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!

January 11, 2009

Birth Mother Search...

Jim and I have decided to move forward with the search for Ella Grace's birth mother in hopes we will have answers for Ella Grace when she becomes inquisitive herself. Interestingly, the gentleman we have hired for the job is married to a lovely lady who works at the child house where Ella Grace was living.
~~~~~~~~~~
As the search begins, we have been asked to compile a list of questions for the birth mother and/or her family. We think we have compiled a good list of questions, but we are inviting you to leave suggested questions here on our blog.
~~~~~~~~~~
Looking forward to your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions!

3 comments:

Conethia and Jim Bob said...

That is wonderful. Another couple had a search done and the results were great, both for them and the birth mother. I pray for encouraging news.

Zack, Jenn and William said...

We did a birth family search for our son last year and received some really great pictures and information. It will be nice for when he gets older and asks more questions.

Among other questions, we asked for medical histories/significant medical issues for immediate family, education/employment of parents, any siblings still in Ukraine, mother's health during pregnancy, any questions that might help you better understand any health concerns your child is dealing with, pictures of each parent, baby pictures of your child.

The money we paid was all worth, if for nothing but the precious baby photos we now have in our possession. We also have an email address for our son's grandmother who visited him regularly. We're able to email her pictures any time and give her updates on his progress.

Best of luck!
Jennifer
http://littleboydove.blogspot.com

The Flying Eagle said...

Just wondering who you are using. Our first estimate came back very high and we were looking for someone a little more reasonable. I'd love to see your final list of questions!! monica.massie@agedwards.com (our new family blog - dmag4.blogspot.com)

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.

Recently Visited