious and beloved memories. They provide me with comfort and peace. They fill up me with joy. They complete me.

My married woman, who is likewise a nurse, is the key commuter for mental and physical wellness, and she makes certain we all maintain healthy habits. From the nutrient we eat, what we do and what we fifty-fifty discuss, she is our wealth of data and a pillar for support. I am blessed to have her in my life, and I realize women similar her and Lisena provide potent leadership. They make health a priority.

My wife'southward empowerment means that I and my family are all the better. Lisena gets that. That'southward why she's passionate about what she learns, and I'chiliad passionate to make sure women like her have admission to what they demand. It's with her that families get stronger, communities are uplifted and nations rising out of poverty.

That'southward why the work at CMMB is so disquisitional. Our faith-based origins take led usa to serve and protect families for more than 100 years and counting.  I autumn in love with every family we attain and take the pleasure to serve. As a Catholic, every bit I was raised knowing that our works are a blessing not but to the ones nosotros serve, but also to ourselves. We piece of work to provide a better day for all.

Adrian, right, greets a family unit with a beautiful baby in a bowl. The bowl -commonly used as a wash basin, bassinet or to hold food- was a CMMB donation to families in Cotes-de-Fer.

I believe that day will come just if we continue to work hard, families united with families, to realize the full potential of every woman and child. The day our global society becomes a global community will be one like to Lisena's graduation.

"It was a beautiful twenty-four hours," she said. "I was beautiful, the twenty-four hour period was beautiful, everything was cute."

What a beautiful twenty-four hours, Lisena. Here is to a beautiful tomorrow for your family.

Adrian Kerrigan is the Senior Vice President for Partnerships at CMMB. He joined in 2009, and played a key role in driving the events celebrating the organisation'south first 100 years. He has more than thirty years of feel in institutional and not-profit leadership and evolution. Adrian was born and raised in New York Metropolis and resides in Oyster Bay, NY, with his wife, Sandie, and their three sons, Jake, Nicholas, and Liam.