I don't know why I am in the family that I am, but they had better learn to appreciate me and get used to my ways.  That's all I have to say.

My name is Wendelin Grace Hooker.  I am 13 years old.  I live with my family in Walla Walla, Washington (State); I am in the seventh grade.  I will be glad when Christmas (winter) break starts on Wednesday; I'm more than ready for a break!!

I have two sisters and one brother (sisters older, brother younger).  They are ages 17 and 15 (sisters) and 7 (brother).  I'm the third oldest (and the youngest girl).  We get along okay, but not as well as Mom or Dad would really like.

I have Tourette's.  Basically, that means I have involuntary "tics", such as clearing my throat, blinking my eyes rapidly, sniffling, or moving my head at all times.  I can't help it; it seems that when I am stressed, it only worsens the tics and it's rather embarrassing, especially when other kids make fun of me.

I have some friends at school, but not nearly enough.  I'm somewhat of a loner.  I am happiest when I am by myself.  I'd rather have people not pick on me or make fun of me because in addition to my Tourette's, I also happen to be a Christian.  I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour when I was eight and I haven't been sorry I did.  God has been blessing my socks off, but I hate getting teased for my beliefs or being told by the school that I can't bring my Bible or things like candy canes or Christian-based tracts because "I am offending those who don't believe the way I do".

If things don't imrove soon (and it doesn't look like they are), then Mom and Dad are pulling me out of public school and they are planning on homeschooling me.  I think that might be what happens after Christmas break is overwith and done.

I hope so; I hate being treated like a pariah by the other kids (or by the teachers, the principal, or the school board)!

Just so you know, my parents are saved, and as you know, so am I.  My sisters aren't, and my brother isn't either, although they all go to church with me on Sundays and Wednesdays.  They believe; they just haven't made the Commitment to acept Christ yet.  (My brother could care less; besides he's a little too young to fully understand the concept of salvation.)  I am praying they do; I don't want them to go to Hell!

My family says I must be adopted 'cause I don't look like them.  My family is fair of skin with blue (or green or grey) eyes and blonde (or strawberry) hair; meanwhile, I am olive-skinned with brown eyes and hair that is very curly and unmanageable.  I don't know where I got my looks from, but it's embarrassing not looking like the other members of my family!

Like it or not, they are stuck with me.  I'm a part of them and they are a part of me, although we all couldn't look so different (especially me!!).  I just wish that my sisters and brother could get along with me better and accept me for who I am!!  And I wish the kids at school would do the same; it's a drag not fitting in!