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When Derick Dillard quit his job at Wal-Mart earlier this month, there was much speculation regarding why a newlywed first-time father would leave a comfortable position in the career field of his choice.

Some guessed that Derick was preparing for a role on the long-rumored Jill and Jessa Duggar spinoff series.

Others assumed his departure was part of the family’s effort to keep a low profile in the wake of the Josh sexual abuse scandal.

Now, the reason for Derick’s career change has become clear, and many are taking it as a sign that 19 Kids and Counting will never return to the airwaves.

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"God has put a desire in our hearts to serve Him internationally for longer than the typical short-term mission trip, but we didn’t know yet how God would fulfill that desire in us," Derick and wife Jill Dillard wrote on their personal blog.

"Earlier this year God brought about an opportunity much earlier than either of us was expecting. Several months ago a new opportunity arose for us to serve God on the mission field.

"After much prayer and seeking Godly counsel, we realized that taking this opportunity and moving overseas in order to serve is the best option for our family…We are currently preparing to leave the US and begin our new endeavor in July."

Derick and Jill did not disclose the location or duration of their missionary work, but it sounds as though they intend to be out of the country for at least several months.

Some fans are speculating that the couple reached its decision in response to news that TLC plans to cancel 19 Kids and Counting