My little love.
You have endured so many changes in the last few weeks.
I know how frightened all this must be for you.
And that we are only at the beginning of our journey together as mother and daughter.
I will do my very best to love you unconditionally.
To comfort you in times of sorrow.
To celebrate with you in times of joy.
And when my flawed and human efforts come up short – as they most certainly will – I trust God to fill in all those gaps.
Because I know, I know how very much He loves you. And that He will never fail you.
Can’t wait to watch you blossom into the little one that God intends for you to be, Miss Poppy.
I know it’s going to be something beautiful.
Love,
Mama
…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.
Isaiah 61:3
jdavis2 says
what a beautiful summary of a mommy’s faith and love.
Jennifer says
Beautiful, Stef! Look at her fabulous smile! ๐
Dusty says
Love this!
anything but LoKEY says
Her smile is breathtaking. It is so amazing to me how that change just begins to creep in before you head home. So gentle and subtle. The Holy Spirit slowly begins to meld our hearts together with theirs. ๐
Jodee Leader says
What a sweet post! Poppy is absolutely adorable! I have enjoyed following your journey.
Leslie says
I’ve so enjoyed watching Poppy become more and more comfortable with you these days. She is truly precious and such a beauty! I’ve been praying for her to find comfort and not be so scared. Glad to see that she is doing better! Hope your trip home goes well and that the reunion with your family is wonderful! Blessings!
berrybliz says
welcome home! love this sweet post
Leigh T. says
Amen!
Heather Peterson says
MAN!! You are such an amazing picture of Grace! How absolutely beautiful! This is what God’s heart is all about! Thank you for your faith and for your obedience to follow the call of God wherever it may lead. It blesses me more than words can say!
Diane says
Beautiful! Tears.
Praying for your trip home.
Emily says
Love, love, LOVE.
To-leen says
LOVE.
That’s all I have to say about that.
The end.
johanna cannelongo says
that was simply so beautiful, true and tearful!!!
May God continue to bless you all immeasurable!!
Rita says
Beautiful. I love the photo of the two of you smiling together. You can just see that she is getting ready to bloom. When she’s home, surrounded by her family, she’s going to light up!
Connie says
Beautiful!
Patricia/nyc says
Absolutely beautiful!
christy says
Really beautiful, Stefanie. Thanks for sharing this.
Christy
Brenda says
Wow!
Your an amazing lady, mom and daughter of Christ Stephanie!
Virginia says
Beautiful! Love seeing that sweet little smile. And that verse is perfect.
Gin =)
April Z. says
Beautiful words and it melts my heart to see that beautiful Poppy smile!
Rebecca says
You guys are amazing. Love watching you interact with Poppy. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy says
How wonderful to see you both smiling together!!!
laura jones says
press on!
Amy says
Beautiful! That. Is. All. โฅ
Jennifer says
She is gorgeous.
Hailey says
She is absolutely beautiful. And YAY for the sweet smiles!! ๐
Sarah says
Sweet wishes and many prayers for a smooth and precious homecoming. What beautiful sentiments you’ve shared. Can’t wait to watch your mother daughter story unfold!
TanyaLea says
You’re an awesome mommy, Stef! I cannot wait to watch as Poppy opens up and blossoms in your loving family… God has SO much in store for her precious life, and I know it won’t be long before she starts embracing all of it!! Keeping you close in thoughts and prayers and you travel back home to that beautiful family of yours!!
OXO,
Tanya
LeeAnne says
Your heart is the Crown of Beauty of your family. Beautifully said.
Doreen says
You put it so well! Just beautiful!
Aus says
Just perfect – like mother and daughter…Godspeed on your journey home!
hugs – aus and co.
Roberta says
Such Love, Beautiful!
Julie D. says
Precious and beautiful!
Kam says
Beautifully said! I LOVE seeing her smile in that third shot! God is good!
Staci says
So beautiful! Love Poppy’s sweet smile ๐
Lisa says
An absolutely beautiful post!
tish says
amen!
Ana says
This is one of those thing that you think will never happen to you: I read your blog (fisrt from china then from Portugal) since you adopted Vivi.
Now, out of sudden @Newark airport, on my way home, I see a familiar face …
๐ Poppy is gorgeous … ๐ I was about to introduce myself, but I thought I could be a bit to much!
Have a safe flight back home. ๐
Nita
Tamara says
Beautiful post! FYI: If you forgot anything over there at the White Swan, just let me know and I’ll pick it up for you. Should be staying there in a few weeks ๐
Campbell says
that sweet smile says it all!!! God bless your sweet hearts!
Nicole A. says
Such a beautiful, sweet post for a beautiful, sweet girlie! That’s a fabulous smile ~ she look sooo much more content already! Clearly she is feeling the love you have been pouring over her!
All the best,
Nicole A., now in LA
Denise says
Hope coming home was a sweet taste of the medicine you all needed and very much deserved. Can’t wait to see and read all about those memorable 1st few days with the family. Still praying!
Denise
Sarah says
Beautiful post! I am always amazed by the amazing backgrounds in your pictures – and by the beautiful people IN the pictures! I am hoping you, your son, and new daughter are on your way home by now, I imagine your other kids are just dying to meet Miss Poppy! Oh and Daddy too!
kelly says
It has been pure pleasure watching you and Poppy these last weeks… what a beautiful smile!
Slowly, she shared and thanks to you for sharing it with all of us on here. Cannot wait to see lots more with the WHOLE family.
Love to all and prayers too…lots and lotsa prayers!
jody says
Hi Steph,
Just wanted to welcome you home!! Poppy is so sweet and I love ths smiles she has given you. You are being so patient and she is slowly beginning to trust and open up to you. What a gift God has given you in this precious child…. I enjoy seeing your beautiful family. Thanks for sharing with us!
Blessings,
Jody
Sharon says
This is beautiful…just beautiful.