My name is Michaela Flandoli, I’m 20 years old, live in Brazil and am a full-time member of the Family International. I never met Angela Smith or Ricky Rodriguez, but when I heard the shocking news I felt as if it was one of my sisters who had died. And yes, she was a sister, even though not in blood, for she gave most of her life for that which I’m giving mine: To give Jesus’ love to others. I couldn’t believe that someone who had had the upbringing that Ricky had, would commit such an atrocious act. It’s as clear as day that he had this “radical change” after he began fellowshipping with vocal unfavorable ex-members. Why can’t you leave those who choose to leave the Family International in peace? Let them build their lives without your “help” for you’ve done nothing but brought pain! Just because you’re not doing anything good with your life doesn’t mean you have to try to stop or harm those who are. If we were as bad as you say we are, why then you’d be full to overflowing with “recruits”.

Three of my brothers and sisters and two thirds of my friends have chosen a different path than the one I have to pursue their dreams or to “take a break”, and I don’t look down on them in any way because hey, that’s their choice and I’m glad they accepted the fact that this life wasn’t what they wanted instead of making up excuses for them to leave. They respect me for the choice I’ve made to continue serving Jesus in spite of the hardships and I respect them and their decision. In the 20 years I’ve spent in the Family International, never once was I abused in any way. Quite to the contrary, I had a wonderful, privileged childhood and the best parents, teachers and caretakers I could ever hope for. I had plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and grew up in harmonious, love-filled Homes. Almost all the houses I lived in were spacious with a large property (mountains, waterfalls, swimming pools, lots of room to play, etc.) and I never lacked anything.

I was always encouraged to learn more and my parents saw to it that I (and my brothers and sisters) had extra things that I “needed” for a hobby. One example is when I was 10 years old I “inherited” my older brother’s stamp collection who had “inherited” it from my oldest sister. My dad bought me a new stamp book and cool stamps (Brazil had just won the World Cup and he got me a special stamp of that). And now, 10 years later, I passed it on to my younger brother with more then 7000 stamps. I learned a lot about Geography with that collection. Another example is, when I was also that age, I started a nature collection with 2 of my best friends. We all moved and the collection stayed with me. Then a couple of years ago I gave it to my younger brother and sister and they set up a “museum”. My dad put up shelves for it, got all the necessary things to display the items, and my mom would help them collect things (snake skin from the zoo!).

I’ve traveled to various parts of this country and “hopped” over to a couple neighboring ones. I’m bi-lingual and some of the things I learned when I was a kid were: typing, baby care, knitting, simple cooking, piano, guitar, homecare, singing, and performing. When I was a teen I learned how to do lay-out, a bit of web designing, and did a short etiquette course. Just last year I did a 2 month graphic design course. My brothers and sisters are having many opportunities for learning as well. Such things as: piano lessons, horseback riding classes, tennis classes, etc. Not to mention learning how to relate to people, among many other things. I’m a full-time teacher and my prayer is that I can be as good a teacher as the ones I had. I also help lead the Bible school we have for poor children at our social Project three Saturdays of the month. I know I’m helping change their lives! We offer practically free dental treatment, short courses (how to make shampoo, detergent, disinfectant, etc.), art classes, sports classes, a monthly birthday party for 40 kids, and more!

If the Family International was the evil “cult” that the media and apostates say it is, believe me, I wouldn’t be here. I have a 1-year-old daughter who is the joy of my life and I want the best for her and that is why I’m in the Family International. I want her to have the same upbringing I had. I want her to learn to care about others above herself. I want her to have the superior education I know she’ll get in the Family International. My parents gave their all (and are still giving) for me, my 7 brothers and sisters, and to others and I want to do the same and I want my daughter to do the same. The World has enough hate and sorrow. It needs more of those who bring peace and love … I’m one of those!

Michaela Flandoli is a second-generation member of the Family International.