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when east meets south

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Sunday Snapshot: {Sunday on Shamian Island}

It was a good day.

After spending the majority of two days in the hotel room, we decided to spend the day out.

On Shamian Island.


We went to church.


We strolled.



We shopped.



We Starbucked.

Which probably isn’t a word, but it should be.



The heat was unbelievable.



And the porch at the Starbucks was a most welcomed relief.

As was the Java-Chip Frappuccino we split.



We hauled ourselves up, after a while, and shopped some more.



And then headed to the Cow and Bridge for dinner.

It was good.



Oh, and did I mention?

She smiled, y’all.



Randomly (at a shopkeeper playing hide-and-seek with her) and surprisingly.

But she smiled.



Like I said…

it was a good day.

A very, very good day.

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Happy Sunday, y’all.


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07.31.11 · Poppy, Poppy China Trip, special needs adoption, Sunday Snapshot 91

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    July 31, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Hooray!!!!! I am crying, now that I just read this!!! I can just tell how much your spirits have been lifted after the other day of not feeling so hot. Praise God! Love the pics from the island….LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pic of her little grin! And seeing her in her own little So Loved tee…..priceless.

    Reply
  2. Angie says

    July 31, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    Yeah for that beautiful smile! She’s gonna be just fine…all in her sweet time. Oh, how I miss China and Shamian Island…

    Reply
  3. Emily says

    July 31, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    Wow…no words…so happy that she is feeling more comfortable..

    Reply
  4. Katie says

    July 31, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Oh, What a good day!! I’m so happy for you all! How wonderful that you were able to capture Poppy’s smile on film ๐Ÿ™‚ I’m praying that tomorrow brings you more baby steps in the right direction!

    Reply
  5. Vicky says

    July 31, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    Okay,,,I’m tearing up! That was the sweetest little smile, so happy!

    Reply
  6. Stacy says

    July 31, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    You’ve had me crying TWICE this morning and it isn’t even 8:00AM!!! I’ve been thinking about your sweet Poppy and when I hear the song Blessings by Laura Story I can’t help but think of Poppy even more! I have faith that God will heal her heart in His time! So glad that he sent you a little smile from your sweet girl to let you know He’s working and that He hears your heart as well! So thrilled it was captured in a photograph!!! Praying for you all!

    Reply
  7. Missy says

    July 31, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    God love that sweet baby girl! There she is! I knew she would come around. Baby steps. I know your mama heart feels so good! Hooray!!!!

    Reply
  8. Dusty says

    July 31, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    So glad to see that precious smile!

    Reply
  9. Keisha says

    July 31, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    What a beautiful smile!

    Reply
  10. Connie says

    July 31, 2011 at 12:26 PM

    Ahhhhhhhh, I knew Poppy had smiles down in there somewhere! How precious and beautiful! Hang in there, sweet friend! If Miss Poppy is anything like my Kinley Grace, after days and days of stoic demeanor, she is now full of expression and playfulness! You’re an amazing mama!

    Reply
  11. Colleen says

    July 31, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    All I have to say is YYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY!
    The end.
    And, love you.

    Reply
  12. Kim says

    July 31, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Our God is GOOO! I was praying (along with many others:)) that Poppy would give that beautiful smile!! Praising God today for His marvelous works!

    Reply
  13. janet, kevin, ted, philip, and elijah says

    July 31, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Oh, that lifted our hearts here for you all there! ๐Ÿ™‚

    janet and gang

    Reply
  14. Wendy says

    July 31, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    What a precious gift! And seeing Poppy in her So Loved is just….right. Praising God!

    Reply
  15. kelly says

    July 31, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    She Smiled! YAY! I am crying as I type this… hooray for ya’ll!

    What a great day!

    God is SO Good!

    Reply
  16. Dardi says

    July 31, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    Gee whiz…that got me all blubbery to see that sweet little smile. :o)

    Reply
  17. Maureen says

    July 31, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Yippee! Baby steps are huge sometimes! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  18. Rachel says

    July 31, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    Such a beautiful smile! Happy to hear things are progressing! Enjoy your time on Shamian Island:)

    Reply
  19. jodi says

    July 31, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    ohhhh it looks hot!!! Glad y’all had a better day. What a sweet little smile she has! Can’t believe Zach got a picture of her smile! I’m never that “on”! Praying every day she shows you a bit more and settles a bit more.

    Reply
  20. Kathleen says

    July 31, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    So glad Poppy is warming up!!! Oh my what glorious relief and a sweet, sweet smile that lights up the world!!! Still praying and thinking of you, Poppy, and Zach and praying for many more sweet, sweet smiles to come. BTW, Zach has a sweet smile too!!

    Reply
  21. Julie Anne says

    July 31, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    So happy to see the little smile.

    Reply
  22. tish says

    July 31, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and it is a most beautiful smile!

    Reply
  23. Corndog says

    July 31, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Melt!

    Reply
  24. tish says

    July 31, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    awesome pics in this post, by the way.

    Reply
  25. Aus says

    July 31, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    HOORAH – what more need be said anyway? Great joy for you here in Cincy!

    hugs – aus and co.

    Reply
  26. Diane says

    July 31, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Yay poppy!!! I’m waiting to travel in september, waiting on our article 5. I’ve been following your journey, as I am starting to get apprehensive for travel and what to expect. I now have tears of joy falling, aim so happy for poppy and for you!!!

    Hugs
    Diane

    Reply
  27. Wendy says

    July 31, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Wow….beautiful…and powerful…she’s finding the light. So happy for you all!!!

    Reply
  28. Mary says

    July 31, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Woo-hoo!!! I’m not sure I’ve ever been as excited to see a little girl smile!!! So thrilled. Praying for some more good days ahead!!

    Reply
  29. Jenn says

    July 31, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    Oh my!! How those beautiful eyes light up with that smile!!! Sweet, sweet! And I love seeing my Katie’s “beau” on her! Continuing to pray for your Poppy girl!!

    Reply
  30. Diana says

    July 31, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    PRAISE GOD FOR THE SWEETEST OF SMILES!!!!!

    Love,
    Diana

    Reply
  31. Heather says

    July 31, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    Happy tears! Look at the light and the peace in that little angels eyes!!! Rejoicing, praising, and always praying.

    Reply
  32. Shonni says

    July 31, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    Iโ€™m glad it was a good day for yaโ€™ll. I love seeing the pictures of her…a little more comfortable each day.

    Reply
  33. Snick :) says

    July 31, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  34. Shannon says

    July 31, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    She is absolutely breathtaking. My husband is wondering why I am crying. I told him because I just saw a glimpse of heaven ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  35. shelley says

    July 31, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    Did Zach get that smile?? He is good!!!!!!!!!!! I specifically prayed that God would speak directly to Poppys heart. I prayed that he use his words that Poppy would understand that she is safe and loved. I will continue to pray that prayer until you come home!!!!!!! BTW she really does have a great grin

    Reply
  36. shelley says

    July 31, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    I mean did he take the picture?

    Reply
  37. Eileen says

    July 31, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Way to go random shopkeeper! Way to go Zach for getting the picture! And BIG way to go Poppy!!!

    Reply
  38. Jeunesse Nageotte says

    July 31, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Simply breathtaking…and tear bringing. Praises to Him!

    Reply
  39. laura jones says

    July 31, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    thank you for the update and beautiful photos.
    i can picture it all so well.
    there used to be a Haagen Daaz icecream near the Garden Hotel,
    It was a great treat for us, and a pretty pleasant walk
    praying and praying around the clock.
    Blessings,

    Reply
  40. Sara says

    July 31, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    Hooray!!! What wonderful, happy news!!! And what a gorgeous smile – breathtaking!
    Your photos are so beautiful too. How I miss being there….
    Thank you so much for sharing!
    Sara ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  41. Patricia/nyc says

    July 31, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    No words, just happy tears for all of you!!! She is BEAUTIFUL!!! Oh that smile & that dimple!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    I could FEEL the heat on that $tarbucks porch!

    Reply
  42. Patricia/nyc says

    July 31, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    ugh…I meant to say…the “makings of a dimple”!!! (too early for me here! lol)

    Reply
  43. Amy says

    July 31, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    PTL for little smiles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  44. Dusty Drosche says

    July 31, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    So happy you go to see her smile! It is beautiful and only the first of many!

    Reply
  45. Hailey says

    July 31, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    PTL!!!! Baby steps, right?? ๐Ÿ™‚ I’m so happy for you.

    Reply
  46. Denise says

    July 31, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Yea! Praise God!

    Reply
  47. Rita says

    July 31, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    Yay! The first of many smiles!

    Reply
  48. Shasta says

    July 31, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Oh my goodness…she is smiling! How wonderful, she’s so precious! I’m so glad she has such an understanding momma :0)

    Reply
  49. Sally says

    July 31, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    She can smile at random shopkeeper because she’s safe in her Mama’s (NOT a bystander’s ๐Ÿ˜‰ ) arms!
    That’s the perfect little teasing taste of her smile, I can’t wait to see her break out the REAL deal.

    Reply
  50. Jerusha says

    July 31, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    Whoa! A good day indeed! I love the 2nd shot of the fountain.

    Reply
  51. Eva says

    July 31, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    Praise the Lord for Poppy’s sweet smile. If it warms all of our hearts, I can only imagine what it does to yours.

    Reply
  52. Lisa says

    July 31, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    Praise Him! Love the “So Loved” tees, sporting on Esther’s birthday! Her first smile! In Him we wait…His timing is perfect!
    hugs

    Reply
  53. Candace says

    July 31, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    I am soooo happy to read this post and see Poppy’s beautiful smile! What a blessing! I am looking forward to seeing many more beautiful smiles from her. Be encouraged!

    Thanks so much for hosting Sunday Snapshot. I’ve linked up a photo today.

    Blessings,
    Candace

    Reply
  54. Campbell says

    July 31, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    SHE SMILED!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness…I’m just sitting here WEEPING with joy for you! For her!! I’m so thrilled to see her really leaning into her mama as well! She’s such a beauty…like her mama that girl! In reading your blog and seeing this sweet child unfold, my own heart is opening. I’ve been wanting to adopt for a very long time, but there has always been some hesitation…fear of the unknown, of the mountain that is Chinese adoption, but this journey has been incredible to witness and I believe that the Jesus is working through you and your family in so many ways. God Bless you!

    Reply
  55. Vivian says

    July 31, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Those are some awesome pictures! Makes me want to go visit that place so bad. My favorite. the one with the statues. SO CUTE!

    Reply
  56. Bev Gayman says

    July 31, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    So happy to see the smile! The pics are great! Brings back great memories
    of our time on the island. Cow & Bridge….love the food!!

    Reply
  57. Amy Murphy says

    July 31, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    That’s so awesome!!!! A smile!!! What a huge step in that little expression!

    Reply
  58. Lee Ann says

    July 31, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    God is so good! I saw your link on a friend’s page. We brought our little empress home last spring. What a priceless gem Poppy is! :0)

    Reply
  59. Jennifer O'Cain says

    July 31, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    Wonderful to see the Gradual transformation.! Love that little smile!

    Reply
  60. Rebecca says

    July 31, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    You keep making me cry. That sweet little smile is priceless.

    Reply
  61. Jennifer says

    July 31, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    What a glorious smile that girl has! Absolutely beautiful! You two look adorable in your So Loved shirts!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  62. martha b. says

    July 31, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    She’s looking relaxed and comfortable…hallelujah

    Reply
  63. Kelly says

    July 31, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    Cow and Bridge was our fave. Nothing like a good ole seafood rice dish eaten out of a pineapple. Wish I could have one of those tonight in fact. ๐Ÿ™‚ Maybe head on over to the White Swan deli and eat a piece of Chocolate Mango cake for me. Oh man, I had too many of those. I think I had the philosophy that calories in China didn’t count. ๐Ÿ™‚

    The pictures are amazing!
    Kelly

    Reply
  64. Sarah says

    July 31, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    Oh my! She is just absolute sunshine.

    Reply
  65. Robyn says

    July 31, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    Crying happy tears for that beautiful smile, Stefanie…

    Reply
  66. Johanna @ These Prices says

    July 31, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    She is so beautiful! Love that little smile.

    Reply
  67. Maureen Wagner says

    July 31, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    beautiful smile!!!!!!!! love it!

    Reply
  68. Virginia says

    July 31, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    Ohhhhh!! Look at that precious little smile! So great to see her appearing a little more at ease each day, but this was a BIG step, yay Poppy!. And those eyes of hers..wow.

    Reply
  69. Sharon Long says

    July 31, 2011 at 10:37 PM

    That smile is so gorgeous and sweet! A beautiful thing to see!

    Reply
  70. Krissie Murphy says

    July 31, 2011 at 10:41 PM

    What an amazing smile!! Be prepared to see it alot more! That made my heart smile today!

    Reply
  71. Rebekah says

    July 31, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Poppy’s smile is so sweet! Praying that her heart continues to mend.

    Reply
  72. Donna says

    July 31, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    Yay! What a sweet little smile!! (and serious kudos for capturing it!!!) Praying for many, many more to come!!

    Reply
  73. Lynda T. says

    July 31, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    Oh how wonderful! What a sweet blessing it is to see that smile. I will pray that her trust continues to steadily unfold during these precious days in China. God is good, all the time, He is good.

    Reply
  74. Leanne says

    July 31, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    Oh, Stefanie…..

    SOOOO happy!!!

    Seriously, tears of joy…….

    YAY POPPY!!!! We love you so much!

    So beautiful.

    God is so faithful.

    Reply
  75. Merrill says

    July 31, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    Oh! Not just the smile, but the eyes and the arch of her sweet little eyebrows! Be still my heart! Hoping you see more of those moments in the days to come!

    Reply
  76. Londa says

    August 1, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    Priceless!!!

    Reply
  77. Alyson says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:06 AM

    Oh my goodness! I can’t believe you’re in China!! I’ve been away from blogging for a while and the last I remember is you picking a name for her! Our documents are being authenticated…can’t wait until we are there! She is absolutely beautiful!! Can’t wait to look back on your page and catch up some! Will be praying for you and your family for a safe trip, health and quick bonding!!

    Reply
  78. 5ennie says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    Poppy is gorgeous! Praying for attachment, transitioning, healing.. Thank you for sharing your journey with us <3

    Reply
  79. Cindy says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:32 AM

    Precious!

    Reply
  80. The Gang's Momma says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:06 AM

    Oh, what a perfect gift. NOT that she’s required to give me a gift. But to open this post and see that sweet little teeny smile peeking out. A perfect little birthday gift for the end of my birthday day. ๐Ÿ™‚ So happy for you all!

    Still praying for good healthy grieving and attaching! Love to watch God work ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  81. stefanie says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:08 AM

    What a precious smile

    Reply
  82. Annie says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    Oh Praise God!!!! I knew she would finally start coming out of that shell and you were so right!! That beautiful smile was definitely worth waiting for!!!!! YAY!!!!

    Reply
  83. trina says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:21 AM

    She is soooo beautiful. Those eyes…beautiful… especially with that sweet little smile. I love her! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Love your pictures. Very artistic. ๐Ÿ™‚
    trina

    Reply
  84. Kim says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:22 AM

    How great is our God? He can use us all. Even a nameless shopkeeper.
    That smile made my day! And of course she was in her SO LOVED tshirt!
    Continuing to pray!
    Love & Blessings,
    Kim

    Reply
  85. Nicole A. says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    Oh my word, how beautiful! The smile, the smile! So happy for you ~ and you even got it on camera (way to go, Zach)! Was it the shirt she was wearing? ๐Ÿ™‚ Clearly she is feeling safe enough in her momma’s arms to begin to open up a little. Yay! Hoping that each day brings more joy.

    All the best,
    Nicole A., now in LA

    Reply
  86. veronicalee says

    August 1, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    Love the smile. Priceless!

    Reply
  87. LeeAnne says

    August 1, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    AWESOME!!!

    Reply
  88. Jean says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Beautiful!!

    Reply
  89. Kim from 3 peanuts says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    Crying happy little tears for her smile. Praying she feels safer and safer to open up every day:)

    Reply
  90. Karin says

    August 2, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    I love that the first ‘smile’ pic was one of you holding her wearing your “So Loved’ shirt. ๐Ÿ™‚ She is so beautiful and I’m sure she will continue to blossom. Love seeing all the pics–it brings back sweet memories of Shamian Island. We were there in August on year–so I know the oppressive heat you are experiencing. ugh. It’s still better than snow in my opinion. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  91. Patricia says

    August 3, 2011 at 11:28 PM

    A wee little smile! yeah! She *will* come around… it is just going to take some time, another transition is coming but in a few months you are going to see little glimpses come out. Poppy’s eyes are amazing…. wow.
    You are almost home and I know you will be happy to be there!
    In Him~

    Reply

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I'm Stefanie. Wife to one, mom to 13. Occasional blogger and t-shirt maker. Wannabe photographer and exerciser. Constant grace-needer and orphan advocator. more
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