Goodbyes are both sweet and heartbreaking. But these two adjectives were not enough to describe the Duggar family's farewell to daughter Jill, her husband Derick Dillard, and their infant son Israel David as they were about to embark on a new ministry overseas.
The family shared the emotional goodbye on the Duggar Family Blog, where Jim Bob, his wife Michelle, and the rest of their kids were seen surrounding Derick and Jill as they said their goodbyes.
"We are so excited about you guys going overseas to be missionaries, and I know this is something that's been in both of y'alls hearts for years and the Lord's brought y'all together for the special time to go impact the work of Christ," Jim Bob said in the video. "And we're going to miss y'all and baby Israel, but we know that this is God's plan for your life. We pray God blesses your journey and that you're really able to make a huge difference."
After this, the "19 Kids and Counting" patriarch led his family in prayer, and thanked God for Derick and Jill and their heart to help other people in need. After the prayer, Jill received hugs from her mom and her siblings. Jim Bob sought Israel David in particular and gave him a sweet kiss on the head. Joy Anna was in tears during the farewell video and received an extra long hug from her elder sister Jill.
Growing up, Jill loved reading about missionaries and their work on the field, and now she is going to be one herself. Jim Bob is very proud of her, and he told his daughter, "There is no greater joy than for our children to walk in truth. It's our prayer that you get to share that truth with the whole world."
