Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Josiah Duggar Update

What is 17-year-old Josiah Duggar up to these days? He is still away at the International ALERT Academy, a Christan training and service organization located in Big Sandy, Texas. The rest of the Duggar family paid him a visit this weekend.

Josiah Duggar and Jinger Duggar
Josiah Duggar and Jinger Duggar

85 comments:

  1. Aww.. So cute I love the Duggar family I wish I could meet them one day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish I could meet the family

      Delete
  2. Jinger is so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow How long has he been there and how long is the program? I knew he went but that feels like it's been awhile ago.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for the update on one of the boys. Great job Josiah God bless you as finish your training!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful family!
    Nice to hear from the rest of the duggar kids
    I wonder who is next in line for courtship!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. nice to hear about the updates. i hope he can do some type of mission work. The duggars need to do mission work. the kids are older and should be going out somewhere. without mom and dad following them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They do mission work all the time. They just did a mission trip two weeks ago. And the parents go cause they usually bring younger one along.

      Delete
  7. These boys have grown to be such handsome young men.It's nice to hear about what the rest of the family is up to.I actually want the summer to wiz by so the new season starts.At least i can start my day with re-runs at 6 am on TLC :-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jills house is so pretty, i love her kitchen floor.Im so happy for her :-) :-) :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Why is he still there? What is this intense training for? He isn't in the "real official military" and it doesn't count towards anything. Why don't they let their son join the real military and have a future career in that? It would bring him into the real world and have to interact with all people. That's why. So sad that this family believes that the military is for "other peoples' children".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Im sure he chose that path himself. The Duggars have alot of respect for the military and I am sure they would back their child if they felt that is where God was leading them. I don't ever remember them saying the militarty was for "other people".

      Delete
  10. For a second when I saw the picture, I though Josiah was courting!

    ReplyDelete
  11. How long has he been there for?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Lily and Ellie! Are the Duggars working on another book, or planning on visiting a place to meet up with fans? If so, where can I find this information?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Haha...for a second I thought this might be a courtship announcement for Jinger when I didn't recognize Josiah right away.

    ReplyDelete
  14. How sweet that they paid a visit! Jinger is soooo beautiful!! Goodness!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous, who is wondering why he doesn't just join the military. Don't forget Josiah is only 17. Not old enough yet for the military. And the program he is in gives all kinds of life skills that he can use in many different fields depending on what he wants to do when he gets done. The training includes things like mechanics, electrical, search and rescue, and more. And if he wishes he can easily transition into a career in the military if he so chooses. I know others who went through this training and then joined the military and were glad for it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congratulations Josiah! Great accomplishment! You look strong and alive!

    ReplyDelete
  17. What does that mean (6) 'without Mom and Dad following them'? If my parents neglected me in my adult ventures I would feel alone and cut off. Children want their parents involvement.

    ReplyDelete
  18. @Anonymous
    The comment ALERT training isn't 'in reality' is just not true. Peace to all of good will.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Plan to not just be a spectator...
    From now on I want to let the Duggars to truly influence and change me for the better.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Love Jinger's dress and Josiah is so handsome!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Our son was acutally away to the Quest program, just returning last weekend. He was able to meet one of the other Duggar boys who was a leader at Quest and became good buddies. He got to meet and hang out with Josiah as well (he had arrived already for the ALERT program) and said he is exactly the way you see him on tv, a real jokester, he thought the boys were just unbelievably real, enjoyable to be around.
    We do not have tv and were unaware of who the Duggars were until we stumbled upon their show while away from home about 4 months ago. What a delightful family! So proud of what they stand for and that they haven't become desensitized, especially as young people.
    As a plug for the ALERT Academy and Quest program, it was an excellent experience for our son. Someone earlier asked why Josiah has been gone so long, there are a few different programs lasting as long as 3 - 9week programs. Based on our son, who absolutely loved it and desires to return for the long haul to acheive certain educational qualifications and certifications. If your curious hop on line and check it out.

    ReplyDelete
  22. For those who don't understand what ALERT is all about, please refrain from any negative opinions or comments. Educate yourself first, you would be amazed at all Josiah is doing!

    ReplyDelete
  23. what I mean is let their older children live their own lives. no one on this board thinks its odd the older children live at home and have no jobs? what are they doing? and please stop telling me I am wrong?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quiet a few of the older duggar children have had jobs or owned businesses and or runned for office which is a whole lot more that what I can say for a lot of young people. The two of the girls are training to become midwives, Josh owned a car lot while at home and John David owned or owns a towning company he I think he ran for county council too if memory service. The Duggars are contributing members of society but that is very clear to most after watching a few episodes.

      Delete
    2. They help around the house and its a big family and they like to be around each other. Do you blame them? Its not right or wrong either way...all just your opinion.

      Delete
    3. FYI: John & Joseph own a towing business and are volunteer firefighters as well as Jana finishing up her training as a doola.

      Delete
    4. They are letting them live their lives. How is what they do any different than kids going to college on the parents bill? These kids are getting to explore and travel and learn more than most us were allowed because they still under the guidance of their parents. Jana and John David have gone on mission trips to Asia alone, Jill is under apprenticeship to be a mid wife, Josiah for all intensive purposes is at college, John David is a constable. Jinger and Jessa babysit out side the family, if I'm not mistaken, one of them is a paid photographer. Just because it's not conventional doesn't mean it's not right.

      Delete
  24. Lily and Ellie,
    I would love if we could know more about how Jess and Ben are doing. Not just pictures of them but info!
    Thanks,
    Kate

    ReplyDelete
  25. @anonymous 23: I wonder every day! If my four adult kids, who are younger than the Duggars older ones, still lived at home without jobs or plans , I would wonder if I did something totally wrong with them, there is more than mariage or caring younger siblings.

    ReplyDelete
  26. John-David owns his own towing company, Jana is studying to be a doula, Jessa and Jinger are photographers, Joseph works for John-David, Josiah is away at ALERT....Joy-Anna is only 16, surely we can't expect her or any of those younger than she is to work outside of the home. There are many unmarried young adults who live at home with their parents. The Duggars just happen to have many of them, because they have many children. Nothing wrong with what they are doing.

    ReplyDelete
  27. the fact the older children live at home may seem odd to mainstream American culture, it is the accepted norm in many cultures around the world.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Do the boys in the family have to go to Alert ? Or do they want to go??
    Seems like it could be positive but hard .

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great pic of the kids! The program has a good reputation and helps participants grow from within while earning certification in different programs. I've heard there is nothing easy about it and it pushes you to your limits in some programs to succeed and face yourself. It appears it is standard for most males of the family to participate.

    In regard to the older children living at home, if they are anything like ours a warm bed and plenty of food are both great motivators to stay put. We downsized and they still came home...
    There are older siblings that are volunteer firemen, they are carpenters for the homestead and rental properties. I am sure there are other aspects of their lives but they do not have to really spill all to their viewers as we are on the outside looking in.

    Thank you for sharing the great update and responding to our requests to hear more about the other kids this summer.

    Canada

    ReplyDelete
  30. Excellent job Josiah, this family is a wonderful inspiration to many.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Great to see some updates on the other kids!! Josiah is doing a great job!! I hope he enjoys what he is doing and receives grace and blessings for all he does!!

    LOVE Jinger's dress!!! I wish I had one like it!! I wonder if she is actually wearing a singlet top underneath or whether that is built in to the dress?? Go Jinger! I'm all the way for modesty!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. The Duggars aren't anti-military and I believe the Duggars have stated before that they would back any of their children who do decide to join the military. They greatly respect the military. However, they know that the military isn't for everyone and allow their children to choose if they want to join the military or not. It's the same thing with college. The Duggars aren't anti-college, but know that not everyone needs to go to college with what they decide to do. This being said, Jim Bob and Michelle would probably advise each of their children against doing something that would harm them. Even for their children over eighteen, they still want to protect them. It is ultimately their own children's' decisions, though which Jim Bob and Michelle very much support. God Bless you all!

    ReplyDelete
  33. what about the other older duggar boys

    ReplyDelete
  34. I've read so many mixed reviews on the ALERT program. Kristi, thanks for giving info. Did you say there was a 1-year program? Or is Josiah in some kind of phase 2? I remember when Joseph went, he did 10 weeks.
    I'm glad his family got to visit him. I guess that quells the rumor that families aren't allowed to see their sons during the program. Or was it dependent on their behavior?
    Hopefully we get another update in a month when he turns 18 and comes of age. Blessings on you, Josiah

    ReplyDelete
  35. I would love 2 meet this family sometime...they have inspired me so much! :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Anyone else think Josiah is the spitting image of his mama? I definitely see a resemblance!

    ReplyDelete
  37. To the sweet poster who wants to let the Duggars truly change him or her, I can't think of too many better examples, but I will add that always remember that Christ is our exemplar, he is the perfect one, and we are to follow him the Duggars are amazing examples, but only Christ can change your heart and help you become more like him. I pray that you will be blessed as you seek out your Lord and Savior and put him out in front. What a sweet blessing you are and how precious to your father in heaven. Love and God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  38. @Anonymous

    He's only 17 years old.....not military age yet!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Great job Josiah !!! Hope you are having fun :)
    -Brittany

    ReplyDelete
  40. You can join the military at 17 with parental consent. Not that he's joining but the comment that he's only 17 doesn't mean anything. My sister joined at 17 since she graduated earl so it's possible if that's what he wanted

    ReplyDelete
  41. I agree. This board is all about happy I Love You Duggar's comments.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Anonymous 23: John David has his own tow truck business and is a pilot in training and has gone on missions without the other Duggars, Jana is studying to be a doula (she might already be done training), Jill is near the end of midwifery training and just got married. These three also had First Responder training. Jessa and Jinger do photography on the side. From oldest to Justin they have gone on many missions abroad and in the states. There is no hard and fast rule that says they must move out at 18 just because society says they are adults at 18. They have shown they aren't just sitting idle at home without jobs.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Why are the Duggar girls only allowed to wear cheap flip flops and outdated hokey cowboy boots, when the Duggar men can wear any shoes they want to wear? Can we see the Duggar girls in shoes other than flip flops and cowboy boots?

    ReplyDelete
  44. It's great they are still at home if single. After graduating HS (homeschooled) they inter into some other training to prepare them for life and following them you would know who is doing what.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi I love whatching the show.I was wanting to live the new season will be going on soon? I cannot wait until see and Derek's wedding it would be so fun to whatch.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Congratulations Josiah! Great accomplishment! You look strong and alive!
    this family is a wonderful inspiration to many.

    ReplyDelete
  47. So thankful for an update on one of the Duggar men! He would be an asset to any branch of the United States military when he turns 18.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Anonymous 24 - you are wrong, although the children do live at home, they have jobs. I believe one owns his own tow truck company, and the girls have been studying to become midwives, etc. There is soooo many more positive things going on in that family than we see.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Good job Josiah!! Btw..... why did they shave his head??? It looks like hes bald!!!:( He looked really good when he had more hair and when he spiked it up. Just wondered:) :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. #23, you are wrong. The older boys have their own businesses, one has a towing business, another a lawn business I think. As for the girls, Jana is a first responder and is schooling to be a doula(sp?) and Jinger does photography for births. Clearly you don't watch the show or you would know such things.

    #9, the kids can join the military if THEY choose to. It's a family not a cult for crying out loud.

    ReplyDelete
  51. did he make it to jill's wedding???

    ReplyDelete
  52. Jinger looks so different now.

    ReplyDelete
  53. He is cute a boy !:) sorry ... ( couldn't help it !!)

    ReplyDelete
  54. John David owns a towing company. Jill is/was studying to be a midwife. Jana a doula. The kids are doing things with their lives. Not just living at home doing nothing.

    ReplyDelete
  55. This is a very cute picture!! As I read through the I comments I just realized why the negative comments and criticisms on this blog bother me so much. This family is a positive light in a world filled with lots of negativity. As the old saying goes, "everyone is a critic". I enjoy watching this family. I don't criticize them because I don't believe my life is above criticism. I would not like people posting negative comments about me, my family, my beliefs, my hair, clothing, etc., etc... Beyond that I don't think there is a lot to criticize, they seem to be doing great. Their choices do not have to be my choices. Live and let live, do unto others as you would have them do unto you....look at the sunny side of life...peace

    ReplyDelete
  56. @Anonymous

    Hi Anonymous 12,

    You will find the details of the Duggars' upcoming events on our Appearances page (http://duggarsblog.blogspot.com/p/appearances.html).

    Glad to have you as a reader. :)
    Lily and Ellie

    ReplyDelete
  57. @Anonymous

    Hi Anonymous 58,

    Yep, Josiah made it to the wedding. He helped with crowd control. :)

    ~Lily and Ellie

    ReplyDelete
  58. @Anonymous

    Actually according to the military website the following are the requirements to join the military.

    You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
    You must be at least 17 years old (17-year old applicants require parental consent).
    You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma.
    You must pass a physical medical exam.

    Since Josiah has completed high school, is clearly fit enough to pass a physical of militaristic degree and is now 17 he is eligible for the military. The military will offer him skills based training as well as militaristic training and it also provides him with a career and an opportunity to serve this country. He is a bright young man who's family takes pride in being American, so I think that it would be a great outlet for him. It is much the same as this ALERT camp that he is attending but it provides him with an actual career path and an opportunity for a higher education in any field that he chooses. He could see this as an opportunity to be among people from different parts of the country with different backgrounds and different religious upbringings and learn from them. Plus he will be defending religious freedoms that people try to strip from this nation, allowing his family and others from different cultures to practice their religions without fear of persecution in the United States.

    ReplyDelete
  59. @AnonymousStop criticise the Duggers. Why don't you sign up for the military? Not every American join the military.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Thank you for the update on Josiah! He seems like a fine young man and handsome too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  61. @Anonymous
    If there was a like I would, the person to whom the comment was made, thank-you!

    ReplyDelete
  62. I just hope they don't squash the 'theater' out of him! Go Josiah!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Saw you guys in Longview today and got to wish Josiah a happy birthday. Thanks Michele for taking time to take a picture with my granddaughter Nyla.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Why wasn't he at his sisters wedding

    ReplyDelete
  65. @Anonymous Why is one person saying how wonderful it is the older Duggar children live at home, but then attacks other families with an article about kids who come home after college to live with their parents until they can find a job and support themselves. I think we should be embracing everybody's lifestyles, not just the Duggars. If you want respect, then show respect, don't you think? We're a wonderful country that is filled with so much ethnicity, cultures, lifestyles, religions, all make the tapestry that is this beautiful country of ours that we should embrace all of them. None is better or "holier" than the next. Just my opinion, but I'd like to see those defending the Duggar's not attack other peoples choices in life. It only closes people off to an open dialogue. Having total control of adult children is unusual and the Duggar's have their religious reasons, so just explain to people what those reasons are.

    ReplyDelete
  66. @Anonymous I wondered if Josiah had made it to Jill's wedding also. I didn't see him in any of the clips running up to or during the wedding show. I know he is at ALERT, but don't they make exceptions for boys to be there for such a momentous event like the first Duggar daughters' wedding?

    ReplyDelete
  67. @Anonymous

    Hi Anonymous 75,

    Josiah attended and played an integral part in Jill's wedding, as well as Jessa's.

    ~Lily and Ellie

    ReplyDelete
  68. Josiah is so cute! He seems like a wonderful young man! I love that he serves the lord. (Wish we couod meet itd be a dream come true)

    ReplyDelete
  69. Why don't the Duggars go off to a real get away from home college? Seems like they all do anything but that. Is college looked at by the Duggars as a sinful place?

    ReplyDelete
  70. Why is going away from home to a college....not a home schooled college a bad idea for the Duggars?

    ReplyDelete
  71. Do all of the duggar girls have to wait until their father finds them a mate?

    ReplyDelete
  72. Why is it that Amy Dugger does not wear a skirt all of the time? What happens when one of the girls says I don't want to wear a skirt, I want to wear some pants or jeans?

    ReplyDelete
  73. Will Jim Bob ever pick a person from another race for one of his daughters? Why not?

    ReplyDelete
  74. Curious about Josiah's conspicuous absence from recent shows. Even with being involved in ALERT, he is never mentioned or shown on the recent episodes of the show. It makes me concerned that they are trying to hide him for some reason. I hope this is not the case, as I generally like the Duggars and do not wish to think ill of them or their motives. But it sure does seem to this outsider that Josiah is being treated as if he is no longer part of the family. I know some other families in the circles the Duggars run in have used banishment as a form of punishment to deal with rebellious children. Again, I hope that's not what is happening here, but the more time that goes without even a mention of Josiah the more concerned I get.

    ReplyDelete
  75. @Anonymous I also love Jinger's dress. Any idea where she got it?

    ReplyDelete
  76. I had the same concern that Amy #83 had about Josiah. I think it is a shame to go the whole season without seeing him or at least one of the parents giving a explanation why we did not see him. Josiah is too important to us, the viewers, to be left out and/or ignored for a whole season.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving your comments! We answer as many of your questions as we can, but due to the number of comments we receive daily, we are unable to answer every one. Our aim is to post all points of view, but we do not post anything that is profane, insulting, derogatory, or in poor taste.