My name is Anita Yuri Wisniewski. I’m 22 yrs old. I was born and raised in The Family. I have lived most of my life in Japan where I am now still a missionary. I have traveled to India, Brazil, and the States as a missionary in The Family.

I was blessed with a wonderful, happy childhood, with parents who love the Lord and raised me to love and serve Him as well. I come from a family of nine brothers and sisters, eight of whom are still in The Family.

As far as people who leave a real impression in my life I would have to say mine are my parents. I only remember their unending love and concern for my wellbeing all through my 22 years of life. Their patience and faith in me is immeasurable.

The 5 years of my life that I did live in a “boarding school”-style Home were probably the most exciting for me as a child. I remember growing up with kids my own age, experiencing most things any kids would experience. I have never been physically abused living in a large or small [Family] Home. I remember during the time from 5 years to 10 years old I would rather hang out with my “class” than spend a day with my parents. Although of course, I loved my parents, I just had a lot more fun being with my friends.

There have been times when I thought of living a different life than that of a missionary in The Family—none of the reasons being because of my childhood, but more of a desire to try something new, and basically see what it is like to make money for myself and have fun spending it. I have had family and a lot of my friends leave the missionary lifestyle to try something new. None of them, however, left because of any sort of child abuse. They are still my friends. I love them very much and I admire them for going on with their lives.

I have always wanted to have a family of my own and one thing that has crossed my mind lately is, how would I raise my child? I know I would want that child to have the best upbringing I could possibly give it. I can say with full assurance that I would want my child to have the exact same upbringing as I had. I would want to show my child just as much love as my parents showed me. My childhood and the future of my children would be reason enough to keep me in The Family. I would be proud to raise my children in The Family.

I feel that I am proof of the positive upbringing I have received in my life.

Anita Yuri Wisniewski is a second generation member of the Family International.