Nothing about this is glamorous. Videos can sometimes display that there is a lot more glamour than there actually is, so I want to take the time to debunk that real quick.
Ministry in Costa Rica I wouldn’t say was easy, but it also wasn’t hard. It was the perfect place for us to begin this 11n11, because of the opportunities for “Americanized Comfort” that was readily available. We had options for grocery stores, water could be used and drank from the sink, coffee shops were in large quantity, and our windows were enclosed from the bugs. However, our reality was shattered immediately when we began our departure for Nicaragua. Complications and adversities began right away as our 10hour travel day became a 20hour one. The differences amongst the two countries was clear.
Hello Nicaragua.
When we arrived to the ministry site, there was no time wasted when discussing the roles that needed to be distributed. English teachers, manual labor, kitchen help, marketing assistant, nanny, painters, and gatekeeper/dog trainer. I had my thoughts, but also felt as if there was not a lot of time to process which or what role to fall into. “God where do YOU want me?” was the constant question.
… and the Lord clearly spoke to me about a role that made absolutely no sense.
Dog trainer / Gate-Keeper
I asked God several times why this role, and the only thing I heard was the role title over and over again. I chose to speak up about it even though I really had minimal desires to do it. Yet here we are, one week+ down and I’m in awe of the things that the Lord is unfolding in relation to the “dog trainer” side of things. My expectations were low in regards to it if I am being honest.
However, the story doesn’t end there with MY expectations.
Meet one of the two dogs that I am working with, Osa, which means bear.
Osa was rescued several years ago, and brought to Light and Salt Ministries here in Ciudad Dario Nicaragua. When told about her arrival it is so sad. No hair, hot spots all over her body, timid, and unable to eat much of anything. Yet, now here she is… but SO DARN GRUMPY, not wanting to play or be touched, and in dyer need of a bath. I recognized that right away that there was no way this old dog was going to learn a new trick, but she could be loved tenderly and made clean.
The first day I bathed her it was clear that she was unsure about it, yet she endured it. I did my best to be gentle throughout, tenderly caring for those hot spots that she still had on her back and attempting to clean her as best as possible. After I rinsed her, and unclipped her from the chain she LEGIT ran and started rolling in the dirt immediately. Per usual, I spent all that time cleaning her and her response was to get dirty right away. However, before the emotion of anger could even roll upon me, Jesus’ love for me did instead.
How many times has Jesus made you clean? How many times has He forgiven you for what choice you made? How many times does He welcome you back, without question?
It cannot be counted; there is not an amount or maximum number of times that He continues to do this for me. He just does it, because of His love for me. So after I bathed Osa and watched her immediately roll around in the dirt, I laughed and said,”Thanks God”, and the next day I cleaned her again knowing that she would wind up dirty. Yet I did it, not for any sort of glamor, but rather because Jesus does that for me, and for you, over and over again.
Osa’s demeanor has changed now that she receives love, not correction but love. She happily plays fetch with rocks and allows for all our squad members to pet her (which was not a thing upon our first arrival). I see the victory in dog ministry, now as for the gatekeeper, we are still working on that ;).
Did I think I would be a dog trainer month two of the world race? Absolutely not, but I get the choice to see God in the mysterious ministries.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
xoxo
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D! I love this perspective and how God has been revealing himself to you. It is so good to hear the testimony you have in this ministry.
I love this. Hearing about your ability to discern God’s voice over others, and the beautiful way He is revealing Himself to you. This opportunity is going to change your life and so many others, especially through your thoughtful writing. You are such a gift!
Dana, I love this, I think of the little thing that Had has us do but in Reality he is traing us for something more bigger in life. So proud of you young lady. Keep up Gods work. ??
Love this so much! So happy you get to use your gift in such unexpected ways! Can’t wait to hear how else you’re going to use it!
Dana, love the analogy between washing the dog only to watch him immediately go roll in the dirt and our sinful selves who are continually washed clean by the blood of Christ only to go right back down a path requiring His cleansing once again. I may not comment on all the updates but watch them all and love seeing all God has for you and your team. Hands and feet, keep being His hands and feet. Love ya!
Thank you so much friend!! Beyond happy to have you living through these revelations with me on this.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support
He is always training us for more, and He always wants more for us. HIS love is so vast, and He gives us such good gifts in those acts of obedience. Uhhh… soo good!
Daily… He continues to reveal things to each of us. It is such a joy.
RIGHT!? The analogy blew me away when it first connected… God is so gracious in showing us His love for us, but also He can be hard hitting on the facts too. Both love and correction. I know you are constantly in my corner Darren… oh do I know, and I am so appreciative and grateful to say that with full confidence. Love ya!
Don’t let the mundane just be the mundane right?! The moments are tender right now, and I am so grateful for this time.
YOU ARE SO KIND! Simply thank you, this is so encouraging to hear from you via comment. Thanks for falling along, His goodness Julia, wow. It’s soo soo good!
So, so good! God is so faithful. He is always working. Thank you for the reminder to always be looking forward Him.
Dana, I love your heart! I enjoy hearing the ways the Lord speaks to you. Not only are you learning, you are teaching us as well through your journey! Keep up the great work and be safe! ??
WOW WOW WOW! He said seek first the Kingdom, and you have done exactly that! Thanks for this sweet story and challenge to see how God is moving in even the most obscure ways.
great analogy on the dog getting dirty right after getting cleaned up with our own lives. SOOO thankful God is persistent! May His will always be done! I love reading your blogs & seeing your Vlogs!