Tonight, I miss her intensely.

That sweet smile of hers, those happy feet that dance, and that pure voice with which she sings classic Khmer love songs.... she is the bundle of joy named Chenda.



I can't help but wonder if she remembers me the way I remember her. Probably not, but I wish that her caretakers at her new home would remind her of me. I wish they would tell her of the story of how an American girl met her one summer, fell in love with her, and wanted to adopt her. But because the girl didn't think she would make a good mother for her, instead, the girl did everything in her power to make sure she would find a new, loving home.

I know Chenda is happy now. She has friends and nannies that look after her. She is finally in a healthy environment with adequate food and nutrition, a safe and comfortable bed to sleep in, and the privilege of attending school. I am so thankful that this beautiful girl has the chance to start a new life and look forward to much-needed healing.

I'm going to go visit her one day in her homeland. Upon seeing her, I will swoop her up in my arms (hopefully to her delight and not fright). Until then, she and I will continue to play hula-hoop and pick flowers in the fields together in my memories.