The Plot Thickens

Good Morning Everyone,
As the title says things are getting a little more different every day. After only a 12 not 14 hour train ride we arrived at Donetsk. Gail and myself couldn`t get the same berth as our translator and Dr. Yuri so we had to live with two Russian strangers for awhile. This turned out pretty good as one was an approx. 25 yr old student type and the other an older gentleman that was very polite. The younger girl could speak a little english so we communicated very well. The man stated that he thought Gail was a " Princess Dianna" so yeah her head was swelling a bit. I was thinking along the lines of her being "The Queen" but didn`t want to try to explain that one in translation. Our translator and Dr. got stuck in a berth with two guys drinking and eating dried fish. We could smell the fish down the hall so the berth itself had to be nasty. To top it off the two guys snored all night and our two friends didn`t get any sleep.
As for the plot thickening, here is what went on from there. We arrived at the first orphanage where the younger sister is at about 8:30 A.M. We were greeted by the director who was without a doubt a very nice gentleman. He truly cared for his kids and it showed. Dr Yuri interviewed the doctor on staff and then they brought in Angelina. She was 4.5 yrs old but we could tell she had some issues. Dr Yuri did his testing and that showed what I guess we already knew, she had some permanent issues that would probably need institutionalization for the rest of her life. The director stated that because of these health issues he would recommend a separation of the two sisters as to give the other sister a chance at adoption. At that point we got a little confused because the files state that the younger sister is healthier than the older one. We then left to go to the next orphanage to see the other girl and were told by our translator that there is no way to split up sisters. We asked to not even go to the next stop then as long as that wasn`t possible. They said we had to go because we have to give an official rejection on all referrals and that was one of our referrals. So off we go across country to another village. I actually got a picture of a grain elevator which is the first we have seen. You know we`ve been here too long when I get excited to see a grain elevator. Anyways we arrived at this retreat area where the kids were for the weekend and met the director and a couple staff. They then brought in this little girl that was diagnosed with "severe mental retardation". We were pleasantly surprised to say the least. Dark skin, pig tails, missing front teeth and a big smile. Our unprofessional opinion-"WHAT A CUTIE!" and Gail stated that she has a cavity. Always on duty as a hygienist :). Our doctors opinion- healthy and the only thing he could find wrong is an "educational delay" which means she hasn`t attended formal schooling yet. Well long story short Gail and I both knew this was the one! BUT!! We asked our translator what can we do about the other 1/2 sister issue. We were told nothing can be done and we had to refuse and go back to Ky iv for our third appointment. At that point we were getting more than a little ornery because it didn`t seem like anyone cared about these little girls. By the way, the whole while this was going on, the little girl was looking at our little photo album picking out the two "brots"(Tory and Collin) Mama(Judy)Papa(Kenny) Mischka(teddy bear in her bedroom) and kot (cat) for our cat Pester. She didn`t know what we were there for which was probably good in case things don`t work out.
On the ride back to Donetsk Gail and myself were steaming, the doctor driver and translator were all yacking and on their phones and nobody seemed to care about the girls. Finally about 30 minutes into the trip the translator turned back to us and said there may be another way. She had been on the phone to the first director that I had liked and explained the situation. He said he would help in anyway he can which would mean updating the younger child's file to make it accurate and trying to persuade the inspector to change her mind. We were asked if we wanted to fight for this. It was a no-brainer as it was definitely YES. We will also go back to inspector on Monday to try to reason with her. If that doesn`t work we go to the local mayor of village and to the judge to explain the situation to have him override the inspector. We have always said that we wouldn`t split sisters up and it is eating at us but it is the Drs
recommendation to split them up. The two girls have always been at different orphanages and we don`t think that they know of each other but we will check that out on Monday. What bothers us is if they don`t get split up neither of them stand a chance. We did get on our private angel site and explained the situation. One the the "oldies" replied and stated that he had something similar and recommended $omething that $peaks in all language$ to be tried ,I`m not $ure that i$ the way, but it i$ an option.
We will try to post as time and Internet access allows so be patient.
Gail and Craig

-update- we just got back from breakfast and wonderful news WE GOT A GLASS OF MILK!!
also ordered what looked to be a 1/2 pound chopped steak and dug in .Guess what- It was CHOPPED LIVER!! YUCK Good thing I like cole slaw, it is served with every meal.