John and Abbie Serve in the Philippines

John and Abbie in the Philippines

"Going on this trip together really has helped both of us just to be able to see how we can help other people in the world with the skills God has given us."
-John-David Duggar

Last night on Counting On (be sure to read our recap), we watched engaged couple John Duggar and Abbie Burnett travel to the Philippines for a medical mission trip Do you remember back in the day when John-David and Jana Duggar worked as first responders? That training has come in handy for John as he seeks to address both the physical and spiritual needs of those who attend the clinics (video below). Abbie relies on her nursing degree.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

'To Grandmother's House We Go' Recap

Counting On "To Grandmother's House We Go"

• Joseph, Kendra, and Garrett are in Panama City Beach with Kendra's parents and siblings. "...[Garrett] seems to like the warm weather," says Kendra. "He just gets all relaxed."
• The Caldwells have been vacationing in the same area for about six years. "I definitely love coming to the beach," says Kendra." It's something I've grown up doing. I definitely had to try to convince Joe that it was going to be a good idea because he's not as much of a beach person." "I don't mind the water," says Joe. "It's what's in the water that gets me."
• Kendra's mom is 28 weeks pregnant with her eight child. Near the end of her first pregnancy (with Kendra), she was in a car accident that caused damage to her body. With every consecutive pregnancy, she has had a lot of uncomfortable contractions.
• While they're at the beach, the family splits up, with Joe and Kendra's father as captains, for a 30-minute sandcastle building contest. "I think Daddy and Joe are on the same level when it comes to competitiveness," says Kendra.
• Dad, Lauren, Nathan, and Gracie win because their sandcastle is taller, which means that Joseph gets buried in the sand.
• Jinger and Jeremy take four-month-old Felicity to Pennsylvania to visit Jeremy's parents. "I'm super excited to take Felicity back to my old stomping grounds," says Jeremy.
• Traveling with one child is difficult, but it's much easier than what Jinger is used to. "I cannot imagine traveling through an airport with 19 kids," says Jeremy.
• After spending time in Pennsylvania, the Vuolos drive to New Jersey to introduce Felicity to her great-grandparents, Tony and Ann Vuolo, who are in their 90s. "Oh Jinger, she's beautiful!" remarks Ann. She's elated to meet her great-granddaughter. Jinger says she received the same welcome when she met Ann. 
• "She just totally ignored me, for probably the first five minutes," says Jeremy, laughing. "It was just baby."
• "I knew he was there," jokes Ann. "I knew I'd get to him sooner or later." "You know, I do love you," she tells Jeremy, giving him a kiss.
• Jinger orchestrates a special surprise for Jeremy. While they are in New Jersey, Luis and Cara Robles and their children show up for a visit.
• Just weeks before the wedding, John, Abbie, two of Abbie's sisters, and some friends arrive in the Philippines for a medical mission trip. This is a very special trip because it's what brought John and Abbie together. When Jim Bob, Michelle, and John met Abbie's parents, Abbie's parents mentioned that they had a daughter who was a nurse who wanted to go on a medical mission trip. John told them that Abbie was welcome to come on a trip he had already committed to. "Missions is something that we definitely share a passion for," says John.
• Abbie has been working as a licensed nurse for one year. "I just love taking care of people," she says. She left her job to be able to plan for the wedding
• "I do hope to go back to nursing one day..." says Abbie. "John and I have talked about me getting another job once we settle into Arkansas so that I can keep up my license, and John's definitely for that idea."
• "I fully support Abbie to be able to just continue to keep up her license, as well as be able to be serving others," says John. 
• In the Philippines, the group runs a clinic (with dentists and doctors), administers medicine, provides counseling, and shares the Gospel.
• John and Abbie enjoy trying local foods, including chili ice cream. "It about burned my tongue off," says Abbie.  
• It's time for Jackson to learn to drive! Jim Bob takes him to the Tontitown Police Department to get a driving lesson from a police officer. The Duggar dad is hoping that the officer will be able to share some helpful advice, since he sees a lot of accidents. Jackson drives one of the big vans so that several of the Duggar brothers can come with. Jim Bob brings a pillow for Jackson to sit on so he can see over the steering wheel.
• "We have about ten drivers right now in the family, and we have probably about 40 sitting outside our house," says Jedidiah.
• "The thought of Jackson driving is crazy," says Jana. 
• "Jackson's personality is lively," says Jessa. "He likes to talk a lot."

Garrett Duggar Update

Joseph Duggar, Kendra Duggar, Garrett Duggar

February 2019

"As you can see, he's very curious at this point. He likes to try to sit up right now...but he's not crawling at this point. He's getting close but not quite there."
-Joseph Duggar

Last week, we shared a new video update from TLC, which featured Joy, Austin, and Gideon Forsyth. In February, the network shot an interview clip of Joe, Kendra, and eight-month-old Garrett. The link is below.

Garrett Duggar Update (8 Months)


Photo courtesy TLC

Pie for Pi Day

Are you familiar with Pi Day? In math, pi is an infinite series of numbers starting with 3.14, with makes March 14th "Pi Day." Some folks celebrate by eating pie, which is exactly what Josh and Anna Duggar and their kids did. They baked a family-favorite apple pie recipe from Anna's late grandmother. 

Michael Duggar and Mackynzie Duggar

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com/Josh and Anna Duggar

Duggars and Cats

"My family had many cats, dogs. My mom has such a spot in her heart for animals. My mom was constantly bringing animals home."
-Jinger Duggar Vuolo

What do the Duggars think about pets, particularly cats? Jinger and Jeremy recently adopted a pet cat, and they love him so much that Jeremy is willing to suffer through his allergic reactions. Some of the other siblings, however, aren't as thrilled about cats. They share their thoughts in the video below.

Photo/video courtesy TLC