Michelle Duggar Concerned Daughter Jill May Leave Country With New Husband After Wedding

Michelle Duggar could not be happier for daughter Jill and her fiancé Derick as they prepare for their wedding this month, but the mother of 19 is also concerned that the newlyweds will leave the nest and possibly the country. It's a bittersweet time for the Duggar family as they prepare to send one of their own out into the world.

"It really is so exciting for our first daughter to be engaged," Michelle wrote on her family blog. "Even Jim Bob tears up quite a bit these days. He's so happy for Jill and he really appreciates Derick and who he is. We know Derick is going to make a great husband and, hopefully, father. But at the same time, Jim Bob and I are saying to ourselves, 'Oh, wow.' We're realizing our girl is going to start a home and her own family, and that's a big deal, especially for dad."

Jill and Derick are due to marry this month and may choose to go on a missionary trip together soon after their wedding. Derick has worked in Nepal as a missionary, and that's where he was when Jim Bob decided to introduce him to daughter Jill. Derick and his parents all served as missionaries in the country and are committed to continuing to do some type of missionary work.

"After they get married, who knows where they'll be?" Michelle questioned. "Jill and Derick both have a dream to do international humanitarian work or mission work, as they call it. Whatever the Lord has for them, Jim Bob and I realize our kids will probably scatter all over the world. We trained them from the time they were little to have a ministry mindset and be willing to go wherever God calls them. I think they'll give us some interesting destinations to visit as grandparents!"

Jill and Derick abided by the rules of traditional courtship throughout their time together and will exchange vows in front of family and friends on June 21.