When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 |
Recently, I began a new job and a reflective conversation with a colleague stirred up memories of challenges I faced in the past few years. I recounted a particularly trying period when I had just moved to a new country and found myself amid another round of COVID-19 lockdowns (my third round in a third country). In that season, I was feeling utterly alone without any friends, family, or support network. For about four or five months I struggled, mentally and emotionally drained, grappling with feelings of abandonment and a lack of guidance, despite pouring my heart into my work. I grappled with the lack of support from the leaders who had invited and brought me to this new country. Despite assurances and promises, they seemed indifferent to my difficult situation. Feeling overwhelmed and longing for support, I mustered the courage to share my struggles with my superiors, hoping for encouragement to continue my duties with renewed strength. To my dismay, instead of empathy, I faced criticism and punishment for my honesty. They attacked my character, threatened my position, and implemented punitive measures and ways I had to prove I was “worthy” to do my job. It was a dark time, and I regretted opening up. Yet, amidst my turmoil and their harassment, I continued to fulfill my responsibilities, supporting the young people under my care as they also faced personal challenges and struggles In this storm, I encountered a stray dog, a mother on the brink of survival, giving birth to six fragile puppies in a ditch near my home. She was malnourished, injured, and wandering the streets, yet her eyes reflected a glimmer of hope within her hardship. Seeing my struggle mirrored in her helplessness, I couldn't ignore her. If you research how to approach a mother dog caring for her newborn puppies, common advice warns that even the most gentle pets can become protective or aggressive. Despite having no prior interaction with this particular dog, I cautiously approached her, unsure of how she would react to my attempt to move her puppies from the ditch. To my surprise, she allowed me to carry two puppies at a time to a safer location, showing a remarkable level of trust. Eventually, she even permitted me to carry her, a gesture of exhaustion and acceptance evidenced by her weary tail wag. Determined to provide for her needs, I dedicated the following hours to ensuring mother and puppies had food, water, and shelter. I purchased tarps to shield them from the rain and gathered towels to create a comfortable nest. For the next three weeks, when not at work, I devoted myself to caring for Mama and her six precious puppies, ensuring they thrived despite their challenging circumstances. After caring for Mama and her puppies, the puppies found homes through another expat family. I cherished Mama's companionship until I departed from the country. Before leaving, I did my best to see to her well-being by vaccinating her and having her spayed, ensuring she wouldn't struggle to care for both herself and a litter of puppies ever again. Through caring for this abandoned mother, whom I lovingly began to call Mama, I found solace and a reminder of God's presence. Despite her hardships, she embodied Godly hope and resilience, teaching me that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. Just as I provided for Mama and her puppies, God orchestrated moments of compassion and support in my own life, reminding me of His unwavering love even when I was surrounded by human attacks. As I witnessed living out compassion and care, I held onto the truth that God sees and cares for me in my struggles Reflecting on Mama's story, I'm filled with mixed emotions. Despite my efforts to find her a forever home, circumstances led a friend to leave her back on the same street where I first met her. Though neighbors now routinely feed her, I can't help but feel guilt and remorse that she's back where she started before our paths crossed. The cost of bringing her to America was prohibitive, leaving me with only dreams and prayers for her well-being. Yet, I'm grateful for the time we shared and acknowledge that God's providence placed her in my path, ensuring she's alive and cared for, even if her story hasn't unfolded as I hoped. Reflecting on my journey abroad, I'm reminded of the stray dogs who became unexpected companions, symbols of God's compassion amidst adversity. Many who read my blogs will remember my beloved stray Oliver from Qingdao. Oliver shared snacks, long walks, tearful moments, and lots of love with me. He introduced me to his friends, including his puppies, and provided so much confidence and comfort to me over the first two years of my time in China. Then of course there is my best boy Benji. The presence of these dogs in my life is a tangible reminder of God's goodness and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Compassion, I learned, is not a sign of weakness but of strength, echoing the love and empathy of our Creator. The vulnerability of a stray dog, to trust even when they have been hurt and left alone on the streets, inspires both hope and mindful courage. It takes intentionality to trust in God’s goodness even when the world around you screams the opposite. I recognize that there is a lot going on in the world right now, many things that need so much prayer and lifting up to the Lord. Will you do something for me though? If you read this blog post, will you say a short sweet prayer of health and blessing over my sweet Mama dog?
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