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!
Images from our 4th day with Ella; Jim's great Parm Chicken & Pasta dinner; our apartment & workers on the roof at the orphanage....do you see a safety issue here?
I love the pics, even the roof walking...I think we are just over cautous in America...:) I love that Ella seems to be focused and engaged with you already! God Bless and Enjoy Independence Day!
Oh how I love that you document all the details! Those will be the things so easily forgotten. It brings me back, too - especially the pics of apartment life. Enjoy this special time and make lots of memories with Ella. She will love reminescing about all the things you did together during your visits. Blessings, Julie
I couldn't wait to get to a computer and see Ella. She is beautiful!! I am so excited for you guys. I wish you all the best and can't wait til your back home with Ella. Love you guys!!
It is wonderful to see you and Ella bonding so well already. She is a beautiful little girl. What a wonderful addition to your family! 30 days left for us...but who's counting!!! ;)
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.
6 comments:
I love the pics, even the roof walking...I think we are just over cautous in America...:)
I love that Ella seems to be focused and engaged with you already! God Bless and Enjoy Independence Day!
Oh how I love that you document all the details! Those will be the things so easily forgotten. It brings me back, too - especially the pics of apartment life. Enjoy this special time and make lots of memories with Ella. She will love reminescing about all the things you did together during your visits.
Blessings,
Julie
I couldn't wait to get to a computer and see Ella. She is beautiful!! I am so excited for you guys. I wish you all the best and can't wait til your back home with Ella. Love you guys!!
Sorry I guess I should have put my name Sending all our prayers, The Boyds
Congratulations to the whole family, you look so happy! It was worth all the work and time.
It is wonderful to see you and Ella bonding so well already. She is a beautiful little girl. What a wonderful addition to your family! 30 days left for us...but who's counting!!! ;)
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