My name is Sara Ling-Ling Xio Battles, but most people call me Ling-Ling.  It's what I prefer.  I am 11 years old and live with my family in Boise, Idaho.

I was adopted when I was a baby.  My real mother didn't want me so she gave me up.  At times it still makes me cry whenever I think of this; I wonder if she is still alive or even thinks of or misses me.

My family (the one I have now) is made up of my parents (I call them Mother and Father) and two sisters (Carrie and Hannah), as well as a younger brother (Jeffrey).  We have a collie dog named Lassie; she is very pretty and very friendly (not to mention, very smart).

I am in the fifth grade at Harding Elementary School; this year my teacher is Mrs. Potts.  My best friends at school are Melinda (Linda) Trayhorn and Teagan Colyer.  I do very well at school, but some of the kids tease me because of my being adopted.  They also tease me because I wear a brace and a built up shoe; I had polio when I was a baby in China and it affected my leg.  It's shorter than the other (which is why I wear the built up shoe) and the brace, as my leg and ankle are very weak.  I did use a crutch but I do better on my own; I'm faster without the crutch.

When I grow up I want to be a nurse like Mother or a teacher and help kids.

Some of my favorite things to do are reading, drawing, writing stories or poems, swimming, and collecting Barbie dolls.  I also collect anything to do with cats (though I don't have one; I'm allergic; cat fur makes me sneeze and get a rash) and go to church every Sunday and Wednesday.

I will write again; I am sorry this is short, but I have homework to do.  I hope you liked my story.  Take care and God bless; this is your new friend saying good bye for now!

~Ling-Ling.  :)