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when east meets south

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Dear Poppy…

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.



But know this.

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


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08.04.11 · Poppy, Poppy China Trip 46

Comments

  1. jdavis2 says

    August 4, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    what a beautiful summary of a mommy’s faith and love.

    Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    August 4, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    Beautiful, Stef! Look at her fabulous smile! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  3. Dusty says

    August 4, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    Love this!

    Reply
  4. anything but LoKEY says

    August 4, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    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. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  5. Jodee Leader says

    August 4, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    What a sweet post! Poppy is absolutely adorable! I have enjoyed following your journey.

    Reply
  6. Leslie says

    August 4, 2011 at 11:34 PM

    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!

    Reply
  7. berrybliz says

    August 5, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    welcome home! love this sweet post

    Reply
  8. Leigh T. says

    August 5, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    Amen!

    Reply
  9. Heather Peterson says

    August 5, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    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!

    Reply
  10. Diane says

    August 5, 2011 at 12:43 AM

    Beautiful! Tears.

    Praying for your trip home.

    Reply
  11. Emily says

    August 5, 2011 at 1:09 AM

    Love, love, LOVE.

    Reply
  12. To-leen says

    August 5, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    LOVE.
    That’s all I have to say about that.
    The end.

    Reply
  13. johanna cannelongo says

    August 5, 2011 at 1:21 AM

    that was simply so beautiful, true and tearful!!!
    May God continue to bless you all immeasurable!!

    Reply
  14. Rita says

    August 5, 2011 at 1:34 AM

    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!

    Reply
  15. Connie says

    August 5, 2011 at 1:50 AM

    Beautiful!

    Reply
  16. Patricia/nyc says

    August 5, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    Absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  17. christy says

    August 5, 2011 at 2:12 AM

    Really beautiful, Stefanie. Thanks for sharing this.
    Christy

    Reply
  18. Brenda says

    August 5, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    Wow!
    Your an amazing lady, mom and daughter of Christ Stephanie!

    Reply
  19. Virginia says

    August 5, 2011 at 2:47 AM

    Beautiful! Love seeing that sweet little smile. And that verse is perfect.

    Gin =)

    Reply
  20. April Z. says

    August 5, 2011 at 2:47 AM

    Beautiful words and it melts my heart to see that beautiful Poppy smile!

    Reply
  21. Rebecca says

    August 5, 2011 at 2:48 AM

    You guys are amazing. Love watching you interact with Poppy. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  22. Cindy says

    August 5, 2011 at 3:34 AM

    How wonderful to see you both smiling together!!!

    Reply
  23. laura jones says

    August 5, 2011 at 3:44 AM

    press on!

    Reply
  24. Amy says

    August 5, 2011 at 3:53 AM

    Beautiful! That. Is. All. โ™ฅ

    Reply
  25. Jennifer says

    August 5, 2011 at 4:17 AM

    She is gorgeous.

    Reply
  26. Hailey says

    August 5, 2011 at 4:32 AM

    She is absolutely beautiful. And YAY for the sweet smiles!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  27. Sarah says

    August 5, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    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!

    Reply
  28. TanyaLea says

    August 5, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    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

    Reply
  29. LeeAnne says

    August 5, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    Your heart is the Crown of Beauty of your family. Beautifully said.

    Reply
  30. Doreen says

    August 5, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    You put it so well! Just beautiful!

    Reply
  31. Aus says

    August 5, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Just perfect – like mother and daughter…Godspeed on your journey home!

    hugs – aus and co.

    Reply
  32. Roberta says

    August 5, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    Such Love, Beautiful!

    Reply
  33. Julie D. says

    August 5, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    Precious and beautiful!

    Reply
  34. Kam says

    August 5, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Beautifully said! I LOVE seeing her smile in that third shot! God is good!

    Reply
  35. Staci says

    August 5, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    So beautiful! Love Poppy’s sweet smile ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  36. Lisa says

    August 5, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    An absolutely beautiful post!

    Reply
  37. tish says

    August 5, 2011 at 7:38 PM

    amen!

    Reply
  38. Ana says

    August 5, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    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 …
    ๐Ÿ™‚ Poppy is gorgeous … ๐Ÿ™‚ I was about to introduce myself, but I thought I could be a bit to much!
    Have a safe flight back home. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Nita

    Reply
  39. Tamara says

    August 5, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    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 ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  40. Campbell says

    August 6, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    that sweet smile says it all!!! God bless your sweet hearts!

    Reply
  41. Nicole A. says

    August 6, 2011 at 2:28 AM

    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

    Reply
  42. Denise says

    August 7, 2011 at 4:15 AM

    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

    Reply
  43. Sarah says

    August 7, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    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!

    Reply
  44. kelly says

    August 7, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    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!

    Reply
  45. jody says

    August 7, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    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

    Reply
  46. Sharon says

    August 9, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    This is beautiful…just beautiful.

    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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