May you rest your soul, Mr. Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela statue at the NM square

So many things have been going through my mind since they announced the death of Nelson Mandela yesterday evening. My human flesh was sad but my heart was filled with joy. To think of what this man, and many others went through during the Apartheid regime. The thoughts flowed on how we live our lives today.  What are we doing now to step up to the legacy of the many great people who have sacrificed their lives so we can live the life we have today? I’m in awe…thinking of myself and what I can do.

In prayer, I had visions of my visit to South Africa in 2010. What a privilege and blessing to have been able to visit such a beautiful part of the world!!  I anticipated disparity and poverty but I soon realized this area is much more than I could dream of. Their smiles could light up any room and their joy was contagious. As we drove through Joburg and the outer area, I thought to myself, how could this be? The shacks they called houses were being held up by a thread. Most looked like they had been walking for miles and miles but they still had enough joy in them to wave at our air-conditioned luxury bus. Wow!!

On our way to one of the World Cup games, Cecily and I decided to nap. The bus driver announced that they would be showing a movie called Invictus. He even mentioned it was directed by Clint Eastwood to grab our attention. He knew Americans all too well! To say the least, I was beat. We had been running on both ends every day and I just couldn’t keep my eyes open.  During my nap, I awoke with everyone else’s eyes glued to the movie. The driver snickered from his rear view mirror at me. I was horrified!! How embarrassing! I knew his speech about this movie was heartfelt but I had no idea why. 

Sadly I felt I missed the boat on the whole “Mandela/Apartheid thing”. I blamed it on my teachers to the driver. He again, laughed it off and said he would like share with me his story. He went on and freely admitted that his family was involved in the Apartheid (gulp). He then went on to tell me some interesting facts about South Africa. That 20 million blacks were ruled by 4 million white South Africans under the Apartheid regime. He went on to the subject of voting, land rights and education. As you can imagine, this history nerd wanted to write it all down!! He then told me about Robben Island and the beef of the story, Mr. Nelson Mandela.

Seriously, I was overwhelmed on so many levels. As I reflect back on this trip and the conversations I had with the local South Africans, I still am very connected to the idea of reconciliation and forgiveness. Just think about it. Would you have the ability to put the past behind you and reconcile with those who oppressed you? It is unheard of these days. Most people are out for revenge and blood versus what God commands of us, which is love. I know, I know, Mandela was a politician and a lot of what he did was for the sake of his country but still, how admirable is he? He chose to NOT live in the past and focus on the future. He chose to reconcile with the white South Africans to bridge the hate. He chose to live his life and do what he could to make his country a better place. Selfless, if you ask me. The point I’m trying to make is that we could learn a lot from the life he lived.

Back to Mr. Bus driver…geez how I regret to not remember his name. He taught me something valuable that day. He said he could freely say this because his family has been forgiven. That he is not the monster that his father and uncles were. That he was released from the sins that they committed from Mandela. Mr. Mandela gave Mr. Bus driver hope and a new life to live. He said he could potentially be doing office work with his education but that would not serve his mission well. He promised his Father (my same Father) that he would share the gospel and what his family did. He also promised he would honor the oppressed, the hungry and the ill until the day he died. I hugged this man and thanked God for this short time I’ve had with this redeemed man. I go back to words of wisdom he gave me…”Hate the sin, don’t hate the sinner. Hate the crime, don’t hate the criminal.”

I hope and pray that you always live your life in love. Not just to those who have treated you well but to those who have mistreated you as well. I am still working on this. I too have had a hard time connecting with those who have hurt me. I no longer look at my past but my beautiful future. I am so very blessed to be a child of the Prince of Peace!!  I know what forgiveness does to one’s soul. I’ve been forgiven and have forgiven others. What a HUGE lift off my shoulders! A FREEDOM and release like no other. Let’s join together and be our best authentic self like Mr. Bus driver. Let’s not be shy to hide our old life but admit that we are not perfect and that God’s love equals forgiveness!! Share the gospel and spread the love that heals all wounds.

Mr. Mandela, undoubtedly you’re nice and cozy in your permanent home. I’m sure you miss the view of the ocean from Cape Town and the people of South Africa that you love dearly. I pray boldly that your people are led to live a life of forgiveness and peace. That they choose to build a legacy and carry on the work that needs to be continued in your country! May your soul rest in peace! I hope my family is there welcoming you!

My greatest gift --- my Salvation!!!

5 years ago today Al and I left everything on the cross and recommitted our lives to Christ! Little did I know our lives would never be the same.  Every sin, every heartache, every painful situation I endured could no longer define me. I was FREE from it all and renewed in my spirit!!! Thank you, Lee Gee for loving us when we didn’t love ourselves. As for those who have not encounter God, it’s never too late!!! Matthew 19 changed my life. I read this passage over and over again and undoubtedly fed my spirit versus my flesh. One word: Eternal Life! With God, everything is possible!! 
http://www.biblestudytools.com/nlt/matthew/19.html

I also want to thank KSBJ Christian radio station in Houston, Texas. I never understood what worship music was prior to Salvation. In my darkest hours, the songs that played saved my life!! One song, in particular, “Hope Now” by Addison Road gave me hope. I wasn’t on my own and all my life I’ve been carried by my Father!!! His love set me free. Till this day when I hear this song, I cry tears of joy.  Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH6sNNJ4u8o  

The beginning of Salvation!!

One last song I encourage all sinners to hear is “Hallelujah” by Tenth Avenue North. To express in word the power behind these words is difficult. I fell to my knees because the sin was too unbearable to hold. Could He really love me after all that I done?  Yes! As sung…“You spread Your hands and made a refuge for the WEAK and BLESSED, the weary bruised and broken took us in, inside Your wounds we hide away”. This was it…I was no longer not good enough!!! I found my refuge and by His blood, I was SAVED!!!! My life has never been the same after this. Thank you Jesus for the Christian artist who boldly profess the truth that led me out of the dark. Please watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tveD7JPlK6w http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tenthavenuenorth/hallelujah.html

Pure joy...look at our faces!!!

Happy 5^th anniversary, Al!!! I am so proud of the man you are today. I admire your boldness and your faithfulness that led us to beautiful California and now Panama. Being with you is my greatest adventure…you get me and for that, I’m eternally grateful. I pray as we embark on this journey, for His Kingdom, that we are always authentic and transparent so we can share the gospel to others in need of Salvation. May our hearts be pure and loving and our eyes be focused on the One who gave His life for us.

Love always, your wife for LIFE,

Lisa

Here we go…speaking from the heart

A few days ago I sent an email to my nearest and dearest friends. Some that are Christians, some that aren’t but they know my heart and felt lead by the Holy Spirit to share the Good News. When we were assigned this position in Panama, I knew it had little to do with my husband’s job but more so, the Mission our Father is sending us on. You see, I prayed and prayed for this assignment, not knowing it would lead us to Central America.

As most of you know or saw via Facebook, our church served a local orphanage two weeks ago. Without going into too many details, it was a huge blessing! We went there to plant for Jesus, sing songs (most I’ve never heard of but willingly sang) for Jesus, and love on these kids with the heart of Jesus!! The precious children were so much fun!! One boy, who probably never plowed or planted in his life, had expert hands and God given knowledge! Not a huge surprise, just a gift he has been blessed with!

Immediately a sweet baby gravitated towards me. She held my hand and made sure I didn’t leave her side for too long. Her eyes were sad but her heart was willing. She trusted me and let me love her. I saw glimpses of joy and even held her long enough that she fell asleep in my arms. One of the ladies from my church said, “Who knows the last time she was held like this?”  It broke my heart but I knew if I had only this time to do it, I was going to give every ounce of love I had!! This sweet baby cried when we left and sought comfort from the wall. I made a promise to her that I would be back. As you can imagine, my heart was broken and I just hated leaving her there. 

 
Isn't she adorable???

On our way out, Pastor’s wife, Amy told us that we would indeed be back for our Christmas outreach! This would be for the entire family in December. On the way home, the Holy Spirit took over my heart. He wanted more from me. There are so many issues I had been conflicted with re: the adoption process here, the broken foster care system and the nonexistence of free day cares here. I immediately reached out to Heidi from Open Arms Ministry and asked for her to join me in prayer for missionaries to serve in Panama. I know things don’t happen overnight but I know I serve an almighty Father! I also know He uses ordinary people, like you and me, to do EXTRAORDINARY things for His Kingdom.

With this said, I felt comfortable only asking help from my dearest friends. Only few responded, which I sort of expected. Those who did, did willingly knowing this is to further God’s love and mission here in Panama. I again have been praying and today, while doing dishes, I felt again the Holy Spirit speak to my heart to be BOLD!! To not put this mission in a box for few but for all. So here it is, BOLDLY writing on behalf of those children. We need your help!

Amy, Pastor’s wife gave me these details: We are in need of children's clothing and shoes. For boys: it is mostly 2t, 4t, size 6 and 8. There are several babies right now, so any baby sizes from 3 months to 12 months would be perfect. As for girls: they are asking for mostly size 4t, a few 6 and 8. Right now, there are only 2 girl babies, both 11 months. Also children shoes (sandals or athletic) of any size for kids.  Keep in mind, the only thing that belongs to these children are there clothes and shoes. Also, we only have warm weather in Panama and summer is on the horizon in December.

Another option is diapers, wipes, milk, formula and many more. I'm happy to share the list with you, if needed. These are bulky items so we would need money donations for them so I can purchase them at our local Price Smart (aka Costco)!

Here is the plan, Cecily is coming home (Panama) for winter break. She leaves on Dec 10 and anything you can help donate would be much appreciated. There are a lot of sales on summer stuff right now. For free shipping, I would use target.com's Red Card and you can mail it directly to Cecily. It's like a debit card but with perks! Cecily will buy space saver bags and try to shrink wrap everything to send over here via plane. 

Her address is:

Cecily Patino

TCU Box 293700

Fort Worth, TX 76129  

Also, Cecily will be in San Antonio, for my SA peeps, during Thanksgiving. If you'd like, you can drop things off at my mom's house. Email me at lisagpatino@yahoo.com for details.

I thank you for partnering up with my church and I to help these beautiful children. They don't have the means to work or help themselves. They didn't choose their situation and need our help and our love! Many blessing to you all and look forward to hearing from you!!

Our 2nd World accommodations!

Let’s just say that we've been living very simple. Our household goods are in route but it will be another 5 weeks before it arrives. To make life easy and livable to American standards, we have made a few purchases. Nothing fancy but good enough for the Patino family!

Our Kitchen/ multi use table!! It will eventually make it's way to our Master bedroom patio when our stuff arrives. I've added a few touches: $.50 place mats and $3.00 pillows and it now looks fabulous. Let me not forget to mention the view...green, green and more green!

Our bed!! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's a Queen pillow rest raised with a built-in electric pump air mattress. Seriously, the best investment we've purchased here. Brandon also has the same one. We brought our fancy linens - this one is courtesy of my sister-in-law when she was 15. I LOVE it! Hawaii is my favorite place to be and thought this would bring me joy everyday when I make our bed in the morning. Great choice on my behalf.

We can't forget our new High definition TV we brought from the United States. This TV is so high tech, 1080p that Panama still need to catch up with it. We decided to order the newest, latest and greatest TV package that offers HD thinking that it would be in comparison to the US. We were wrong, HD here in Panama is 720p and regular channels are 420p. Oh well! I'm happy to say that I logged into my Netflix account and it works here!!! YES!! I've never been a big fan of Netflix but this will offer us a world of TV that we don't have access to.

Brandon brought his X Box 360 and a few games. As of today, he won't be able to purchase X Box games here. The gaming system used here is PlayStation. Panama is still developing and will eventually catch up to the rest of the world. For now, this isn't a big deal since kids in our neighborhood play outside and summer is soon approaching. 

You know that cool technology box that you have nicely installed in your home? Well here they still run cable in the homes and the mess to install this still lingers. I'm not sure how I'm going to hide this when our stuff gets here but this is as good as it gets! Honestly, at this point, I don't care where it was as long as I had access to the internet.We applied for this service 9 days ago and today it was finally installed! Brandon has not been able to do homework and I've needed internet to contact my family for free. 

Lastly, when we moved in, these devices were all over our home. They eliminate excess humidity and odor in the home. We have now invested in a few more and they seem to be working well. They are small enough to hide or will become part of our decor! 

We are getting used to the simple life. Al and I are sleeping well in our fancy air mattress and we have just enough to make our home a home. I'm grateful for these last few days as we adjust to our new schedules. I'm anxiously awaiting for my Spanish class and hopefully a job that will follow. For now, I've been in prayer, prayer and more prayer. I will start going to the gym next week and develop my life here. We are abundantly blessed to be here in Panama and happy to report that we really like one church so far. Everything takes time and I look forward to sharing more of our adventure with you! 

Our adventure continues…Mission Accomplished – we picked a school!

Brandon's 1st day of school pic. I embarrassed him!!

Choosing the right school for Brandon was very important. We needed a school that would accommodate his educational needs plus would offer him sports, culture and new friendships. My biggest concern was the small environments in the other schools. For example, there is only one 7^th grade class at Knightsbridge which had a total of eight students which translated to me eight friends in Panama. Out of all the schools: ISP, MET and Balboa are the only facilities that met our criteria.

We are very happy with our decision to enroll Brandon into Balboa Academy – home of the Dragons! They service 47 countries and have over 850 students! Eventually he will go back to the States for college and we wanted to give him the same environment he would have to adapt to their.

Sticker shock!!!

International schools are very expensive and our first check was close to $10,000.00! (GULP)

The breakdown of the fees is as followed:

• Capital fee: $10,000.00 ($5,000 due now, $5,000 due next school year)

• Tuition: $2,543.00 (due 4 times the school year which totals to $10,172.00)

• Application fee: $150.00

•  Annual registration fee: $1,274.00

• Annual Infrastructure fee: $450.00

• PTSO fee: $20.00

• Bus Transportation fee: $55.00 a month

• School uniforms: $142.00 for shirts, pants, and gym uniforms

This is an investment on our part for Brandon’s future. This experience will be something he will be able to reflect on as he gets older. He has met several kids and has called many of them “friends” already! Lukas is from Germany, Logan is from Scotland, Saehan, who Brandon says is white, is adopted with Indian parents, and Bernard is from Cuba. His new friends kindly gave Brandon the low down of the “troublemakers”, who are older students. Some things don’t change! Apparently they start food fights and get kids in trouble for smoking, LOL!! Who knows the extent of the trouble these kids have been in but if it’s only food fights, hey, I’m not too worried.

In Panama, all kids are required to wear uniforms. This is a big change for Brandon since he has never worn a uniform in his life. As most of you know, he has his own swag, Bay area style, to now a collared shirt and pants every day. Surprisingly he doesn't mind it. It’s easy and requires no thinking! Another change for Brandon is riding the bus. The bus service is very common here, unlike in California where I had to drop him off and pick him up every day.

Overall, our first week has been good. We've had our challenges that I’ll touch on my next blog! We are starting to develop our own routines and eventually this will be our new normal. This weekend we have our first school event, the Fall Festival and our first community Halloween party. I hope to meet some of my neighbors and get to know my new community!!  For now, many blessings to everyone!!

The time has come…goodbye CA (California), welcome CA (Central America)!

The last three weeks have been a blur. Al had a brilliant idea to have a garage sale the weekend before our last few days in California. Let me tell you, Al NEVER does anything average. He set up a Square for the big transactions and had a total of 10 tables: electronics, sports, purses, housewares, etc. You get my point. His strategy was to price things to sale but still wanted to make a good profit. All in all, he made close to $4,000.00 on the garage sale!!!!! A big high five to my hubby for all his hard work.

I hate saying good-bye. I prefer to say, “until next time” or “until we meet again”. I have met some AMAZING, and I mean AMAZING, people in the Bay Area. From work, to church to neighbors - wow, we have been so blessed with the very best!! It was hard to meet with everyone but we managed to meet with almost everyone. My staff had a going-away lunch…Thai, my favorite!! My hope is that I have had a positive impact on their lives and I have educated them with wisdom and knowledge to help them in their career. They are family, like my children, and I only want them to deliver the very best. I shed a few tears but knew deep down inside that they are going to do amazing with or without me!!

Our old neighbors, Phil and Flo made a delicious traditional Filipino meal at our going away party at Roy and Sue’s house. We have known each other for the last five years and this friendship will continue wherever we go. They know my house, is their house. I can’t wait until they visit us!

As for my sisters-in-Christ, what can I say, they never disappoint. We decided to do an early Thanksgiving meal together. I wanted to buy them all something to remember me but instead the Holy Spirit led me to a special message he wanted me to share with them. I encourage you all to take time to read this post. http://rsjames.com/storage/sisterfreakspages.pdf A message of courage, being a soldier in God’s Army. A message so powerful it brought me to my knees, thanking God for believing in my family and I and for the courage to take this move boldly under His command. You see, He had been working through me for years in the Air Force. He took me to places that I never thought in my life I would be. He held onto me in my darkest hours and washed away my sins. Meanwhile preparing me for bigger and better!

 

Sorry, back to the topic…we were all in tears but encouraged by Karen’s letter. It is now my time to make this move to a developing country for His kingdom. Just a reminder, it’s not about me or my family, this is all about our Savior who opened this door for us. We have accepted His assignment and spreading our wings on faith alone. This time of fellowship made me so proud of where my ladies are today. All are serving in some capacity at New Life Church and Carol committed her life to Christ through baptism the week prior. I was proud of the work God has done in us and through us which lead to peace in my heart.

Our last service at New Life Church was perfect! Doug’s message was not written for us but it sure seemed like it!! It was over one of my favorite versus in the bible. I actually have it labeled, “Cecily’s verse” because I have prayed Ephesians 3:19-21 for her since I read it a few years ago. It states:

¹⁹ May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

²⁰ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. ²¹ Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

3 points to his message:

1.) Surrender to the Father’s will and ways (check!)

2.) Continue to receive everything God has to give…surrender to receive His full blessing (check!)

3.) Share His love with more and more people (check!)

I can go on and one about our home church and the awesome people there but it is hard to fully receive it without being around God’s people in church. We are ready to receive above and beyond and look forward to our new assignment in Panama!!

My new motto...what do you think? LOVE IT!!

Thank you all for your kind messages you have sent us. We just continue to ask for prayer as we hurdle through getting Cheeks in school, me starting Spanish classes and Al starting his new job! Love you all!!

Getting out of the U.S.A

It has been challenging getting everything necessary for our move. Al said this move is harder than being a dad at 18, LOL! With the government shutdown, all the websites are disabled and no one is answering the phone lines.

We felt defeated and discouraged after calling number after number and no one answering. Eventually we called every number, for example- 3600, 3601, 3602 until we finally got a hold of the sole person working at the local California FBI office. My heart stopped when the agent told Al that his paperwork would NOT be approved for another 3 to 6 months!!! SERIOUSLY, we can’t wait this long. Apparently they receive two to three thousand requests a day and with the furloughs, it would take much longer than usual. Al got on the phone with the attorney in Panama and they figured out a way to give him a temporary Visa so he can start work as planned on mid-October. Praise you, Jesus!!

As for getting Chico squared away with all his paperwork, we had to make the drive to Sacramento since the USDA Vets were also affected by the shutdown. With pets, the paperwork can only be done 7 days prior to departure due to drug smuggling in animals. He needed shots and a health certificate from his Vet. Then you need a USDA Vet certification signature based in Sacramento. Lastly, we Fed-ex overnight all the documents to the Panamanian embassy in LA for more certified signatures allowing Chico to enter Panama without being quarantined. All this ran, including his flight, about $600.00!!! I know - we really love our Chico baby! Isn't he precious????

Mission 2: House Hunters International…Patino version

Kell Billed Toucan from Panama!

We have been blessed to know people who know people who live in Panama City, Panama. We serve an amazing God and believe me, He offers His children more than we deserve. Unknown to me, God had been working behind the scenes making connections/friendships for our benefit. This past bible study, a new member named Kalyn joined my group of ladies. Kalyn is young, vibrant and full of life. Kalyn’s good friend, Kelsey had just relocated to Panama City, Panama from the San Francisco Bay Area! She connected us and we have been exchanging info via email for the past few weeks. Because of her recent move, we received an excellent quote from the relocation company they used for our household goods (God’s favor!).

Renew Bible Study: All my beautiful sister's in Christ!

From Left to Right: (Back row)Anneke, Kalyn, Carol, Missy, Me

(Front row): Sarah, Patti, Lorna

Kelsey gave me information about the area her family lives at and others which helped us condense our home search to three areas: Clayton/Albrook, Punta Pacifica/Paitilla and San Francisco (sound familiar- hehe!). Though Kelsey told me about a new and up-and-coming area called Costa del Este that is gorgeous, I have read from other ex-pats that the drive into Central Panama City is ridiculous!! I don’t want Al to repeat the life he already lives here in the Bay - driving an hour and a half home every day. Going back to our new way of life: live simple and adjust when needed! I am mindful of the life we want to live here and plan on keeping our family grounded.

A big map of all areas we are looking at!

Homes, homes and more homes!

Our relocation company reps, Jeannette and Michelle drove us to the Clayton/ Albrook area. They had 4 homes for us to see. Two of them are in Albrook and new properties that no one has lived in yet. To my surprise, they were pretty nice! I was shocked to see maid’s quarters tucked in the corner near the wash area/utility closet. Though they were listed at 3 bedroom/3 bath, the maid’s quarters are not included as a bedroom. The room was so tiny and could only fit a toddler bed plus a separate shower and sink. Overall these two properties are well priced and would work fine for what we need.

The third home isn’t worth blogging about. Let’s just say that the building was poorly made and not something we would consider. Now to the last house. One word: AMAZING! The home is located behind the gates in the Embassy Club. This place has everything an American or ex-pat could want all wrapped into one community. The first thing I loved is all the greenery and the sound of the birds. I heard a unique chirp/sound and found out that it was Kell Billed Toucan!!  The tranquility of this area just melted our heart. As we approached the courtyard, I was amazed at how clean and well-manicured it was and the pool was just amazing!! Click on this link for the gallery: http://www.embassyclub.com.pa/index.php/community/gallery.html. I could go on and on about all the amenities but as you will see on the link, it is the full package!! The condo is 3 bedrooms/3 baths and offered a dishwasher which is virtually nonexistent in Panama!! Microwaves are also not built into the homes. That just lets you know that the amount of frozen food is limited and Michelle said that they don’t typically reheat food in the microwave but put it back in the pan. The rooms were a great size and had custom built closets. Our Master bedroom has a beautiful deck for early morning coffee and also has a customized closet area. See pictures below…

  

 


  

 

 

 

We saw other homes throughout the week but on Wednesday, we put an offer for the home at the Embassy Club. We should hear back from them by Friday an answer. The problem we are running into is that we won’t have our household goods delivered until the end of November. We will be living in temporary housing in the city for two months and the owner wants to occupy this home now. If this doesn't work out, we will trust in God’s plan and be hopeful for something better!