About Our Family

El Paso, Texas, United States
We are James, Lisa, Patrick, Christian, Carson, and Ella Payne a military family serving our country via service in the U.S. Army. Jim and I have been married for 18 years and have 3 wonderful home grown sons -Patrick, Christian and Carson. We recently adopted our beautiful daughter Ella Grace Ana from Donets'k, Ukraine in September. Jim and I began our Army life together at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas and every assignment thus far has extended unique opportunities and challenges for our family to grow and learn; to become a stronger, committed, and a prepared Army family. Having recently lived abroad for six amazing years, we cannot express how thankful we are for the opportunity to have represented our great country and to discover the cultures and customs of other countries; to become close to the people and learn from them; to open our hearts and minds to the unfamiliar languages and way of life in other countries. Having now moved back to the United States, we are looking forward to discovering what new adventures await our family. Rest assured, wherever the Army sends us we will continue to serve you and our country proudly. Army life, we wouldn’t trade it!

August 30, 2008

Back In Kiev

We are back in Kiev with "R" "T" and their children "O" and "E" after taking the overnight train from Donetsk. They have been so gracious and Jim and I are thankful for their hospitality.
Military families helping military families - it's a wonderful thing!
Ella will remain in Donetsk at the Antoshka Child House for the mandatory
10 day waiting period.
September 9, 2008
Yes, it was difficult to leave her...yes, I cried - did you have to ask?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love all the updates. I'm so happy for you guys and I see the happiness in your eyes and words. From Ella, I will say thank you mom and dad. I know she will be in good hand with you as her parents.

Arlene Martinez

Anonymous said...

This is really the hardest part and once it is over, you will have your complete family. I remember how hard it was to leave Xander and know that we would not see him for a month. This is the last step and you guys have done so great! It won't be long now before everybody is together. Good luck and keep up the great blogging even once you get home, please.

junglemama said...

Congrats on your new daughter. Thanks for telling the director about Dennis. I really appreciate it.

Anonymous said...

Chuck is finally home for me to show him all the photos and stories of your adoption journey. What a journey it has been for your family. I can't wait to hear the reaction of the boys when they meet their new sister! What a truely wonderful thing you have done to open your hearts and home to a lonely child in need. So thank you, thank you for all giving her a life of opportunity and thank you for donating back to the people that have cared for her until now.

Take care and congrats!

Anonymous said...

Your family is truly a blessing to this world! Congrats on your beautiful new addition to your family. I pray for your continued safe travels.

ArtworkByRuth said...

Praying the waiting goes by quickly and your journey home is safe! God Bless!

This is our "spot" we began at the beginning of our journey in May 2007, to adopt a child from Ukraine. In August 2008, we traveled to Ukraine to bring our daughter/sister Ella Grace Ana home; and on September 12, 2008 we did just that.

While our journey to bring her home is complete, our journey together is just beginning. We will continue to keep our spot here, posting as frequently as we can; and keeping you updated on our next journey in life...maybe a second adoption is in our future.

Please join us by following us by clicking on the "Follow" link to the left and posting your notes at the bottom of any post we have made.

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