Ever closer....

It is now hard to fathom that we have had our little Joy staying with us for 5 full days and that tomorrow will be our last full day together until we return to take her home to Minnesota.  As we get ever closer to our court date and our return home we continue to grow ever closer to our skinny little bundle of joy.

Today was another very good day.   There was very little sadness (as long as we keep her fed) and we were even able to go and tour the Elmina Castle together and sit with another nice couple at dinner tonight and Joy was all smiles and chatty (she warmed up quickly).   We also enjoyed some nice Face Time with kids and Grandma Hess back at home.   They all seem to be doing well and Joy really seemed to enjoy seeing and interacting with her future siblings (although I don't think she comprehends that aspect yet).

She is now settling in next to Becky to go to sleep and there was no protesting and very little bargaining for more things to eat or drink.  Becky has become a pro at reading her moods and redirecting her when needed (this will come in very handy later on).

We are staring to get sad about the prospect of leaving her -- which is a major leap forward because a few days back we were worried that we would have to call in some type of reinforcements just to make it though the week (your prayers were our reinforcements!). As we've said before, we know this is all part of the process but we think the waiting will become even more difficult leaving her behind because we would dearly love to have some of the fondness we believe she's developed for us linger in her big heart and not be forgotten as quickly as it developed.

Tomorrow we meet with our power of attorney again in preparation for court Thursday morning.  He makes it sound like it will all go smoothly and we pray he is right.

Blessings to all of you and thanks for journeying on with us.

-Jay, Becky, and Joy