I've lived in 16 different homes in my 18 years, and life has felt like one great big adventure to me. I've grown up so differently from most other kids my age, and I have learned so much about life that I want to share with the world. One of the people who has most influenced me to write is my boyfriend, because he has always insisted that I not waste any of my gifts. One of the other big influences on my life has been the influence of religion on my family, both immediate and extended. Both of my grandfathers are Baptist ministers, as well as one of my uncles, and my father was a church planter for many years. I have been exposed to Christianity in many forms, both conservative, liberal, and some things in between. I have learned much from Christianity, and it is hard to love Christianity. It is very easy to agree with what Ghandi felt when he said "I love your Christ, I hate your Christians." All of this has greatly affected who I am, how I think, and how I write.