to a new website

Hello Friends,
I just wanted to let you know that I will be posting along with my husband on our new website now: www.pottr.net. So if you would like to keep up with us Potters, go visit us there. I probably won't be writing on here anymore - so go enjoy our new site!! Lots of love!

Christine

autumn days

It is autumn and I am keeping busy here in Indiana - people to see and work to do. The bookstore I work for are going to be leasing a different building so soon we will be moving which is crazyness - we have 25000 books to move in the next move - and they'll be running a ceramic shop too - crazy stuff. It will be different. Meanwhile I am busy holding down the fort in the shop while everyone else moves things back and forth.

I can't believe that it will be November soon - soon Thanksgiving and Christmas - more lists to make and money to save. Jon and I are figuring out marriage and enjoying it and figuring out where we can minister together. Our church gives us different opportunities to do that. We are hosting a dinner club next month - that will be fun. We enjoy the people in our dinner club. I thank God for providing friends here.

God is good - he is constantly teaching more things. Praise Him!

washing

So we have a washing machine and pipes and general that doesn't like cold water. It works - this I am thankful for - but the cold water flows very very very slowly. Since we have alot of laundry today things seem even longer than usual. At first we didn't think that it worked but apparently it does. So today is laundry day in the Potter house - and a chance to just slowly start the day. I love Saturdays - they make me happy.
Right now I am reading the BMV Drivers Manual - I need to pass a written test to actually get a new license/ID which I need to get a bank account in Indy - very annoying. I hope all of that goes smoothly.

Ultimately I am content with life right now as I get settled. I like my new job at green banana and I love being married to Jon. Life is a blank sheet right now - who knows what it will be filled with next?

pray for Witt and friends

I heard last week about one of the new girls that was supposed to go to Witt this week - she was killed in a hiking accident. Pray for Witt as they help the girls when they come Sunday - here is an update from my friend Jessica, one of the RA's there.

Dear Friends & Fam,

Thanks so much for praying about the situation with Juhea and her
family. We heard more details at the All-Staff Conference this week
on the accident. The family was on vacation, hiking together near a
river, and Juhea slipped and fell into the water. The current took
her downstream and over a waterfall. Meanwhile her father tried to
rescue her and was trapped under the falls for a while before they
could get him out. Juhea sustained head injuries and did not survive,
and her father is now in the hospital in critical condition. They
said they'd know more later this week on whether he'll make a full
recovery or not (I guess they are waiting to see whether or not he
has brain damage and/or to what extent).

Again, thank you for your prayers. It means so much to know that the
Parks, Hidy and Verity (our Witt girls who knew Juhea), and we the
Witt dorm staff are being lifted up to the Father. This tragedy has
been like a dark cloud hanging over us. Things are going great
otherwise: great new staff members (and the dorms are almost fully
staffed after many other RAs had support raising problems over the
summer), great times with returning staff who have become good
friends, and some great weather amidst the expected German rain.
Every time I think of this I am overwhelmed, but it is also something
that drives me to God and will continue to drive me to Him for my
strength. The girls can't face this alone. I can't face this alone.
Thankfully, we don't have to. We have each other and we have Him.

from Deutschland,

Jessica

Some wedding pics

Yes friends - I'm married now and am adjusting to life in Indiana. So happy. Hope you enjoy a few wedding pics...

wedding bells soon to ring...

So I finally have been able to get this page to work for me again - amazing! I have been back in the states for 2 months now and have been to Indiana and back. In only 11 days I will marry the most wonderful man I know :) - Jonathan Potter. He arrives in 4 days - on Saturday and I am very very excited. It is surreal that life as I know it will be changing so soon. I am excited and nervous and sad and happy all at the same time. I will miss my family but look forward to what God has for Jon and I.

Pray for us as we ready for marriage and learn how to live together and grow together as a couple and in our relationships with Christ.

back home to ny

So, I'm home now in NY - and I am still getting used to it. It is strange to not put plastics in Gelbesacks and to drive an automatic on much wider roads. It is strange to not see farms and forests everywhere and to have a store only 3 mins away instead of 10. It is crazy to be with my family again and not be surrounded by 37 people all the time. I am sad to be away from Germany but am glad to see my family again. I got to hang out with my brother tonight - we went to a movie which was fun. I am all unpacked -soon to tear up my walls and pack things up again - more permanently this time to move to another state and not another country. It is strange to think that in less than 2 months I will be married. It is only by God's help that I will have the money, the time and the energy to get the task needed done the next few months. Even just adjusting is an adventure. I am thankful for friends and family who are able to help and are very supportive at this time. Life is an adventure....non stop. Who knows what will be next?

Congrats Grads

Congratulations Witt Grads of 2007 - I love you girls!!

Graduation

So, nine of our girls graduated today. I am a very proud RA - many graduated with Honors - but even more than that, they all graduated girls who have truly grown up and matured well over the years. I have seen spiritual growth in each of them and I love them so very much. They will all be going many different ways this next year but they will always be on my heart.

Soon I will be leaving - it is a bittersweet thing. I am sad yet I look forward to this new chapter in my life as well. I look forward to seeing the things God has planned.

Train Ride

I got to go on the Kandern Tourist train today - it was my last time to be able to do it with the girls before we all leave. It is hard to believe Graduation is this Friday - and I will be gone in less than 2 weeks and back in the States. I have been enjoying moments with the girls. We had Senior Tributes all weekend and Senior Sunday. It will be a busy week but hopefully we will finish well. Pray for me as I say good byes and prepare to leave. Meanwhile here are pics from my adventures today.

The train we took from Witt to Haltingen and back (20 mins each way)

Me and the girls I went with - (l-r) Mary Kim, me, Deborah and Julie

Hanging out by the train as we wait for it to refuel! :)

Picture link

To see recent pictures from the end of may in Wittlingen click on this link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2000137&l=5b4ce&id=1385970007

needing the Lord

Life has its ups and downs but these days ups and downs have been extreme. The end of the year is rapidly and more and more things seem to need done - it can get overwhelming. Even more so when you find out some discouraging information. Can you pray for these things in the next few weeks?

* I don't have the support I need to pay rent or insurance or get a salary in the next couple months - pray that the money would come in soon - that people would rise to back me.

* I just found out that one of my girl's parents might have to leave the field because of issues in the church they work in - pray for wisdom and strength for them and their family. They will be coming out to see their oldest daughter Heather graduate - but she will have 2 other siblings still in the school and one is in college. My heart breaks for them - these kinds of situations are not fun.

These are the times when I know God is in control, but I'm not sure how He is going to work. Pray that I would continue to seek His strength and help in these difficult times.

Laughter amidst crazy times

I am thankful for laughter during times of stress. Things have been crazy around here with the end of the year quickly approaching. I am glad Jon was able to visit though - even when that was busy - it will be helpful for us in the future. I am very thankful for the laughter that my girls bring - they are a joy in my life. Thanks God for the little things...

Jon's visit brings smiles...

Hanging out with 2 of my fun Sophomores!

Visits and Banquets

This week I had the chance to have my fiance come and visit. He had the chance to explore Germany, France and Switzerland with me (it was my weekend off) and was put to work cooking, doing laundry etc. - he was given a taste of what I do here in Germany at BFA. It was a whirlwind visit but lots of fun. It made me look forward to the 3 months from now that we will be wed. Jon also had the chance to go to the famous JSB (Junior Senior Banquet) - we got all dressed up and went out to a nice dinner. Below are some pictures from his visit and JSB. Enjoy!

My Jon and I visiting some castle ruins in nearby Loerrach.

All dressed up :)

We four Witt RA's looking stylish (l-r - Kristi, Jessica, me and Rachel)

Witt RA's with the Witt Jrs and Seniors :)

may day and babies

Yesterday, April 30th, my soon to be nephew Owen was born - 7lbs 11oz - he is the second of 2 boys. Jon (my fiance)'s older brother's son. Praise God for a safe delivery. :)

Today May day is celebrated here in Germany - they put up a pole in the center of town. This one is in our town - I was curious to see what it looked like! It is a religious holiday - all the stores are closed and Germans are out biking and walking. It has been fascinating to see! Our girls have off today so we are enjoying the sunshine as well - and we get ribs for dinner which will be very yummy too! Tomorrow is back to school - but in May now - I can't believe it is May!! Happy May 1st friends!

status of Matt and Sarah Dredge

For those wondering how the Dredges are during this time that they are in Canada and continuing to grieve the passing of little Anna, here are some of their thoughts. Please keep praying for them!! Thanks, Christine
------

Friends,
We want to communicate you all how much we appreciate your continued prayers. It has been, and continues to be, an emotional week. Grief has been a very confusing things for us. We sometimes don't feel very much and other times we are immobilized with tears. Please continue to pray for us. We miss Anna Pearl so much. Sometimes things feel so surreal, it is hard to explain.
Through the services on Tuesday and Wednesday people kept commenting on our strength and our faith. We don't feel very strong and feel that our faith is weak. We do know that God is good and compassionate and does not leave us alone, that he feels our grief and knows our pain even more than we do. It seems a little abstract though. Please continue to pray for us as we know try to keep following Jesus without little Anna Pearl. What we were planning on in life seems shattered right now and we are not quite sure what is happening, and where God is leading us and what he has in store for us.
One thing I know is that I must live life to the fullest to seek God and serve him. To bring glory to his name and to do it also for our "little Pea". I miss her so much.
We wanted to thank people so much for all the prayers and gifts that have been given us over the past few weeks. We don't know who you all are but our hearts are encouraged by all that you have done for us.
Matt and Sarah

Springtime in Wittlingen

Here are some glimpses of Springtime here in Germany. Pictures do not justify it at all!



























RA's of Witt enjoy Beach Day for hot lunch







Me and my cool Sophomores when we went bowling for Class Parties (I was a driver - but had the pleasure to hang with these girls too!)

Bekah's Visit

The second week of Spring Break, my best friend and soon to be sister-in-law came to visit me for a week. It was a refreshing, relaxing day - brought truly the vacation I needed for a little bit before the girls came back. Here are some pictures from that visit.






Pondering life in the little town of Wittlingen














Best Friends in Basel - me and Bekah!














Tulips are everywhere! These are in Colmar.

Bek and I enjoyed time at some outdoor cafes

thoughts of the week

Much has happened since the end of Spring Break. It already feels like I have been here for a few weeks - yet it has not even been an entire week here. Most of the girls arrived on Monday, both before and after the Staff Breakfast (which was full of almost too much information). It was a very odd day of getting into the swing of things again. We immediately went into the week as the girls were bombarded with homework. Wednesday night we had a memorial service for Anna Pearl Dredge - all staff at Witt and 17 of the girls went to the service - which was a very emotional time but a chance to show our support and attempted comfort of Sarah and Matt Dredge and the family. A few of my girls were emotionally hit by the tragic situation. Sarah and Matt have been an awesome witness of continuing to believe in God's goodness despite it all.

Thursday it was back to normal shopping and we celebrated one of my freshman's birthdays - twas quite fun. Friday I helped drive the Sophomores of BFA to McDonald's and bowling for their class party - it was an adventure but quite fun - I really enjoyed having some good time with my girls. Yesterday I had some of my Korean girls make me Korean food which was delicious - I even attempted chop sticks (so funny to watch!). We as a dorm have a new Kareoke Machine so we used that last night with the few who weren't at track and soccer - the big sports of the seasons. Tonight we are going to have a cookout on the ridge with hot dogs and s'mores - it is a gorgeous day to do such things. I am excited.

So that is just a glimpse of the busyness of life in May at Witt - it has only just begun. The many events yet to come will speed us along through the last months at BFA. It is incredible to think I will be leaving in about 7 weeks or so. I will finish, move home, ready to move again and plan a wedding, get married, honeymoon, and move to Indiana. I will need lots of prayer as I undertake these coming transitions and changes. I can't think of them all at once or else it is overwhelming. I have to take these things one week at a time. I do know I will for sure miss being here in beautiful Germany - the people here have a special place in my heart. I am so thankful to be here and am thankful to you who are used by God who helped me get here. Thank you for your prayers - your continued prayers are appreciated. Thanks so much!

some words from matt and sarah

Here is what Matt and Sarah wrote to everyone about Anna Pearl. I hope you appreciate their perspective. Thank you for your prayers - keep lifting them up! You all are a blessing!

Christine
--------------------

Dear Friends,
Anna Pearl is with Jesus now. We are sad and weary but thankful that the struggle is over. We miss her and love her very much.
"This I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail - they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for HIm". The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.... For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is HIs unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men." Lamentations 3:21ff
We have read these verses every day these past 2 weeks. We have learned what it means to wait quietly - knowing that our hope could not be in numbers on a monitor, urine in a tube, even the opinions of incredibly skilled doctors - our true hope can only be in Jesus. We trusted that whatever He chose to do would be the most loving thing - for Anna Pearl and for us. In the end we believe Jesus knew that the road ahead would have been too hard. We experienced tremendous miracles in these past 2 weeks and now the greatest of all is that Anna Pearl is whole.
We wish there were stronger words for 'thank you'. We cannot express our deep gratitude for the cardiologists and the nurses in Intensiv2 at the Freiburg Hospital. We would list names but are so afraid of forgetting someone. Everyone was so kind to us and so gentle with Anna Pearl. We saw true compassion and care and we know that it was hard for them as well.
We are also unable to express to everyone how much your prayers and pleadings and fastings and emails and comments and food and hugs and silences have meant to us. Anna Pearl was born into such a loving community and lived surrounded by luxurious amounts of love from everyone. We are so grateful.
we know the only way we have survived these past two weeks is the strong arms of Jesus under us - and the gentle surrounding of prayer.
Matt has sung all week... Blessed be the name of the Lord - He gives and takes away, He gives and takes away.
We are so glad He gave.
Please keep praying for us.
Matt and Sarah