'Joy Gets Engaged' Recap

Counting On "Joy Gets Engaged"

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• The Dillards host Derick’s brother, sister-in-law, mom, and step-dad at the guesthouse before they return to Central America.
• They give their keepsakes, their external hard drive, and Jill’s wedding ring (she only wears a band in Central America) to Derick’s mom to keep while they are away.
• The next baby’s name will be Samuel Scott. Samuel, the last judge of Israel, means “one who hears from God.”
• On another day, the girls come over to help Jill work through her to-do list. Derick has learned that long hair is viewed differently in Central America, so he has Jill cut his hair.
• “I think at first, it might be a hard adjustment,” says Derick. Jill says she is sad about the haircut but that she also likes variability and change.
• Down in Texas, Jinger is shopping for traditional Laredo items to send to her family back in Arkansas. She buys clothing jewelry, candy, snacks, noisemakers, hair bows, and children’s cowboy boots.
• When the packages arrive at the Duggar home, Jim Bob and Michelle and the kids are thrilled. “As the months go by and Jinger is so far away, I definitely miss her even more,” says Jessa.
• The family accompanies the Dillards to the airport to say goodbye. “There’s always that empty feeling in the house, even when just one sibling is missing,” says Jeremiah.
• When the Dillards arrive in Central America, several of their friends are waiting to pick them up. It’s a very joyful reunion.
• Austin has just sold his fifth flip house, and he is preparing to propose to Joy-Anna. Austin’s dad, Terry, and his close friend, Aaron, help him haul supplies up to a hilltop to set up a beautiful scene. They string lights and set out a table, chairs, and a campfire grill.
• Meanwhile, Joy goes over to Jessa’s house to help with the kids. “Joy is great with kids, and she loves helping out with the babies,” says Jessa.
• “Austin and I have talked about kids, and we both agree that we want as many as God wants us to have,” says Joy.
• Later that afternoon, Joy, Johannah, and Jennifer meet up with Austin for a regular old horseback riding outing, or so Joy thinks. “When I’m around Joy, I feel complete,” says Austin. “She has a way of calming me down and making me feel right at home.”
• After riding for a while, Austin suggests that they get off the horses and stretch their legs. He asks Johannah and Jennifer to run ahead. “Do you trust me?” Austin asks Joy. She says she does. He blindfolds her and leads her to the proposal spot. He gets down on one knee and has her take the blindfold off. “Joy-Anna Duggar, would you marry me?” he asks, smiling. “Yes,” she says gently. They hug and smile at each other. The diamond in the ring has been in Austin’s mom’s family for five generations.
• Terry appears and gives both Joy and Austin a big hug. The newly engaged couple enjoys dinner cooked by Aaron.
• Later, Joseph asks Pastor Caldwell’s permission to enter a courtship with his oldest daughter, Kendra. He admits he is nervous about the conversation. “I’m not going to stop what the Lord’s doing in your life,” says Pastor Caldwell, smiling. “You have my permission.” The two of them, as well as Kendra, have been talking and praying about entering a relationship for a while.