New Look

I decided my blog needed a new look. I'm not very creative so tell me what you think.

New apartment??

I thought I should give you an update on my trip to Barcelona to look for housing. I'm not sure if I found an apartment or not. There are two possibilities, one in downtown L'Ametlla (where the FIEIDE office is and most probably where Jon and Kathy will live) and another in a nearby pueblo (town) just a few minutes away. The one in L'Ametlla is older, but larger (3 bedroom/2 bath) and on the main street in town. The uncertainly with this one is that the owner's daughter may need to move into it if she can't find a job where she is currently living in southern Spain. The other one (located in this building, we think) was also not available yet but will be as of June 1. Because the owner is currently living there, we weren't able to see it. But it's only a year old, includes an enclosed parking space and storage unit and has a patio that's almost as big as the apartment (which is 2 bedroom/1 bath). I will be returning on May 31 to look at this one and, if the other other one is not available and I like this one, sign the papers and give them my deposit. Please continue to pray for the Lord's direction and His provision for the increased housing costs.

Poppies!

About a month ago, I promised you I would try to take some photos of the poppies and post to my blog. I'm finally following through on my promise. This picture was taken in Salamanca a couple of weeks ago when I was visiting some friends.

This one was taken in Barcelona last week when I was there to look for a place to live. If I could take pictures on the highway when I'm driving, I would have a lot more photos to share with you, but that's probably not the best idea. :-)

Ambulance Services

Spain has two kinds of ambulance service. One is for emergencies and the other is for transportation to medical appointments. I think mostly the elderly and disabled use this kind, but I'm not totally sure. The ambulances have different markings on the outside to distinguish between the two. I thought it was rather interesting. I hope you do too.

May Update

House Hunting

I am leaving in the morning to spend a week in the Barcelona area looking for potential housing for the Haleys and I. The house that Jon found in February is still available but we are still not sure if we should pursue it, so I will be looking at more options. If I can find something large enough, that includes a separate living area for me, we could share expenses and live in the same house. Otherwise, we will need two separate homes. The wife of the director of the FIEIDE will be setting up the appointments for me with the real estate agents and will go with me to translate when necessary. Please pray that God will go before us and make clear to us where we should live.

My Blog and other Computer-related Items

(If you're reading this, then you don't need to read the paragraph I included in my update referring people to my blog.)

I need to upgrade the software we use and because of space requirements and being unable to increase the amount of RAM I have on my laptop, we have decided that I need a new computer. I will be getting a desktop this time and keeping my laptop for use when I travel. The amount needed for the software and the computer will be about $1,200. If you would like to contribute to this need, please send your checks to WorldVenture, 1501 W. Mineral Ave., Littleton, CO 80120 and include a note that it is for Pat Roseman - #639 - MA account, or you can give online here (click on Make a Donation). Thanks for considering this need.

This month’s quote:

“We must not cease to wonder at the great marvels of our God. It would be very difficult to draw a line between holy wonder and real worship, for when the soul is overwhelmed with the majesty of God’s glory, though it may not express itself in song or even utter its voice with bowed head in humble prayer, yet it silently adores.”

Charles Spurgeon, Morning & Evening

Praises:

1. The Haleys’ house has sold.

2. Some of you have increased your giving to help with my monthly support. Thank you!

3. I am enjoying being back in language school, although it’s been difficult to get back into a routine of studying and homework.

Prayer Requests:

1. Continue to pray for my monthly support needs. I’m getting closer to my goal.

2. Continue to pray for God´s direction regarding housing in Barcelona. Pray specifically this next week as I am in the Barcelona area looking.

3. Continue to pray for the additional funds we will need to cover our increased housing costs.

Living with history

In the States, we travel to historical places on our vacation. We usually have to make a concerted effort to visit those places that are part of our history. In Europe, history is all around you. Every day, on almost every street, I encounter segments of Spain's history. Castles and churches and other buildings that are hundreds of years old. There are bridges and aqueducts that are thousands of years old. It's a different world over here and it brings with it a sense of wonder. It's really hard for me to even try to explain what it's like. So I hope you can come visit some day and experience it for yourself.

Visual DNA

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

This was on a friend's blog and I decided to give it a try. It's fun!