Jill and Derick Dillard, along with baby Israel Dillard, moved down to Central America in early July. They spent their first month serving with various mission teams and their second month in language school.
"...We are encouraged by the opportunities we have had to share the hope of the Gospel with our teachers and for the relationships we have built while studying at the school," wrote Derick in a recent blog post on the Dillards' website. He and Jill are currently back in the United States for a planned, month-long visit.
In addition to studying Spanish, Jill is also studying for an upcoming test to become a certified professional midwife, which she has been working towards since May 2012. Jill has served as an apprentice midwife and poured over textbooks for countless hours to achieve this goal.
"I am so proud of all the hard work she has put in over the years to prepare to be a midwife," shared Derick.
On Sunday morning, Jill and Derick were commissioned to the mission field by Pastor Ronnie Floyd at Cross Church, where the Dillards were married and attended before moving to Central America. That afternoon, the Dillards joined the rest of the Duggar family at cousin Amy's wedding.
Jill and Derick say their plan is to continue language school when they return to Central America.
Photo courtesy of dillarfamily.com
"...We are encouraged by the opportunities we have had to share the hope of the Gospel with our teachers and for the relationships we have built while studying at the school," wrote Derick in a recent blog post on the Dillards' website. He and Jill are currently back in the United States for a planned, month-long visit.
In addition to studying Spanish, Jill is also studying for an upcoming test to become a certified professional midwife, which she has been working towards since May 2012. Jill has served as an apprentice midwife and poured over textbooks for countless hours to achieve this goal.
"I am so proud of all the hard work she has put in over the years to prepare to be a midwife," shared Derick.
On Sunday morning, Jill and Derick were commissioned to the mission field by Pastor Ronnie Floyd at Cross Church, where the Dillards were married and attended before moving to Central America. That afternoon, the Dillards joined the rest of the Duggar family at cousin Amy's wedding.
Jill and Derick say their plan is to continue language school when they return to Central America.
Photo courtesy of dillarfamily.com
Brava, Jill!
ReplyDeleteBrava
ReplyDeleteDerick and Jill it is GREAT to see young people as yourself to follow and teach Gods words. Jill is wonderful to watch continue to get your Midwife certificate. I donate for Mission in Central America. God Bless you all! We love and miss y'all .....give Baby Isreal a Big 💋for all of us
ReplyDeleteJill looks so thin. please take care.
ReplyDeleteYou go, girl! Just one more hurdle and the boards and you are.legit! Prayers! (And dont burn too much midnight oil!)
ReplyDeleteGood luck Jill!!!!!! You'll do great!
ReplyDeleteGood for you Jill-you have a profession
ReplyDeleteand will always have a job to fall
Back on . You and Derek seem to be able to mix the world with faith. Well done
She does not have a "job to fall back on." Jill has a "gift from God." In being a midwife Jill is serving God's people with that gift.
DeleteCongratulations Jill, your hard work is paying off! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteSome are criticizing the frequent return visits to the USA, I am NOT one of them. With careful planning, missionaries can do this. They saved up money prior to going down. (Her dad let them stay at that house probably very cheaply in order for them not to have to pay high rent somewhere) TLC could very likely have paid for their flight up to New York, and their family is blessed financially. Use of donation dollars?? If so, it was planned!! People who are not in the ministry forget ministers and families are just people with similar needs to those who criticize them. Am excited to see the fruit that they have when it comes to heaven!! Jean in Washington
ReplyDeleteAmen! Well said.
DeleteYes! The family earned a reported $45K per episode of 19 KAC...airfare is nothing!
DeleteNo worries...she'll pass with flying colors!
ReplyDeleteGood for her!
ReplyDeletei knew there was a good reason for them being back home for an extended period
Congrats Jill! Good luck on the test! I know you will do great. We are so proud of you. It's a great job to have to deliver babies and give prenatal care to mothers. Your experience with your labor and delivery will help other moms too. There are a lot of moms like you , who plan for a natural birth but in the end need to have a csection. I have had 2 and I still enjoy sharing my labor and delivery experience with other moms .
ReplyDeleteThis message is not Duggar related..
ReplyDeleteLet us never forget the victims, sacrifices & heroes of September 11, 2001.
Today if you can, please take a moment of silence to pray, pause & remember.
Good luck on your exams, Jill. May you have a long and fulfilling career.
ReplyDeleteLittle Israel looks just like his mama. Good job guys. There's nothing better than to keep serving the lord in the middle of turmoil.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear u and your family are still going forward with your life, and still working for the Lord, may God bless your whole family,I so miss them on TV I pray that all goes well with them :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job Jill, to become a MidWife. Prayers are with the Dillard's. Israel is so precious. Love seeing the pictures of him on how he is growing, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome. We need more midwives.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you. . . .Keep up spreading God's Word, there are so many who need to hear it!
ReplyDeleteIs she attening to become a nurse and go on from there that is the only way she could do it
ReplyDeleteShe is becoming certified as a professional midwife not a nurse.
DeleteIn order to work as a nurse midwife in the U.S., you must complete an accredited CNM program and then pass the national qualifying exam from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).CNM programs are graduate level programs that are only open to licensed RNs who already hold a bachelor’s degree (preferably in nursing). CNM programs grant a master’s or graduate degree. They take a minimum of 24 months to complete.
DeleteI am very proud you
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that she finally taking the test after all the hard work she out in. Good luck Jill!
ReplyDeleteI live in Canada.I loved your show.I am a Christian and am encouraged by your life and the way you live. Christians are not immune to sin. We know where to go went troubles come. Keep up the good work. God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless your family !!
ReplyDeleteGood luck Jill. You have a wonderful husband & son. Hope all goes well.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck and especially in a poor areas where some woman cant afford a hospital your midwifery will come I handy In El Salvador Buena Suerte Jill y abrasos a tu familia y un beso al bebe que Dios los tenga en la Gloria Siempre Christina Baja Mx.
ReplyDeleteShocked, but happy for her!!!
ReplyDeleteNow, let's hope Jinget will pursue her photography career!!!
I agree about Jinger. She has a real eye for photography!
DeleteCongratulations to Jill. She has an amazing gift from the Holy Spirit for midwifery and will use it in those places where they very much need that service. Jill is a strong woman of faith who acts on her convictions. She and Dereck are incredible ministry partners and set an example for their son, families, friends, and all whose lives the touch. Thank you for keeping us updated.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Jill! Will be praying for you guys! Israel is adorable, and he is getting so big!:)
ReplyDeleteGreat job Jill!!!
ReplyDeleteYou will pass that exam, you have passion to care for others.
Take care and hug that baby.
Derick & Jill!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Jill on your midwifery! I am so happy for you, you and derick (+ Israel) look so good! I hope you and Derick get your spanish learned! Prayers are with you all, your whole family! thanks for the updates, you are beautiful, beautiful family!!
God bless you Jill! Congratulations to you! Praying for you and your family! 😊💐💖
ReplyDeleteYou are a blessing to many.Keep up the good work Dillards.love your family (Duggars) They will continue to be in my prayers
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your Boards, Jill! They are tough, but you will do well!
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of Jill ! Congratulations! You and Derrick , Israel is so big and he growing up fast. God bless you and your family . May God protect you and your family always. My prayers for all your family.
ReplyDeleteGood for Jill. I hope she does a great job on her exam.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Jill !! Prayers and best wishes as you and your family continue on the path God has for you.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Jill! You will bless ,any families!
ReplyDeleteDerrick an Jill, Israel looks just like his mommy.. You will be a Wonderful Midwife.. good luck on test..
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your midwifery test we are very proud of you and Derick of all your work
ReplyDeleteCongrats Jill!!!! So proud of you. You are doing so much good with your life. Living for God being the most important and you and your family are such wonderful witnesses for our Lord! God Bless you all. btw- Israel is so cute - he never takes a bad picture - always so happy! Our family misses your family so much and pray you are back on television soon!
ReplyDeleteTo God be the glory
ReplyDeleteI miss your show and wish the two of you the very best. With God you will endure.
ReplyDeleteWhere will Jill be certified? In the United States or in Guatemala? Where will she be taking her test, here or there?
ReplyDeleteYou have to be a Registered Nurse then go on and do a fourth year of full time study in Australia to be a midwife. All midwives have to be nurses. Never heard of these other courses.
ReplyDeleteI miss seeing you family on TV!
ReplyDeleteThinking of your family and miss watching you on TV! Praying all is well with you!
ReplyDeleteJill, congratulations on your career destination - I am a born-again Christian who believes you can follow Him and accomplish His will - As a retired person who worked about 28 years in ministry - You do have to avoid the appearance of using your donations in appropriately - To truly serve God and get on with your life, I would simply remove my entire life from the media - Someone is going to find fault probably even the way you brush your teeth, but just let your life take on a true meaning without everyone watching -
ReplyDeleteYour lives have meant so much to so many people through the years - I am so sorry that your stand for Jesus Christ caused the devil to attack your family - As the parent of a daughter who was sexually abused (fortunately not a family member) I know we have been through counseling but I know she would never have survived if it had been broadcast for all the world to see -
ReplyDeleteHave you thought of simply removing your family from the public eye - Yes, people are still going to be interested but in order for your girls and Josh to heal they all need to be allowed to have privacy and yes, the Duggars will always to a topic of interest but let your family heal and learn that even if the enemy attacks, we can defend -
During 19 Kids Jim Bob said Jill was already a midwife. I am confused.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Jill! You will be good midwife! That is the perfect job for you!
ReplyDeleteI miss the show. Praying for you all during this difficult time. God will show the way.
ReplyDeleteGod has blessed you with a Godly husband a bundle of energy in Israel, who is so cute, and has given you the mind if Christ. You will pass your exam and bring glory to God through you midwifery. May your family be blessed in your mission endeavors. Be blessed.
ReplyDeleteI was in guatemala in August on a medical mission (Operation Walk Syracuse). After a long day in the Operating room a small group of team members including myself went to dinner . I looked over and saw you eating dinner. I wanted to run over,sit down and start to praise you for your mission work and to tell you I watch the show ! I thought better of it and decided to leave you alone to enjoy your dinner. I was raised that sharing a meal with family , friends or strangers should be "private". Almost sacred for a lack of better words. Thank you for your mission work!
ReplyDeleteAm happy to hear that Jill will be a midwife serving the people over in el Salvador. What is Derreck' s plans?
ReplyDeleteGod has a plan. In God's time, not ours. You are SO loved and admired. Peace be with you all.
ReplyDeleteThis comment is for Lily and Ellie. I applaud the grace with which you are keeping the Duggar blog going. It must be hard to read such nasty and mean comments about your dear friends. You keep a positive tone to the blog. It's evident that God is the most important thing in your lives and that all you do honors him. Peace be with you.
ReplyDeleteI wish her good luck! I'm sure she will pass!
ReplyDeleteAs for the midwifery, I wish Jill could dig into researching how the feminism has been negatively influencing it's practice. I'm not sure if Jill is aware of those things, but she should be in order to make wise choices while working as a midwife.
That being said, I know Jill will be a wonderfull midwife!
Congradulations your hard work love kindness has paide off. God Bless you
ReplyDeleteI didn't read all the comments, just the one that says Jill looks so thin and on other posts, people say she looks pregnant?! Poor girl, I'm glad I'm not famous.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Jill you will be an awesome and caring midwife. Good luck Miss and love your family. Shelley
ReplyDeleteJust a note to those who are questioning Jill and Derrick's use of the donations provided to them for their ministry in Central America. This is a new adventure for them. I trust that weather the donations go toward living expenses, travel or Spanish lessons, their purpose is to make a difference in the lives of people. I believe Jill and Derrick have a heart to reach the lost for Christ. As donors, we can know that we have a part in their ministry that will honor God.
ReplyDeleteSandy B.
I second the motion about Jinger. Let her pursue her photography in a "big city" as she desires or anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteRegarding comments about Jill looking too thin, pregnant, etc. That's the price the Duggars agreed to pay by doing their show. Having their lives picked apart by the media and the internet. Sad, but that's how it all works. That's why many of us would opt for anonymity over a television show any day.
ReplyDeleteJill did appear to have lost all of the baby weight with Israel, but lately, she appears to have ballooned up...is she expecting again? If so, I don't think they are headed back anywhere.
ReplyDeleteWonderful. Now make sure that money donated to your mission work is going towards mission work and not your trips back to the U.S. You could end up being audited.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Jill! Glad you will have a career of your own to bless others and just in case.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for her. And it will put an end to bashing her for 'no job', 'not really a midwife', hateful posts. Get your certification sweet girl and show 'em all. Then use your talent for God's work, which we know was always your plan.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Jill, You are such a passionate woman and I am sure that there are going to be a lot of parents to be out there who can't wait for you to deliver their precious babies.......Take Care And God Bless.......
ReplyDeleteIs she becoming a lay midwife? Where will she be accredited? What school did she attend? I would love for them to be clear. Arkansas doesn't have a thing called a certified professional midwife. There is certified nurse midwife. There is licensed lay midwife. Will she only be able to practice abroad? Where is she registered? She isn't listed as an apprentice of the last printing.
ReplyDeleteIf she had a paying job than her and Derrick would have been homeowners and earning money and living at home would have meant home ownership and a source of income renting their place and the freedom to do and go wherever without a word from anyone since it's not a donor thing nor a tax deductible thing. It would be great for a Duggar to complete training fully and put that training to work. We didn't expect them all to go to college but some should have been able to finish earlier than most students with homeschooling.
It really bothers me to hear judgemental comments about Jill and her choices. Being in the public eye doesn't mean we get to bash her or her family just because we can. I would be pretty PO'd if someone did that to me especially if I hadn't done anything wrong. I truly wish her all the best. She's worked hard to get to this point.
ReplyDeleteHI TO THE DILLARD FAMILY! Jill, I am so happy you're continuing your midwife! In watching the your family's show, I could tell you had a calling for this. Y'all stay strong and stay safe. GOD BLESS!
ReplyDelete