Joyful anticipation is not a phrase I have ever heard or expect to hear. It is too forced, and whilst it may be an exact translation from the German word in que

Joyful anticipation is not a phrase I have ever heard or expect to hear. It is too forced, and whilst it may be an exact translation from the German word in question it doesn't really answer the question. In the sentence used by the GP anticipation would be the most appropriate to use.