I have heard from a few folks who are readers of 5 for Hope, but not a part of the Facebook community that they would like to see a photo of M3.
I usually don't post current photos of my girls on the internet and the same goes for M3. This one is from summertime, but I love it because it shows her beautiful features, fetching smile and bright eyes.
Unfortunately, M3 is not feeling herself since making the move to the foster care center and the latest photos of her show us a not-so-snappy eyed child. Her eyes are watery, her nose runny and from reports from recently traveling families, her breathing is labored and she has been running a fever.
It sounds like she has a respiratory infection of some kind which, of course, makes me nervous. M2 has had her fair share of respiratory issues and I do NOT mess around with those at all. I have a protocol around the house for such times and I only wish I were within hugging distance so I could do the same for M3. I am applying pressure where I can--on our agency to make sure the representatives in Ethiopia are keeping us updated, providing M3 with the medication and medical care she needs, and telling our daughter that we will be there as soon as we can.
Of course, we don't know when that is. The day after we passed court, the Embassy changed the way in which it schedules and issues dates for Embassy appointments. That means, our agency is unable to tell us exactly when we will travel. And, our probable date of a March 30th embassy appointment has become less likely. We've been told to prepare for an April 13th Embassy date. That seems like an excruciatingly long time to wait to go scoop her up--especially when I know she is sick.
I didn't think it was possible to wish away time in a more fervent way than I do at the end of a deployment cycle, but it IS. I realize I need to start preparing to travel now because once my husband arrives home, it will be a whirlwind of reunification, assimilation and all kinds of other things that will suck up attention and time. But, he is as anxious as I am to go meet our daughter and for that, I'm really grateful.
What a bummer about the Embassy. Maybe they will change again! Both of my friends just got their referrals and we are getting very close. We do not know our exact child, but we know these children because it is through our church and let me tell you every month that goes by is excruciating so I feel your pain.
Posted by: Chalk Inscriptions | February 23, 2010 at 02:17 AM
Oh, Melinda! What a BEAUTIFUL photo!!! Continuing to pray your sweet girl home. What a joy it was to love on her for you!
Posted by: Amy Ivey | February 25, 2010 at 05:34 PM