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when east meets south

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Poppy: day 8

I didn’t think it would come again so quickly.



In fact, I wondered if we might have to take her back to Shamian Island, to the same shopkeeper, to get another one out of Miss Poppy.



But I was wrong.



During our normal (normal for China, that is) morning routine – right in the middle of breakfast in fact – it happened again.

With a little under-the-arm motivation.

She tried to stop herself, but she couldn’t keep it in.



She smiled. BIG.

And the skies parted.

And the birds sang.



At least in this neck of the woods they did.

What an incredible blessing to watch Miss Poppy, bit by bit, begin to blossom.

We just got back from the Pearl River Cruise and I’m too pooped to upload the pictures from tonight. Those will have to wait.

Must. Sleep.

Evidently, getting up at 4:15 will do that to you.

But I just had to share these of her smiling with y’all before turning in. And now, my job is done.

Nighty night.


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08.01.11 · Poppy, Poppy China Trip 82

Comments

  1. Suzanne Rowe says

    August 1, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    What a great way to begin my Monday…seeing that beautiful, beautiful smile on that beautiful, beautiful face!
    Yay, God!

    Sleep well!

    Blessings,
    Suzanne Rowe

    Reply
  2. Erin @ One Particular Kitchen says

    August 1, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    What a precious thing to wake up to this morning! I’m crying over this. Yay Poppy!

    Reply
  3. Chris says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Precious, precious, precious!!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  4. Emily says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    I am in tears just seeing that smile!!! true, real, heartfelt! Praise God, and I’m sure He rejoiced even more than her Mama!!!!!

    Reply
  5. Heather says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    The best way to start my week! What a beautiful and heartfelt smile! Love it!

    Reply
  6. elisabeth says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    Beautiful! So happy for you and sweet Poppy! Praise God!

    Reply
  7. Diane says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    I am crying right here, right now, in the middle of my kitchen! This is just beautiful! God bless you all, and enjoy your day with your sweet little girl!

    Reply
  8. kelly says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    Tears, tears, tears,,, of pure joy! Good things come to those who wait… May God continue to bless all of you.

    Surely an excellent way to begin any day. Kudos to you! What a cute, cute grin! She certainly knows how to brighten up a room, am I right?

    Enjoy the day and thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Ali says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    Made my Monday! My heart has been aching for yours as I watch you keep that beautiful smile hiding all your fears. Hoping and praying this is the turning point and she will open up even more to you and Zach. I know it has to be hard for him to see you struggle. LOVE that smile!

    Reply
  10. Snick :) says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    Oh happy day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Poppy looks positively radiant in your arms!!!

    Reply
  11. Esty says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    And your shirt says: “Beauty from ashes”. Perfect. xoxo

    Reply
  12. Lisa says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    Love it, she feels safe in her mommas arms…Poppy was beautiful not smiling and she is even more beautiful smiling! You are an amazing momma…you were patient and loving and knew in Gods timing Poppy would open up!
    Blessings

    Reply
  13. Dusty says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    So precious! And to see that smile next to the “Beauty from Ashes” quote on your shirt…amazing! God is good!

    Reply
  14. Becky says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    She looks like a totally different little girl with a sparkle in her eye and a smile on her face. Her dark brown eyes are gorgeous and with that smile………

    Reply
  15. Katie says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    Oh my gosh and what a fantastic smile it is ๐Ÿ™‚ Happy to see it Miss Poppy!

    Reply
  16. Katherine says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    There are tears falling on my breakfast plate right now. Very happy tears. ๐Ÿ™‚ Praising God and continuing to cover you guys with prayers!

    Reply
  17. Gwen says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    She is absolutely radiant when she smiles!!! Good therapy for a mama who has been waiting patiently to see her true sparkle shine through. And I’m sure it’s only the beginning!! Wait till she meets all those siblings at home!!

    Reply
  18. Suzanne says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Rejoicing with you. What a beautiful smile your baby girl has! I look forward to many more photos of her smiling!

    Reply
  19. Kathy R says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Oh, instant happy tears seeing that smile picture. So, so happy for y’all!

    Reply
  20. Rita says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Hallelujah! I can hear the birds singing from here! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  21. Emmy Fusilier says

    August 1, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Ahhh happy day!! And do I spy a dimple on that sweet little cheek?!?!

    Reply
  22. Sally says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    Beauty from ashes, indeed!

    Reply
  23. tish says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    fantastic! praise God!

    Reply
  24. Colleen says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    Ohmuword! I love seeing her sweet, sweet smile. And this one is for YOU this time! Not the shopkeeper. Praising God for this little miracle!
    Love you!

    Reply
  25. Doreen says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    ….and what a beautiful smile it is! Miss Poppy seems to be succumbing to her wonderful mother!!!!

    Reply
  26. Jennifer says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    Every time I see her smile I get goosebumps from head to toe! She’s a gift!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  27. Kristiana says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    It is beautiful to watch this little blossom unfold. God is good!

    Reply
  28. Grace says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    What a beautiful smile she has!
    I can’t wait to see more smiling pics in the coming days.

    Reply
  29. Alyson says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    What a beauty! Gorgeous smile with adorable little teeth!!

    Reply
  30. Kim says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    All I can say is…Praise you Jesus!!

    Reply
  31. Sarah says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    oohhh…beautiful girl!!!

    Reply
  32. Kristi D. says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    So. very. HAPPY for you both!!!! The sun is now shining and the forecast: Little Miss Poppy’s future is looking mighty darn bright!!!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  33. Maureen Wagner says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    YAY! the birds are singing here too!!!!!! How beautiful is she????

    Reply
  34. Kaitlyn says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Awww, YAY!!!! That is great!

    In our sea of love

    Reply
  35. Aus says

    August 1, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    She was beautiful before – she’s a heart stopper now!!! HOORAH!

    Great joy for you here in Louisville (daughter’s wedding day!!) hugs – aus and co.

    Reply
  36. Football and Fried Rice says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    She sure did try to hold that grin in!! So glad the Lord has that girl’s heart! And slowly, you are getting in! She is darling!

    Reply
  37. Shelley says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    Oh Stefanie~Her beautiful smile has made me cry! What a privilege God has given you to watch Miss Poppy as she learns to love and trust. Celebrating with you today!

    Reply
  38. Kimberly E says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    What a beautiful smile it is! I have to admit, it made me cry too ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  39. j-chin says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    So happy for you, so happy for poppy, so happy for your family. God bless surely~

    Reply
  40. Leigh T. says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Love is opening up the little Poppy flower! ๐Ÿ™‚ Love seeing prayers answered!

    Reply
  41. Angie D. says

    August 1, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    Tearing up as I see Poppy’s precious smile! Oh, how we’ve all waited and prayed for that! Confident that many more will follow! Praise be to God!

    Reply
  42. Bev Gayman says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    What a beautiful smile!!! So happy that the walls are slowly starting to come down.
    Keeping you all in my prayers!!

    Reply
  43. Michelle says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    Yeah! God is Good! made my day to see her smile!!!! praying for you in Athens, AL

    Reply
  44. Ashley says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    And what a beautiful, precious, adorable smile at that!!!!!

    Blessings! Ashley

    Reply
  45. Ellen says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    She’s just lit from within! What a gorgeous smile she has, I’m so glad she’s feeling comfortable enough to share it with you now. May peace and happiness reign over you three for the rest of your trip!

    Reply
  46. Kirstie Bikakis says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    Look at the grin on her face!!! It makes her look even more beautiful! And it just lights up her face! (:
    Seeing her smile like that totally just made my day! <3

    Reply
  47. Diana says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    She is soooooooo ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    The best things truly are worth waiting for!!!

    Love,
    Diana

    Reply
  48. Keri says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    And what a beautiful smile it is. I’m so happy she is beginning to open up a bit. What a beautiful girl.

    Reply
  49. Ruby says

    August 1, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    It was definitely worth the wait ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  50. Nathalie says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    This is a miracle of unconditional love. Yours and His. Poppy, your precious little flower, is blossoming and opening up as she feels the power of unconditional love. How wonderful! How beautiful!

    Reply
  51. Wendy says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    Look at her blossom! Yay!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  52. Judy says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    Tears literally came to my eyes when I saw that smile! Definitely worth the wait. Poppy is just breathtakingly beautiful!

    Reply
  53. Jennifer says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    After looking at that last picture…..now I can’t stop smiling!!!!! Hooray!!!!! Thank you, God!!!!

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      August 1, 2011 at 5:37 PM

      Oh….and the shirt you have on is perfect for that moment!

      Reply
  54. Sarah says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Ahh she is awesome!! Baby steps! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  55. stacey milchman says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    Yippee! So happy to see things are coming along. She is truly precious. Keep going…

    Reply
  56. April Z. says

    August 1, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    I love the pictures of beautiful Poppy! That smile is perfect!!

    Reply
  57. Nancy says

    August 1, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    **Awesome** smile and you also have an awesome photographer/travel companion!!!

    Reply
  58. Mayme says

    August 1, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    Positively Beautiful! I know your heart is so full!

    Reply
  59. Rebecca says

    August 1, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    She is gorgeous and that smile is amazing!

    Reply
  60. martha says

    August 1, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    love seeing those pearly whites!

    Reply
  61. Brenda Perez says

    August 1, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    That’s the most beautiful thing I’ve seen all day. Just perfect!

    Reply
  62. Sharon says

    August 1, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    Seeing her smile has me beaming from ear to ear!

    Reply
  63. Kim says

    August 1, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Yay, Poppy!!!! So happy for you and hope the rest of your trip is joyous!

    Reply
  64. Amy Meeker says

    August 1, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    Totally worth the wait ๐Ÿ™‚ YEAH Poppy.

    Reply
  65. Wendy says

    August 1, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Wow! That is an amazing, beautiful sight!!

    Reply
  66. Sarah says

    August 1, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Seriously… just when I thought she couldn’t get ANY cuter!! What a lovely lovely sweet one you have. Her smile is such sunshine. SUCH a gift!

    Reply
  67. Di says

    August 1, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    way to go Miss Poppy!! I have been hoping for this moment…..but not as much as you I am sure!

    Reply
  68. Krissie Murphy says

    August 1, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    YEAY!!!! Wipes the tears away and smiles back at Poppy and to you and Zach!

    Reply
  69. Heather Peterson says

    August 2, 2011 at 12:09 AM

    Amazing! If that doesn’t get you I don’t know what will!

    Reply
  70. Eva says

    August 2, 2011 at 12:27 AM

    What a glorious sight to see your beautiful Poppy smiling! Just melted my heart. :). Love it!!!!!

    Reply
  71. Kim says

    August 2, 2011 at 12:53 AM

    That is amazing!! I love that she finally smiled. It can only get better from here. Good luck! I pray every night for you and your family.

    Reply
  72. Lisa O says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:04 AM

    I’m so thankful that God is opening up your sweet little Poppy flower and letting her blossom right in front of your eyes. I have a feeling once she starts, she won’t stop.

    So happy for you!

    xo~
    Lisa

    Reply
  73. Chris Nichols says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:33 AM

    Praising the Lord with you!!! What a beautiful smile. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  74. Brenda says

    August 2, 2011 at 2:09 AM

    Oh Stefanie, reading your post made my day!!!!You can see the joy in both of your sweet faces! Your a wonderful mom! Continued prayers that each day brings more joy and less grief! You must be on winding things down now…Can’t wait to hear your on your way home!

    Reply
  75. Jean says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    What a beautiful site- like an unfolding of a flower!

    Thank you for sharing this with us!!

    Reply
  76. carrie says

    August 2, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Amen!

    Reply
  77. Allie says

    August 2, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Seeing her smile made my day!! I had to comeback to make sure I didn’t imagine it ๐Ÿ™‚
    I am so glad she’s smiling!! It’s the most adorable thing I’ve seen!! I hope you get to hear her laugh or talk sometime soon! But for the meantime her smiling is a milestone alone ๐Ÿ™‚
    ps. I want to join the So Loved group? How do I do that? Email me the info please. I am also adopted like poppy. And I’d love to support So Loved.
    alexandra11tennyson@gmail.com

    Reply
  78. Campbell says

    August 2, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    I am positively covered in goosebumps from head to toe. Tingling with joy for that sweet blessed child! What a thrill. The joy is in there and it cannot be contained!! God Bless you!! (KUDOS to Zach for taking such fantastic shots!!)

    Reply
  79. Jennifer says

    August 2, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    Beautiful little girly girl. That smile was all the more worth it because of the wait!

    Reply
  80. Ali says

    August 2, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    So anxiously waiting for a Poppy Day 9 update!!

    Reply
  81. TanyaLea says

    August 4, 2011 at 3:45 AM

    Oh man! That sweet smile she gave to the shopkeeper melted my heart in two!… but this one… this one she tried so hard to keep in, but just couldn’t hold it… this one she gave, and GAVE BIG to her MAMA… THIS ONE melted me to PIECES!! And in exchange for all that sweetness on my screen, tears are welling and fogging my ability to type any longer. She is precious, Stef! Absolutely, breath-takingly PRECIOUS! …and I am SO glad to see her in her mama’s arms of love, knowing very well that God Himself is holding both of you in His mighty arms of love! Oh how excited I am for the day when those giggles flow freely from that sweet, sweet face. SOON. He is working on her heart, and it will be so worth every painstaking moment of the wait.

    love and hugs,
    ~ Tanya

    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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