I’m Abigail Epstein, 20 years old. I was born and raised in The Family International. I grew up in Taiwan, Japan, Chile. I was living in Argentina during the raids in September, 1993, where it was proven to the court that Family children are free from abuse. I also lived in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil and learned to speak Spanish and Portuguese. When I was 16 I joined my older brother and sister in India, and got to experience the Indian lifestyle, especially during a two-week trip to help with cyclone disaster-relief work. After two years there, I got to experience a completely different culture when I moved to Switzerland. I was there for two years and got some training in teaching and secretarial skills. I am currently living in Canada.

I am in no way a writer, I don’t even like writing, nevertheless, I feel I have to share my thoughts and views on the accusations that are being thrown against me, my parents, my family and loved ones, for it is individuals like us who make up The Family International.

I did not personally know either Ricky or Angela, but here are things I do know:

* I know I had a wonderful upbringing with wonderful parents, teachers and caretakers who showed me nothing but love and concern for my well-being. I know that they gave me the best they possibly could. Now that I’m a mother myself, and am seeing more and more the challenges of raising children, I am becoming increasing grateful for all they gave me.

* I know that I never experienced or saw any sort of abuse from anyone in The Family, EVER!

* I know that my son is the most precious thing on earth to me, and I pray to God I will be able to give him the kind of exciting, love-filled life I have had so far. I know that the place I have the best chance of doing that is right here, in the Family.

* I know that I love my life and place in the Family where I actually have a purpose for life, but if any of you feel that you need to attack me and mine, you should know that I’m more than willing to fight for this life and this place, and I can’t/won’t just stand by while you so viciously attack everything I love. You just might be getting yourselves into more than you bargained for.

Abigail Epstein is a second-generation member of The Family International