Dear Reader,

I’d like to say for the record, that I had an excellent, albeit unique, upbringing. I have more good memories about my childhood then I have time to recall.

I have a very close knit family, all biologically related like many families I know. I am one of four sisters. And yep, I am the baby of the family. So, you can bet that I was well taken care of. I have wonderful parents, who love me very much. They personally made sure I was taken care of and provided for.

I am thankful to say that I’ve never been abused. I received what I feel was balanced discipline that taught me the three golden rules: Do no harm to others; Do no harm to self; Do no harm to property. I was also taught the importance of making my own choices in life, that I am the one who decides my own destiny. The freedom of choice is something I greatly value.

My parents did their best to educate me at home and made sure I got my high school diploma. They are supportive of my current study to learn Japanese.

I am thankful to have known and lived with other dedicated Family members. They taught me consideration, respect, diligence, responsibility, vocational and academic skills and more. I am grateful for the time and effort they took in teaching me these things.

In my lifetime I have traveled to 5 different countries. As far back as I can remember I always enjoyed meeting new people from many different cultures. I’ve lived in Japan the last 5 years. During those years I’ve worked part time as an English teacher as well as focused on Japanese, including reading and writing Kanji which is a difficult subject. Also during 3 of those years I took care of my niece focusing on her early education. I suppose I could have done other things with my time, but I love my niece and I enjoyed the time I spent taking care of her. Of course I got to do other fun things as well. I started modeling wedding dresses and learned to ski. I have made many friends who have introduced me to the Japanese culture. I’ve also had time to travel and help other missions in third world countries. I want to note that although modeling was fun and I had options to pursue a career in it, I personally felt that that was not what I wanted to spend most of my time doing. I wanted as much as possible to spend my time helping others in some way.

My dad and mom had put together a clown show hosting a puppet theater with the intent of telling stories which teach kids moral values in life, such as consideration for the needs of others. They had started this project in the States and have continued it here in Japan. While it may not seem a glamorous calling in life, I started helping them with it because I saw the good effect it had on others. I love to make someone’s day, Even if it means dressing up like a clown and doing face painting! It may not seem that I am making a big difference, but when I see that smile on the kids’ faces I know it’s made a difference to them.

Recently this skill came in good use when our nearby prefecture was hit by an earthquake. After our first trip to the devastated area helping with the aid projects we quickly noticed the despair and fear of the little children. So the next time we went up a team of us young people got dressed up like clowns and played games with the children who had lost their homes in the earthquake. We painted their faces and made balloon animals for them as well. There really aren’t words to describe the joy you feel when you make someone’s life just a little bit brighter.

Every year we put together a Christmas show for the senior citizens home. It makes a difference to them to have someone come and cheer them up. And you know it makes a difference in my life too. Because every time I do something for others, I am that much more happy and thankful for all that’s been given me.

That’s why I choose to be a part of the Family – because the Family is a movement that enacts positive change. We do things for others because we believe that the greatest joy of living is giving. I wish everyone could find the same happiness that I have found.

I have had my heartbreaks too. I know that not everything in life goes exactly the way you want it to. I’ve been faced with disappointment. But life is too short to stop to complain about all the thorns in life, we need to keep appreciating the roses.
Right now, I’ve got my whole family with me and we’re all living and working together. We’re going to take care of each other and we’re also going to do what we can to help others. Best of all, I know that God is looking out for us. Whatever we have to face in this life we’ll face together with our faith in God’s abundant love and care.

I am proud of the way I was brought up and I am proud of the choices I made in life. I know it’s because of knowing Jesus and having Him as my best friend that helps me to make the best of my life. My life is unique, that’s for sure. But I find security in this life from the love I find in Jesus and my family, and there’s a lot of love in this family of mine. We’re always looking out for each other. Who could ask for a better life then that?

Amanda Dykas (23) is a second-generation member of the Family International, currently residing in Japan.