Jill Duggar Dillard is going on a mission with her husband, Derrick Dillard, and the couple’s newborn son, Israel. According to People Magazine , the 19 Kids And Counting stars will be leaving their home in July, and will be spending an unknown amount of time in an undisclosed location after an opportunity presented itself to them.
The couple made the announcement on their website just five weeks after the Josh Duggar molestation scandal rocked their family. The two haven’t said too much else about where they are going or what they will be doing exactly, but did say that they realize it’s not always going to be easy.
Jill Duggar and Derrick Dillard’s mission was allegedly offered to them “ several months ago ,” despite the interesting timing of their announcement.
“God has put a desire in our hearts to serve Him internationally for longer than the typical short-term mission trip, but we didn’t know yet how God would fulfill that desire in us. We were prepared for the possibility of it being years before our family would be able to make a move of that magnitude. It’s something we’ve prayed about together in an effort to seek God’s plan for our lives in His service. Earlier this year God brought about an opportunity much earlier than either of us was expecting. Several months ago a new opportunity arose for us to serve God on the mission field. Before us we had a choice to make that would undoubtedly change the trajectory of our lives forever.”
Many seem to believe that this is Jill and Derrick’s way of getting out of Dodge as their family undergoes scrutiny and criticism. Perhaps the timing just worked out for them, and they will be able to do what they’ve planned to do at a time when getting away seems like a great option.
According to E! News , the couple might be going to Nepal .
“Dillard had previously done missionary and humanitarian work in the impoverished country, where more than 8,500 people were killed in an earthquake in April.”
Jill Duggar Dillard’s mission will take her away from her huge family , which is certainly going to be a big change for her. As previously reported by the Inquisitr , the reality star will be making quite the transition, and will be raising her son without her mom or her sisters around for support.
Do you think Jill and Derrick are making the right move? Are you surprised to hear that they are moving abroad with their infant?
[Photo via Instagram ]