'19 Kids and Counting' Stars: Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard Are "So Excited" as Their Mission Begins with Baby Israel

Jill and Derick Dillard
'19 Kids and Counting' star Jill Duggar and husband Derick Dillard |

'19 Kids and Counting' star Jill Duggar and her husband Derick Dillard were spotted heading to the airport this Sunday morning together with baby Israel to leave rural Arkansas and travel to their mission destination.

"So excited for @jillmdillard & @derickdillard! They've been praying about and working towards this transition since late last year, and are so excited to finally be heading to the mission field!" Jill's sister, Jessa Duggar, shared on Instagram. "Please continue to pray for them!"

The 22-year-old reality star further stated, "Be sure to check out their blog at www.dillardfamily.com. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.' Mark 16:15."

Although the Christian couple's exact destination has not been announced, there have been speculations suggesting that Nepal might be the family's possible temporary home in the coming months.

According to Derick, he and Jill will immediately begin their overseas Christian mission this month. He also previously shared a photo of himself on a rocky mountain with an unnamed man. As the photo's file name contains the name "Nepal,' it was then speculated that the couple is set for a mission in the impoverished country where thousands of people were killed in a terrifying earthquake last April.

Derick has also been known to have carried out missionary and humanitarian work for two years in Nepal with which Jill's father, Jim Bob, served as a prayer partner.

What has been confirmed, though, is Jill and Derick's goal to bring forth hope and make a significant difference in the lives of the community members they will meet as they carry on with their mission.

"We have a deep love and care for all of the world and a real passion for those in the nations, as many have even seen in the early stages of our relationship," Derick wrote in a recent blog post. "Our hope is that all peoples of the world would come to repentance and put their hope in the Lord, Jesus Christ."

He added, "We don't expect this new adventure to always be easy. But God never promised that following Him wouldn't have its challenges."

Before they began their mission, the Dillard family celebrated their final night at home by welcoming the Fourth of July as a family.

As shared on Instagram, Jill and Derick were shown enjoying a tranquil evening in the outdoors where they could have a good view of the fireworks.

"Happy Independence Day!" Jill wrote on Instagram. "We are celebrating with family today. #4thofJuly #fireworks."