1. We finally learn Nurse Goldtooth's real name. It is Gulzira. We settle on the name GT for future reference.
2. We learn that bride kidnapping is real in Kazakhstan. We had heard rumor of this but didn't really believe it. However, Nurse Cholepan revealed to us that she was kidnapped 21 years ago by a man she had only met once. That man is still her husband after over 20 years and they have 3 children. Her situation was non-consensual but it is accepted in the culture. Our driver Adil also kidnapped his wife, but his was consensual as they had been dating for 6 months. She would have preferred that he simply ask her, but he took this approach to assert his manhood and make his claim. So keep in mind that some things that are felonies in the US are accepted tradition in Kazakhstan.
3. Nina prepares for the big trip to the doctor's office with a full winter suit on a 40 degree day. This may be overkill, but the nurses insist that babies must be kept (really) warm. This outfit reminds us of someone but we can't quite put our finger on it.
4. On the way to the doctor's office, we learn that Kazakh car seats appear very much like a parent holding a child.
Monte, Rich, Nina, and Nurse Cholepan who is now our favorite traveling companion. Everyone is allowed to rest their eyes except Mr. Carseat who must remain alert at all times.
5. And the great news of today... Nina receives a great report from the Almaty International SOS clinic. The doctor, a kind man from South Africa, sees many adoptive children at his clinic. After spending 45 mintues with Nina, checking her eyes, ears, reactions, sounds, and everything else, he says her delay is from lack of food and stimulation and nothing more. There is no sign of any mental or any other problem, and he sees her as being very alert and responsive. He believes she is completely normal and that she will thrive when she gets home.
This is the news we were hoping and praying for. We are so thankful for this positive report. We end this first trip in high spirits and with great joy. We will miss our new daughter but look forward to seeing Nick and Natalie and preparing our home for Nina.
6. We head to the airport at 1:00 a.m. Friday morning, and arrive in STL at 9:30 p.m. JM and Darwin are picking us up. We cannot wait to see Nick and Natalie.
We thank God and thank you all for your encouragement and prayers through this process. We have appreciated and needed it very much, and will follow with a more complete entry once we get home. God bless you and your families this Thanksgiving. Here's my favorite picture from today - the match made in heaven.
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