I have a question, which I hope will get answered: Why can’t people leave us alone? Why can’t we live our lives and you live yours instead of trying to make a living off us? Why can’t we do what we like to do, helping others, instead of people always questioning our lifestyle?

I’m Leon and my wife is Pandita. We’ve been married for two years now, and are presently living in India where we’ve grown up all our lives in The Family. We currently are involved in various projects such as working with underprivileged children, personal counseling, organizing children’s event and corporate functions. I’ve lived and worked with people from all walks of life and I’ve learned to relate to them and what they go through, I’ve gone to disaster areas (such as the Orissa cyclone and the Gujurat earthquake) to offer help and moral support. I’ve had the opportunity to do things that other people wouldn’t have experienced. I feel fulfilled and satisfied knowing that I’m making a difference in someone else’s life. It’s a calling which is not for everyone and we understand that.

It’s just a little disheartening when I hear of other young people who have left us and now choose to live their lives trying to destroy mine. I mean c’mon we’re happy and doing something useful with our time. This is the lifestyle that we want to live, and when we have kids I would definitely want them to grow up the same way we grew up – free from harm. Will my questions ever get answered? I don’t know, but I do know that I’ve lived the best life I could ever have hoped for. Of course, there have been difficulties along the way but that’s everywhere you go.

All I can do now is pray and trust God that one day we’ll each have to give account for what we’ve done, what will you have to say for yourself???????

Leon D’souza and Pandita D’souza are second-generation members of the Family International.