There are many paths one can follow, and many ways to start and end one’s life. This was no ordinary occurrence, and as such I feel the need to reply to such an act, as I know that there are those who would seek to use this to their advantage to yet again throw more dirt on the lifestyle and Family that I have grown up with and grown close to, and love with all my heart.

There is no mistaking the fact that the Family is not the place for everyone, but that there are those that seek to bring down and destroy a way of life that I love and cherish is beyond my comprehension. I don’t see how anyone who calls themselves “normal” would seek to degrade another lifestyle just to make themselves feel better [and] that what they have is worth more. If what they have is truly worth something, they would be happy, and respect those that have chosen a different path than theirs. The only reason that they continue to degrade the life I’ve chosen, is because they are not satisfied with what they have and so they seek to make others feel worse that they might feel better. I don’t feel this is right!

There are many that I have grown close to in this Family that have since moved on and chosen other walks of life. And those that have moved on and are content with what they have chosen I deeply respect for having made a choice to do something that they feel suits them. This I have no problem with. It’s having someone that was previously happy and fulfilled turn bitter and who shares their doubts continuously, not resting till you also become unhappy and unfulfilled that bothers me. I respect their lives, and the lives of all those that have chosen their path—why is it a problem for them to return the respect?

I’ve lived in the Family my whole life. Done about everything a missionary is known for, from working with the poor in third-world countries, to reaching the top of the world through PR ministries, to bringing a smile through dressing like a clown, to personally seeking out those who are looking for answers and sharing what I have found makes me happy in life. These are the things that make life worth living, and I know that for me the Family is the best place to fulfill such a calling. I see no need to go anywhere else, as I have seen many others choose other walks of life, and I know I wouldn’t be happier anywhere else. In the Family I have found peace, love, happiness and a bond with my co-workers that I am willing to give my all for.

There is nothing more precious to me than those here in the Family who have spent their lives giving and sacrificing of their own wants to make life for a little missionary like me possible. I love and admire them beyond words for giving (and continuing to give) me the love and training that they have all throughout my life. I now work with children myself, and have found that though it can be a tedious task sometimes, that the love and care you pour into them is well worth it. I know that I was no piece of cake when I was little, but I admire and respect those that have taken the time to teach me the values of life, as now that faith is the rock upon which I stand and one that I will always be thankful for.

Sophia L. Alcasas (18) is a second generation member of the Family, currently residing in Europe.