So there I was, fresh off the field of missions, went to America for a month, then back out again heading to Mozambique after 11 months of doing missions and traveling as a participant on the World Race. Heading out as one of four squad leaders, I had a lot of excitement fill my spirit as I sat on the plane heading to Istanbul, Turkey, then to Johannesburg, South Africa.
Before leaving I asked my mom if I should take any of the clothes that I had taken on my first race, to which she responded no, that this was a new race, and a new me. So I brought some different clothes.
When we arrive at the airport in SA, (which was my first county and first airport on my race, January 2016) I remembered so many smells, and the layout of the buildings, everything seemed familiar. My heart swelled because I love South Africa and the people there. Being in the airport even brought tears to my eyes because of all the memories.
As we move forward after 30+ hours of traveling, we go to pick up our bags. I look for my bag…but see nothing. So I look around and start asking if anyone had seen my bag, but no one had seen anything.
I keep praying that God will allow my bag to appear any second, anxiously awaiting. But I was beginning to lose hope. So finally I admitted defeat and went to the information desk and reported a lost bag. I couldn’t believe it. It wasn’t sinking in that I couldn’t find my bag.
Naturally I was frustrated and flustered at first, but in my heart I went to the Lord and I had an overwhelming amount of peace. So I let it go. And He reminded of the day before, when I was on the plane and I had asked Him to help me not walk in pride. And this was an answer to that prayer (that goes to show you to be careful what you pray for, haha.) I have a hard time asking for help, so yes, losing my bag would be the obvious way for the Lord to help me overcome pride and ask for help from others.
Traveling without my big pack that weighed about 18 kilograms (the lowest weight it’s ever been!) was really strange at first. I only needed to carry my day back and purse. When we arrived at our location I realized I had no clean clothes to change into. Then the two teams I would be staying with for the next month just showered me with blessings. They gave me clothes, a toothbrush, everything I needed.
So what happened was that they sent my bag back from our layover in Istanbul, Turkey to Atlanta, Georgia. The details have worked out, and now I officially won’t have my big bag until Febuary 3rd or 4th.
But you know, through this whole process, Jesus has given me so much peace. And I feel good. I mean, I’m not going to lie, I’ve had moments where I told Him how I would love to have my Birkenstocks, or my face wash, or my pretty earrings…but in this process I have everything I need. Not everything I want. And I am very content because my contentment is in Him. That’s what is so amazing.
Right now, I am a little uncomfortable because I’m not in my normal clothes, and I only have my Nike sliders for shoes, but I’m happy. I have my Bible, journal, really good community, and Jesus. Over the past year I have prayed Psalm 23, The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. But this must be what it means to have joy from trusting Jesus. Something I have always prayed for but wasn’t sure if I had it or not. Ame I have had so much peace and joy.
I have want for nothing. Even yesterday I thanked Him that He allowed my bag, out of our very large group, to be the only one to go missing. Because He has taught me humility, and contentment, and finding Him and trusting Him in this process.
I know it may not sound like a big deal, but please remember that I have been on the move from place to place, and traveling for the past year. Your bag becomes your home. And when you lose it, you feel like you lose some of your home. So I had a really great reminder of where my comfort and security lies, which is in Jesus. I have learned a lot this month from the two teams I am staying with abut generosity, loving others, serving, and lots of prayer. I’m very grateful this happened. I’m not going to lie, I am looking forward to having my things back, but for right now I am walking through the process of everything I am learning from Jesus.
We have a good God, and our Abba Father takes care of His children. Love you all, thank you so much for your prayers and blessings. So blessings to you all as well!
-Ari
