Thursday, May 8, 2014

Jill Duggar Shares Her Love Story

Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard had their first phone conversation in March 2013, met in person in November, and were engaged the following March. The couple shares the details of their love story:

Derick: How I met the girl of my dreams

 

Well, I'm from Rogers, AR, just about 45 min from where Jill lives, but we had to go 8,000 miles accross the world to meet.  So about two years ago, when I was doing humanitarian work in Nepal, Jill's dad was one of my prayer partners.  We would talk every couple weeks or so to discuss how our work was going and what current prayer needs were.  Jill's dad would also mention periodically the work Jill was doing in her studies as a student midwife and her desire to someday use her skills overseas on the mission field.  Being that we had similar life goals, she caught my attention.

The first time Jill and I spoke was over the phone in a brief conversation we had back in March 2013.  I continued speaking with Jim Bob (Jill's dad) over the summer, but didn't speak with Jill again until August.  However, during this time I was praying about Jill and asking God for direction in getting to know Jill better.

The answer to my prayer came in August 2013, just before I left Nepal for a two week trip to Japan.  During a conversation with Jim Bob, he mentioned how he thought Jill and I might get along well,  having similar personalities and direction in life.  He gave me Jill's phone number and we began texting, then emailing, then skyping/ talking on the phone.  Over the next few months we became very grateful for modern technology as we continued to get to know each other better.  Most of our conversations were centered around our values and life goals.

At the end of November, Jill and her dad got to come to Nepal for a couple weeks.  I had no idea what to expect, but I was excited and prayed that God would give clear direction during this time.  By the end of the trip I felt the Lord directing me to ask Jill to officially begin a courtship relationship.  She agreed and we continued getting to know one another.  It would still be two months before I completed my two year term and would move back home to Arkansas.

Upon my arrival home (January 2014), I was met by the Duggar clan; this was my first time to meet Jill's family in person.  Over the next few months, I enjoyed spending time getting to know Jill and her family better.

Jill: How I met the sweetest man in the whole world


Like Derick stated, we grew up pretty close to each other, but didn’t meet in Arkansas. Christmas 2011, Derick briefly stopped by our house while caroling with a group from his church. Neither of us remembers each other specifically from that time; all I have is a vague memory of the group of people who came. Not long after this, Derick contacted my dad and asked if he would be a prayer partner during his two-year term in Nepal. He would call my dad regularly and give updates on how his work was going there and then they’d pray together.
As my dad got to know Derick he was really impressed with his Godly character. He started telling me about Derick and also told Derick about me! I listened in on a few phone conversations with my dad without Derick knowing I was doing so.

After I kept hearing good things about this guy I decided I’d look him up on my own, so I Googled him and got a little glimpse from his social media outlets. I thought it was really neat how we had similar life goals and all, so I prayed about him for a little while, but then I prayed that God would allow me to not think seriously about any guys until it was His timing to begin a relationship and “the one”. I didn’t really think about this prayer again until later.

In March of 2013, Derick called my dad to give him an update and pray together and I happened to walk in the room. Unlike the other times when I had just listened in, this time my dad told Derick I had just come in the room and asked him to tell me a little bit about himself. We talked briefly that evening, however in the months following I didn’t think much about him.

In August of that same year, my dad was on the phone with Derick one evening and gave him my number. He told Derick that he thought we may hit it off and encouraged him to group text (with my parents), or call me if he wanted to. What I didn’t know at the time was that this was a direct answer to Derick’s prayer! He had been praying over the entire summer about when/if he should contact my dad to begin a relationship with me and was asking God to show him clearly! Wow! God is good!

I was super excited to text Derick back and forth, and then we were able to Skype. Our first call lasted 5.5 hrs and I asked him a ton of questions! I jokingly say it was “love at first Skype”! It really helped me feel secure to know that Derick and my dad had already got to know each other and that my dad admired him. During Derick’s time in Nepal, he was 10hrs and 45 min ahead of us so we would try to get in talk time when it would work best for both our schedules. And then there were other times when he was trekking in the Himalayan mountains for days at a time without any communication.
 
Although the distance was hard, we are grateful that we were able to really work on developing good communication, something that’s an important part in marriage. Also, during this time I was able to hang out with Derick’s family, visit his church, and even went to his house and rode in his car a couple times!

In November, my dad and I were able to fly to Nepal and spend two weeks with Derick! During our trip, Derick asked me if he and I could begin getting to know each other better in a courtship relationship; I happily agreed! I’d spent much time reading the bible, praying and getting wise counsel, before saying “yes.”

The more I spent time with him and observed his integrity, sweet spirit and love for God and service to others, the more I fell in love with him! Our goals align perfectly with how we see God leading us and we both feel we can serve Him better together than separate!

Well, my dad and I went home and over the next 60 days I cried a lot of tears; I missed him so much! Finally, in January of this year (2014) Derick returned home and was able to meet my entire family!
Derick asked my dad for permission to marry me at the end of February and then asked me on March 29th! I said, “yes, totally!”

We look forward to seeing where God will lead us and are enjoying this amazing season of life together!


“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and depart from evil.” –Proverbs 3:5-7

68 comments:

  1. How exciting! What a blessed family :)

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  2. So, so happy for you both! What a sweet love story. God is good!

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  3. I wonder why she her other sister hasnt gotten engaged yet????

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  4. I know they dont believe in birth control but i hope they take there first years to travel and enjoy as a couple. I think thats really important.

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  5. :) Beautiful story! Congratulations :)

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  6. that is very precious.... praise God.

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  7. Breathtaking, Jill. You are amazing, your trust in God is impeccable. Derick is truly an amazingly sweet romantic guy who I know you will get along well with. I pray you have exceeding peace and so much blessing you will not have room enough for it, in the words of Malachi the prophet.

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  8. ♥ Jill and her trust in her faith & allowing her dad to help direct and mold her into a wonderful young woman. How cool is it that you have an active dad to step up and love his girls enough to travel around the world for the sake of a possible relationship. Some say girls will marry someone like their father, in this case I think Jill is one blessed lady. Congratulations.

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  9. Wow, what a beutifull story:) I can't wait to see them get married. Jill and derick are such a prefect match. Jill is lost in love for sure.

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  10. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness.

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  11. I loved reading this! What a powerful story of love and Gods guidance!

    atparsons.blogspot.com

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  12. Such a beautiful story! God's love stories truly are the best!! I just got married to the man of my dreams 3 weeks ago and we have a very similar, long-distance story. God is good!

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  13. Wow! What a sweet, God-guided love story! I am sooo happy for Jill and Derick! Thanks for posting this!

    The most amazing thing is that their story is very similar to mine and my husband's. I come from Brazil, and he from a small town in the north of Canada. We met online, because we both belong to the same church movement (from the Catholic church, that is). We exchanged e-mails for about one year, and then started skyping for a couple of months, until he came to Brazil to meet me personally, and also my family. It was amazing, because we shared the same values, life goals, and the same love for God. We got married a few years later (we would have gotten married earlier, but it was not the time of God; but that's ok, we enjoyed each step of the way).

    It's true, God is always looking for ways to bless us, all we have to do is trust in Him! :)

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  14. That's such a sweet, sweet story. I love hearing a good love story! Congratulations again, Jill and Derick!

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  15. Beautiful story! So happy for both of you. I have a son named "Derek" - I think it means rule of the people. Blessings on you both and your families. I might not agree with some of your theology, but I have always had a great deal of respect and admiration for your strong faith and the way your family raises their children.

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  16. Could you please post the link for this week show?

    Thanks

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  17. How come none of the men call their girlfriends women its always girls, yet the girls call their boyfriends men?

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  18. Episode please asap!!!!!!????!?!?!?!??!?
    Hannah

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  19. What a Blessing You Both are. So Very Happy for You Both!!! Nancy, Walter & Sadie

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  20. Thanks so much for sharing your story, it is so beautiful and an encouragement to all of us to wait on God's direction and timing...so happy for you both and excited to see where He leads you...looking forward to watching your wedding, your family led me to Christ and I love you!

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  21. I just loved reading every part of their story. Thanks for posting it Lily and Ellie! May your wedding day and marriage be blessed and joyful, Jill & Derick!

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  22. I didn't know they had been talking since March 2013! Well at less it is longer than November 2013! I am so happy for those two love birds!

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  23. A nice story. I'm glad that she and Derrick have interacted together longer than it first seemed to be. I hope they take some time together before having children right away, you can't get that time back once you start having kids. There is plenty of time for that. Why haven't Jessa and Ben made any decisions yet... he is too young right now for anything relating to marriage, but they don't court for long...it's marry up or break up. What's up with Jana? Does she want to marry? Maybe not.

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  24. So very sweet! What a great example for my teens!

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  25. You can see the love these two people have! God's will is so perfect!

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  26. Hi Jill and Derick! God abundantly bless you and Congrats!! And a very Happy Birthday, Jill (and Gramma Duggar) from another "May baby". I'm past the half-century mark :D and will be 54 on the 24th......my first daughter was born May 15th, 1984... her first child (my handsome, funny and super sweet grandson will turn 7 on May 28th, and my other handsome, funny and super sweet grandson (from second daughter) will turn 4 on the 13th. I also have a beautiful, precious, spunky grandaughter (from first daughter), she'll be 6 on Sept 18...can't leave her out!
    May the Lord continue to lead, strengthen, protect and use your family to show His grace and truth to others!!

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  27. LILY AND ELLIE,
    When are the Duggar family Pictures going to be posted!? We have been waiting a while!
    And any new videos or pictures on Jessa and Ben?

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  28. has anyone uploaded this episode yet?

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  29. Jill you are definitely an encouragement to young ladies. That it will happen in God's timing and it will be so much more awesome than we could have planned! If only everyone waited!

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  30. @Anonymous
    If God doesn't want them to have a baby right away then she won't get pregnant, but people clearly are not supposed to decide whether they have a baby or not right away

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  31. Ah I cannot wait till someone posts the newest episode! They are absolutely adorable & perfect for each other. They make a beautiful couple! I'm beginning to think Jessa and Ben are engaged but they haven't announced it yet....???
    ♥ this family like crazy!

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  32. How are Jessa and Ben doing? I feel like they have been left high and dry since Derick and Jill. Jessa was all the rage and now she's in the background. It seems kinda cruel for her to be forgotten like that.

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  33. Who invented side hugs? Was it God, Mr. Gothard or the Duggars? Really, I'm not being nasty, just wondered where that strange custom came from.

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  34. They seem like such a good match! Similar goals, similar characters, and seems like they are attracted to each other too.

    I'm curious why Ben is not proposing to Jessa, they've been courting since August 2013. Maybe it's because he is too young and does not have any profession or education? But how long Jessa will wait? And what about Jana? She is the oldest and no courtship news yet!!

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  35. Such a beautiful story, Jill and Derick were made for each other :)
    - Brittany

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  36. Awwww... so sweet!!!! (And cute!!!!) God Bless!!!!!
    ~Brooke~

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  37. I am curious to know what ministry Derek was working for and what he meant by the end of his term?

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  38. Maybe with so much going on, we will be blessed with more new episodes next season, let pray they do.

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  39. Beautiful love story!!!!!! So much enjoyed reading it. I admire you both, Jill and Derick. You two are definitely headed in the right direction. I am in need of encouragement like this as I am seeking the Lord's direction in meeting my life partner. I'll keep in mind that verse at the end from Proverbs. It still encourages me, though, when I read things like this.
    The Diggers have done such a great job raising their family. It really is too bad that there's not more families like you. Lord-willing, I'll be following your example one day.
    Well, thanks for posting this, Lily and Ellis. I love visiting this site; it's one of my favorites (if not my absolute favorite!).
    Good night and have a great weekend.
    --Love in Christ, C. H. Duggar fan from Oklahoma

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  40. I agree totally with comment #4. Jill should have a chance to live a little and explore her midwife career before becoming a Mother herself but I doubt that will happen.

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  41. So they are basically having an arranged marriage?

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  42. Not an arranged marriage!!!!

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  43. Sweet story :) and I love the verse from Proverbs you placed at the end of your story-my Bible study teacher cross stitched it and framed it for me...hangs on my bedroom wall.

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  44. No, it is not an arranged marriage. Her dad introduced them…just like most people are somehow introduced to their future spouse. One of my best friends introduced me to the man that became my husband. The decision to get married was completely up to each of them, not their parents.

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  45. Thank you so much for sharing your story Jill and Derick! What a sweet beautiful couple you are, the Lord has brought you together in a very special series of events. Jill, your trust in the Lord, your obedience to your father and your priority to remain pure is a wonderful example to me! Derick, you too have been a wonderful example to other young men as you waited for the Lord to bring you the right wife. Congregations to you both as prepare to be the future Mr. and Mrs. Dillard! May the Lord bless you and keep you!
    In Christ,
    Amelia

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  46. Such a sweet love story! When is their wedding?

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  47. It seems that all of the marriages are arranged to a large degree. The only choice the prospective bride has is if she is interested in the guy or not. Her father makes all the decisions that lead up to this. It's a shame that these girls aren't allowed to know what they, themselves want in a boyfriend, let alone a husband. Their response is that" our dad knows what we are looking for in a guy"... I find that repulsive, personally that a young woman deemed old enough to marry can't decide for herself from the get go; leaving these girls perpetual adolescents.

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  48. @Anonymous
    uh, yeah it is. They were set up, and are now being monitored by, their parents, just like in an arranged marriage.

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  49. Has anyone uploaded this episode yet? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT SOON!!!!!
    Hannah

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  50. Although Derrick may hopefully have some traditional dating experience, he and Jill have spent precious little time actually together. I hope Jill asked practical questions of him regarding his daily lifestyle, ie, what time he likes to go to sleep at night, hobbies, habits that could get on your nerves, and he asked the same of her..not just theology belief, which ARE important, too. This system although advertised as not all leading to marriage, seems to carry somewhat of a stigma if a courtship is "called off" and only the girl can call it off. So, is the guy stuck if he's not too excited about her? There is a great deal of pressure to "hurry up and decide to marry" among them. Not good at all... IMO

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  51. Of course God would bring two wonderful young people together. It was not an arranged by Jill's father. It was entirely up to the two young people as to decide, if they wanted to be married or not.

    There was no pressure put on the young couple by Jim Bob, what-so-ever. The Duggar parents love each other and love all of their children dearly. The idea Jill's parents would force their daughter into a marriage she wouldn't want, is ridiculous. It is pretty hard to miss the fact, the young couple do love each other and God bless them.

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  52. @Anonymous

    Hi Anonymous 46,

    Jill and Derick will tie the knot this summer.

    ~Lily and Ellie

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  53. No, not an arranged marriage. Arranged marriage is when the parents pick the boy and all the girl gets is told when to show up.

    Jim Bob specifically said to Derrick that he gave HIS blessing, but he would have to ask Jill if she approved the courtship. JILL got the final say-so.

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  54. lioness- Jim Bob has said over and over and over and over that it is up to Jill and Derick. An arranged marriage means that the people getting married have no choice.

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  55. @Anonymous

    Marriages don't always happen in birth order. Just because the younger ones are in a relationship doesn't mean Jana has been forgotten or given up on marriage.

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  56. @Anonymous

    "our dad knows what we are looking for in a guy" because they talk to their dad and TELL HIM what they're looking for.

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  57. @Lioness

    Have you actually witnessed an arranged marriage? Obviously not. I have, and it's NOTHING like this.

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  58. I beg to differ on the pressure to hurry up and decide if they want to be married. Yes, that is the $64,000 question here. Didn't anyone notice Jim Bob questioning poor Derrick after only 1 day in Nepal if Jill was "great or not'? A decision to marry someone comes after dating, yes dating, or courting, not with intention to "hurry up" and decide. You should be able to "court" for any amount of time the couple wishes, not necessarily having to decide if you want to marry. Experience is a good thing in life. They are taught to have no experience before marriage, not a good thing for anyone. Keeps you ignorant, which is weakness. Knowledge is power. Prayer is ultimately powerful, yes, but these girls are told who they need to be, they really don't know themselves who they are for that comes with life experience, I know from personal experience about that one.

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  59. When the older girls were asked what they were looking for in a husband, they gave adolescent responses, like, "slow to anger, seeking the Lord, but nothing about real, everyday qualities, habits,, interests...they then said "talk to our dad, because he knows what we are looking for", as if they did not, but knew that he would decide for them. That really is the take most of us got during that interview..these ARE grown women that were asked. that's why many people feel that they don't have a handle on real life or expectations, as their lifestyle does shelter them from their own life experience which should lead up to being ready for marriage.

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  60. Congratulations to you both. I think you make a great couple. You both seem to have a kind and gentle heart. Best wishes to you both. Can't wait to see the wedding. I hope TLC air the wedding as soon as possible so we don't have to wait.

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  61. Congradulations Jill:)

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  62. @Anonymous

    I disagree. I think that looking at "slow to anger, seeking the Lord," are actually deeper than saying, "I want a guy who likes pizza and romantic movies." You can't build a marriage on pizza and movies, but you can build a marriage on character.

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  63. Two days and counting...... Congratulations much love and happiness.

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  64. You guys are so wonderful!! Thank you for being so gracious and putting up your story!!! love it.
    May God bless and keep you as you are married! <3

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  65. Please stop with the ugly comment, we need to Build each other up, not tear each other down. I am so happy for Jill and Derrick, and I say God bless them. :)

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  66. i love jill and dericks love story. what was the date when they got married

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  67. @Anonymous

    Hi Anonymous 66,

    Jill and Derick married on June 21st, 2014. :)

    ~Lily and Ellie

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