We just received some more updated pictures of little Shakti. 2/3 of the pictures she had flies on her - one on her lip, ear, forehead, etc. - yuck! I'm still not sure if I can post her pictures here on the blog, so until I know, let me know if you would like to see her picture and I will make sure that you do! :-) She is adorable.
Though we have received 3 or 4 sets of updated pictures, we have not received any new updated medical information which I would very much like to have. She is 10 months old, and still all pictures taken of her are her just laying on her back. She must be too weak to be able to sit up. I just read 2 days ago that 25% of babies with her heart condition (Tetrology of Fallot) die within the first year of life if they have not had the necessary heart surgery. Once the surgery is done, they will have a normal or close to normal life expectancy. 40% die by the age of 4 with out the surgery. I emailed our agency and asked if there was any way we could get a medical update, and she said she would ask their contact in India. Just heard back yesterday that he plans on getting us some info. the next time he goes to the orphanage. Yea! We just need her to hang on for another 6+ months - which is how long we still may have....
The waiting continues - haven't heard anything from the courts - we just keep praying, and hoping. We pray that she is held often, received lots of TLC, and that she feels totally and completely loved while we are unable to be there for her. But our prayers are still reserved as we are still not certain that we will be approved to be her family. If you are reading this, you are interested in our journey, and we are so greatful for the support we have felt from family and friends. Keep praying! :-)
Love, Michelle

Well, as always, things never go as smoothly as we would like. Yesterday we got an email from IFS saying that our contact in India needs another copy of our guardianship letter (who would take our kids in the event that both Scott and I die at the same time). It needs to have their address on the letter. Apparently this is something that they haven't had to do before - it has to do with the new Hague requirements. Anyway, all that to say, we had to have a new letter written, notarized, apostilled through the Secretary of State, sent back to IFS so they can send it on to India. It will be at least a 2 week delay in our process...grr...but, God is good, and He IS in control - that we know full well. It's cute - our kids pray every day for Kahlia's "heart and mouth". :-) She is being well prayed for during this time....