Tuesday, June 5, 2007

It's official

June 5th -- As of 945am, Emily Hope Xiangni Chafetz is officially in our family. She has been in our hearts for two years, and now she is with us in person for the rest of our lives. She is warm, cute and snuggly. She giggles as we bounce her up and down. She is outgoing and "wild" (as Jill calls her), always putting stuff in her mouth and squirming around. She is healthy and curious. She is precious, and she is ours. June 6th -- We are going on another grand adventure. We are flying to Ensi, the airport closest to Allie's orphanage, about an hour flight from Wuhan. From the airport in Ensi, we will go to our hotel, check in and then make a two hour taxi ride to Allie's "finding place", the village (Leping) in which she was born and lived for the first 7 weeks of her life. We will get an idea of Allie's birth and early life that never would have been possible without our kind and willing guide, Peter. The village may not be easy to find because it is in a remote and mountainous region, but we will give it a shot. On the way back to the hotel, we will visit Allie's orphanage from the outside -- per the Chinese government, we are not allowed inside. We may be able to have dinner with the orphanage director outside of the orphanage. This will take up all of Wednesday and we will fly back to Wuhan on Thursday. A very busy two days! We'll keep you posted on details of the trip on Thursday or Friday. Love, Mark, Jill, Allie & Emily Chafetz

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

So happy for the four of you! Makes all these months of waiting worth it! Have a grand adventure. I'm sure you are going to see some very interesting things out there in the remote parts of China. Have fun!

Anonymous said...

Have a grand adventure!!! Enjoy the sights, smells and countryside :-)

What a wonderful gift for Allie. I'm sure she'll treasure it in years to come!

Love to all!

Olivia

Anonymous said...

Yeah! It's official! This is all so exciting! That Emily sure is a perfect fit!

I'm so happy that you are going to Allie's orphanage. Soak up every detail! It is a true gift that you are able to have this experience...remember, so few do. You will not regret it! Can't wait to hear all about it! Take lots of pictures and try to take notes if you can so you can remember all of the details.

Have a safe and wonderful adventure!

Much love,
Laura

Anonymous said...

Hi Allie,

I'm glad you're having fun with your sister! If I ever get to be a big sister, you'll have to give me some tips. It sounds like you're going on an exciting adventure! I can't wait to hear about it! Have fun!

Love,
Your Friend,
Amelia

Battle with Hepatitis C said...

Allie you look so good with your new little sister.

from brandon

Unknown said...

Yay!!!! She's officially part of our family and I can't wait to get her in my arms and give her the biggest hug and kiss. It's amazing how much I already love her. Hope you guys have the greatest trip ever to Allie's finding place. Take tons of pictures so you can remember everything.


Allie- I hope that you are having the best time being the big sister and I have heard that you are the best little helper. I can't wait to see you. I miss you sooooo much.


Love you all,


Julie

Kristen Berrington said...

Does this kid know what she's in for? Have you explained the mandatory hugging and kissing that takes place once you become a Gove? She's really going to be in for it when you get back :). Love and miss you!

Anonymous said...

I can' t quite explain how excited I am for you guys to get back. I showed the pictures to the ladies at work and its official that you have two of the most beautiful girls around! I love you and miss you. Talk to you soon.

Lauren

Allie, Aunt Tammie wanted me to tell you that she misses you something terrible and hopes that you are having a grea time on your grand adventure. She saw that you did your job and gave Emily her blanket. Good work! She loves you and can't wait to see you when you get back.