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Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard depart for overseas missions trip

By Tharadjyne Orisma
Derick Dillard, Jill Duggar Dillard and their son Israel David Dillard. Photo by jillmdillard/Instagram
1 of 2 | Derick Dillard, Jill Duggar Dillard and their son Israel David Dillard. Photo by jillmdillard/Instagram

BENTONVILLE, Ark., July 6 (UPI) -- Jill and Derick Dillard began their missions trip Sunday by boarding a U.S. Airways flight to an undisclosed location with their baby, Israel.

The couple announced via their blog last month they were moving overseas to be missionaries, saying, "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."

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Jill's sister, Jessa Seawald, posted a pic of the duo's departure on Instagram showing Jill holding their Israel with Derick beside her. The two embraced each other while their back faced the camera.

Jessa wrote: "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! Please continue to pray for them!"

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"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," she added.

Though the family has neglected to disclose their new location, E! News reports many speculate Nepal may be their new home.

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In a recent post, the couple said they've been preparing for this venture with plenty of prayer.

"After much prayer and seeking Godly counsel, we realized that taking this opportunity and moving overseas in order to serve is the best option for our family," Derick wrote.

"Ultimately, in life there is nothing more important than simply loving, following and obeying our Creator," he continued.

He also mentioned he left his job as a tax account at Wal-Mart to pursue the venture.

Derick even conveyed that this has been something they have been looking forward to for a long time and have shown their excitement for making a difference in the lives of others writing:

"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, and our hope is that all peoples of the world would come to repentance and put their hope in the Lord, Jesus Christ."

The couple celebrated the Fourth of July with family the night before their trip, enjoying fireworks in the great outdoors.

Jill took to Instagram to wish all a happy Independence Day.

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"Happy Independence Day!" Jill wrote in the pic. "We are celebrating with family today. #4thofJuly #fireworks."

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