From Joanna K., second-generation member of the Family International

I can’t help but loathe the way you try to manipulate my ability to choose freely. I believe everyone has a choice as to their belief and their lifestyle, and I choose to live this unorthodox lifestyle not because I am coerced to. My name is Joanna K. and all my life I’ve been in the Family by both choice and by heritage.

My parents are both Christian missionaries belonging to The Family International which accounts for my unique upbringing. Now you may shelf my story with “She’s been in the Family all her life, which means she is naïve and sheltered.” Well, maybe I haven’t experienced what it’s like to live a secular life, but my closest friends that have been in The Family have left, 3 of which are my brothers and sister. They are all pretty much opposed to the Family lifestyle and always try to persuade me to leave. But when I see them trying to make a living and that they are unsatisfied about their secular life it makes me realize the luxury I have to be truly happy. I know this happiness only comes from serving the Lord. And what better place can I serve the Lord? –The Family!

I love my childhood! Even now I’m still in touch with some of my classmates that I’ve known since I was 5 years old! I was never abused in any way; on the contrary, I was treated with love and respect. I was fairly intelligent when I was younger and was often assigned the “overseer” for the rest of my classmates. Although as a teenager I began to fall behind on my scholastics, it was because of my own lack of interest in making it a priority. I regret not using my time wisely. Now I am 18 years old and will be taking my GED test this year. I guess I’m not that behind after all. I am in no way embarrassed about the education that was given to me. In fact I’m very grateful that I was home schooled because it gave me time to develop my own inborn talents.

I believe that The Family has satisfied me as a person and has continually enriched my life with love, happiness, challenges, experiences, change, unity, and many other life building qualities that I don’t think I would have obtained if I was living for myself. In the Family, you are always doing something different! Things are always changing for the better!

At this moment I am living in Japan and have almost gone to India twice. (Some day I WILL go!) I choose to teach preschoolers to elementary children and I love my job! Children are such a joy and watching them grow up with so much faith and happiness just makes me want to teach and educate them even more. I love children and maybe some day I’ll have my own. I would never even dream about abusing these children that I care so much for! I would risk my life for each one of them. They are all so precious to me and even more valuable in Jesus’ eyes. The Family has always had an optimistic view on child rearing. I’m so glad for that.

I am also a part time secretary. Besides the great practical experience I receive from the talented individuals in my “home”, I am also taking a college course on Office and Secretarial Skills. Being a real “organizer” at heart this job is something I’ve always wanted to do.
Will you determine to try and steal my happiness, spoil my memories, and detract all that I believe in? Won’t you stop searching for other people’s faults and failings and go find solutions to your own? We respect your beliefs so try and respect ours.