shaun, when your babysitting, you end up with NO TIME to do anything. And I'm also thinking that the cell isn't connecting, as if your out of time or out of town, your provider might not access that area. It's a pain in the arse with cells. Consider she might be in the house which can cut off the signal. Hell, I have Verison and am just a few miles from the tower, and it still gives crappy signals and dropped calls, so keep trying, you'll get through and I know she misses you anyway.
Another thing, in your writings, you mentioned that she is frugal and knows how to not spend money and save. When it comes to getting a pension or not getting a pension, I'll bet she understands that for sure. and with graduation, she being chinese, knows family comes first, so relax, your still in the game.