When choosing The World Race I looked at all of the different routes and decided where I wanted to go based upon where I had been and how much traveling I wanted to do. Which made things simple: I’ve only been to Costa Rica and I was ready to travel so I could see the world, so I chose Route 5, or as us racers like to say “Squad AYEEEEE!!!”
We made it to Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa and the funny thing is, is that I thought it would only take a few plane rides and maybe one bus. I was so off LOL. We made it to Jeffrey’s Bay, by an Atlanta train called “Marta”, 2 bus rides (adding up to 24 hours), 2 trains at Union Station, 3 planes, (12 hours, 9 hours, and 2 hours), and a 1 hour bus ride. These times do not include the 30 hours of waiting and layovers we had, and before you ask, yes I am jetlagged. I mean I went on a plane at night for twelve hours, and when I got off it was still night!!!! That is also why I am writing this at 1 am…
The best part about all of this is that in those times of traveling the Lord stirred something in my heart. You see I’m a type 6. This means I carry a lot of anxiety around with me… “I shouldn’t be on the race.” … “No one on my squad is going to like me.” … “Everyone back home is going to forget about me.” I mean the list just goes on and on, but I didn’t let this hold me back instead I prayed and prayed and prayed for the Lord to just remove these feelings of anxiousness from me, and when I reached Jeffrey’s Bay, He did; however, He told me this: “You’re so worried about the things that you want and are important for you, but if I have never failed you why won’t you just trust the way I have for you?”
It was at that moment that I told myself I wouldn’t let the devil use my anxious tendencies against me, but instead I would dive into all of the relationships around me, and I can wholeheartedly say that it was the best decision I have ever made. I’ve never felt so close to so many people that I have only known for 60 days. It is unbelievable the peace that I feel about being on the race now.
Also, the place we are currently at reminds me of home and has the warmest feeling ever!!
Last thing- (I promise!!) I am just about $936 away from being fully funded, WHOOO!!! However, it’s still a pretty big hole in my fundraising, and I would just like to ask for your prayers that the Lord would provide me with the funds necessary to stay on the field.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. It means the world to me!
-A. Star
FOLLOW MY JOURNEY: Instagram: @arielsfernandez & Facebook: @Ariel StarFernandez Ruibal
