| | Ahmad's
Heart Surgery
 Saturday
May 12, 2007
Jordan by Night:
Ahmad Says GoodbyeFiled
by
Ahmad and his mother did not get to see
much of Jordan this time, since it was dark when they arrived at the
Jordan Valley Crossing Friday evening and it was dark when they left
our house early morning on Saturday enroute to the airport.
Donna,
who had planned to accompany them to Amman and to the airport, was so
moved by seeing Sam
and his mother alone at the crossing that she decided to return back
into Israel with them. The border guards are getting to know us and are
being more helpful every time we come through.
All
the way from the crossing to Amman and then to our house, Ahmad's
father called from Iraq about every half hour. He wanted to know every
detail about their journey and he is so much longing for their safe
return. It has been five month now since they left Iraq! We arrived at
the Airport at 6:30 am, in time for the 8:00 am Iraqi Airways flight.
Ahmad
and his mother are very thankful for the help they received from all of
you, and say good bye.
You may
join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.
 Thursday 5/10/2007
On His Way HomeFiled
by
The biggest smiles yet were on the faces
of Ahmad and his mother when he got the report from his echo,
"Excellent!" There were tears amidst the smiles as the joy overflowed
for Um Ahmad at the thought of seeing her three daughters and her
husband within days now.
We worked with the nurses to be sure the
proper prescriptions were ready for him to take home, and the ones that
were no longer needed were joyfully dropped in the trash by Ahmad. I
couldn't resist that 'Kodak moment.' Ahmad and his mother had time in
the afternoon to visit again with some of the Iraqi Israelis who've
befriended them after seeing their arrival on the local news in March.
Amazingly, their families have been neighbors in the same city in
northern Iraq! As Ahmad began to walk towards the door to leave with
these friends, I noticed for the first time - along with his mother
- a strong stride developing for him, and he even
added a little skip in his step. Um Ahmad and I just grinned in joyous
agreement at what a wonderful sight that was!
The difficult part of the day came when
Um Ahmad and Um Hana
parted company. They love each other like sisters, and this was one of
those bittersweet times when you are very happy for someone, even while
sad they will not be with you. But the prevalent emotion was the joy
over Ahmad's excellent heart, as you can see on all their faces.
We will cross tomorrow
to Jordan, and then in the coming days they will use the other halves
of their donated air tickets home to their family. Please pray for the
border crossing for us. We will again be facing the challenge of our
families not having the updated Iraqi passports. We need favor with the
authorities. We will also time our exit with the entrance of precious
baby Sam
who is crossing over for emergency surgery in Haifa. The uniqueness of
Iraqis at these crossings requires your prayers, and we thank
God for His ability to answer. The proof of His ways stands
before us as we look at the happy smiling face of Ahmad! Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
You
may join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.
 Monday 5/7/2007
Not Yet...
Filed
by
The day began with an opportunity
to meet again with a reporter who met Ahmad when he
entered Israel, and show just how well he is doing at
this point of recovery. The day included a
first view of an ocean, and the chance
to splash in the Mediterranean Sea. But the main event hoped
for today did not occur - Ahmad was not dismissed to go back to
Iraq because of a little fluid which has formed
around his left lung. Both he and his mother were very
disappointed.
We
hoped that the visit to the beach would help console our friends, and
it did make a difference. Ahmad enjoyed collecting shells and splashing
in the water a little. His mom seemed to have home on her mind
-- she is so anxious to see her husband and three daughters.
Ahmad
will go back to have another echo done on Thursday morning. Please pray
with us that he will continue to heal rapidly with God's help.
Even though we'd hoped they could head toward Iraq today, I am thankful
that the doctors will not dismiss Ahmad one moment before he is ready. Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
 Thursday
5/3/2007
Card Shark
Filed
by
Today was a banner day
for Ahmad. His echocardiogram showed great results and he was
encouraged by the doctor to exercise more. While
waiting for
the echo, we got to play cards and I have to say Ahmad is pretty
clever. Anyway, it was a great day for the children,
medical
staff and Shevet Achim.
Ahmad
is
scheduled to return to the hospital on Monday for what we hope will be
his final echo. If everything looks good to the doctors, he will be
dismissed to go home.
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
 Monday 4/30/2007
Ahmad Dismissed!
Filed
by
We
got a surprising phone call this evening from Um Ahmad saying Ahmad was
dismissed to come to Jerusalem! After the drainage from the chest tubes
stopped, Ahmad spent less than three days in the ward, and was able to
leave the hospital.
I believe I saw the
biggest smile
yet on Ahmad's handsome young face this evening when we arrived to
bring him here. He affectionately bade the nurses goodbye, and happily
walked to the van with some Iraqi Jews who'd been visiting with them
this evening. (These mostly elderly Jews, who were born in Iraq before
immigrating to Israel in the 1950s, find great joy in welcoming their
former countrymen to Israel).
Keep
praying for Ahmad's complete healing to happen speedily. Remember to
lift up his family in Iraq as well. And join us in giving thanks for
the wonderful work that has happened so far for this young man and his
family. To God be the glory!
Click
to send an e-mail message to Ahmad
and
his mother.
Sunday
4/29/2007
Tubes Removed
Filed
by
Ahmad
is doing great. The tubes have been removed from his lungs and he is
now able to walk around. The
smiles, and the gleam in his and his mother's eyes, say it all. Life is
good and now it's better, thanks to the medical staff and the financial
contributions that make this opportunity happen. Raneen, pictured above, adds:
I went to see Ahmad, and he was playing
computer games
in a play room in the hospital. Ahmad was doing well and very happy
that there are no more tubes in his chest, since the fluid in his lungs
stopped draining. I showed him an Arabic website where he can
find
games. He played a little bit, then he watched a
comedy. Um
Ahmad was very happy that her child's condition is getting
better; she said that Ahmad's eyes turned to be very beautiful
and
bright. She said that she is very tired and misses her other
children. They call her every day to say that they miss her
and
miss Ahmad. Um Ahmad said that she is ready to do anything for Ahmad to
live and to be healthy. Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
Wednesday4/25/2007
Target of AffectionFiled
by Ahmad is still in the
intermediate ICU as the fluid in his lungs keeps draining. His heart is
doing very well, but it is taking longer than expected for this fluid
to drain. As he quietly waits, he continues to be a target of affection
for the Wolfson staff. We all are looking forward to the day those
tubes can come out of his chest and he can move about and finish the
healing his body needs. I brought a snack to
Ahmad today which, as far as I know, is unique to Israel - "Bamba." The
best way to describe them is that they're like peanut-butter  flavored cheetos. Since I could not
purchase his favorite snack - large fresh sunflower seeds - before I
left, I was hoping the Bamba would be a satisfactory substitute. It
turned out to have double impact. Just after I arrived to
visit with Ahmad and his mom, the nurses brought his meds.
One is a liquid vitamin supplement with a very bad taste. I pulled out
the Bamba to see if it might help matters, and Ahmad decided to give it
a try, then decided to eat some after each of his five meds. It isn't
only a ''spoonful of sugar'' that helps the medicine go down! After the
meds were finished, Ahmad also finished off the whole bag. His mom then
told me that yesterday he'd mentioned how much he would like some
Bamba! Thank you Lord for helping Ahmad enjoy his day! I'll see Ahmad again
tomorrow, and will update again then. Please pray for God's touch to
continue to rest on Ahmad as he heals. He is a precious young
man.
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
 Thursday4/19/2007
Looking Forward to Soccer
Filed
by
Today I visited Ahmad in the hospital
for the first time. I was impressed by his completely new
complexion--no longer grayish blue but olive.
During
the Passover holiday a few weeks ago, we had the privilege of hosting
him and his mother in the Shevet Achim house. Ahmad and my
kids thoroughly enjoyed their light saber battles and dressing up like
cowboys. But because of doctor's orders, Ahmad wasn't allowed
to join in the soccer matches in the courtyard. I told him
today, though, that my kids are missing him and are waiting to play
soccer with him once he's out of the hospital and well enough to play.
I
talked with Yulia the nurse. She told me Ahmad is "stable,
okay, but still with a little bit of heart failure." His
heart is "very tired." He is receiving all the medications he
needs for improving his condition, and is eating and drinking
well. It will take time for the fluid excretions from the
pleural space to decrease.
An
Israeli couple named Zion
and Geula were visiting Ahmad too. They live near the
hospital and come to visit Ahmad several times a week. After
seeing Ahmad on Israeli TV, they came to Wolfson to meet him, and it
turns out that Zion was born in Ahmad's hometown in Iraq!
They're making a date to celebrate Israeli Independence Day together
next Tuesday at Zion and Geula's home, and to go shopping at the shuk
(market) for clothing for Ahmad's siblings back home.
See you next week at the
hospital, Ahmad! Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
Tuesday 10:22 p.m.4/17/2007
Your Notes Bring
Encouragement
Filed
by
In
a brief visit to see Ahmad today I found he and his mother still in the
intermediate ICU as the fluid continues draining from his chest. I
noticed that this time the fluid in the box which collects it is
lighter in color, and spoke to the nurse about it. She said this is
indicative of the healing process, and commented that he has had a
large amount of fluid.
Both Ahmad and
his mom seemed to
be handling their wait with patience today. Um Ahmad is so pleased with
his progress and enjoys seeing him return to health. Thank God for all
He has done and will do for Ahmad! May blessings abound for him and his
family.
Thank
you for your notes to Ahmad and his mother; they are blessed and
encouraged by them. Such communication verifies my reminders to them
that people all over the world are praying for Ahmad and all his
family.
 Sunday 6:35 p.m.4/15/2007
Pink Cheeks
Filed
by
Praise God for the sight I saw today - a
new sight in Israel - Ahmad has pink cheeks!! It is a delight to see
him looking so healthy, and he thinks so too. As his mother, his nurse
and I raved about his good looks, he asked for a mirror. He smiled a
big smile and pointed to his pink lips too. He and his mother were
excited to know that his father will get to see his photo online to
view these healthy cheeks for himself. He has pink fingernail beds now
too.... and we are all thanking God for these things.
 Even though he looks so good,
Ahmad still has the chest fluid draining from the tubes in his chest,
so he cannot yet leave the intermediate ICU. I spoke with the nurse for
a little while about this, and she explained that it is common
for patients with tetralogy of Fallot to have lots of drainage like
this after surgery. It takes time for the body to heal, and this is
part of the process. Since Ahmad waited 14 years for this surgery, it
will take a bit longer than we might desire, but the results will be
marvelous. Ahmad's mother commented that this nurse shows by
the care she gives that she loves Ahmad, and asked for a
picture to share with those back home. :-) See those pink lips smiling??
I got another big smile from Ahmad today
when, after treating his mother to lunch, we brought a shwarma back to
him. He still is not eating the hospital food, and thoroughly enjoyed
this meal. He continues to wait patiently for the doctors to release
him to the surgical ward, watching lots of TV to pass the time. (The
fact that the programs are in Hebrew or English does not deter him at
all.) He also continues to enjoy computer games on his mother's cell
phone. Isn't technology an amazing blessing?!
Please keep Ahmad lifted up to the Lord
in prayer. I cannot wait to see him mobile again after the chest tubes
are removed! Continue to pray for stamina for his mom as she waits with
him there for as long as it takes to see her son able to go home
healthy. What a joy that will be!
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
Shabbat Eve4/13/2007
TV and Sunflower SeedsFiled
by Ahmad and his mom were watching TV
together when I arrived at the hospital yesterday afternoon, and after
some visiting I joined them in viewing a funny movie for a little
while. I had taken with me one of Ahmad's favorite snacks - giant
sunflower seeds. He was delighted with that, but not hungry when I gave
them to him. While we were chatting, his uncle called, and he had a
great phone visit with him.
The nurse
said Ahmad is very stable, but the chest is still draining fluid. As
soon as this finishes, he will be moved to the regular children's
surgical ward. He has no fever or other complications.
Please
keep praying for this young man's healing, and his mom's perseverance.
Pray for the family back home too... they are missing each other! I'm
looking forward to a few weeks from now when I can escort them back to
Amman for their long-awaited return home.
Click
to send an e-mail message to Ahmad
and
his mother.
 Wednesday 4/11/2007
Out of ICUFiled
by It was great to walk into the ICU today
and notice that Ahmad's bed was not there! After visiting with Lizan
and her parents for a while, three visitors who were with me and I
walked to the intermediate ICU to see him.
We found him sitting in a chair beside
his bed watching TV with his mom. Whereas last week she was drained
from worry, this week she is smiling with relief and joy as she sees
her son slowly healing. The swelling from fluid retention was better
today, and the oxygen mask is now replaced by a small nasal
canula. Before we left this afternoon, the two ''boxes'' into
which the chest fluids were draining were reduced to one box for both
chest tubes. Let us pray that soon the doctors can
remove those chest tubes.
The visitors who came with me brought a
gift for Ahmad, and I too had brought to him a game
from friends of Shevet Achim in the US. Along with these, I
had some emailed prayer letters which had been translated to Arabic for
Ahmad. His mother was visibly touched as she read them... she spoke to
Ahmad briefly about them in Kurdish, and then said she was going to put
them with her special items to take home to Iraq. It was a good time of visiting
for our guests from the UK as well as Ahmad and his mom.
One
definite prayer request is that Ahmad will eat the hospital food, as so
far it is so different-tasting to him he is not
eating. He needs it to become stronger, even though it may not
please his palate.... his mom's wonderful Iraqi dishes await him when
he can leave the hospital! And please keep praying that he
will heal fully and quickly, and be able to eat those meals in his own
home with his father and sisters, soon.
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
 Tuesday
4/10/2007
Radiating Strength and
DeterminationFiled
by
Upon entering the ICU of
Wolfson Medical Center, it was with some apprehension due to the report
that fluids had formed around Ahmad’s lungs. These
fluids were being drained through a series of tubes and
equipment. However, despite these complications, there sat
Ahmad with his infamous smile and gentleness of spirit.
Alongside, was his mother, a pillar of encouragement in his
recovery. It was quite obvious that his condition was
progressing positively (must have been aided by those
McDonald’s fries). Periodically, he would ask for
his breathing apparatus, then proceed methodically to go through the
regiment of dictated breathing exercises that had been prescribed for
him.
During
our visit, little Lizan was
wheeled into the ICU area, having just been brought from her surgery.
As the doctors and staff transported her to her temporary place in the
ICU, we were quite aware that this same scene had taken place with
Ahmad only several days earlier. Ahmad’s recovery
and example only strengthened our knowing that Lizan would soon be
every bit as renewed as Ahmad now displayed. Two children
given a new lease on life by those that had never known them, yet sowed
into their lives that they might live.
Our
visit, although hindered by the language barrier, was encouraging. As I
sat there beside him, the strength and determination of this young man
quietly radiated from him. What an awesome scenario to be
witnessing! Thanks to those who have been praying, as your
prayers are making a difference!
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
Monday 6:41 pm
4/9/2007
Latest from the ICU on
Ahmad's RecoveryFiled
by
Click
the play button above and wait for the video to load to get a full
update on Ahmad's progress straight
from Dr. Yaron Cohen in the ICU.
(Watch to the end
to see the surprising
key to his recovery!)
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
7:38 pm Thursday
Ahmad is Recovering!Filed
by
 It
was a blessing to begin this day with the news that Ahmad was through
his emergency surgery and very stable. Last night was an emotional
night here at our Shevet house in Jerusalem as we all were concerned
about Ahmad's bleeding and the need for it to be stopped. This morning
all the Iraqi families and Alex and I went together to the hospital so
everyone
could encourage Um Ahmad, and see for ourselves how Ahmad had come
through the surgery. Pictured above is how we first found him
in
the ICU. The other families were not allowed to go into the
ICU, but it meant so much to Um Ahmad to have them there with her. I
brought them news from Dr. Gilad, and so did Ahmad's mother when she
came out.
But one of my favorite moments came
later in the day when I had the
chance -- when the nurses were not quite so busy attending to Ahmad --
to get close to his bed, speak his name, and see his eyes open and a
smile come on his face in recognition. Then he reached out his hand as
if to shake hands with me -- wow! I was simply thankful that he was
enough awake to respond, and didn't expect such a wonderful response as
this! Thank God!
 He
did not stay awake long, but his mother was
emotional and thankful. Last night was the third night she has not
slept, and she did not want her picture made because she had been
crying. After we talked for a few minutes, Ahmad stirred again, asking
for water, which he was able to receive on a swab to his lips. Another
encouraging sign!
After accompanying Riwan
to his final echo in another part of the hospital, I returned this
afternoon to the ICU to find Ahmad already extubated, and wearing an
oxygen mask instead. This was ahead of schedule according to the
expectations when I first spoke to the doctor, and I give God credit
for showing His goodness to Ahmad. He is answering our prayers. Ahmad
was more alert this afternoon, but also more aware of the pain in his
body. Let us pray together that this too is gone quickly in his healing
process. 
One
sentimental part of the day was the final goodbye of the mothers of
Riwan and Ahmad before Riwan and his mom leave tomorrow for Jordan,
then Iraq. These families did not know each other before they each came
to Amman in late December for the echocardiogram screening for their
sons. They found that they live in the same city, and the boys became
like brothers. They hope to see one another again in the coming months
as Ahmad recovers and he and his mom return to Iraq too. I was allowed
to get a ''parting photo'' as these courageous friends hugged each
other outside the hospital before we left for Jerusalem.
Please
keep praying for Ahmad and his mother. I believe we will see more
evidence in the coming days of the fervency of your prayers and the
goodness of God as He does His handiwork in Ahmad's body. His mother
comments about how handsome he is (yes he is!), and is picturing him as
a young man who will now be able to marry. I too find it a wonderful
thought that this young man has another chance to fulfill the hopeful
future God created him for, and created for him. Let us continue to
thank God for all these things!
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
5:52 am Thursday
Good News: Ahmad
Stable and Doing Well
Filed
by
I
just spoke with the ICU doctor, and he said that Ahmad is doing very
well now. He underwent the surgery to stop bleeding which was ''coming
from some vessels in his chest; the surgery was very successful; since
he has returned he has been stable and is doing very well.'' I spoke
with Ahmad's mother, and she sounded strong. She is very thankful Ahmad
is better, and thanks us all for praying. We'll be at the hospital in a
few hours, will update more later today.
Thanking
the God who hears.........
LATE
UPDATE: AHMAD TAKEN BACK TO OPERATING ROOM AFTER MIDNIGHT FOR
INTERNAL BLEEDING. PLEASE PRAY. DETAILS WILL BE
POSTED AS
AVAILABLE.
 Wednesday
Evening 4/4/2007
Surgery Day:
Fasting
and Praying
Filed
by
Today
I went to the hospital to sit with Ahmad's mother and wait for his
return from surgery. I did not find her outside the ICU (where the
parents are asked to wait) when I arrived, so began to look around.
When we found each other we gave hugs, and she told me she had been out
in the garden reading the Quran.
The
doctor said to
expect Ahmad back from surgery at about three. I offered her some
juice, but she indicated that she was fasting for Ahmad. Later in the
day she said she had been up all night praying for him. I continue to
be struck by the fact that all who are spiritual call out to God in the
manner they know to reach Him .... and for all of us this is magnified
when we're calling out for our children. As we sat together she
contined to read, and to pray for her son. As the hours passed, she
began to get numerous phone calls from her family in Iraq. Usually she
would return from these calls wiping tears from her eyes, and sit down
wearily to wait for the moment Ahmad was wheeled through the waiting
area and into the ICU.
Just after two o'clock an
Iraqi Jew now
living in Israel who heard about their treatment here came to the
hospital to check on Ahmad. He has become a friend to Ahmad and his
mother, and also fills the special role of following Iraqi customs at a
time like this. At about two-thirty Dr. Yaron came by us, and
said that Ahmad would be out soon, that the surgery was finished, and
it was good. At this point she burst into tears and the relief was
obvious. She went outside to call her husband, and, having met him
during the weeks he waited with his family in Amman, I was picturing
his face as he got the good news. The next minutes were filled with
phone calls, and in fact she was on the phone when Ahmad was wheeled
through. I ran to get her, and she ran in just in time to get a glimpse
of him before they took him into ICU.
 Always
after the children come back from surgery the family has to wait a
while until all the necessary medical equipment is in place. This is
trying for the parents who want so much to see if their child is REALLY
ok. Because it seemed to take longer than she expected, she took this
to mean something must be wrong, and was very concerned. Even when we
were told it was ok to come into the ICU she was expecting something
wrong. Dr. Yaron asked the Iraqi Israeli friend (pictured above left)
to come in to help explain clearly to her that the surgery was good and
Ahmad was good, even though it was a big surgery, and he would sleep
until tomorrow. It was a blessing to know that the information was
clearly translated. At that point she was ready to sit by the bed for
the night, and would not agree to come out long enough to eat
something. I knew she would need her strength for the coming days, so
called on the doctor for help, and he explained again that Ahmad would
be sleeping, and that she needed food and rest. At his request she did
accompany me for something to eat, and I could see her rejuvenate as
she ate it.
On the way back to the
waiting room, she
talked to me about how for 14 years she has worried and cried and
prayed for her son. She spoke of how weak he was from infancy, and
would always sleep too much; how the teachers would call her from
school and tell her she needed to come because Ahmad needed to go to
the hospital. She said these things expressing how long she has waited
for this day, while at the same time expressing uncertainty that this
really would make a difference for her beloved son. I assured her again
that God listens to prayers and loves Ahmad, and her, very much. When I
left the hospital the nurses were checking on the equipment around
Ahmad's bed, and asked us to leave the room.
 Please
join me in thanking God for Ahmad's successful surgery. Let us pray for
a full, fast recovery, that he has total healing and a full life ahead.
May we pray for Ahmad's mother to find peace in the reality of the love
of God and His goodness. I hope to see her anxiety turn to joy as Ahmad
recovers and becomes a strong young man. He is such a gentleman
already, happy even in his illness, kind to others, and smart as well.
What a joy to know that God is involved in changing his life even now
so he can become the man he was created to be.
Click
to send an e-mail message to Ahmad
and
his mother.
Passover Eve 4/02/2007
Surgery Scheduled for Day
After Passover Starts
Filed
by
On our way to the
hospital today with Riwan
and his mother for a follow-up echocardiogram, we were notified that
Ahmad will be admitted in the morning to prepare for his surgery on
Wednesday. When we told them the news after we returned to Jerusalem,
Um Ahmad had a huge smile on her face. She quickly gathered her laundry
so she could be prepared for several days in the hospital with her son.
As I am typing she is helping prepare dinner for their last night
here.... thankfully they have had several outings by car to see
different parts of this holy city.
 Ahmad
seems to be quite settled with the news. He is sitting in the room
beside me at the computer, where he has spent lots of time. One of the
most fun things we've done is visit each others' cities via Google
Earth. We had virtual tours of each town and even dropped in at each
others' homes! It is fun to see the differences and similarities in the
homes, roads, landscape and topography of our areas in our home
countries. Cybertechnology has been a blessing to us all.
Please
pray for Ahmad as he prepares for the reality of this life-changing
event. May he have a total healing! I will be with his mother on
Wednesday morning and ask for your prayers for her to feel the comfort
that only the God of all comfort can give. May she find peace as we
wait for the hours he will be in the operating room. May the family at
home be aware of the goodness of God as they wait for the good news of
his successful surgery as well.
And
please pray for all
of us as we use the time to shower them and the other families with the
love which God has given to us through the sacrifice of His Son, the
perfect Passover Lamb.
 Sabbath
Eve 3/30/2007
Both Moving Slowly
Filed
by
Although we have been
anxiously waiting for surgeries for Ahmad, Lizan and Jihan,
the doctors schedule surgeries based on many factors for numerous
patients. When it became clear that none of our Iraqi patients would be
scheduled for the week before Passover, we were invited to bring the
families here to Jerusalem to give them a change of
scenery.
Although the colder
temperatures in Jerusalem were a shock to our guests, the last few
afternoons have been warm enough to really enjoy the sunshine. Today
while out in the inner courtyard we spied our ''resident tortoise'' who
has come out of hibernation. That was a thrill for the boys as they
watched him wander around the grounds.
The
instructions I received from Ahmad's cardiologist for this visit were
simple and to the point: Ahmad can do ''zilch.'' Although he has had
his catheterization, this procedure was preparing his heart for the
open heart surgery soon to follow, and does not mean that he can be
active at this time. This is a challenge for him... even while I am
writing this blog there are children playing soccer in the courtyard
outside my room, and Ahmad wants to join in. I just had to go be the
''bad guy'' and make sure he was only watching. When we drove to the
shook (open market) last evening, Ahmad walked only a little way with
us so he could see the action before we headed back to the car and left
the others to shop. We are all thankful there's a computer here in the
building which he can use to play video games on. He is very good at
them, and when we found a new one the other evening, he figured it out
on his own very quickly.
  favorite
has been the Lego set, and he has done a great job building a lot of
the structures in the set much to everyone's delight. He is taking his
prescription regularly and doing his best to be patient until time for
his surgery.
We heard just today that there is a
chance he
will have surgery this coming week, after the Passover. When told the
news, Ahmad's mother was very happy, speaking immediately of going back
to Iraq when Ahmad is finished healing. Please pray for Ahmad as he
approaches his surgery for the new heart he needs, so soon he can join
in soccer games whenever he wants. Please pray for his mother as well,
that she will have peace in her own heart during that long day when he
is being operated on.
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
 Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Tears
and Fears
Filed
by
Today
I arrived at the hospital especially thankful to be able to be with the
mothers of Ahmad and Lizan while their children had heart
catheterizations. But when I arrived in the waiting room where I
expected to find them, they were not there. After a searching process
which was aided by the arrival of an Iraqi Jew who came to
visit
after reading a story in the newspaper about the families, we found Um
Ahmad gently crying in a chair just inside the waiting area. She was
filled with fear, and when I hugged her to settle her, she wept and
wept. She had already been waiting during the time period required for
Lizan's catheterization, and now that Ahmad's turn had come, her
emotions were too full to contain any longer.
The
Iraqi
visitor was comforting as well, and eventually her tears were spent and
we sat together. Since she had to companionship of a new friend from
her country, I took the opportunity to go visit Lizan who had just been
returned to her room. When I got back to Ahmad's mother, her guest had
left, so we waited together for that moment when the doctor would come
out. During this time there was an emotional call from her niece in
Iraq checking on Ahmad.
After about four
hours, the news
finally arrived that Ahmad was through his cath. This was a relief, but
it was clear that she would not be satisfied until she could see him
for herself. We waited a little longer, and at last Ahmad was wheeled
to his room. He was very sleepy, though aware of the pictures I took,
again wanting to be sure that his father would be able to see them on
the internet at home. Within a few minutes, his father called on the
mobile phone --- what a blessing it is to have such technology today!
 I
left a very sleepy Ahmad to go and speak with Dr. Tamir about the
possible surgery date for his ''big surgery''. He could not give me any
idea of a scheduled time yet, only that they hoped to have all the
surgeries done as soon as possible and have the children on their way
back to Iraq. Please pray that this is the case for Ahmad. It has been
three months since they left their home to come to Jordan for the
echocardiogram screening. Pray for his mother to feel the encouragement
of the love of God strengthening her for the days ahead. She is weary
from waiting and worrying right now; your prayers for her, and for
Ahmad, will make a difference.
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
Click the play arrow below to
see new video of Ahmad:
 Monday, March 19, 2007
Just Like
His Dad
Filed
by
I learned this morning
that both Ahmad and Lizan will have their pre-surgical catheterizations
(click here to learn more about this
procedure) on Wednesday morning. Later in the afternoon I was able to
visit them at the Save a Child's Heart house for the first time in
several days to see how they are doing.
I
found the house quiet and still, as naptime was still in progress, but
was told by one of the ''housemothers'' that Ahmad and both of the
mothers were awake, and it was only the baby who was sleeping. Ahmad
came down the stairs with a big smile to greet me, followed by his
mother. As we sat on the sofa, I noticed how much he looks like his
dad, and am thankful that with this surgery he will have the
opportunity to grow up and become a father himself.
As
we visited over a cup of tea, we shared about the progress of his
friend Riwan, and I showed
them on my digital camera the pictures I'd just taken at the hospital.
We also talked about the fact that Riwan's surgery was small compared
to the ones both Lizan and Ahmad will need. At this point I heard Um
Ahmad (mother of Ahmad) give a big sigh, which is not her usual
demeanor. I'm sure if I was facing this situation, I would feel those
same emotions. Even though Ahmad's mother is a strong woman, I could
tell she was relieved when she knew someone would be there with them on
Wednesday morning to wait during the catheterization. Please pray that
the settling presence of the Lord would prevail during that time of
waiting.
When little Lizan awoke from her
nap, I went upstairs w/ her mother, and a few minutes later Ahmad came
in too. He is such a big brother figure to the other children, and
really enjoys the role. It is refreshing to see an older child with
such a gentle giving heart towards those younger than himself.
 Would you pray for Ahmad
as he undergoes the catheterization on Wednesday morning? He is a
special young man facing a very big surgery after the cath, which he
understands better than some of the younger children. I told him today
that many people are praying for all of them, and he asked "From the
internet?'' He is aware that he is on the blogs, and delightedly told
me how his father had seen the picture from last week where he was
balancing the plates with the clown. Please remember that if you would
like to share prayers or letters of encouragement with the families, we
will do so, and art work is very special to them too. Thank you for all
the ways you give of yourselves to bless these families. Every part is
important to the process.
Click
to send an e-mail message to Ahmad
and
his mother.
A Balancing Act
Filed
by
Sunday
I had a visit with our Iraqi families at the Save a Child's Heart house
-- it was wonderful to see them! I did not know when I headed
out
yesterday morning whether I would see them at the hospital or the
children's house. The patients go back and forth for tests according to
the doctors orders. When we arrived, all the children in the house were
being delighted by a clown and filmed by a media crew, and Ahmad as you
can see joined right in the excitement.
It
was a joy both
to see the fun the children were having, and the faces of the moms as
they watched. When they saw me we all had a time for greetings and
hugs, and enjoyed the clown together.... he was great, and really had
the children engaged.
Very soon it was
time to go over
to the hospital to visit with the surgeon, so I went back over with
them to sit for more media time. Then we had a chance to simply sit and
talk and visit together. One of our Save a Child's Heart friends was
celebrating her birthday, and she asked us to join her for ice cream,
which we all enjoyed.
Please
continue to pray for them to be patient as they wait for their specific
surgery dates to be set. Both Ahmad and Lizan
will have catheterizations first, and then their other surgeries
afterwards. These are anticipated in the coming weeks, and we will keep
you posted when we know the dates.
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
Monday, March 5, 2007
Mothers Together
Filed
by
 Our
three newly-arrived Iraqi families were at the hospital today briefly
for one of the last tests they need before the doctors can evaluate
their readiness for surgery. This is the PPD test for tuberculosis.
Our Arab Israeli staff member Raneen and I were able to see
them
before they went upstairs for the tests, and it was special to see the
reunion of these mothers with Raneen. They remembered her help at the
echocardiogram screening in Amman at the end of December, and were
happy to see her again.
When they
returned downstairs after
the tests, they had the opportunity to meet Mazal, an Iraqi Jew who has
lived in Israel for many years. She began to visit our Iraqi patients
last year, serving as a friend and translator for them. It was fun to
see them get to know each other, and Mazal had brought along a photo
album of some of our patients who she has come to know. This allowed
our new families to see that Mazal had also spent time with Delevan, Hawraa, Santa Maria,
and others. Sometimes our families learn about the opportunity for help
for their child by learning of the help Shevet Achim and Save a Child's
Heart were able to give to families in their village....or by word of
mouth through friends or family members. These mothers recognized some
of the patients in Mazal's album which was another encouragement for
them.
Please keep praying for Riwan,
Ahmad and Lizan as they
prepare for their surgeries. Pray for their mothers, and their families
back home in Iraq. We'll keep you updated as their surgery
dates approach.
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Iraqis Celebrating Purim
Filed
by
Today at the hospital at
least 6 groups came through celebrating Purim (the Jewish holiday
remembering Haman’s foiled plot from the book of Esther),
handing out small gifts and candy. At first the families were
overwhelmed with the loud singing and strangely-costumed individuals.
You'll see Ahmad in the background in blue in the video
above, as
a group of Israeli teenagers sing traditional Purim
songs and hand out gifts to their guests. By the end though Riwan was waiting
at the door and watching the
hallway for new groups. Upon seeing them, he would run to collect the
toys and goodies they offered. In
general today the Iraqi families seemed in good spirits. The Iraqi
women met some
of the other mothers and laughed with them. Lizan is precious, Riwan is
very active, and a reserved Ahmad is slowly warming up to us. Among our
Purim gifts were balloons which we bopped around the room with  him for about an hour.
Also
today all three
kids,
Lizan, Riwan, and Ahmad, had echocardiograms done as preparations
continue for their upcoming open-heart surgeries. We will
update this page regularly, and you may sign up below to receive an
email notice each time there is a new posting.
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
Click the play arrow
below to see the arrival of
Ahmad, Riwan, and Lizan in Israel
 Thursday, March 1, 2007
A Brave Young Man
Filed
by
Today has been a very
special day for Ahmad, Lizan
and Riwan --
they have arrived in Israel!!
Crossing
days are always long ones, and although filled with excitement, they
are also tiring because of the intensity of the situation at hand.
Sometimes the long waits at the border terminals can be as tiring as
the long drives before and after we cross (though Ahmad and Riwan found
a way to pass the time with paper airplanes).
Today
was unique in this
respect, in that while our wait on the Jordan side was lengthy but
uneventful, our wait on the Israeli side was very short, and very
eventful. We found out night before last that we would be greeted at
the border by some media who wanted to cover the story of Israelis
welcoming Iraqi children here for heart surgery. I spoke with the
mothers about it last night, making sure they were comfortable with
this, preparing them for it as best I could, since I had never
experienced it either! The lengthy wait on the Jordan side for us made
for a lengthy wait on the Israeli side for the press and the other
Shevet Achim team who were waiting to take us to the hospital.... this
was reality television for us -- lots of waiting!!
 
As
we travelled, each of the mothers commented about what a beautiful land
Israel is ... and truly it was a beautiful day to drive by the green
mountains and fields, orchards of olive and fruit trees, and meadows of
wild flowers beside freshly turned earth. God answered our prayers for
good weather - we drove through a heavy rain in Jordan, but by the time
we arrived at the border, it was sunny, and we didn't see another drop
until we were just outside of Jerusalem tonight. We enjoyed lunch on
the way to the hospital, and the boys fell asleep.
Finally
we arrived at the hospital late this afternoon, where we were met by
the camera-crews covering the day. This time there was a little more
interaction with the media as we met the doctors, and they described
the cases of the children and performed some preliminary tests
done.
Ahmed,
at age 13, is the weakest of the three children arriving today. His
appearance makes it quite obvious of what effects an ailing heart can
cause. Yet, with the help of so many, including
these
professionally trained cardiologists, Ahmed now, for the first time in
his life, has the opportunity to finally feel what it's like to be
'normal'. He now awaits the doctor's beckoning and announcement as to
when he will be scheduled for his heart surgery; something most would
not look forward to. Yet, here is brave Ahmad, ready to set aside the
danger, then step up and say, "I'll take the chance to be normal." Here
is such a gentle- spirited young man, one that displays perhaps even
without his knowledge (and without words) a strong character,
even at his young age.
Notify
me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
email:
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tomorrow to Israel
Filed
by
At last!! I got the call
this morning to pick up the visas at the Israeli embassy so that Ahmad,
Riwan and Lizan
can cross over tomorrow for their long-awaited heart surgeries. I
notified the families with Perjin's help, and told them that I would
bring the visas by this evening. I couldn't wait to see them and the
smiles on their faces!! They were very happy, and I was thankful to be
able to give them these documents. We sat together and drank tea as I
explained in detail about the trip ... how long it would take to get to
the border from here, how long at the crossing terminals on both sides
and what to expect there, and then the final stretch across Israel to
the hospital. We talked about the liklihood that when we arrived the
children would have an exam to see if they needed immediate
hospitalization, or could go on over to the Save a Child's Heart house
to rest. They asked questions and I answered; we talked about
everything all of us had in our minds and hearts.
I
was
not surprised to hear that they were already packed, and probably would
not be able to sleep tonight. Two of the families have waited for this
event for years, and the parents of Lizan have been waiting too even
though she is only 11 mos. old.
Visas now in hand!
I
am thanking our compassionate God for all He is doing to reach out to
these precious families! Will you please pray for us as we cross
tomorrow? It will be a long day for them. Pray for Ahmad to have
strength as he will have to do quite a bit of walking, and this tires
him easily. Pray for the mothers to have peace as we go through the
crossing processes, and that the terminals will not be crowded so that
we may be helped quickly. Would you even pray that it will not be
raining during the times we must be out of doors at each terminal?
Thank
you for the gift of your prayers. It is a comfort to know you will be
praying for us as we are finally able to go forward for the help
available in Israel. God bless you!
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me when Ahmad's page is updated
at this
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