Thanks

The last few weeks have been a bit rough for me and my wife. We are in the process of adopting our first child from Ethiopia -- a process which has been dragging on for just over 25 months now. We were slated to have our court date in Ethiopia on May 8th, at which time the adoption was to be finalized and we would have legally be the proud parents of Grace Tsedenya.

Unfortunately, the Ethiopian First Instance Court has temporarily stopped accepting cases involving abandoned children from orphanages in Addis Ababa (the capital city), citing concern over a recent increase in the number of abandoned children being brought for adoption. The number of abandoned children from orphanages in Addis Ababa has grown dramatically in recent months, and Ethiopian authorities apparently have become aware of possible cases of unethical practices associated with some of them.

As a result, we were put in limbo once again -- not sure as to what would happen or when. Until yesterday, neither of us had had a “good day” in the last 10 days or so. While depressed may not be the right word -- we’ve definitely been down and certainly agitated. Just when we thought the end was in sight (had we passed through court on the 8th, we likely would have been flying to Ethiopia next weekend to bring her home), we experience a set back like this…

So you can imagine my surprise and delight when I went to the mailbox Sunday evening and found a box from one of the BOTLs on this site -- not only were there some quality cigars inside, but there was a nice note as well. It made my day, my wife saw that it made my day and it made her day too. We spent the rest of the evening out back by the fire talking and smoking -- it was great night. It is amazing what a simple gesture can do -- thank you, Will/badwhale.

Sorry to hear about all the hoops you're having to jump through for your adoption...it will all be worth it in the end.
Nice gesture Will! Funny how something like a little cigar can make a person's day.

Timing is everything - nice move Will.

And, good for you guys on the adoption. There still may be more red tape BS; hang in there and here's hoping for resolution in the very near future.

Damn sorry to hear of your troubles, our thoughts and prayers will be with you both.

Nice shot Will!!

I applaud you for trying to adopt. It takes alot of patience and determination. Sorry to hear about the setback. Perfect timing Will!

:smiley20:Will:smiley20:

Please keep us up to date. I will say a prayer that all works out for you and your wife.

hope everything works out soon. and good hit Will

Ed,

I'm glad that by complete coincidence, I was able to send a little happy your way. Anytime brother!

Will

Nice job, the both of you.

It takes a lot of perseverance to continue pursuing adoption. I know others who have gone through what you are experiencing.

Nice hit, Will. You sly bastid.