Day Nine

We are even a little MORE confused with the element of time today. Apparently, on Kazak holidays that include a Thursday or Friday, people are expected to return to work the following Sunday. Therefore, Sunday felt like Monday only NOW is it Monday but it is still Sunday in America. Got it? Us either! Most importantly, Julia is in very good health! As per Russian protocol, She has been evaluated by more pediatric specialists than we can count, including neurologists, opthamologists, orthopediatric surgeons and cardiologists. That is why Russian medical evaluations contain a number of diagnoses rather than a detailed history and description of the physical findings. In addition, the Russian specialists rarely question the diagnoses of another physician of another specialty. Julia has been cared for and observed by doctors since her birth so her treatment has been exceptional.

After our consultation and wonderful visit with "Droolia" as we sometimes endearingly refer to her, we walked in the snow to the closer outdoor market and took some great pictures of the city or "town" as Olyssa refers to Kostanai. We walked for nearly two hours and then returned "home" to the hotel to meet Olyssa and the others for "drunch" or dinner AND lunch! Had yet another great Russian-Korean meal and of particular interest were the outstanding, seemingly fresh tomatos coverred with mayonaise, grated cheese and spices. to date, we have successfully avoided horse meat, a Kazakhstan specialty. The beef and chicken meals are terrific. Also had a fresh pork perrogie that we bought at the market and ate from a baggie. It was u-n-b-e-l-i-e-v-a-b-l-y delicious. Carrie tried taking pictures of the endless indooor produce section and was promptly surrounded by Kazak police who hand signaled that she stop abruptly or surrounder the NEW camera! She pleaded "English..." and they softened, smiling to themselves and uttering something that probably resembled "What an idiot..." The experience was worth not repeating though the authorities were very kind in the end.

We are heading late to the Baby Home because the three children whose adoptions are pending were taken out to see an "objective" medical doctor this morning. We cannot convey how impressed we are at the tender-loving-care and attention that is given to children from the Delfin baby Home. It is simply remarkable!