During the week
After we left Ariel we continued about through our days. We threw the trash can away, cleaned the van, and I washed the puke out of my hair. No matter how well we cleaned the van my memories of Ariel remained in tact. I continued to remember her and pray for her, that we might meet again.
The week had some rough points, but it seemed like we were really getting through. I had several moments of doubt about our impact that we were having on the island. If we were really getting through to the people, if they even cared. I was very discouraged. I was coming across people who knew who Jesus yet they still lived among sin.
That was when God reminded me of His gift, and how it has transformed my life. How it took years for me to understand and let it transform me. To let it in with no if's and's or but's. These people are the spiritually immature they need to be reminded of God's goodness and mercy. No matter how insignificant it might seem I was going to sit on these vans and try and describe the many wonders God has done in my life.
I started really praying fervently. I let myself get lost in talking to God, and that's when things started to move.
I met Mitch and got to talk to him about the peace that comes from my Heavenly Father. How I gave up control of my future to Him how it was going to be okay because He has something better for me. I met Taylor and her group of friends where I was able to talk about how a relationship with Christ isn't about a set of rules of what to do and what not to do, but a relationship. I shared with her the meaning of my tattoo and how it is my life's goal to draw closer to Him. She was very receptive but she wasn't ready just yet. I got a number to follow up with her the next day.
There was a group of four who got on our van with several others. It was packed and it was loud. I prayed that people would be able to hear through the chaos that the gospel would penetrate their hearts. I started to talk to the two young men beside me. We started off talking about how what happens after death. Just the real light stuff you know. One of the guys said he believed in reincarnation I started to ask him questions to see just how deep this belief was. I don't think even he himself was very convinced of his own ideas.
So I started to share what I believed and why I believed it. How Jesus came and died for us and now we don't have to live under shame anymore, how life is abundant and grace flows through my life now. One of the girls in the front started to listen in. I continued to let them ask questions and answer them as best as I could. The Holy Spirit was upon me at this point, I don't even remember half of the things I said in that van. I continued to share and we arrived at our destination. I prayed and let them go. Then I was filled with guilt and shame the moment they stepped out. I jumped out of the van onto the ground as they walked on by. "Lord show me" I prayed hands and feet in the dirt with a stomach that was ready to let go of all my nervous energy. Luke offered to go and catch up with them with me, so we took off in a sprint.
We caught up to the last girl who seemed very interested and I asked if I could get her number. She gave me her number sheepishly and said her name was Sonya laughing a little at the whole situation. I jumped back in the van and started to pray for all four of them.
Good conversations were happening, the seed was being watered. My heart still waited for Ariel.
