I greatly admire President Abraham Lincoln. He was a man of sincere and unwavering conviction. He was also a person who had to take a stand in his life.

Lincoln is one of the most outstanding leaders the U.S. has ever had the privilege of producing. Many historians describe him as the “best” U.S. president in history. He came of age in an era of slavery and profound disconnection. He was a statesman who sought to unite a divided nation.

Challenged by the pressing need to end slavery and his political desire to unite his political coalitions, Lincoln faced an ethical dilemma. He knew ending slavery was the right thing to do, and he had a nation so divided that succession was alarmingly close. He had a choice: take an iterative approach to dismantling the institution of slavery and pacify the political divisions – or bend the moral arc to justice and risk further fracturing the United States.

History tells the story of Lincoln’s decision. A decision righted many wrongs and ultimately led to the end of his life. Most decisions are not as life or death as Lincholn’s. However, every day, we make decisions. Some are conscious and deliberate; others occur on autopilot.

In our work with children separated from their homes, children whose lives are upended by poverty, violence, and trauma – every day is filled with important decisions. Our team faces decisions about staffing the homes, providing the necessary resources, and ensuring the safety of the facilities. However, more than any decision regarding how we do our work, we are solidly grounded in why we do it.

Every decision we make is thoroughly grounded in our commitment to a better life for every child. There is no moral ambiguity. We are all with our efforts. We are unwavering in our actions.

The decisions we make have significant consequences. We can’t sit back and hope the change we wish to see in the lives of the children we care for will happen. We need to push forward to ensure they will happen. We don’t want iterative change.

We are dedicated to creating a world where every child, youth, and young adult can access a life built on health, hope, home, and purpose. There is no dilemma for us. It’s just full speed ahead.

Today was packed and very productive. We met as a team to discuss, debrief, and plan for the newborn resuscitation training program (NRTP). For those who aren’t aware, HBI has partnered with the Peruvian College of Nurses and the Peruvian College of Midwives to develop and implement a train-the-trainer program around NRTP. Our moonshot goal for the program is that every birth in the country of Perú will be attended by at least one professional training in newborn resuscitation. Yup, there’s nothing lofty about that. 😉

As I bet you can imagine, setting such a big goal means we are constantly imagining and reimaging the program. This weekend, we are meeting as a team to take stock of where we have been, consider our challenges and successes, and build a plan for the future. Today, we focused on understanding where we are vulnerable or at risk of break points in our program work. We used the discussion to position our team to address the more forward-moving questions of how we will fortify our efforts and simultaneously build preventive measures into the work.

The day was stimulating, energizing, and exhausting. It reminded me why this work is so important—the people. We have a fantastic team – committed, generous, humble, and hard-working. I believe that doing good work in the world is everyone’s responsibility. I know that doing good work with great people is one of the most significant accomplishments in life.

Today was a gift. A gift I know we will use to build a model program.

On that thought, I will leave you with the words of one of my favorite poets and activists, Marge Piercy.

To be of use

Working with children and families living in the experience of multidimensional poverty is a unique and challenging journey that often goes beyond professional boundaries. It is a journey of deep personal exploration and recognition of our vulnerabilities. We have come to understand that a deep emotional connection with the people and communities we serve means facing undeniable struggles and challenges – and embracing a profound joy from the transformative power that emerges from the relationships.

We recognize that building bridges is about investing in long-term impact.

We don’t measure the outcomes and impact of our work in days or weeks but in years and decades. It requires a slow and steady commitment to stay in connection and relationship – even if the challenges seem overwhelming. We ground our work in the belief that people living in the experience of extreme multidimensional poverty know what they need to build the lives they deserve. We can best support their visions for their futures through deep connection.

To keep us continually focused, we follow some clear directives. These are not rules but guidance and reinforcements for our work. Our efforts are grounded in deep awareness, committed connection, and empowering relationships.

This is who we are. This is our commitment.

1. Humbly Walking Alongside: We recognize the deep awareness our work requires. Our efforts are as much about us as they are about the children, families, and communities we walk alongside.
2. Resilience and Determination: Having the privilege to witness the strength and determination of children and families living in the experience of extreme economic poverty is an incredibly sacred communion. We are continuously inspired by the remarkable strength and perseverance we witness.
3. Holding onto Grace: Celebrating small victories and milestones becomes even more meaningful when we allow others to define their victories. Whether it’s a child achieving academic success, a family reintegrating, or a community overcoming challenges, these accomplishments are significant and do not belong to us. We are fortunate to walk alongside the people who teach us humility and grace daily.
4. Building Trust and Relationships: Developing strong relationships with children and families fosters requires vulnerability and a commitment to deep trust and connection. The bonds we form are our work’s most essential and rewarding outcome.
5. Community Empowerment: Collaborating with communities to empower them to create positive change is fulfilling. Supporting initiatives that promote interdependence, interpersonal connections, and community empowerment keep us centered on collaborating for lasting change.\
6. Focusing on Connection: Working in diverse and economically challenged communities provides an opportunity for learning more deeply about ourselves. Learning from the unique experiences and perspectives of the children and families we serve enriches and broadens our understanding of the world and creates profound relationships and connections.
7. Shared Growth: Working in challenging economic, social, and emotional environments fosters personal growth. It requires us to remain humble – listening attentively, supporting creatively, adapting to feedback, and being willing to learn with others.
8. Empowering Potential: Supporting children and families in overcoming obstacles and gaps allows us to witness the unlocking of their potential. The transformative effect of providing opportunities and resources can be a source of immense joy.
9. Creating Lasting Change through Empowerment: Contributing to systemic changes that address the root causes of economic and social disconnection is never about us. Advocating for policies and initiatives promoting social justice and equality empowers children, families, and communities to drive outcomes and impacts grounded in their desires and needs.
10. Fostering Purpose: Knowing our work is relationships means we seek to improve lives and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment through every connection. We believe in a world where every child and family has access to a life built on health, hope, home, and purpose.

When something ends, something new always begins.

As we end 2023 and look forward to the promise and uncertainty of 2024 – I am a bit torn. A part of me is mourning the loss of yet another year. I feel sad about the changes that continue all around me. I’m nostalgic for the experiences that are now distant memories.

At the same time, I am excited about a new beginning. A clean slate. A chance to keep building and rebuilding the work we have now invested in for nearly 30 years.

So here is to 2024 and the new frontiers. Without a doubt, 2024 won’t be without its challenges. We have an expanded responsibility for a staff of over 40 people and two child welfare programs – but there is so much to look forward to.

It is exciting to know that we are helping to create a world where every child has access to health, hope, home, and purpose.

Here we come 2024 . . . We are just getting started.