By Melissa Rodrigues, 14

Hello to all you readers. I am a born and raised member of the Family. I just want to say right here and right now that I am proud of my heritage and upbringing. I wouldn’t trade it for anything this world can offer. I am honoured to be in this Family and I can only say that I am truly thankful to have been born in it.

I’m just an ordinary girl but I can tell you that I have had a great life here in the Family and I’m not gonna let it stop here. I’ve never been bored or unsatisfied. The only time I can remember feeling that way, was when I wanted to leave the Family. That’s what’s so cool about the Family, you spend so much time thinking about others that you don’t have time to get bored. That’s what I have found at my own personal experiences. I have tendency to get selfish and unloving. Each time that happens I get extremely bored and depressed. I remember going through a really rough stage in my life, where I wanted to just live for myself and my gain. I had my mom and others really try to get through to me. GBT. I’m only thankful now that with the lord’s help I was able to pull through.

Being in the Family has been an adventure for me. I love traveling, meeting new people, and making new friends. I’ve been to five different countries so far and I’m having a blast. As far as new people and friends go, I can’t even count.

I don’t do any outstanding ministries besides cooking and childcare. I love personal witnessing, and singing. In fact my siblings and I are currently forming a band. My hobbies are drawing, writing and reading. I’m trying to learn the drums (ahhhhh), I’m getting there, (I hope.)

All this to say that I love my life in the Family and for those of you who just couldn’t make it then sorry. I won’t judge you, so please don’t judge me.

I love you all,
–Meli