This was our first
view of Joy in
person.  Auntie
Comfort was waiting
outside with her
when we arrived,
and met us with a
big smile as she
crossed the street to
bring her to us.  
She didn't mind
coming to me.  
She was very
sweet and alert.
Auntie Comfort lives in the church
compound which is right across the
street from the Guest House where we
were staying.  After meeting us, we
went over to the church and sat and
visited.  She is very attached to Auntie
Comfort, who has cared for her for a
long time.  Although this will make
eventual transition to our family difficult
for her, it is really very healthy that she
has this close bond with Auntie
Comfort.
On the next day we visited
and played with Joy for
quite a while, and
eventually she was sleepy.
 I picked her up and Auntie
Comfort slipped away while
I rocked her to sleep.
Later on when we came
over, she was awake
from her nap and having
a bath.
This was Tuesday, our first trip to court.  We were prepared
that often the court does not see you on the your first trip
there, and your case may be postponed two or three times
before you are through.  We were prepared to spend a full
day at court, and had many people fervently praying with us
that we might be through that same day.  Not only were we
done the same day, we were done before lunch time!  We
were praising God all the way home and so thankful.  
It was humorous how Joy would almost
instantly fall asleep when we would
drive anywhere.  The roads are
extremely bumpy, and I guess the
"massage" (as Auntie Comfort called it)
relaxed her to sleep!
Here we are walking down the road
that our Guest House and the church
yard are on.  
Making friends
with food.
Lucy (Auntie Comfort's daughter)
carrying Joy.  This is how babies are
carried in Ghana and she is very used
to it.  A cool and convenient way to
carry a baby.  
Joy looking up at Lucy, whom she loves.  I love this picture.
New friends.  Here is Lucy with
Rebecca.  I wish I had taken more
pictures of all the interesting people we
met.  Much of the time I was just too
overwhelmed to think about taking
pictures.  
Auntie Comfort cooking banku, a
traditional food made from corn meal
and casava.  Auntie Comfort is a
remarkable woman.  She just
celebrated her 60th birthday right
before we arrived.  She has incredible
stories to tell from her life.  I left with a
profound respect and admiration for
her.  Someone should write a book
about her life.
On the day we were leaving we tried to get a photo of us together.  Joy, as you can
see, was not very interested in being held by me, and wanted Auntie Comfort.  
Now reaching for Lucy.
Where did she go?
Squirmy baby.
Finally a smile!  Yay!!
And a picture with Daddy.
So what is next?  Well, more waiting.  We wait for a birth certificate to be reissued
and an adoption decree.  Then we can file for our I600.  This is processed in
America and can take up to three months.  I do not know why this is not an issue in
Chinese adoptions.  As far as I remember, we filled out these forms in China, and
there was nothing to wait on.  The important document then was the I600A and the
I171H, which both seem to be insignificant in this Ghana process, but I don't
entirely understand it all.  Anyway, we wait.  And once we have whatever it is we
are waiting on from that, then they apply for the American visa for Joy to come
home.  This could take months as well.  So, conceivably we may be looking at as
much as six months until our girl comes home.  Your prayers are appreciated that
the process might be as expedient as possible.  
07-17-10 UPDATE:

It is with amazement and thanksgiving that I write this update at home, only one
week after we left for Ghana.  We left last Saturday for Ghana in order to process
paperwork for adoption of Joy, and prepared to stay as long as three weeks for
our court appointment.  We are profoundly thankful to all of you who joined us in
praying that we would be able to come home soon.  Not only was our court process
completed on the first day that we went, we were done and back at our hotel by
lunch time!  An unprecedently quick turnaround and we were so thrilled.  We were
also able to change our flights, returning on Thursday morning.  I don't know when
I have been so happy to see all my kids!  We are happy this process went quickly
for several reasons: we were not away from home (and our kids!) for very long, the
sooner Joy's court appointment was over, the sooner we would be on to the next
stage of her adoption, staying less time in Africa meant spending less money, and
the fact that our visit with Joy, although wonderful for us to meet her, may have
been confusing or even stressful for her.  We did not want to make things any
harder on her than necessary.  We are very eager for the remaining process to be
completed so that we may bring her home permanently, and begin her transition to
her Forever Family.  

Our big kids did a remarkable job of holding down the fort while we were gone.