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

d