April 14, 2005

Dear praying friends,

 Imagine yourself beginning to put together a 500,000 piece puzzle.  You begin with the edge pieces and then tackle the most difficult part of the picture.  Each piece is vital to completing the picture for all to see what it depicts.  We have found this to be a good analogy for our language learning.  For the past several months we have been learning the pieces to form a perimeter for the beautiful “picture” of Spanish.  Each day in class and with our tutors, we add more pieces to the puzzle and slowly the picture is taking shape.  When we feel discouraged we remind ourselves that masterpieces like this take time to complete!

 A word about paperwork. . .Our papers have been stamped in Spain, stamped in Chicago, and are now back at the immigration office in Almeria.  We hope to receive that last document that we need in order to apply for our visas soon.  We have been told to expect two to four months from the time we make application until the time we receive visas.  At this point we are unsure of when that will be and we have been unable to make decisions regarding our future schooling.  Please pray for God’s leading with the documents and our decision of whether to re-enroll here or continue our studies in Spain.

 About the family. . .Our children are doing well, but are sometimes frustrated with

“Mom & Dad’s” studies.  It is sometimes difficult for us to find the proper balance in our lives.  Please pray with us about this.  Our desire is that our children will love God as much as we do.  My father, Rev. Mike Rose has needed more treatments for cancer.  He says he feels better than he has felt in two years, but his blood count is low.  We appreciate prayer for his health and healing.

 One day as I was studying outside, a man approached me for directions to a Baptist church nearby.  With my limited Spanish I told him directions to the church.  He understood and thanked me.  My desire is to be able soon to clearly communicate the directions to heaven through God’s Word not only in English, but also in Spanish.  We would like to give special thanks to all those who have sent cards and emails and visited us here at school.  You have encouraged us greatly.  Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support.  We appreciate you so much.

 Jesucristo nunca falla,  (Jesus Christ never fails!)

Bill & Dena Rose with Brianna, Kelsey, Jordan, Joshua, and Josiah