For me, writing is a dream that quickly fades as soon as I attempt it. Each time I have approached the computer to express all the emotions, feelings, and thoughts I’m experiencing, I realize how inadequate I tried to express myself. It never comes out the way I had clearly thought it out in my mind. But I’m attempting to do it now on behalf of a memory. I’m doing this for Angela.

My name is Michelle Dykas, I’ve just turned 25 and am currently living in Japan. I’m proud to say that I have been a member of The Family International all my life.

My memory begins when I was 19 years old living in Texas. I had gone there to help my older sister with her first child so she could be free to continue her work as a secretary for one of our missionary centers. I enjoyed taking care of my niece, I didn’t mind that it wasn’t what is considered a “great job” and that most people at 19 are thinking about college, boyfriends, and so on. I trusted the Lord that my personal future could wait, while I helped someone I loved.

That summer Angela came to spend a few days at our place. From my fading memory what I can remember is a small woman, similar to me in height and weight; 5’2, 100pds. I can’t remember her actual age, probably in her 40’s but you wouldn’t have guessed it seeing her lively, energetic spirit. I had assumed she would be most interested in getting to know everyone else who worked with computers, so I was surprised the day she sat next to me as I played with my niece. She wanted to know who my parents were; where I grew up; what plans I had for the future…..basically she took the time to ask me questions to show that she wanted to learn about me. Just from those few moments together I remembered how much she had encouraged me for the choice I had made to give up my summer plans to help my sister and not only that, I remember the faith she inspired in me when she commented that she believed my future ahead will be wonderful. I believed she really knew what it meant when you are able to give up personal plans to help someone else and find in the end contentment for your choice.

I returned home at the end of summer and after attending night classes during the winter, I took the GED exam which I passed with honors. Though I was offered a scholarship to attend college, I choose to come to Japan with my family to continue my life as a missionary. I’ve never regretted the choice I made. I could write pages and pages listing the many experiences I’ve had but I’ll instead recount the past year.

To begin with, I got my Japanese license, which believe me, is a real challenge if you asked anyone who knows. As a teacher and youth counselor I was able to travel with my students to Osaka, Nigata, Shizuoka, Tokyo, which are all different prefectures here in Japan. The purpose of these trips ranged from dance competitions, conversing with people about Christ, camping on the beach, etc.

In October of last year, you might have read in the paper of an earthquake that hit and caused destruction in the cities of Nagaoka and Ojiya. I’ve gone up to that region five times helping out by: unloading boxes of supplies, organizing games and activities for the children, and to sing Christmas carols. These most recent experiences have once again reinforce what I already know, that being a part of The Family International has provided the way and means for me to live the life I dreamed. Seriously I could go on and on; writing of seeing my plans of traveling come to pass as I visited Korea, Vietnam, England, Guam; my plans to advance my personal education as I completed an online college course to become a certified English teacher. None of these would have been possible without the love and care of my immediate family and the many friends I have within our greater Family who I’ve lived with.

She knew all along, Angela, her last name I never got to learn. She knew how important it was to spend a moment of your life with a stranger to help shape their future. I’m saddened to hear of her death, especially the way it happened. She deserved to live her life to completion, taking her last breathe in peace. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for her to see someone she considered a friend, turn on her with such hate and violence. Still, as someone who knew how to capture moments, I wondered if she had time to let him know that she loved and cared for him………

Why must we live in a world that finds honor in revenge? Have we ever really taken the time to study our history to show its effect? Will we ever learn how much more powerful forgiveness is? Will we continue to “right a wrong” by committing a wrong? Whoever is reading this, do you find yourself trying to get even with someone you believe has wronged you? Have you ever tried becoming their friend? Do we ever imagine what our world would become like if each of us could accept the hurts incurred and forgive?

It takes courage. I’m not brave. I struggle. Still, I try. I have to believe it’s possible.

Michelle Dykas is a second generation member of the Family International.