Bittersweet....

bittersweet: being at once bitter and sweet; especially : pleasant but including or marked by elements of suffering or regret

I finally recieved a new picture of Olivia Mame today....the last few batches of pictures, from traveling families brining there children home, did not contain any pictures of her. I was worried. Fearing she was hiding from the camera, the vivacious girl who is normally upfront and out there!

Today I saw a picture of her and the tears rolled.

Such a bittersweet little Mona Lisa smile on her face. And her eyes so big and sad. My heart melts like chocolate.

I have had word that she feels she is forgotten. That she had a spell of refusing to talk to the workers, because they do not have a family for her. (Or at least one who will come and get her! I am sure our photo album and care packages have long been forgotten. How could you expect a child to hold on to that, day after day?)

I have heard her real name is Hiwot or Hewit...and that it means Life. After 22 months of "Mame", (which I am told is a "house" name or nick name)... it is hard to wrap my head around a different name... I have heard that others call her by Hiwot though, as well as Mame....

You are not forgotten dear one. You are not. By me or by God. I promise!

You are spoken of and prayed for and heart-loved constantly.

Image 0220, in the light blue shirt with the sad smile, you are my daughter.