Bestoon's Heart Surgery

Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Back to Their Future
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When they arrived at our house last night, everybody was very eager to speak to Bestoon's father and Lara and Mustafa's mother. The six families waiting here in Jordan for their turn for surgery were very encouraged by the reports of the parents. And now would all prefer to go to Haifa!

They talked for a long time, we heard Bestoon and Ali's fathers still talking at 02:00 in the night. This morning we drove to the airport (pictured above), leaving our house at 09:00, and their flight to Iraq left on time at 12:00.

Already Bestoon's father has called us from his hometown in northern Iraq. All his family say thank you, his father, brothers, sisters etc. Abu Bestoon said that they would slaughter at least two sheep on arrival back home. I wish I were there!

This concludes the story of Bestoon's journey to Israel for a new heart and new life.

You may click here if you'd like to help another Iraqi child experience the same blessing.

Monday, February 11, 2008
A Joyful Return to Jordan
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Bestoon (pictured at right), Mustafa, and his sister Lara returned to Jordan today with smiling faces. Bestoon's father was so full of joy and thankfulness for his son's successful heart surgery, and happy to be finally going home. Mustafa chased his little sister Lara around as we waiting for the bus that would transport us to Jordan. I could see the relief in their mother's eyes that both of her children now had healthy hearts and were so full of energy. After entering Jordan we piled into two taxis and headed for Amman. Dirk (our Jordan coordinator) was waiting there to take them to his house where they'd stay until their flights back to Iraq. Bestoon especially was looking forward to seeing one of Dirk's sons again so they could continue building their train track. Both of these precious families are scheduled to flight back home on Tuesday.

Saturday, February 9, 2008
Last Visit to Israel's Seashore
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Today I took Bestoon and his father to visit the Haifa seashore one last time before they return home to Iraq. Lara and Mustafa and their mother also went along. Together we enjoyed the water and the sunshine.

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Sunday, February 3, 2008
Released from Hospital
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Bestoon was released from hospital today. He still was a bit sore from his surgery, but soon got comfortable on the floor once he was back at the apartment.

Bestoon is scheduled to return to the hospital next Sunday for another echocardiogram. If all is well, Bestoon will be on his way home soon after that.

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Friday, February 1, 2008
Reason to Celebrate
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When I last saw Bestoon on Monday he was sedated, on mechanical ventilation, and with blood stains on his face following his open heart surgery. Today he was sitting up in bed watching cartoons (his favourite past time) and also colouring in a colouring book!

He was suffering some pain when he was coughing, but he was in good spirits in spite of his discomfort.

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008
"Thumbs Up"
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It is quite windy and stormy this morning in Haifa. It is very cold and rainy and the sea is roaring, but God is our refuge and strength... Inside the hospital, it is quite peaceful and warm. You can feel God's presence there. I know that when we go into the hospital, as God's messengers, He goes before us, and supernatural things take place! Praise the Lord.

"Jesus said to her, did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God" (John 11:40).

Indeed God is being glorified on Mount Carmel. Two more Iraqi children underwent successful heart surgery yesterday. Everything is going as expected, said the doctor in ICU.

I made a quick visit to the hospital this morning. Bestoon was doing alright and was calm. Bestoon's father was happy to know that his son is recovering well. As I was taking some photos, Bestoon gave me the "thumbs up" sign.

Please keep praying for Bestoon as he gains back his health and strength.

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Monday, January 28, 2008
Sedated in ICU Following Surgery
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When my wife Linda and I arrived late this afternoon, Bestoon was already in ICU recovering from his heart surgery. The doctor in the unit said all went well. Bestoon is sedated and on his way to recovery. I asked about the blood by his nose, but the doctor said it was nothing.

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Thursday, January 24, 2008
A Last Bite Before Monday's Surgery
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Today we found Bastoon and his father in a local shawarmah shop sitting and enjoying a sandwich for a late lunch. Bastoon was in good spirits and is anticipating his now rescheduled surgery for Monday. He will be admitted on Sunday morning in preparation. You may write him and his father with an encouraging word or a prayer at the link below.

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Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Surgery Postponed
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Bestoon's surgery, previously scheduled for today, has been postponed. We'll update you again when it's rescheduled.

Sunday, January 20, 2008
Sore Yet Smiling
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When we arrived in hospital today we found Bestoon watching cartoons. Though a bit sore from the catheterization he underwent in the morning, he was still able to give us a smile.

Bestoon is scheduled for his heart surgery on Wednesday, and he says he is ready.

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Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Happy During First Tests
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Bestoon went in for his first check-up today, which included blood tests and an echocardiogram. He seemed quite happy and co-operative through it all. He is scheduled to return to the hospital on Friday morning for follow-up tests. If all is well, he will return to the hospital Saturday night after the Sabbath ends, and be admitted for a catheterization to be performed on Sunday. Enjoy a few more photos of Bestoon below!

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