WHAT A CUTE BEAUTIFUL YOUNG GIRL YOU ARE ONE LUCKY FAMILY. SHE SOUNDS VERY SWEET.
Jia Li is beautiful! Do not worry about her size she looks fairly healthy and I don't think they encourage smiling in pictures. She seems to be a vibrant personality and that will probably start to come through within a few weeks of coming home. It only gets better once they realize that they will get to stay with you. Good luck with the challenges and rewards ahead. When you cannot be with her, God is still watching over her, protecting her. Stacy CA
Dear Lesa, Drew, Katie & Anna, As I was looking at this wonderful website and all you are doing to prepare for the new member of your family, the scripture that came into my mind was this: "LET THE BEAUTY OF THE LORD OUR GOD BE UPON YOU AND ESTABLISH THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS." PSALM 90: 17 You are doing such a beautiful thing, including this precious little one into your lives and making this journey so memorable for all of us. I am so thankful God brought you into our lives and that you allow us to remain involved!! We love you more than words can say!! We can't wait to extend that love to Jia-Li!! Mama Rita & Daddy Mike
Lesa and family, Thanks for inviting me to share this special time. Jia-Li will make a beautiful addition to your already beautiful family. Stephanie Chiocca
You know our thoughts, good wishes and prayers are with you all throughout this whole 'journey'- in the U.S. and in China!We can't wait to meet Jia-Li! Love, Kathy, Fred, Rich and Katie
Lesa, Jia-Li is beautiful so is the rest of your family. The website is very touching, she's so blessed to be on her way to you guys! Congratulations! Heidy and Joey still in the paperchase GWCA
Dear Parnham Family, Your home is wonderful, filled with love and fun. How blessed Jia-Li is to become the youngest member of such a special family. We wish you all the best!
Jia-Li, you will be a welcome and beautiful addition to the Parnham family. G-d bless you and be well, have a safe journey and a fun one to America. Susan Peretson
I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as the date approaches for your trip to bring Jia-Li home. She is blessed to have a family who expresses so much LOVE for her. I hope I will meet her too! Love, Grace W.
What wonderful people you all are! Such full of love, and willing to give so much of yourselves to make a young girl happy. Jia is the luckiest little girl to be part of such a great family. Good luck throughout the whole process. I can't wait to meet the new Parnham cutie! My forever love and support, Erin
My husband and I have just started te process to adopt a little girlfrom China (it takes 2 years here). I can't wait to find out more about your journey - I have favourited your page. Good luck - Jia-Li is a very lucky girl (and your two other daughters are beautiful girls). x
Oops, I should add I am writing from England. x
I can`t wait to see my little cousin,Anna and katie older than me they look 15 and I look 10. Love, Epiphany
Congratulations on your beautiful new daughter. She is blessed to have you as her parents. Mary Bradley
Nice! P. Bernis
What a beautiful web site. This sounds like such an amazing experience. You and your family must be on cloud 9 ! What made you and your husband decide to adopt ? How did you pick Jia-Li ? Fondly, Diane Harrison
congrats guys!! it sounds as if everything is great. We have friend here in DeLand who are adopting from China also. Take care. Amanda and Eric Dawson
We are thrilled that the process is finally going to show results and we will have another wonderful granddaughter. Katie and Anna are such a joy to all our family and we are sure Jai Li will be an additional joy. We are truly blessed. The circle of our family anticipates widening to embrace Jia, she will add a whole new dimension and aren't we fortunate! God bless our granddaughter, she will be much loved. Gramdpa & Nona x x x x
Aloha,I am writing from Hawaii.I was looking on the adoption websites and saw yours.She is so beautiful and so are your girls.I wish you good luck.
The anticipation has got to be deadly. Many prayers have been said that all goes well. Your excitement is contagious. Just another display of God's goodness. Isn't He wonderful? the Trifu's
We are your family here at school enjoying every minute of the way to your new venture. We also love seeing your girls grow and adore the closeness and enjoyment that we see in Drew with his girls. We are so excited in the arrival of Jia-Li and so can't wait for your trip to happen. We wish you all the love and happiness and a safe trip too. We will be with you all the way!!! Joanne Gatewood
Wishing the Parnham Family and soon to be Jia-Li Parnham the best that life can offer. Jia-Li you are blessed to have such a wonderful mother and father and two adoring sisters. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Natalie Flores
CONGRATULATIONS!! your little girl is beautiful! may God bless your wonderful family. Thanks for sharing your wonderful news with us. Nicolle and Daniella send their love. I can't wait to show my sister. Keep in touch Love Ivett
Lesa & Drew, All of you must be getting excited about your new arrival. Have enjoyed looking over your website. And the girls look so grown up! Weren't we just that age? Time sure flies. Take care, Leon
My dearest Drew: Thank you for sharing with me the adoption process of Jia-Li. How exciting and nerve racking should be all this, but more exciting than anything. I am not doing it and I feel nervous and can't wait to see her. You and Lesa have a huge heart to adventure in this process, especially knowing that takes a while to finish the process. Is Jia-Li the american name? What does it mean? Is Hui her last name, if so, are you planning to change it to Parnham. What does Jia-Li means? What about Ye Ru? Am I very nosy, yes, because I am really excited? Love to you and Lesa Noemi C. Rivera Plantation High School
Dear Lesa, Thanks for the update on Jia-Li. She is a beautiful little girl and so lucky to be joining such a loving family. How could a child not thrive with 3 doting mothers? I'm so looking forward to meeting her and hopefully teaching her in a few years. Love to the girls. Ellen
Leesa That is so wonderful. I admire you and your family so much for taking this step. God bless you Ann R. Zucker
Congratulations!! I just went on the website - she's beautiful and I'm sure after a short time with your family she will be smiling all the time. I have a friend locally who adopted a child from China a few years ago - she's now in elementary school. She is so sweet and smart. Another friend, who has been waiting forever to become a grandmother, is moving to Georgia to be near her daughter who is adopting a child from China also. She was supposed to pick her up this month. Joni D'Auria
Lesa, Drew, Anna, & Katie - The pictures are wonderful! When you finally bring Jia-Li home, it won't be long before we see her smiling face in your pictures. Keep the website updated, I'll check often. Love, Kathie (your cousin in PA)
Hi Lesa and family, I just came across your beautiful website. Your daughter is beautiful! I adopted my daughter from China, Hunan Province, in April 2006. She was also three years old and in foster care. If you have any questions I would be glad to help. Before I traveled I talked to a couple of people who adopted the same age and they gave me some great advice. I would b glad to share it with you. My email is jeanette.plesich@skyfi.com phone is 330.841.0986 Good luck and God Bless. You are going to have a fantastic journey to your new daughter. Jeanette Plesich from Ohio
Lesa, Jia-Li is so beautiful. She will be well loved in her forever family. Congratulations. Love, Cyndi and Dean James Waiting for Alicyn Shea DTC 10/4/06 Auburn, CA
I live in the UK and I am following your story (my husband and me have just started the process to adopt a little girl from China and it takes 2 years here!) I hope you have Jia-Li by Christmas - imagine how her beautiful little downturned mouth will grow the other way when she has a permanent loving family around her. She has something wonderful in her eyes - so sad/lost at the moment but so much behind - I can't wait to read the next part of your journey - I wish your family every happiness for the future. xxx ashleabride@yahoo.co.uk
Hi Lesa, What a great family you have. Jia-Li is going to fit in well with her big sisters. I can tell you will all have a lot of fun as a family. Thanks for sharing your link on the Yahoo Group. While I'm done adopting, its always so fun to hear others stories and see the excitemnt as they wait for their new child. Sammie Mom to Andy 10 Thailand and Alex 7 China
I was so excited to see your beautiful daughter from Daye. Our daughter is Ye Ru Xi, also from Daye and came home to her forever family June 2005. There are not alot of children coming home from this SWI so it does my heart good each time I see a new face that has been united with their family. Alicia
Your daughter is just beautiful!!!! We're also a SN family, on day 130-something of waiting for TA. I sure hope it gets here soon! I look forward to seeing the rest of your journey! Mary <a href=http://www.oneblessedfamily.com>Our Website</a>
hey mrs.parnahm, katie,anna, and mr. parnham, i just wanted to wish your family the best while you all travel to china.i hope you have memorable experience, you'll never forget. i can't wait to learn more chinese words and phrasesfrom mrs. p and most of all i can't wait to see pictures of jia-li and mrs.parnham eating discusting food. i think jia-li will make a wonderful addition to your wonderful family.i wish you all the best in china, good luck. (\/) Love, (o0) Jessica Rodriguez Ms. P's Period 3. ( )0
hey mrs.parnahm, katie,anna, and mr. parnham, i just wanted to wish your family the best while you all travel to china.i hope you have memorable experience, you'll never forget. i can't wait to learn more chinese words and phrasesfrom mrs. p and most of all i can't wait to see pictures of jia-li and mrs.parnham eating discusting food. i think jia-li will make a wonderful addition to your wonderful family.i wish you all the best in china, good luck. Love, Jessica Rodriguez Ms. P's Period 3.
Mrs Parnham Im gonna miss you when you go get Jia-Li.Can you post some pictures of you and Jia-Li in China. With love(your Student), Marcillina
Hi Mrs. Parnham! I hope you and your family have a great trip to China and have fun meeting your new daughter! She is very cute! Sincerely, Felicia Estrada :)
She's beautiful and so is your family!! Looking forward to following your trip. Just remember when you go it will be the PERFECT time to travel. Hugs, Jean, Ed, Lynzie, & Suzie
Jia-Li - What an honor it is to help bring you home to your Mommy, Daddy, and sisters ! You have so many wonderful moments and memories ahead of you. Steve and I treasure and love our two precious daughters from China, as I know you will be treasured and loved too. May God bless you all richly with His grace and power - Steve, Cindy, Hannah(8) and Leah(6) Marut
What a great site, thanks for sharing. Good luck and best wishes on your travels there and back. She is a special little girl to have such loving parents! JD
May God be with you and bless your entire family. She is a beautiful girl, and is so lucky to be getting all of you as a family. Have a wonderful trip.
Hey Drew and family. What a wonderful blessing from GOD on this Christmas to have Jia-Li. I wish you all a safe trip. Take Care and Happy Holidays!!! :-)
My prayers are with you and your family as you committ to doing exactly what God did for us, adopt us into His family and showering us with His love. God will bless you as you now partake in being Christ-like, in the mold of the Son. God bless you! Jayson Aviles-ESE
Congratulations Lesa and Drew, Many blessings to you and your three beautiful daughters. Best wishes during your journey, Kelly Bernal
God bless all of you as you add another gift from God to your family. Enjoy every moment of this adventure. Sincerely, Diana Carter
God gives many blessings...Children are the best! Congratulations to Jia-Li you are going to have a wonderful forever family! "It was also called Mizpah: May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are absent one from the other." Gensis 31:49 Love, Erika Butterfield
HIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!! MS P!!!!!!!!!!!! MOOOOOO I AM A PIG!!!!!!! LOL FROM UR BEST STUDENTS KATRINA, AND STEPHANIE V. L
Dear Parnham Family... Thank you with all my heart for your kind words of condolence on our website. It meant so much to me! I think your daughter is exquisite! She has a lovely "upside down smile" like our Libby Mei! I am enamored with the idea of adopting an older child (though since the loss of our son we do not have the stamina for another adoption). I think you will be so blessed to have a child who eats with chopsticks, speaks Chinese and brings home other elements of beautiful China! What a grand adventure you are embarking upon, and surely great joy will come to you! There is just something about these little girls... I CAN'T WAIT to follow your journey! Fondly, Erin (& Libby Mei)
hey mrs.parnham i love the pictures. i hope to see your updates soon. stephanie tamayo
We cannot wait to meet Jia-Li and get her on the soccer field! Paul, Tina, Nicole & Jackie Frechette
I AM SO HAPPY!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO GO ON THE 22ND!!! IT WILL BE SO MUCH FUN!!!! ANNA BANANA!!! :)
I AM SO HAPPY!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO GO!!! IT WILL BE SO MUCH FUN!!! ANNA BANANA :)
I can hardly stand the anticipation. I wish you guys a very safe trip and happy holiday in a foreign land. My love & prayers are with you as you take on this exciting experience! Lesa you can email OR call me ANYTIME!!
i love this website! i ove how you made it your own, it is so cretive. you are going to make her fell like she is in heaven! i saw all those clothing and toys, she will be happy for sure. GOOD LUCK on your journey, and all your students are with you ever step you take. melissa miranda :)
hi ms.parnham
I just love your website. I can't believe you are going to pick up your beautiful daughter on Christmas day. By the way, the twins are beautiful adn they are very lucky to have such wonderful parents. I will be waiting for updates and will be following your journey. Good luck
Hi Mrs.P this Michael from your second hour I hope you have A wonderfull time at china. Don't forget about me. Michael Dominguez.
What a fabulous family. Thank you for sharing your beautiful website and your story. May your unconditional love be an inspiration to everyone. Daneka Ewert
Hi Mrs.Parham!! I like your website and the pictures. You are so close to Christmas, Jia-Li is a really great gift for Christmas. I wish you good luck when you guys go and may God go along with you. I'll be checking your website to see what going on.Oh, and i like that picture of Katie sleeping and with the Chiguagua! I quess you guys are really tired of waiting. Your "A" Student, Cinthya P.S. "A" haha
Hi Mrs.Parham!! I like your website and the pictures. You are so close to Christmas, Jia-Li is a really great gift for Christmas. I wish you good luck when you guys go and may God go along with you. I'll be checking your website to see what going on.Oh, and i like that picture of Katie sleeping and with the Chiguagua! I quess you guys are really tired of waiting. Your "A" Student, Cinthya P.S. "A" haha
I LOVE your website. I am reading this as you prepare to travel to China to adopt your wonderful little daughter. I think that God and His Angels are smiling all the way!!! What a Christmas gift. My daughter, Julia Qingping, was in fact a "Ye" child. She came home in 1997 as a 3.5 year old and is now the ripe old age of 12.5. I look forward to reading more about your travels and adventures in days to come. Joanellen Hurley West Hartford, CT also mom to 8 year old Maura Jing Jing from Ningxia!
You guys are AMAZING! We cannot wait to meet beautiful Jia-Li. Have a safe trip. Melissa, Eric, Alexsandra and JAke :)
It's so exciting to help your parents prepare to bring you home! -- Libby Bennett, LNI Case Worker
Jia-Li! Welcome! How blessed you are to have such a wonderful family! Grow, laugh, and love! Can't wait to meet you. Deborah Brunt 6th grade Language Arts Walter C. Young
Every child is a blessing... Trish Murdoch
Have a very safe, Happy Christmas with your new member of the family. I'll be thinking of you. Kerri Routenberg
Have a very safe, Merry Christmas with your new member of the family. I'll be thinking of you. Kerri Routenberg
I wish you all a safe journey!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers!! Carol Palmer
Have a wonderful trip. Mazel Tov!!! Kim Annis
MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU. I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE FAMILY.
Congratulations on the newest member of your family...Merry Christmas and may the new year bring you health and happiness!!! Love, Walter
Good luck on your journey, Parnham family! Our family will be praying for a wonderful adventure to China, a safe arrival and safe return. May God bless all of you on the beginning of this wonderful journey!! With much love, The Allbees. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Safe travels-We can't wait to follow your journey !! She is a buautiful little girl. What a blessing for your family.
Parnhams, Have a wonderful, joyous adventure as you travel to get your new little girl. My thouhts and best wishes will be with you throughout your journey. Give Jia-Li a kiss for me until I can do it myself.Merry Chritmas, Happy New Year! Ellen Sabety PS whosse hairy arm is that!!!
Lesa and Family, Have a wonderful journey. We will be following your trip and look forwrd to your messages and photos. steadwoman
Safe travels!!!! We'll be following. Happy Holidays, Misty B
This is such an awesome adventure for you. Give your girls my best. They always do such a great job when I need their help. Happy Holidays, Marilyn
So glad the big moment is finally here. I'm sure the experience will be one you always remember. Have a safe trip. Can't wait to see the lastest pictures.
Lesa, Thank you for announcing your website. You have a great looking family. I am so happy you get your new little girl Christmas Day - awesome Christmas gift. I was hoping to see you in Guangzhou, but we won't be there until the 13th. Happy traveling! We'll watch your website! Tayne and Jim Peirce traveling Jan 13-27
hi ms.parnham its dalton i hope you have a great safe trip to & from china.
Hi Parnhams, Sounds like quite an exciting couple of days for all of you, can't wait to hear of your first experiences with your new daughter. Thinking of you each moment. Have the merriest Christmas ever! LOVE TO EVERYONE, EL
Drew, Lesa, Anna and Katie: As we prepare to depart for our Christmas Eve church service, we are thinking and praying for you. This morning was the first church service to be held in our newly constructed church. What an incredible blessing. All of the Parnham/Harlton clan are headed to the evening service prior to returning home for a meal and pre-Christmas (Christmas Eve) celebration! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! We are missing you here but know that a wonderful blessing awaits in just a few short hours. We pray for a smooth transition and a documentation process that is free of difficulty. May the God who created all things be with you, bless you and make his presence powerfully known to you this Christmas season! Many blessings, The Sardachuk/Fay clan. (Grant, Shelagh, Christy and Michael).
By now you might have Jia-Li in your arms! I hope all is going well and your new child is getting accustomed to her new family. We wish you a Merry Christmas and look forward to more updates every day. Love Doug, Shannon and the boys
Merry Christmas! Just wanted to wish you one over there. We adopted in May and I am following families on this site. I can't wait to see your whole family together! kthollis@comcast.net
Congratulations on finally having Jia-Li. She is beautiful. Looks like she and the girls will have some very special times together. Can't wait to hear all about your day! Merry Christmas. Candy
We are very excited about having a new grandaughter. We are looking forward to seeing you soon and getting to hug Jia li in person. Are you teaching her to say "Nona"?? You might remember that was the first thing we hoped you would teach Jia!!! We miss you but share in your happiness. Love, Dad and Mom
Just saw the pics - she is adorable and it looks like she loves her big sisters already. Congratulations - what a Christmas for all of you. We are checking the website regularly. Much love to all. Shelagh
We got the pictures of you meeting your dear little daughter and she is beautiful. We are so lucky to hyave such a lovely new granddaughter. It is not surprising that she already loves Katie and Anna (who wouldn't) and I am sure they will be a great help to her in making the transition. We are thinking of you and trying to imagine your excitment. It is very excitinjg. Love Dad & Mom
Merry Christmas all. We got your pictures at noon - Jia-Li looks so cute - and so much older than in the first pictures you had! We're glad that she has bonded so well with Katie & Anna - they will be a huge help in the whole transition process. We look forward to hearing more of your adventures. We're sending you a group shot of all of us later today! I'm sure it was a Christmas to remember! Our thoughts are with you! Moira, Wayne, Kirsten, Trent, and Meredith
We're so happy for all of you. Love Craig, Jenni, Lav, Gab, Pif, and our menagerie
We have been keeping up with you guys!!!! We are so excited to hear from you today! You are an amazing family!!!!! Love The Bellos (Eric, Melissa, Alexsandra and Jake)
Congratulations on the new adition to the Parnham family. May she bring you many years of happines and laughs. Thank you for sharing this important time in your lives. Have a wonderful stay and a safe return home. Peggy Goldman
That Is Awesome! Merry Christmas Mrs. Parnham!
That Is Awesome! Merry Christmas Mrs. Parnham!
To Jia Li: You are such a brave little girl! You deserve your new family... and they deserve you too! What a bright new life you are beginning. Have courage and hope. Smile when you can, and cry when you need to. America needs more little girls like you! Love and best wishes, Erin & Libby Mei (myadoptionwebsite.com/libby)
Hello to all of you. Hope your journey is a fantastic adventure. Lesa, I know you said you weren't a great traveler but anyone that has a patient and positive attitude like your's is going to be a great traveler. Keep smiling and tell Katie, Anna and Drew the best it yet to come. God Bless you all in your journey through China, stay safe and I'll pray that everything goes as planned for your safe return with Jia-Li. Joyce
Lesa, Jia-Li is just beautiful! I am amazed by her eyes. They seem to be telling a story.
Prayers coming your way from Minnesota!!! Blessings to all of you as Jia-Li opens up more and more each day!!! Happy New Year! -Diana (Journey to Mei Mei, 10/24/05 LID)
Hi - I have really enjoyed following your trip. We are the Larners from "Threes a Charm" currently at the White Swan. We love it here and will look for your family once you come! All of your children are so beautiful! Enjoy the journey -- Phaedra
hi mrs. parnham! its kayde. jia-li is very very very cute.going to miss you when we are going to go back to school.oh yeah! and keep up the up dates!i hope jia-li gets used to you. P.S. how do you pronounce jia-li's name?
thanks for teaching me how to eat with chop sticks!
Congratulations! Jia-Li is so beautiful. She is a great addition to your family. Alyson Laureano
I LOVE reading your messages, it makes me feel like a real part of your adventures. Kate-ster if you still feel bad, listen to your parents and take something! You'll be setting a good example for your new sister. Anna- banana, people in China are only staring at you because you are SO beautiful! Drew, I can tell you from an experienced "CRAZY DRIVER" that if the U-turn incident happened on I-595 you WOULD NOT have survived. Ji-Li, love your momma, she is a kind, loving person who only wants the best for you. Lesa, be patient. I can't imagine all that is going through your heart and mind at this time, but you'll make it through! Also if you are home sick, think of me living across the street from the Pembroke Lakes Mall. Let me tell you I've alomst lost my life a few times just trying to get home. I can honestly say I've almost taken a few lives, too! People are CRAZY this time of year, (me included). Matt and I decided not buy gifts for eachother this year, but we sure headed out for the after x-mas sales to find furniture and a new TV! Go figure. I miss you all very much!
I am so excited to see your website! Jia's laughter is wonderful to my ears. We are leaving January 11th to meet our daughter in china. It's so nice to be able to see your web site and read how it has been for your family. We will be staying at the WS 12 days. Congratulations! I finally found your names, mom and Dad, Lesa and Drew! If you want to see us, we are at: www.babyjellybeans name Ellie Grace Schupp We are very happy for you and your growing family. Ralph and Paige
Hang in there, Jia-Li will like you better soon! Our Daye girl didn't like me a bit. It really hurt a lot. I thought we had made a mistake, etc. It doesn't help to be sleep deprived! It just makes you more emotional I think! It'll be fine! She's adorable! p.s. Wait til you get back to Guangzhou to have laundry done. We had all of ours done before we came home at Jennifer's by the White Swan. Wepaid like $35 for several bags of clothing to be cleaned. It was well worth it not to have to wash clothes when we got home. Don't have it done at the White Swan - it'll cost a lot. Sabra Hatch
Sounds like you have been through the full range of emotions possible during your adventure. I know it is difficult during these early days, but once you get back to your home and her new home, the real family experience will begin. Even though I've been busy with my family during the holidays, I have read each day's update, also shared your excitment with them. I know it must be exhausting and you are anxious to get back to familiar territory. So glad the girls are with you. Loads of love and lots of prayers, EL
Hey Parnham Family!! The Allbee family has been thinking about all of you constantly and frequently checking your web site! We're so glad that everything seems to be running pretty smoothly thus far. I'm sure that you all are ready for a great big juicy burger in the good old USA! We are excited to meet your newest addition. You all will continue to be in our prayers! Love ya, The Allbee Clan.
Hi MRS.Parnham!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!Jia Li is very beautiful and cute!!!I wish you and you're family the best!!I will miss you when we go back to school!! =] P.S Don't worry about Jia Li ,she will start treating you like a mother but she just needs a little bit of time!! Can you please say hi to everyone for me? Thank you LOVE,Melissa Jaramillo Mrs.P 2 period
We are thrilled to know that you are united with your bundle of joy... we pray that your trip home is safe. Congratulations! Love, Brandon Perez & Family 3rd period
Thank you for sharing your story with everyone. We returned from Guangzhou 4 months ago with our 4 year old daughter. I also experienced many of the emotions and trials you have shared. Our daughter still remains very head strong but the gentle spirit continues to surface and grow stronger. Upon our arrival back home, she was VERY afraid of our dogs. It took several days, we were lucky, and now she bosses the dogs around. You will be in my prayers as will your daughters. It was difficult at times for our 10 & 8 yr old but they loved the ice cream at the deli shop!
Hi Parnham Family, Wanted to wish you a Happy 2007! We are checking in with your journey and enjoy your journal and photos! I am so glad to see Jia-Li is with her family! Wishing you a wonderful rest of your trip! :0) Shannon, Alan, Ryan and Mia (from FCC South FL)
Drew, Lesa, Katie, Anna and Jia: It looks like a quiet New Year's Eve here in the desert. Shelagh and I are off to a dinner party with friends who's son-in-law is missing his first anniversary with their Daughter as he is serving in Iraq with the Marines. Your photos and diary is terrific which we anxiously await each day! Jia looks beautiful and what a blessing that the three sisters are already so close. We continue to pray for your safe return and a smooth transition with the US embassy. May God bless you abundantly today, tomorrow and throughout 2007. Love, Shelagh, Grant, Michael and Christy.
Happy New Year! We hae been over in Sun City visiting our friends, Don and Sherri Ross. The weather has improved and is getting warmer. We wait each day for your pictures and message. It's great to have such immediate info on your trip! Sounds like things are much better now that you are back to a larger center. Jia sure is good with chopsticks! Hope all is well and your last few days are fun! Moira and Wayne
My friend, Rita Parker, shared your special site with me. I also am a foster mom, and I remember when Anna and Katie were infants...I was so thrilled to see what beautiful young ladies they have grown into. Even though we have never met, I have enjoyed sharing your adoption journey. Jia-Li is a blessed child to have you, but even more important is how blessed you are to have her in your lives. May God bless each of you with His goodness and grace. Anne Davis, Plantation, FL
HAPPY NEW YEAR PARNHAMS!! Thanks for all the pictures and videos. Every morning I wake up and run to the computer to see what adventures your taking. It's like the movie Truman Show but I'm watching The Parnham Show! :-) Love you all! Erin
Dear Parnhams, MAZOL TOV!!!!! Steve and I have been away on our cruise and I wasn't able to access your site all week. I did think about you constantly! We just got home and I haven't even brought in the suitcases. I've spent the last 1 1/2 hours looking at your site and crying with happiness. I am sooo thrilled for all of you. She is adorable and you all look so happy!! Continue to enjoy your adventure and bonding experience. I can't wait to meet Miss Jia Li in person. Merry Christmas, HAppy New Year and have a smooth flight home. Love, Ellen
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!! WITH JOY, KAYDE
are you still going to take a picture of something disgusting you ate? from kayde.
Dear Lesa, Drew, Anna and Katie, I hope your journey is safe. It is very exciting to hear about the addition to your wonderful family. Wishing you much love, happiness and good times ahead. Love, Anne Chern
Happy New Year Drew, Lesa, Katie, Anna and Jia, We have just returned from San Diego where we took the boys to Seaworld and Legoland. It was a crazy couple of days but we ran into some friends from Calgary at Legoland and spent New Years Eve with them watching fireworks and drinking too many margeritas! We love the photo with the girls in their matching pj's - too cute. All those girls in one place to shop with and do their hair - this auntie would go crazy! Good luck tomorrow with the Embassy and enjoy your last few days in China. We are thinking of you lots and wish you were here. Love Doug,Shannon,Mitchell,Jake and Shane.
Hi Drew, Lesa, Katie, Anna, and Jia-Li, HAPPY NEW YEAR! You've seen so many wonderful sites, and are putting on great pictures to help us "see" a little of your adventure. Thanks! Looking forward to seeing you in 2007! Take care, Mary Ellen Gray
Happy New Year! What a wonderful way to begin a new year. Jia-Li is such a precious little girl. Thank you for sharing your journey. It has been an honor to be a part of this amazing story. You are such a special family. Give Jia-Li a big hug fo me!! Rebekah from Los Ninos
Dear Drew, Best wishes for a great New Year with your beautiful family and new little girl. Thank you for sharing. It warms my heart (up here in chilly Michigan). Brian Rowland
Hi Mrs. Parnham! The pictures are BEAUTIFUL! Jai-Li is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ADORABLE! When are you going to show us some disgusting food? hahaha! MERRY late CHRISTMAS and HAPPY late NEW YEAR! love, Felicia Estrada
Jia-Li gets cuter each day. Can't wait to meet her and see you all. Thinking of you and awaiting your safe return. Love, El and Sunny
What a wonderful journal! I'm so happy for all of you, and Lesa, I hope you'll bring Jia-Li to school to visit one day soon. Happy New Year to you all. Vikki Gomez
Hey Drew, Lesa, Anna, Katie and Jia-Li: We looked forward every day to seeing your amazing entries/photos/videos! My Katie just went back to UCF- but we can't wait to see you all. Since you'll be in "Motown" I think now... 'You'll have sunshine on a cloudy day. And when it's cold outside--you'll have the month of May. I guess you'll say--what can make you feel that way?? Your girls!! Your girls!!! Talkin' 'bout your girls! Your girls!' God Bless you all. Kathy, Fred, Rich and Katie
May God bless you and keep your family safely together as you travel home on this LONG day! All my love and prayers, Erin
Welcome Home!!!!!! 12 :15 1/6/07 Ellen
Lesa, I am crying reading your last post. We have a bio son and two daughters from China (our oldest daughter from DaYe) and you are so right...they are miracles, they are our world. I have enjoyed your journey and can't wait to continue it upon your arrival home. Thank you. Denise - p://fivesenough.blogspot.com/
Drew, I am so happy for you and your family. Jia seems like a great fit. Everyone needs a little excitement in their lives. God bless you and your family. By the way, my camera does take nice pictures. Have a great one. Sincerely, Nelly Duplessis
Congratulations to all of you and a happy new year. this is such a beautiful experience . . . thank you. I see you are all well. Enjoy; Jia-Li is beautiful, as well as the girls. Cindy Lambidis
Drew and family I just wanted to say you guys are very special. Congrats. God Bless you all. Sandra Watson-Brown
Congratulations to all of you on your beautiful little girl. I have a friend at work who adopted from China so I've kind of "been through" the process with her. I wish you all the best. God bless! Judy Cannarozzi
Oh my goodness. I finally had a chance to sit down and read all the journal entries you made on your trip. How wonderful! I am so happy for all of you. Congrats. Stephanie Chiocca
I've followed your journey for the last few weeks only today read a post about you living in Broward County. I live in Tamarac and grew up in Coral Springs. What a small world! Best of luck to you and your beautiful family. Jia-li seems like a trip! :0)
I am so happy for the enire family...I'm kveling (thats Yiddush for "smiling from ear to ear"). All my love to you!!! Sande Hartman
Jia Li is very lucky to find such a great family. Congratulations to all and best wishes.
Dear jia-li i hope you are having fun with your new mommy and your sisters i wish you the best Dariana
Welcome home!!! I know your journey has been a long one but as you know, you've only just begun to start on the long road ahead. Jia-Li is beautiful! Looking forward to seeing you at an FCC dinner soon. Tammie
WELCOME BACK PARNHAM FAMILY Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful life story with your family at WCY. I am so excited for all of you. May God bless all of you each and everyday. Gracie Forte-Media Center WCY
I followed you and your beautiful family and I felt as though I was there. I have 2 older children 23, 19 and a domestic adopted biracial little girl, and waiting for Patrick Arlington Cherry in Beijing China. I can't Wait... Thank you for sharing your story I still visit your updates. Pat Fisher patriciafisher49@yahoo.com
I followed you and your beautiful family and I felt as though I was there. I have 2 older children 23, 19 and a domestic adopted biracial little girl, and waiting for Patrick Arlington Cherry in Beijing China. I can't Wait... Thank you for sharing your story I still visit your updates. Pat Fisher patriciafisher49@yahoo.com
i am very happy for you and your daughters mrs.parnham. oh and the pictures are so nice. god bless you,your family,and your daughter. sinceraly dalton lewis p.s. i hope your daughter had a good christmas.
i am very happy for you and your daughters mrs.parnham. oh and the pictures are so nice. god bless you,your family,and your daughter. now your daughters have a new playmate. sinceraly dalton lewis p.s. i hope your daughter had a good christmas.
H3ii mrs.parnham its one of your bestest students!!!Thats rite its me BrYaN!!!!Hoppe too see you soon!!!
hi mrs.parnham we all miss you i hope we can see you and your daughter soon bye from dalton in your 2nd period
hi Mrs.Parnham your favorite 2 students richard and JAIME =)
Jia-li you are so cute! Your mom is a great teacher! Timothy Eliacin
hi mrs p
hi mrs p this is omar from ur 1st period...........
Hii im a little late but i am glad u guys r safe and sound and mrs. parnham we are espeacially glad ur back and teaching!! i wish her(jia li) the best of luck with her surgery and god bless all of you!!! alexandra b in 5th period
Mrs. P. Jia-Li is beautiful and we are so glad you are back in class. we missed you so much
omg u guy are awesome!! i wanna a little sister sooooo bad!! u will give her all the love she needs and she couldnt get a better family!!!! :)
omg u guy are awesome!! i wanna a little sister sooooo bad!! u will give her all the love she needs and she couldnt get a better family!!!! :) From your 3rd hour melissa miranda :):):) luv ya guys
omg u guy are awesome!! i wanna a little sister sooooo bad!! u will give her all the love she needs and she couldnt get a better family!!!! :) From your 3rd hour melissa miranda :):):) luv ya guys
Parnham family, Thanks for the wonderful update, we were wondering how Jia-Li was doing at home. Sounds like you have some rocky times ahead, but it also sounds like you have it all taken care of. We look forward to more postings, Joe & Sylvia, N.Y.
Lesa & Drew, What a beautiful family you have. You are truly blessed. Jia couldn't have found a more loving family to be a part of and she truly is lucky to have such caring, older sisters. Love to you all, Pamela Waugh, (Freeport, Bahamas)
Your website was amazing telling the story of the adoption of your little bundle of joy, Jia-Li! I wish you a lifetime of happiness and love with your family. Jeanette
We have been waiting to hear how Jia-Li has been doing. Thanks for the update! Great News about the ability to correct her hip issue.
Thanks for the update. I love seeing the pictures. It's encouraging to see more and more of them with her smiling! I'm so happy for all the Parnhams. Ellen Sabety
Lesa, I'm so glad that you've updated your website again! I try to check in every once in a while so this was a nice treat. I'm happy to hear that Jia-Li is doing so well & the drs all seem to have such positive prognoses for her. Hoping to see you at another FCC dinner soon! Tammie
MR. AND MRS. PARNHAM!!!!!!! This is Maria Capota, the girl with the huge family? Eunice and Marta and I used to babysit Anna and Katie? I was looking at my jewelry box that you gave me from Nadia Comaneci a loooong time ago and I was thinking of you and your family... and I'm soooooo happy I found you guys after doing a google search!! Your family is STILL BEAUTIFUL!!!! :o) Please contact me if you can. My email is pmpetcu@yahoo.com. We HAVE to catch up!!! Miss you! so happy I found you guys! GOD BLESS!!! love, Maria
We adopted a Daye girl in 2001. She is joy and is now a big 6 year old in Kindergarten. Congratulations on Jia Li. She is a beauty! Shane and Beth Bowman Missouri
hi ms. parnham its dalton how are you doing? how's your daughters? well see ya by.......
Dear Parnham Family...Glad to hear that you are doing so well. Jia seems to be adjusting beautifully! Sending best wishes for her upcoming surgery! I will say a prayer for her, and for all of you. Jia... you are such a brave soul. You are a good example to us all! Love, Erin & Libby Mei (myadoptionwebsite.com/libby)
What an amazing family!! We will be lifting you up in prayer this week, and thinking of your sweet daughter as she goes through her surgery. Blessings, Heidi Bringing Home Lulu
God Bless Jia as she endures this week's surgery. She will be in my prayers for a speedy recovery! Denice Panco, LID 2-16-06
Leesa, Your family is so beautiful. Our well wishes go out to everyone, especially Jia. We hope her recovery from surgery is an easy one. Have a wonderful summer!!! Love, Sande,Ian, Sean, Ethan, & Zachary Hartman
Hey, I love the hat "Fiesta Time" :-)! You are truly blessed! Fiesta
Lesa- I've been wanting to visit your site for a very long time, and I finally did. I was astounded to see your journey, but most of all how lucky all your girls are. They have adopted the most incredible loved-filled family in the universe. God's blessings will certainly overflow unto all of you, for the happiness you bring to each other. Your new buddy- Ali :)
OK, what is with this weather today?! YUCK! I wish I was stuck inside with you guys so Jia could entertain me with her puddy formations, dance moves and hide and seek skills. All 3 of your girls are truely beautiful. I love looking at this site--especially on a rainy day like today! Hope Jia gets better soon and has a quick surgery and even quicker recovery! Love & Prayers, Erin and Matt
Dear Parnham Family, I have truly enjoyed viewing your journey of love for not only Jia-Li, but for each other also. We have not met, but I remember well Jia-Li's big sisters when they were only tiny little babies. I know these three girls have blessed your lives as you have blessed theirs. Keep blessing ours with your inspiration! Sent from Pam (Parker) Palmeri, Ft. Pierce, FL (Mike and Rita Parker's sister)
Hello beautiful family!! Mommy Rita shared with us (Calvary Chapel piecemakers group)her excitment for your new member of the family. It is a blessing you open your heart to little Jia-Li. She is gourgeous and bundle of joy!! Many many blessing to your family and please keep coming this beautiful pictures of your wonderful and blessed family!!! Love Karina Kropilnicki***Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, Piecemakers***
What a beautiful little girl you have been blessed with. With all the luck in the world. Katie
I am praying for sweet Jia. What a brave girl. I have loved following this journey as we wait for our girl. Thank you for sharing and please keep us posted when you can. Amy in Oklahoma LID 12/28/05
You have our prayers here in CT. Jia-Li will come through this with flying colors, she is a brave and beautiful little girl. Heidi Bringing Home Lulu
I'm praying for Jia-Li. Keri www.myadoptionwebsite.com/ourclaire
Your little one is in my thoughts and prayers as she goes through her surgery and recovery. What a blessing you all are to each other. Jenni Shoemaker
Dear Lesa: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and most especially Jia-Li today. We will continue to send out prayers and positive energy for a full recovery as free from pain as is possible. You all are a very strong and loving family and will persevere in the end. Please reach out to your FCC Family in this time if need. Lori, Marc and Katie Starr
Lesa, Drew, Anna, Katie & Jia Li, I just wanted to pop in and say hi to you all and send get well vibes to Jia Li. What an incredible little girl she is. I cannot believe she is the same girl - she has simply blossomed in the love of your family. Congratulations on your beautiful and amazing family. You have many reasons to feel blessed and proud. Wishing you all a smooth summer of recovery and good health, I am sure Jia will not be kept down for long. She is a determined girl and I know she will work on a way tokeep you all on your toes even with a cast ;-) Much love, Kim C
Congrats on Jia-Li finally having her surgery today. I'm sorry to hear that she will be in the cast for a longer time & hope that her pain lessens very soon. Your family will be in my prayers.
To Lesa and Family: Will continue to pray...for perseverance, for lessened pain, for quick recovery, for less stress, for solution to your time table dilemma. You're doing so much good for Jia. She will see that later on. Thank God she has a warm and loving family. May He continue to bless you and yours. Rob T.
Hi there. My name is Marcia and I heard about sweet Jia-Li thru a friend who read about her and sent me a link to the site. She thought of me because my little girl also has hip issues. She had a pelvic osteotomy on June 21 on her right hip and is scheduled to have the left hip done on July 19. She is currently in a spica cast as well. She turned 2 on March 25 so she's a bit younger. If you have a chance I'd strongly recommend the website www.hip-baby.org and from there you can join a yahoogroups chat group. They have helped me so much with how to care for my daughter and her hip issues (we knew at birth, but due to severity she had her first surgery at 8 months old and wore a spica for 6 months after and now her most recent round). Feel free to contact me if you wish, mlnelson76@earthlink.net. She is a beautiful little girl and so fortunate to have found such a generous and loving family to help her thru this. Marcia
Hi Parhams, got home from Hawaii late last night. Fantastic trip!!! Glad to hear the surgery is over and Jia is on the road to recovery. Keep us posed. Lve Ellen Sabety
I'm so happy to hear that Jia-Li's surgery went well. Although she will be in her cast for longer than everyone originally thought, I know that her fighting spirit will shine through.
Hi, Parnhams! Hope all is going well. Glad to see Jia-Li has not given up her bravery. What a little champ! Doing it all in a stylish, pink cast, too! Anna and Katie, you are both such amazing sisters and daughters to help out like you do. So mature and so WONDERFUL! Lesa, your HUGE heart and unconditional love will heal Jia faster than you think. Drew, patient and strong, you are the glue that holds all the Parnham ladies together. I still don't know how you do it, but please don't ever stop. Your girls are great! Love to you all! We're home from Hawaii, please let us know if you need ANYTHING! Erin & Matt Neylon
Hi, Parnhams! Hope all is going well. Glad to see Jia-Li has not given up her bravery. What a little champ! Doing it all in a stylish, pink cast, too! Anna and Katie, you are both such amazing sisters and daughters to help out like you do. So mature and so WONDERFUL! Lesa, your HUGE heart and unconditional love will heal Jia faster than you think. Drew, patient and strong, you are the glue that holds all the Parnham ladies together. I still don't know how you do it, but please don't ever stop. Your girls are great! Love to you all! We're home from Hawaii, please let us know if you need ANYTHING! Erin & Matt Neylon
SO great to hear the good news! I had complete faith that everything would work out. Can't wait to hang out with the Parnham Gals before school starts. - Erin
I'm so happy the recent surgery went well.All the kids look great!!! Love, Sande Hartman
hey Aunt Lesa , Uncle Drew , Anna banana , Kate, and Jia-Li im so upset that i didn`t get a chance to meet the new family member. Maybe next summer im very happy that Jia-Li is my new cousin . I`m so glad the surgery went well. I MISS YOU GUYS SO MUCH ! :]
hey Aunt Lesa , Uncle Drew , Anna banana , Kate, and Jia-Li im so upset that i didn`t get a chance to meet the new family member. Maybe next summer im very happy that Jia-Li is my new cousin . I`m so glad the surgery went well. I MISS YOU GUYS SO MUCH ! :]
hey Aunt Lesa , Uncle Drew , Anna banana , Kate, and Jia-Li im so upset that i didn`t get a chance to meet the new family member. Maybe next summer im very happy that Jia-Li is my new cousin . I`m so glad the surgery went well. I MISS YOU GUYS SO MUCH ! :] YOURS TRULY EPIPHANY K. UPDEGROVE
Lesa & Drew, I'm so sorry to hear that Jia has to undergo a second surgery, but very happy that this one was a success. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful family in the near future. Wishing Jia a speedy recovery. Candy
Lesa, Hoping that Jia is doing well. I keep checking your site for updates. Please send her my well wishes. Candy Mom to Rachel - Gotcha Day 04/02/07
That was very sweet Mrs. P I loved your pictures i reall y want to go to China now =]
Hi! Jia and Mrs.Parnham, Jia you're so cute and both of you look so great in that funny picture. We'll Jia, Are you excited to take that cast off?!? When it's off, you have to come visit us at school during 6th period. Well, Bye!! Have Fun! -Ariel Largaespada 6th per.
Mrs.Parnham, Awwww, Mrs.P!!!! Jia is such a cutie-pie!!!! She's SO adorable!!!!! When do we get to meet her??? How much English is she speaking now?? Good luck getting her cast off on Friday!!! Love, Erika B. 5th period
Nice website Mrs.P I liked the pictures Lucia Derivero :)
Hi Mrs.Parnham it's Ta-liyah. Your daughter soo cute. Also China seems so cool now. Your the best!
I hope the cast getting off goes well.. I know it will! :o) have a great night Kelsie 1st period student
Wow! It is beautiful to see adorable Jia-Li with her cast off! She is such a brave little girl, and such a blessing to this world! It is so moving to see the process of her grueling recovery, and the love your family has given her (& the love she has given you, too!) Hope Jia-Li is feeling strong and healthy very soon! Best wishes to your dear family! Love, Erin (& Libby Mei)...www.myadoptionwebsite.com/libby
Dear Mrs.Parnham, It must have been scary for you to see this. Well i hope your dauther is felling better. Have a great weekend and see you tommorrow in class!!!!!!! NATALIE GIRON (4TH PERIOD)
HI Mrs. Parnham And Jiah-Li Congrats on geting your cast off. I hope to see you soon Jia-Li. Tatina Garcia
Hey Mrs.P! Hope Jia Li Feels better soon :) That cast scares me too... I'll see you tomorrow in class! ~Benny Ou from 6th period~
kusang WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO i hope u get well
So glad that that process is over. I have been following your story since before you went to China just because I am interested in the adoption of an older child and the adjustment. Please update soon and let us know how Jai Li is doing. What a sweet little girl! What an awesome family!
Lesa, Drew & Family, I'm so happy to see that Jia's cast if finally off. What a relief that must be. Can't wait to hear updates and see pictures of Jia walking. These children are so strong. I know Jia will be up on her feet in no time. Wishing you and your family the best! Candy (Rachel's Mom)
Just caught up on Jia-Li and your family since following your trip to China. Jia-Li is a rock star and is as brave as they come. Ruth www.guatemalansisters.blogspot.com
COOL!!! she is a cutey~` p.S. vodka
I love the pictures i saw most of them Jia-Li is beautiful... mrs.parnham you ROCK!!
Congratulations on Jia finally getting her cast off! It's so good to hear that the surgery did what it was supposed to. May the rest of the journey be easier!
Drew, Lesa, Katie, Anna & Jia, Congratulations and the girls are beautiful. I am so thankful to receive your Christmas card. Hunter and I were just talking about the girls the other day. I had their picture on the refrigerator (the one with the girls mauling Hunter as a baby). I read your journey while at work with big tears running down my face. You are a wonderful and beautiful family. Jia-Li deserves every toy from toys r us. She is beautiful and strong. We would like to come and visit as we look for you everytime we are at the mall or out west. Hunter and Hailey are playing soccer. Hunter goes to Indian Ridge in advanced class, the girls must have rubbed off on him, straight A's. Hailey started Kindergarten and is doing mid-year first grade work. Bragging is great and the kids love to hear it. I don't want to ramble, but I am very happy for you. Think of you often... Love, Lisa, Hunter & Hailey