Sunny Blaylock is married to a U.S. diplomat. She and their children accompanied her husband to his assignment in Malaysia. Families were not allowed at his next post, however, in Pakistan, due to terrorist concerns.

She stayed a year in Malaysia with the children, while her husband worked to strengthen U.S. interests in Pakistan.

Her husband’s next assignment was a home assignment, to the U.S. State Department in Washington. The family looked forward to being together again. Ms. Blaylock received the offer of a job with a small U.S. contracting company.

She began working for the company, but then the government shut down. The company could no longer afford to hire her.

Her husband continues to work, but without pay at present.

Meanwhile, the mortgage must be paid, and their orthodontist has told them that their daughter needs braces . . .