Restored and Renewed in Panama!

The good thing about having just enough is that you have no choice but to lean on God each and every day for EVERYTHING. Each day has its challenges, sacrifices and roadblocks but God makes a way!

It’s hard to believe how much my life has changed in the last 18 months. I left behind my cushy, comfy life in Northern California. Not just any place in California, but maybe one of the best places to live in the United States. I’m not kidding - ask anyone about Danville…crème de la crème! It’s a heavenly bubble! I have never felt so safe and protected in my life. We had a beautiful home, nice cars, and lots of money that afforded us all-things good. We had easy accessibility to San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, Carmel-by-the-sea (it is heaven on earth…look it up), Pacific Coast Highway, Berkeley, Silicon Valley…I could go on and on but you get the point. Who wouldn't want to live there and why on earth would anyone leave here? I know - my thoughts exactly.

Al felt called after prayer to work and serve here in Panama. This story is a post all on its own. This was a year plus in the making and like anything else, it was super exciting. Who wouldn't want an opportunity to live abroad? We survived Japan, surely we could manage Central America. I knew nothing about Panama except it had a canal. It wasn't on my list of places to visit nor did I know of anyone who has lived there, much less visited. I saw the pictures online, YouTube videos and I was sold! It’s PARADISE!!! Anyway, God had given me peace about changing our lifestyle. We would live a simple life and travel throughout Central and South America! Yay Patino family!

I soon realized after 3 months that this wasn't for me. It rained and rained and rained. I like sun…a lot of sun.  I ruined all my expensive leather sandals and constantly sweated like a pig. The humidity was killing me…downright embarrassing. Keep in mind I came from Northern CA where we had free AC and cool weather 8-10 months out of the year. By the time December came I missed my fall/winter clothes, boots and scarves. I missed the clean, fresh air. I missed my peaceful drives to Berkeley. I missed all the conveniences that the U.S. offers. Dear God, what have we done?

When you've moved as often as we have, you develop a mentality that nothing will bother you. Been there, done that. Well not this time. I was terrified to drive. Break lights are optional here…I’m not exaggerating. People cross the road right in front of you with no notice. Cab drivers are aggressive and never paying attention to their surroundings. Meanwhile murdercycles (my dad has always called them this) are weaving in and out and you just wonder if they are going to make it out alive. Dear God, help us!

God was working in me and through me as I felt the walls closing in. Al’s job was questionable. He was figuring out things and God was revealing lots of issues that needed immediate attention. It was hard. With no bonuses coming in, I needed to find work but God knew I needed a heart-lift. He was stripping me of all my comforts, including a job. I realized that my identity was in my old lifestyle and money. I had neither here. He then showed me that those comforts sustained me. I filled every void with something because I had the money and means to patch it up. God wanted my heart to bleed out. He wanted me to lean and rely ONLY on Him. I was dying. Jesus, I need you! 

I never shed so many tears in my life. This was the death to Lisa in the flesh. I fought and fought and prayed and prayed to be rescued. God kept me in the mud. I had no lifelines but wasn't willing to give up hope on restoring my old life. Two days before the New Year, I emptied all my pain, my hopes and ambitions to Jesus. I begged for a fresh start but He replied so gently, “Lisa, more downward growth.” I AM DEVASTATED!!!! NOOOOOOO! Why Jesus? Why? As I threw my pity party of one, He spoke to me one night. “The wind will blow, the snow will fall and the rain will saturate you but you will sustain (in Me) and weather any storm.” Hallelujah!!!  What a relief. He showed me in a vision a tree with deep roots. I knew this was my tree and my roots growing stronger, wider and deeper in faith, love and prayer. Peace filled my heart and I have never been the same since. Fill me up, God!

I've been on a prayer journey ever since. This has been the craziest, most fulfilling season of my life. I will blog next time how this all began. God is at work. He was connecting hearts, near and far, for His glory. He handpicked a few ladies and you won’t fully understand how awesome God has been to us until you read this story! OK, some of you may already know but those who are skeptical wait for it. By the way, I LOVE Panama!!  He healed, restored and made me new. A better version of Lisa than I could ever imagine. The crazy part is the best is still yet to come. The story continues as He writes my story for His glory! Thank You, Jesus!!

MORE Jesus!

What an amazing year 2015 has been! Every day just reveals more about how sovereign and merciful our God is. How much He loves and cares for every detail in our life. Less of me and more of Him!


For the past week we've been awaiting the news to see if Cecily will be accepted into the Neeley School of Business for Entrepreneurship. Yes, I know, Baylor is ranked #3 but TCU is close behind at #6. With Cecily in their ranks, I see a healthy competition in the near future. Let's just face the fact, Jesus has Texas Christian University's back and pours favor on the faithful!

This had me thinking and praying and asking God in prayer for His blessing over Cecily's future. As I prayed and prayed I realized my prayers were for the big picture. I prayed over the school, over their student body: upcoming, current and alum. I prayed for their teaching and biblical principals that may be lacking in their teaching. I prayed that God pursue the hearts of the professors and leadership and bring them to their knees. MORE JESUS!!

On Sunday during Worship Night at PAINT church, I asked God to have His way in Cecily's life. "She's Yours, King Jesus. Father, pull her hearts strings and have her hunger for You. Lord, may she know You and seek You in everything she does." As I went deeper in prayer I spoke a prayer that could only have been lead by the Holy Spirit. "Father of Heaven and Earth, if Cecily wants this for herself and not to honor You and give You glory, take away this opportunity! Remove it and restore what Your plan is for her." My heart stopped but I knew those words meant truth. Why would I want my daughter to be blessed with something if she desired it more than she desired Jesus?

The next day my stomach was in knots. How do I tell my daughter this? What did I get myself into? I reminded myself to trust in God's plan. Cecily had called me and told me that they had a guest speaker at Gateway Church on Sunday. She said the message was about Jesus, the humble servant. There is nothing more that I want but to align myself to my children and their biblical teaching. I want to have a deeper conversation about the message she received. I want to compare her notes with my notes and share with her what Holy Spirit has put in my heart.

What a message! Dr. Spurling spoke about a time in his life when he finished up his PhD. He said he got his diploma and shared it with his father and his father looked at it and gave it back to him. He so wanted a "good job, son" speech but his dad instead spoke truth into his son. He said, "Son, fold up that diploma, put it in your back pocket and let no one know you have it. If you need a piece of paper to validate who you are then you're not worth much. If you want someone to be impressed with your credentials, then you have some other issues. If you want someone to look at you and admire you because of something extra...if its not the quality of your character that attracts them, then you're not much of a man and I don't want a son who acts that way." WOW!! I needed to hear this. This was confirmation of what Holy Spirit spoke to my heart on Sunday. How cool is our Father? He gave this message to my daughter, His daughter on the same day!! What am I worried about? God has this covered! MORE JESUS!!

Today we received the wonderful news that she has been accepted!! Yes I'm happy and proud of her but she is more than the school she attends and the degree she's aiming for. Ultimately, I want Jesus to qualify her with the gifts and talents He has blessed her with. I want her to pursue what God places in her heart that will honor Him all the days of her life. Even though she was born to teenage parents, she was made for more! More of His love for the poor and orphans! More of His mercy and grace! More of His compassion for the weak and weary! More of His vision! More time on her knees! More Holy Spirit! More surrendering to His Lordship! MORE JESUS!!

Cecily is finally home!

After 24 LONG hours, Cecily has finally arrived to Panama! To express the amount of stress we endured yesterday can't be fully written. Cecily waited patiently on stand-by for a flight to end up being denied a seat five times. All the tears I cried at work (it was embarrassing) to Al being on the phone with United to try to do something was all out of faith. What parent just sits there and does nothing?

A day later with better perspective, I have to thank God for His love and protection for my daughter - His daughter. In situations like yesterday I had no choice, in all my weakness, but to pray and trust God had a plan. My prayer was simple and I extended this request to all my sisters. These ladies are prayer warriors so I knew Cecily was covered and God could hear the shouts of these bold, courageous women. We were circling this prayer with unwavering faith. After the 3rd flight, I was begging God for ONE SEAT to Houston. Yes, one seat to Houston but I failed to specify on a plane. We'll get to that point eventually.

Meanwhile, God had a different plan that had nothing to do with a plane, but a seat, on a car, to Houston. Our God has a sense of humor! What are the odds of Cecily meeting another TCU student, also flying to Panama for a special NGO event? I know, right! She also missed her flight and was on stand-by for the last five flights. Let's face it, the odds were against them since 6 am when they were told that all flights were fully booked and stand-by was their only option getting to Houston.

God is sovereign! Allegra, the TCU student (a complete stranger) offers Cecily a ride to Houston. Again, I had to trust God in this situation. I immediately felt peace and knew God was in control. It turns out she also offered her a place to stay for the night. Her aunt (another complete stranger), graciously opened her home for a good night's rest. If you were to ask me three plus years ago , I would've flipped out! There is NO WAY my daughter is staying in a stranger's home. In this season of trusting God, I knew this again was a test to my faith.

While they're driving, I ask Al to call United to get her flight details and confirmation sent to us via email. She was scheduled to leave at 9:00 am to Colorado and arrive in Panama at 8:00 pm. He spoke to the representative and realized that the rep that Al spoke to earlier never followed through on her re-booking. My heart stops once again as my husband pleads with the rep to double and triple check. She then says that instead she can offer us a DIRECT FLIGHT leaving Houston a 9:00 am and arriving at 2:20 pm! I praised Jesus for His favor. My Spirit told me since I trusted Him and prayed through this, this was His gift - His great reward for obedience! We looked online before and during this call and this mysterious flight never came available. We were confused in some sense but realized in the supernatural, it's sometimes unseen and we just had to trust this.

The email confirmation came through and her flight was booked as stated via our telephone conversation. She even got a window seat for good measure! Only God could be this gracious for a fully booked flight on a Saturday, during Spring Break. A reminder that nothing is too grand for Him. His ways aren't our ways for a reason.

Cecily landed safely with a big smile on her face. You could imagine my mama heart was melted to touch her, see her face, and tell her how much we loved her. What an honor it is to witness God's love firsthand for our family! To see what He does here on earth for His children. I realized today while praying that my obedience of releasing her to Christ her junior year of high school was all worth it. There is no doubt He has her in the palm of His hand and working out every detail for her perfect story by the perfect author!

Side note: As most of you know, Cecily is super responsible but not perfect. She forgot her passport at her dorm which lead to her missing her first flight. Lesson learned!

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!