I have been amazed and blessed at the amount of people who have written me e-mails, facebook messages, commented on this blog, called me, and visited the hospital. Craig is a very well-liked guy. He has wonderful parents who raised him well and all through his life he has impacted people. I have even received messages from some of his elementary school friends letting me know they are praying for him. Every time we go into see him, I tell him all the people who have called, written or stopped by. So thank you, from both of us. It was a great encouragement to have a friend from PNG (who is teaching in Seoul) come and stay with me at the hospital for a few days until my mom arrived. Craig and I visited him in November, and they hit it off well. My mom is here now, and that is also a huge encouragement. I think I even managed to get some sleep last night and I felt more comfortable taking a little nap this afternoon because I knew she was here and was awake in case something happened. She has been a great help with double checking things with the Koreans translating and sitting with me when I hear updates (whether good or bad). She makes sitting here in the hospital passing time a little more bearable. I am so thankful she is able to be here. We have had several visitors from church come by, as well as people from Korean churches in the area who heard from friends, and they have come by to pray with us and to see if we need anything. I even received a call from an Anglican bishop last night who said he would have an Anglican priest call me later (as the priest speaks better English). I am fortunate to have made some very good Korean friends in my co-workers this year, and some of them stop by every day and they make sure we have eaten, gotten some rest and taken a shower. They are also always willing to drive us back to our apartment and then pick us up again. Someone from Craig's school comes every night to stay in case we need any Korean translating and they try to make sure we are never alone at the hospital without a Korean. It is not easy sitting here all day waiting to visit and wishing that I could do something to make Craig better, but it is nice to have the love and support of so many people around the world and we have you to thank for that.
Love,
Kristin for Craig too
Hey Kristin;
ReplyDeleteJust want to let you know that Mark and I are praying for you and Craig, as are a whole group of people you don't even know! Turns out the person leading our service at church (Phil Patton - Kitchener Mennonite Brethren Church) knows your parents, so we prayed corporately for you. We will be praying especially tonight about the scan.
Theresa Beach
Hey Kristin,
ReplyDeleteJoel and I are praying as well. We will be praying for the scan tonight. Glad your mom is there and that you have people surrounding you!
Erin Bouchard
Hi Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for you and Craig...this reminds me of my time in the hospital last year, and I know how much people's prayers meant to me!!! I'm so glad your mom is there ,and that you are getting some sleep. May God bless you, and may He continue to heal Craig...
Love Ashleigh
Hi Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog and following Craig's progress and praying throughout the day for you! I am sooo glad your mom is there with you!!! And it is good to hear that so many other people are looking out for you--God's provision for you during this time. We are praying specifically for the scan today. Don't allow discouragement in your heart. The brain is an amazing creation! My brother in law had a serious brain injury Jan 1995. He did loose his ability to be tactful for a while, but he is a computer science major today with a great sense of humor. I tell you this because during the time of his accident and recovery, I could not have imagined that he would be healed like he is today. It took years for all the healing to happened in his brain, but God healed him. I am praying for miracles that cannot be explained in medical terms for Craig, and I am praying for strength and courage for you as you wait. We love you! Craig is fortune to have such a devoted and caring wife! Love to all of your family, Kendra
Hi Kristen,
ReplyDeleteWe are all praying for you here in Port Sydney!
The picture you have on your blog is now on our projection unit in between services so everyone can put a face to you both.
We have been reminded through other difficulties, that God is bigger than any problems set before us, and though we don't know His will we know He is in control& the maker of everything. Thankfully you and Craig know this and the people surrounding you do also. So our God of miracles, can still do them if He chooses! Warren and I are praying for miracles that will show God's power and the God you serve and love would be honored in all of this that is hard for us humans to understand!
Blessings and prayers from Port Sydney,
Bev and Warren McLaren
Hello Kristin: I am a good friend of Craig`s aunt Chris in Corunna.. I want you and Craig to know that we are all praying for you as well... We believe that God has a plan for you two and it is GOOD!! I am happy that someone is there for you, as it would not be good for you to be alone.. Keep smiling and keep us informed.. this was a great idea... Flo and Dave Zink
ReplyDeleteDear Kristin,
ReplyDeleteJust a quick note to say that I am praying for strength for you, healing for Craig, and the peace of Christ for you both.
Prof. Lisa Onbelet (Heritage)
Hey there!! You won't know me, but I'm another one of the elementary schoolers that Craig touched and my brother was in Keil's class. I'm so glad you are so strong in your faith and have Him to lean on. I've been trying to let anyone who might know or have known Craig, and any other willing hearts to pray for y'all. We all know how strong that boy is!! And glad to hear He is giving some good news to thank Him for as well... Keep strong and keep faith always!!
ReplyDeleteJessica McLaren (Braaksma)
Hi Kristin,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, and neither does Craig actually, but I go to Heritage and I "met" your husband through skype in Charlie McCordic's class this year. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you during this time. Hang in there! God is good and He is faithful, especially in times like these. I will keep you both in my prayers. Continue to lean on Him for your strength each day. Your positive attitude has been a blessing in my life!
Love,
your sister in Christ
Dear Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI only know your parents and Jordan but I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you here in Germany. I also asked some of my friends to pray for you and Craig in this situation and I am so glad, that we have an awesome father who is able to work miracles! Thank you for keeping us updated! May you continue to feel loved and cared for and experience the love and peace of God.
Love and Prayers,
dagi
uncle darral aunt sue carrie and jason simmons
ReplyDeletedear kristin and craig,our prayers are with you,and our love to.it sounds like every time you write that craig is healing more and getting stronger,i`m sure that`s because of craigs strength,and the great amount of prayer and love that we all have for you both,and the great love you have for craig.continued love, prayer, and strength,your always in our thoughts.
Dear Kristin and Craig
ReplyDeleteI am Ashleigh Winder's Nana and she posted a request to pray for you. She sent me your blog site and i have been reading about what has happend.
We have had our share of difficulties in our family and know only too well how important prayer is for the person who is sick and for the family.
We will add you to our prayer list and hope that you will be encouraged by the prayers support of your friends and even those who are praying on your behalf that do not know you personally.
With much love and many prayers
Caro-Claire and Martin Wiles
WE DO NOT GIVE UP THE FIGHT!
THE BATTLE RAGES ON, BUT THE ARMY INCREASES Its FIGHT BACK AND WE PRAY THAT GOD’S WILL, WILL BE DONE!
I leave you with an except from a devotional I had saved in my files.
Since God assured us,
"I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,"
we can boldly quote,
God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what.
Hebrews 13: 5 - 6
"Even if the path seems difficult, even if your heart is fearful, trust your heavenly Father and follow Him.
Trust Him with your day and with your life.
Let Him guide your steps.
He will never leave you, and He will never lead you astray."
Kristin, not only is Craig popular, but you my friend are "popular" too. I am amazed at your strength and courage in the face of this unspeakable challenge. You are an incredible young woman of God. I have beeing praying for you and Craig since I first heard about the situation. At that point I was in Singapore, and I recruited people in Cambodia, China, New Zealand and the US to pray with me for the two of you. Back in Canada I have people in my office praying too. I am praying that God would continue to give you strength (and patience), and at the same time that he would miraculously restore Craig to complete health. I am praying for wisdom for the doctors, and some encouraging signs for you. In the midst of it I am praying that the God who holds Craig in his hands at this moment, will make his presence known to you too. I am happy you have folks there with you, and imagine that your mom is a great help to you. I think you mentioned that other family are coming to be with you and I am grateful for that. You are loved my friend.
ReplyDeleteDear Kristen & Craig. Sending our love and strength to get you both through this. Sunday at Christie's church the choir stopped and everyone said a special prayer for Craig. You and Craig have the whole world praying for his recovery.The Good Lord should hear all of that!!! Thanks for all the updates on this blog.It is the first thing we look for when we wake in the morning and the last thing we check before bed.Our hearts are saddened for you, What an awful nightmare! Tell
ReplyDeleteCraig every day "we love him!" Praying for his speedy recovery!
Love you both-Aunt Linda and Uncle Gord O'Neil
Dear Kristin and Craig,
ReplyDeleteFor years my husband and I have watched Craig mature into this amazing young man and find his true love in you and God. I wish you all the stength and support you will need during this difficult time. Know that we are thinking of you both and praying for Craig's recovery. Try your best to stay positive and I promise you will see positive results. Know that we are praying for you and lots of people in Brigden are praying as well.
With love,
Marty, Kristina, Devin and Jayden Dewhirst
The staff at SCBC in London prayed for you today. Praying that the CT scan has good results!
ReplyDeleteMarianne
Dear Kristin & Craig,
ReplyDeletePraying without ceasing!
"O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you."
Psalm 139:1-18
Love in Christ,
Jenny Casselman
Hello Kristin,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that I and the rest of my family have been praying for Craig and you since the accident last week.
We know that our Heavenly Father is more than able (and we are praying for this) to give Craig a full and complete recovery.
May you know much of the "Peace of God which passes all understanding" at this time As He "carries" you through these circumstances.
Heartfelt love,
Heather Fearon
Dear Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted you to know that my family and I are all praying for you and for Craig!(My facebook friends and many of my relatives are also praying.)
We remember you from PNG :-)
I'm so glad Ryan could be there with you for a few days until your mom could arrive.
We have a Mighty God, and He can do miraculous things. Hang in there, girl!
Love and prayers,
Sandi and Dan Mortinson (Ryan's parents)
Hi Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI just caught up on your blog, but we have been praying for you guys since we heard. Praying that the scan went well and you received some positive news. We serve a powerful God. I'm glad your Mom is there to be such a support and that you are getting some sleep.
Lisa and Matthew Dickey
Hi Kristin,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that we are praying for Craig,you, and your families during this time. I'm sure there are some hard moments but always remember that God has the bigger picture even at times when it looks bleak. Stay encouraged in Him. So glad that your Mom is with you and your Dad & brother soon on their way. Thanks for keeping us up to date.
Love & prayers, John & Joyce Meerstra
Hello Kristin:
ReplyDeleteWell, Aunt Chris just posted on facebook that Craig's battle is over.. He is now at peace in the hands of GOD almighty.. He is no longer in pain and is in perfect health and smiling down on all of us.. I am so sorry and sad that you have lost your soul mate at such a young age.. I will continue to pray for you Kristin.. Lean on your family and friends and most of all, GOD.. Let HIM give you peace... You have a lot of support and love from a lot of people who do not even know you.. Rest in knowing that your husband is at peace... Flo Zink..
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteim so so sorry for the lost of your love. we will all miss him deeply. your still in our prayers, as of your family.
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry! Please know we will continue to pray for you! Our hearts are breaking for you!
Love you,
Kendra
Kristin,There are no words. We were so saddened to hear of Craig's death. We didn't know Craig but we know you and know he was a good man, you wouldn't have married him if he wasn't. Know we are praying for you and trusting God to wrap His arms around you and bring you comfort.
ReplyDeletelove Joe and Pat Chell
That's crazy, I had always suspected he was immortal. He projected good vibes everywhere he went. He was easy to approach, and inclusive as well as being easy to talk and relate to. There really isn't many like him. That's something even someone that's met him in passing could notice. He made quite an impact on me, no doubt anyone he met as well. It's a great loss to be sure but he left a trail of good in his wake. More should aspire to be like him.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to have known such a man. God bless his soul.
--
Eric Muller
Hey, I'm not quite sure what to say. I heard about it from Charlie this morning as soon as I woke up (about an hour after it happened). Is was so suprised, especially after i just talked to you yesteerday.
ReplyDeleteKnow that you're not alone in this even though you're so far away. Craig meant a lot to a lot of people and we're all going to miss him. He was a fantastic guy, one of my best friends, and I'm really sorry that I didn't get to see him one last time but I'm blessed that i got the chance to travel the world with him on several occasions. I would have liked to have done it again.
Love and peace.
Aaron "Duck" Cameron
Dear Kristen,
ReplyDeleteI met you at NCA when I came as an associate and knew Jordan as well when I came back career.
I've been praying for you and Craig since I heard. I will continue to pray that the Lord will daily strengthen you. Lean fully on Him and He will lift you up.
In Him, Carrie Nowland
Dear Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI've known you and Craig around for 6 months.
All the time, he was good to us and we had a great time teaching together and sharing the interesting experiences.
We've prayed for you and Craig and now he's with God in the peace.
He'll hold you in his arms and lift your heart.
with Love and prayers
Shaina in Cheongju
Dear Kristen ,
ReplyDeleteI did not know anything about your situation until Monday when Ashleigh Winder posted a prayer request on her Face book.
After reading your blogs we were much in prayer and we were waiting to hear how things were progressing.
As I prepared to go to bed last evening I was quickly reading my FB updates before I went to bed, I saw a memorial tribute to Craig by Ashleigh that she had just posted.
I read it to my husband in shock and with tears flowing learned that Craig was now healed and whole and was resting in the arms of Jesus.
We wonder why such a young person would be taken, but God alone knows the answers to the many questions that must now be facing you.
Now our prayers are for you and your family as you deal with the many details that lie ahead.
May His peace and comfort envelop you and give you the strength you need in the days ahead.
With our love and continuing prayers
Caro-Claire and Martin Wiles ( Ashleigh Winder's grandparents
Uxbridge On
~May it ease
your sadness a bit
to know that your
precious memories will
always be a bridge
between this world
and the next,
between your loved one
and you.~
By...~Anonymous~
Dear Kristin,
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord continue to comfort you. Your PNG family is hurting for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Gail Posenjak
Dear Kristin,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are prayers are with you. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Just remember you now have your very own guardian angel watching over you. I know Craig will watch over you, just as Jesus is watching over him. I remember my dad telling me when I was younger that the Lord works in mysterious ways, boy this sure is true.
We all continue to pray and mourn with you,
Sending our love and comfort xo
Kristin we are so sorry about Craig's passing. We pray that God will surround you with His love as only He can do. We can't begin to know the pain and heartache you and your family are going through, but we pray He will uphold you and strengthen you in the coming days.
ReplyDeleteDean and Loretta Mundy
Dear Kristin,
ReplyDeleteBe assured of our prayers for you during this very difficult time. The staff at Muskoka Christian School has been praying for you, and will continue to do so as you make the journey home to Canada. There must be so much for you to think about as you leave.
Love and prayers, Lauralynn, Jenn, Janet, Alice, Sue, Roger, Kathi & Fran
You Are The Wind Beneath My Wings!!!Love you Kristin Love you Craigger!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Krisin,
ReplyDeleteWe just got Ryan's email this morning, and I am so very sad for you. What a hard and difficult time that you are going through. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure that Craig is happily exploring Heaven with Jesus right now and is looking forward to the time when he can take your hand and show you around himself.
Much love, tears and prayers,
Sandi Mortinson, (Ryan's mom)
Kristin;
ReplyDeleteEveryone here at Heritage (staff and faculty) are hurting with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers constantly.
With much love,
Theresa Beach
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteAll of us here in Hartville are thinking of you and praying for you. Our hearts are broken for you. You and your family mean a lot to us. God's plans and ways are far beyond our comprehension. Blessed be His Name! May His Grace sustain you.
Melvin Moon
pastor, Hartville FWB Church
Hartvill, MO
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you. I'm so very sorry that Craig couldn't stay here with you. It's hard, I know. There aren't really any words that can make the hurt go away. Sometimes, shared understanding does ease the pain. Dont be afraid to lean on others and let them share this burden with you.
I know you have lots of wonderful folks around you now to support you and love you. If you ever need to talk to someone who has stood in your shoes, you are more than welcome to reach out to me. Sometimes, it helps. When you're ready, if you need to, I'm here.
May your heart remember God's sun and keep your soul warm.
Kristen,
ReplyDeleteKnow that I love you and that I'm praying for you- that God will hold you more tightly now than every before. Just keep on hanging on.
Dear Kristin,
ReplyDeleteOur church family has been praying for you and Craig. We will continue to pray that the Lord will comfort, strenghten and uphold you.
With our love,
Ed and Edel Tomm Ryan's grandparents
So sorry for your loss Kristen. I'm praying that the Lord will wrap you in his loving arms, and that you will be able to rest there. We didn't know Craig but he must have been an amazing guy to capture your heart because you are an amazing girl. Love you,
ReplyDeleteRon and Sally Carraway
Dear Kristin,
ReplyDeleteHow can anyone understand fully what you are going through in this dark and painful hour? Our hearts are breaking for you as we try to wrap our head around the shock of the news we received today. Craig is enjoying the beauty of heaven and the songs of the angels right now and most importantly he is worshiping his Lord. We will continue to pray for peace and comfort as you grieve the devastating loss of the love of your life, Craig. Lovingly, Sandy & Esther & family
You are so loved by God and by everyone who has posted on here. I know that I didn't get to know either of you very well. Other than taking several classes with Craig in my first three years. I am very sorry for your loss Kristin I wish that there was more that I could do rather that type this out to you. I've been praying for you since everything started off and will continue to lift you up to our God.
ReplyDeleteChristina
Kristin, I hope this music would console your heart. I am so sorry.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O4-RCjwal0
Dear Kristan....and Craig
ReplyDeleteI haven't spoken with or seen craig in several years, but pasing through prayer updates I heard what happend, I was able to find your blog. Craig certainly is popular, and his out going and God loving attitude and personality make him shine. I admire you---you are so incredibly strong!!! My thoughts and prayers will be with you both! We serve an amazing God!!
Sending my love, prayers and a big hug!
Lynda
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteDefinitely sorry to hear about what happened. Craig was a stand up guy, and we definitely had many good times in high school. Your in my thoughts during this time. He'll always be with you. Keep on keepin' on.
********UPDATE*********
ReplyDeleteCraig passed away Wednesday morning. His blood pressure began to drop dangerously in the night, so they allowed Kristin to go in and sit with him until the time he died.
Kristin's mom is with her now. And her father will be arriving this morning.
Thank you all for your continued prayers as the family mourns together and deals with the various legal issues involved.
***********UPDATE*************
-Ryan
My heart is just breaking. I know Craig is with Jesus and am so very thankful that they know each other. Craig stepped out of everyone's comfort zone to share Christ. I will never forget when he comforted a stranger in front of the Texas state capital building, when the rest of us "adults" walked by. I will also never forget the bad Spanish he used when trying to converse with people he said "My name is Craig, how do you love me?", instead of what's your name. We are all so much richer for being able to share some time with this amazing young man.
ReplyDeleteLove you too Kristin. I know the miracle it is to hold your husband's hand while he goes home.
Monica