Ariel Renee' Richardson

Hello All,

First let me say sorry it took so long for me to get on here, but I am finally here.  My name is Ariel Renee' Richardson, and I always spell my whole name out because it looks pretty to me.  I was born and raised in Dallas, Tx where I have my mother *my rock* and a younger brother *my heart* that keep my world going around.  I truly love them and they are among my many support systems.  I have been attending Texas Woman's University for the past two years and let me be the first to say that this was not my school of choice, but as years have passed I have come to see that it was God's plan all along.  My major is nursing and I one day pray that I will become a Neo-Natal Nurse Practitioner.  I have always enjoyed helping people and feel that I will be a blessing in the nursing field.  I have always been a Christian but it wasn't until the summer before my senior year of high school that I was "Souled Out" for him.  I had been through soo much and that's when I really began my relationship with him and it changed my life and others for the better. Then I went to college.. I sort of started not living right.. BUT God, starting 2012 my prayer was for me and him to get back to the relationship we used to have, and that's when I started attending a college ministry and really got back to Him. Thats when I heard about the opportunity to go on a Mission Trip to Africa.  I was sooo excited because I would be about my fathers business and I could travel to another country to live like them for two weeks.  BUT that's when the devil came his hardest, I heard every excuse as to why I shouldn't go but I never lost sight of God's voice, He always reassured me.  It hasn't been a easy road, but I know that He will never leave me nor forsake me.  I am very excited about what Jesus has already done with our team and what is still to come.  I pray that if it's in His will that each one of us will be able to make it.  If it's meant for us to go finances will not be a problem.  I know that He will put those supporters in each one of our lives.  Stepping out on that leap of faith is not easy, but when you are surrounded by people who have the same goals as you, they keep me motivated.  If you have read all the way to here, I just want you to know that I love you and pray that you are blessed by this trip, because by reading this blog you will be going along with us.  && AGAIN I am sooo excited to be following God's will.


Love,


Ariel Renee' Richardson

The "short version" of me

Hey Everyone,
 So this is what it looks like to create a blog, interesting. Well this is our blog site, created for our August mission team. It is a great way to share our stories, thoughts, prayers, and request with everyone on our team and those who wish to follow us as we prepare for our journey, during, and afterwards. Ideally, right now I want each of the girls to write a little bio about themselves, so everyone knows everyone. :D I shall start.
      Born and raised in Sulphur Springs, TX with a mom, dad, and brother my love for the small town country style was alright for me.  So why would I want to leave it. Denton, TX has become that new home for me. For the past four years I have been attending Texas Woman's University and loving it. About three in a half years ago, I found myself searching for a church because I wanted to. I went to church back at home, why should stop now that I am in college? I have had a faithful, supportive, Christian family here that has helped me grow in ways I am just now realizing.
      I have always had a heart for missions and traveling the world [Those two kind of go hand-in-hand]
& that is where the story can begin. December 2010, I felt God calling me to go to Africa with a missionary that I had met 2 years prior to that. I emailed, he emailed me back and informed me that there was a college age mission team coming to Mombasa, Kenya in July. From there, God did his thing and allowed me a safe, life-changing experience in visiting and sharing the Gospel with the wonderful people of Mombasa, Kenya. It was amazing, I told everyone. The stories were cool, the experience was amazing. God definitely had a plan. Now, I wanted to go back, but how? Could I really go back to AFRICA again? The next year? "Okay, God I'm listening," I remember thinking & slowly he laid it on my heart to take others with me. I talked to the organization we are going with, Imani, and it became clear that a leader would be needed, someone who had already been there once. Who could that be, not me. Yes, God has a plan for each one of our heart's! It may not be when or where we want it to be, but Hello, he is God, not you..........& so here embarks the newest adventure. With God on my side, prayers, and support everywhere there is team going to Mombasa, Kenya, Africa this summer, aka July 31 -August 16. There are 11 beautiful young ladies, who want to do good for His kingdom, have Jesus change their hearts, and be someone that witnesses to others.  
Please take a moment to read about them and embrace the team.
With God's unending love,

Cayla Newkirk