Catching Up

We just got back from the First Annual Hope Family Reunion at Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. Eight families that adopted from the same institute in China got together to let the kids reconnect and for new connections to form between our families. All the families keep in touch via a Yahoo account, so it was nice to finally meet some of the families we have got to know over the computer. I asked Madison when we got back yesterday if she had fun and she said yes, which I already knew because she seemed to have a great time while we were in Kentucky. I thought it may be difficult for her to leave her friends, but she seems to be doing okay.

She is however, very nervous about her surgery on Thursday. John and Madison have sore throats from traveling, so I pray that will not be a problem come Thursday. They are up seeing our ear, nose, and throat doctor right now... I need to finish laundry and repack, so I'll keep this short for now.

Surgery

It's been a long time since I've posted anything on here, so thanks for checking back in with us. Madison had a doctor's appointment at the Shriner's hospital in Minneapolis this morning, and her surgery date is set. Unfortunately, the surgery isn't until July 29; we were hoping it would be in a couple weeks. We put her name on a waiting list in case someone cancels their surgery before then. We also talked to the social worker at Shriner's; she said she would see if she could do anything to make the surgery sooner. Madison was hoping to be walking on her own two feet/legs when she started high school, so she was very disappointed. I will start Reading Recovery training in August, so that is another concern. I thought I'd have the June and July to take care of her and make trips to Minneapolis for fittings and physical therapy.

Madison has learned so much English since last summer that our interpreter, that Shriner's provides, did not have much to interpret today at the hospital. It was, however, nice getting to know the young man, Zhi, assigned to us. He came to the States when he was thirteen like Madison, so we had plenty of questions about his experience of learning the language.

We will see another doctor tomorrow, but I don't think there will be anything to report on that since it will not have an impact on the surgery. I will, however, keep everyone updated as to any changes.