Hello friends and family, I have some really exciting news!
But first let me tell you a little about Central America. The people are so kind. They offer everything without expecting much in return. It is so funny to see how every country is different in their culture, in their food and the way people treat others. I expected there to be more similarities between the countries in Central America, but there really isn’t. Every country is so different.
I’m not sure if everyone knows this but my team went through another team change.Going from Daughters Undaunted, an all girls team, back to a coed team named Speed Riders.
I am back with two guys from my first team, Micah and Ryan.
Oh, and also, they placed me as the team leader. The three girls I am with I have never been with before. Growing in friendship and community is never easy but always worth it.
In Nicaragua they told me I would be a team leader. I have loved spending time with my team over the last few months and see how we all are growing closer to the Lord and to each other. There is a lot of laughter and I value their honesty and their friendships. I can see why and how the Lord placed me with this team to finish out the race with. This team is so funny, pursues the Lord, appreciates laughter, prayer and honesty, and I am so grateful for all of my teammates.
Our work here in El Salvador is working with a school, church, kids, and being involved in the community here. One of the hardest parts about the World Race is right when you get comfortable you have to leave. But I want to come back to El Savlador. Really the only countries I feel like I will go back to is South Africa, Thailand, and here. I could go back anywhere and be happy if that is where the Lord has called me, but those three places have a special place in my heart.
So I do have some really exciting news. I have only told a few people.
Back in Malaysia before I was asked to be a team leader, my mentor asked me to consider squad leading for January.
What is squad leading…well you lead a team of world racers country to country, disciple and pour into them. In my race we had three squad leaders, Tina, Mark, and Leanne. They would travel every month, week to week, to different teams and ministries, do ministry with us, and pour into us.
So yes, in Malaysia, my mentor on the race and in my walk with the Lord, Megan, asked me if I would pray about squad leading in JANUARY. So I did. I talked to my family. And I decided to apply and see what would happen. Only a few people on the squad knew. But every time I would start filling out the application, I would stop, or give really short answers. I knew the routes were being filled with squad leaders and pretty soon it would be to late to apply. So I waited. I ignored what the Lord was asking me to do and decided no. I disn’t want to squad lead. In reality I was just scared.
And when people would check in with me about the application I would just change the subject, or say I was working on it. Until one day I saw that there was no more room for squad leaders for the January routes.
So I told Megan I would wait until September because that was the next available route for squad leading. In reality the reason I didn’t apply was becaus of lack of faith and fear. I’m 22, still working through my stuff…I didn’t feel like I was ready. And what about money? I had so much doubt in my heart, so much fear of the unknown. Rather than trusting the Lord I took matters in my own hands.
But the Lord kept pursueing my heart with it. His gentleness and kindness led me to repentance for my fear, and to keep praying. I told Him, “LORD, the route is filled…there is no more space to be a squad leader.” But I felt convicted. Because I didn’t step out in faith. I had been praying for more opportunities to step out in faith and when the opportunity came up, I ran away. So I repented and asked for redemption. And for Him to make the path obvious before me. Which He did. And still is doing.
So I prayed some specific prayers. I said, “If You want me to do this, then open the door and place me where you want me. It has to be obvious that this is from You.” When we arrived in El Salvador I was talking to a friend who will also be squad leading in January, and he asked me if I was going to still squad lead, and I said that no, I wasn’t going to because the Lord never gave me confirmation.
But that moment the Lord was speaking to me and told me to message Megan and tell her that if any doors opened, that I would squad lead in Janaury.
At that same moment, Megan messaged my friend and asked him how he thought I would do as a squad leader. This was seconds after mine and his conversation, and he said that yes, he thought I would be really good at it.
The Lord opened a door. Someone had dropped out and there was an opening for squad leading. And I would be squad leading with my friend, and two other girls, and with my Mentor Megan, so she would be the mentor of that squad. Later in the day Megan and I talked. Before confirmation of whether or not I would squad lead, she wanted to talk to me through FaceTime. So a day later we had a call, talked through some things, and yup…she told me asked me if I was ready to start the process, and I said yes. I was saying yes to her, but also to the Lord. I knew all along this was Him.
I went in my room and cried. And cried. And cried. One of my best friends came in the room and asked me what was wrong. I told her I was going to squad lead in January. She was so excited for me and there I was crying! Hahaha. I told her how I was terrified and how I didn’t think I could do it. How was I going to do it…the squad has 51 people, 13 of them guys, the rest girls. My friend said that the Lord would equip me for everything I need. Which is so true, He has given me peace and is giving me excitement. I know He will be with me.
But I have asked for more confirmation while being here in El Salvador. And He has given it to me. He has already provided $1,500. for squad leading. He has given me prophetic words from others, and has given me peace. I know He will be with me. I will be gone from Janaury to May.
The countries are Mozambique, Swaziland,Madagascar, Mongolia, then China. The total is $3,500 for the first five months, and if I want to go to debrief, another $2,500. So altogether around $6,500 Another piece of confirmation, I have been given a job for the short time I am at home. I should be able to raise a good chunk on my own while I am home, and my church has given me liberty to fundraise there as well.
I will be going home in one month. Then leaving again in Janaury. This journey has been really amazing, the Lord has done things in my life in the course of a year I wish I could write a really long blog about and tell you all everything. But I am so excited to see you guys face to face and tell you about the goodness of the Lord.
But the journey doesn’t end here, it only begins. I know He has called me to love, serve, and follow Him. Even from a young age He has called me to this lifestyle of missions and discipling others. Am I scared? Sure. But am I confident in that He will take care of me. Yes, because He has shown me how He is faithful. Only through Him can I do this. HE IS SO GOOD.
Please pray for me during my remaining time here. That I will finish well, totally pursueing Jesus. Growing in Him, loving Him more everyday. Thank you all for your support and love. It means so much to me. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out.
Blessings to all of you!
-Ariana
