Drita Annechka Dachinu is my name.  I am ten years old.  I live in Boston, Massachussetts, with my family, but I was born in Bosnia-Hergozovina.  I came here when I was six because I am adopted.  I have been in America for four years.

At first, it was hard.  I didn't know anybody, and I didn't know any English.  I had to go to a special school to help me learn English.  Then I learned, and as I did, things got easier and easier.  Now I speak English very well, I think.

I am also handicapped.  I was born with something called spina bifida, which means my legs don't move or work.  If I do walk, I use crutches, but most of the time, I use my wheelchair, like at school, or if we go to the movies or to the mall, or someplace like that.

Unfortunately, doctors can't really fix my problem, although they did operate on me a few times.  I didn't like being in the hospital, but right now, things are good, so that's fine with me.  As long as I don't get stuck with another needle, then that's good.

I haven't been in the hospital since I was seven.  That's been three years now.  And I hope it continues to be that way!

My family is made up of my mama, my daddy, and my twin brothers, Jordan Richard and Jamie Colton, who are six.  They are adopted too; they came from Poland when they were two.  They came right after I did, so we have practically grown up together.  They are okay most of the time, but sometimes they act all pewie, and then I can't stand them.

My family's last name is Webster, but I like my last name of Dachinu better.

I like to do many things.  I like to write stories or poems, ride my bike (I have a special bike that I can pedal just by using my hands!), draw, watch "America's Got Talent" and the Qubo channel on tv, play on the computer, go on walks with my family (except when I do, I use my wheelchair, so while they walk, I roll everywhere), and play with my new Maine Coon kitty that I named Junie B. Jones, after this little girl I read about in my books.  I am a very active little girl, as you can see, even with having spina bifida.  Nothing is going to stop me!!

I am in the fourth grade at school.  I go to the special needs class because I have some learning problems, but compared to some of the kids in my class, I am doing quite well.  Some of the kids can't even hold themselves upright or talk or read or do anything!

My teacher's name is Mrs. Hedrow, and so far, she seems to be nice.

Well, I gotta get up and get ready for school, so I will go.  I will write in here again another day.  Until later, this is your new friend, Drita Annechka Dachinu-Webster saying so long!  Take care now!

~Love, your new friend in Massachussetts, Drita, aged 10.