Hi! I’m a 16 year old female from the planet Earth. I have lived most of my life in the Family International except for a short time when my mom and her three youngest (including me) were TSers. I’d like to say right now that the Family is the best place in the whole world and I would never, ever trade my place here for anyone in the world.

As a young child growing up, my siblings and I (there are 8 children in my family but I refer to only the three youngest, me, my older sister, and my younger brother) were never allowed to play with guns, swords, knives, or any other violent toys. Now, before you think “oh, poor kids, they never got a chance to enjoy those ‘harmless’ fun toys and games” I would like to point out that at the present I’m not going into my school and shooting my classmates, friends, and teachers (like the Columbine tragedy and many others that I haven’t even heard of). We were taught morals, something that today’s society has disregarded, and still abide by so called ‘old fashioned’ concepts like, obeying your parents, not killing, not stealing, being kind, helping others in need, and so on. I don’t call that a bad upbringing.

Ok, more about me; I’m American, second generation teen, I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and I’ve spent around 7 years in the United States of America. I spent the rest of my almost 7 years in SEA. I know 1 and ½ languages, and a smattering of a third. If you met me walking down the street, which is unlikely cause most people probably never heard of where I’m living now, I’d probably strike you as a very normal, not stand-outish at all. I have no really special talents, but I love doing what I’m doing and living the life I chose. Yes that’s right I said chose. I wouldn’t want any other lifestyle. Sure it’s hard and has its problems sometimes, everyone does (that means you too), but the way I feel when I know I’m helping people far outweigh the temporary downs.

And also, just to shoot a few more holes in another lie that I’ve heard, I’d like to tell you about my education. I’m 16 and if I’m graded as in the middle of 11th grade, I am ranked as high level in LA and slightly above average in Math. This doesn’t mean I’m an exceptional student making do with bad education, it obviously means that whatever way I’m being taught is working. I love the Family and I am glad for all the kids that get to be raised and educated in such wonderful homes.

I also have nothing against those who aren’t in the Family or who have left. Two of my brothers and two of my sisters have left the Family. This does NOT make me love them less or look at them as lower; they chose their own life, SO LET ME DO THE SAME. I’m not getting on your case for not having the same beliefs as I do.

Oh, and one more thing, Family music is great. I spend hours listening to it. I enjoy a wide variety of music that the Family provides from fast dancing songs to rap to rock to slow love songs and instrumentals. My own brother is a well known Family musician and I’m so proud of him (Keep going Vas! Your music is great!).

I could go on and on, but I won’t, ‘cause I believe that if you still have questions on the Family even after reading reports from those actually living in the Family, go straight to the source and visit one of our excellent homes. After that, you can decide whether you’ll believe a few bitter ex-members, or the majority of satisfied customers.

Fighting for what I believe in, M.