 |
| | Hana's Heart Surgery
 Sunday
May 20, 2007 Hana is HomeFiled
by
Today we brought Um Hana and her little
daughter to the airport in Jordan, and said goodbye to them. Hana
remains on our heart as we can see her reacting to sounds, voices,
touches, and movements. She is pictured here sitting with us around the
table in our kitchen. She enjoys massaging of her little feet and is
frightened by loud sounds.
Please keep her and her
family in your prayers. Um Hana says thank you from all of her heart.
Her husband phoned later in the afternoon to say that they had safely
arrived home in Iraq. He also says thank you from all of his heart.
We can
bring more children to Israel for heart surgeries by clicking here.
 Sabbath Eve
May 18, 2007 Goodbye to HanaFiled
by
Again
today God proved Himself faithful in going ahead of us to prepare a
smooth border crossing as Hana and her mother headed home. It was an
emotional goodbye for everyone both in Jerusalem and at the border. Um
Hana is a real people- person, and formed special
relationships
with each of us women who'd come to know each other during Hana's stay
here. It seemed that today there was a release of much pent-up emotion
as she began her goodbyes.
Um Hana was
ready with
everything packed well before we needed to leave, and was waiting
patiently when two new friends arrived who would ride to the border
with us today as they travelled to Jordan. They are a Finnish couple
who are working with Bible translation here in Israel. This couple was
able to fill the little gap that I had wondered about as we planned for
Hana's departure -- the short bus ride across the Jordan River when Um
Hana would be alone before meeting Dirk at the Jordan terminal. This
gave me such peace and joy that God had every moment covered with help
- extra hands and feet to help Um Hana take her luggage, food and
diaper bag.
The
crossing went very smoothly on the Israel side, for which I am so
thankful. The passport officials have become acquainted with us as we
cross, and make the waiting as comfortable as possible when waiting is
necessary. Because of the World Economic Forum meeting at the Dead Sea,
Dirk had to change his usual route to the border crossing and was a bit
delayed. We used this time to rest inside the Israeli terminal where it
was cool, and have a little snack. I had time to instruct our new
friends about what to expect at the Jordan terminal and was thanking
God again and again for sending someone to be with Hana and her mother.
As we finished each portion of the
crossing process, Um
Hana got more emotional, thinking that would be the final step, and
then we'd part company. When the bus arrived to carry them into Jordan,
the tears flowed freely as she hugged me for a very long time. I told
her of God's love for her and all of her family, and thinking of the
verse in Is. 40:11, "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the
lambs in his arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads
those that have young." I told her I knew He especially looked after
mothers who are with young, because He had done so for me. With my part
done, I helped them on the bus -- the crowd who were waiting from a
tour group allowed us to get on first to make Hana and her mother more
comfortable. Then I watched until they left, and it was my turn to cry.
Please keep praying for total healing for
Hana, believing
God heals. Hana has not yet regained strength in her neck, so cannot
hold her head upright. She is beginning to be able to chew again, and
seems to have an increasing appetite. Pray that as her body
strengthens, it will heal more and more fully. Pray that she will begin
to sleep and nap on a more normal schedule, so her mother can get some
rest too. We also know that sleep is healing time for the body, and
Hana's body needs this. There seem to be moments when her eyes are
beginning to focus; please pray that just as the scriptures say, the
blind will see again because of who God is and all He's done to make
healing available. Pray for help for the family which can provide some
sort of physical therapy for Hana when she arrives back home. Pray for
the family to be surrounded by others who'll give practical help,
encouragement and compassion in a culture which is not always accepting
of those who are handicapped like Hana. It is my feeling that when Hana
is back with her siblings and father, this in itself will be healing to
her. I'm thankful for how greatly her family loves her, and all that
they've done to show her this. It's my prayer that they will also
discover the parallel concerning the love we are given by our Father
God, and all He's done to show it.
At last
report, Dirk
had arrived at the border to collect our little group, and was on the
way with them to his home. There was not a problem today with the issue
of the older Iraqi passport series, praise God! In the next few days
there will be a flight to the area where Hana's family lives, and they
will return to their waiting family. Will you please pray them home,
and then keep praying?
To help with other Iraqi
children waiting for surgery, please click here.
 Thursday
May 17, 2007 Hana Leaves Israel TomorrowFiled
by
After being away from
the Shevet Achim house most of the day, I was glad when a unanimous
decision was reached this evening by Raneen, Um Hana, Fred and I to
share a pizza for dinner. Hana had already eaten her dinner and some
Bamba (that unique Israeli puffed peanut butter-flavored
snack) but she was still hungry, and enjoyed some pizza with
us. It was fun to watch her enjoy it until she eventually fell asleep
in her mother's arms.
In the morning we will leave Jerusalem
for Jordan, where Hana and her mother will stay at the home of Dirk and
his family until they take a plane back to Iraq. The authorities will
allow me to accompany Hana and her mom to the final bus ride across the
border, where Dirk will meet them on the Jordan side. This way she will
be alone only the short time on the bus, and have assistance with her
bags and her baby all the rest of the time. Um
Hana is excited about returning, and continues to amaze all of
us with her ceaseless loving care for Hana. Even in the midst of Hana's
sometimes erratic sleeping schedule and the challenges presented
by her lack of mobility, Um Hana continues to be cheerful and
thankfully adoring of her daughter. She is a strong and beautiful
woman, and all of us feel privileged to know her and spend time with
her.
Keep praying with hope for Hana. I have
been impressed to note over the course of this relationship that hope
seems to provide a fortress for the soul against fear and doubt. I have
seen it lived out by her mother, as she continued to hold onto hope in
the midst of so many negative reports about Hana's prognosis. I have
thought back about difficult times in my own life and realized that
even when it felt nearly invisible, the tiniest thread of hope provided
a place of protection which I cherished. And when our hope is in God,
we'll never be disappointed. Pray that Um Hana and her husband never
lose hope as they care for their precious little girl. It is my hope
that God will continue His work and that Hana will indeed be healed and
whole. I do not know His plan, but as I sat with Hana this morning
while her mother showered, I became so aware of just how quickly God
could send the miracle we are praying for, and it could be in Iraq as
easily as here. What glory will come to Him in such circumstances!!
Thank you for all your prayers; let us keep them in our hearts as they
go.
Hope for the Future
Filed
by with video by David Hartman
As you can see Hana no
longer needs oxygen or intravenous feeding. She and her mom
have settled in naturally to the routines around the Shevet
office/residence in Jerusalem. Um Hana has been gracious in
cooking for
some of the staff who share the kitchen with her. She seems
comfortable here and happy to be on her way home to her
family. Hana is sleeping better and laughing again.
I
showed Um Hana her page on the website yesterday. We really
enjoyed the
pictures and reliving the happy moments together. She is a
precious woman, so loving and caring to her daughter, and a joy to be
around.
It sounds like we won't get to be
with them both much longer since their flight to Iraq may be set for
this Saturday. That means they will travel to Jordan on
Friday morning. We will be sorry to see them go after the
bond that we have made, and yet we are so very thankful that they
return to their family with more hope for the future than when they
left.
We'll update you later
this week on their
plans; thank you for your love and prayers for Hana.
You
may join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.
 Monday
May
14, 2007 Hana Leaves the Hospital!
Filed
by
Doctors at the
Wolfson Medical Center decided that Hana was well enough to
be released today. She and her mother have been transported to our
Shevet Achim facility in Jerusalem, where they will stay for at least
several days before returning to Iraq.
Hana
continues to show signs of reversal of the paralyzation caused by the
stroke she suffered in January. Doctors diagnosed her when she arrived
at Wolfson as quadriplegic, severely mentally retarded and blind. Now
she
can move her limbs and it appears that she is beginning to follow our
voices with her eyes, causing us to think perhaps her sight is
returning as well.
Please be in prayer for Hana,
as she would seem to have a long way to go till she is like a normal
child her age. Please also pray for her parents as they
ponder their options and make the decisions as to what is next.
Within 1-2 years Hana will need another surgery to
fully-repair her heart defect.
Tonight
Hana is sleeping peacefully here in Jerusalem; you may visit her in her
room by clicking the play button on the video below:
Rejoice with
us in this
step of progress today!
You
may join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.
Hana's Mother Radiating Hope
Filed
by
Hana
has been moved from the intermediate ICU to the children's ward.
This
is great news since it indicates that she is progressing in her
recovery, and Hana's mother can now be with her around the
clock. It's also good for her
mother since she can now visit with the other women without leaving her
littlest girl. Her room seemed to
be the central hangout for multiple
Gaza
women and our newest guests from Iraq.
I
found Hana's mother chatting and rocking her little one.
Hana
was fussy today, often crying. Her
environment in the children's ward is no longer quiet and peaceful.
There are a total of three patients in her shared room
along
with the three mothers who sleep next to their babies' beds.
Hana has been disturbed by all the noise and is refusing
to nap during the day. She is
obviously tired but she won't sleep. Instead
she cries.
Um
Hana is amazingly longsuffering, always cheerful these days, and best
of all full of hope. The dark dread
of the few weeks before Hana's surgery is now past, since the grim
warnings from the doctors about the risks to Hana did not materialize.
Now there is only hope as Um Hana watches her little girl
slowly gain movement in her legs and arms. This
hope has made her a beautiful and uplifting presence among all of the
patients and mothers watching and waiting for their own loved ones to
recover. Hana is still not able to
hold up her own head, nor are we sure that she can see, but let's all
keep hoping with Um Hana for a full recovery. Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
You
may join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.
Click
to send an email to Hana's mother.
Sunday May 13, 2007 12:00 noon
Hana's Out of the ICU
Hana
has been released from intermediate ICU and is sleeping comfortably at
this hour in the regular children's ward. Details on her
progress
will be posted later today.
 Thursday
May 10, 2007Hana's Recovery ContinuesFiled
by
It
is with thanksgiving that I tell you Hana continues to recover in the
intermediate ICU. While visiting with her today, I noted that she was
moving both of her arms. She is continuing to laugh as well, and the
sound is as sweet as it was the first time I heard it! Her mother
indicated to me several times today that Hana seems to be seeing a
little bit. I could not be sure during the times I was with her today,
yet there seem to be moments when she notices movement with her eyes. I
am continuing to believe that God can completely restore Hana's health
in every way.
I did not get to spend so
much time with Hana today because of Ahmad's dismissal, Jihan's complications,
and the three
new Iraqi patients' first day at the hospital.
But I enjoyed each time the pleasant and thankful attitude of Hana's
mother, who is a precious woman with strength beyond her years. Please
keep praying for her and for Hana. She needs perseverance and patience
to continue caring for her daughter. Hana too needs perseverance as she
recovers. The doctors estimate that she might be dismissed in about a
week. God is listening to our prayers as we lift their needs before Him.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
You
may join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.
Click
to send an email to Hana's mother.
Tuesday 5/8/2007
A Joyful Heart is Good
Medicine
Filed
by
Hana
was
laughing again today in response to her mother's conversation with her,
and I am still in awe as I watch and listen to the precious sound of a
child's laughter. Again and again the verse comes to me which says "A
joyful heart is good medicine." When thinking about how God might heal
Hana, things like restoring her eyesight would probably have been my
first priority. But how magnificent of the Lord to restore laughter to
her like a prescription for the rest of her healing!! I love God's ways
of answering prayer. Um Hana ("mother of Hana") told me that Hana also
responded when she heard her sister's voice on the phone.
The
group with me today experienced part of the restoration of Hana's life,
and prayed for God to restore all for her. Can you see in the picture
that her arms are no longer raised to her shoulders with clenched fists
like when she first arrived? They felt the grip in one of her hands,
while I, on the other side of the bed, had her pull her hand away when
she did not want to hold mine any longer. I am so thankful that we can
put our hope in the God who hears on behalf of Hana! Keep praying and
asking, believing.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
Please
join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.
Click
to send an email to Hana's mother.
Monday 5/7/2007Hana Laughs!Filed
by ,
with video by David Hartman
Click the play arrow to hear
Hana's mother encouraging her to laugh
Today was such
a blessing to experience: Hana's mother told me in the hall something I
could not quite understand, but when I got to the
intermediate ICU, I got to see and hear for myself, as Hana laughed!
It
was amazing.
I cried at the reality of seeing her laugh when her mom spoke
the names of her siblings or made funny sounds or gave her little
tickles. Even when she would eat a bite of food, she'd laugh!
It was like she was enjoying "coming back to life" so to
speak. She also is moving one side of her
body--not quadriplegic anymore. Praise God!! Keep
praying and believing with us for Hana to experience the reality of the
life of God for her future. Thank You Lord for what You are doing!!
Fred Hambert adds:
Laughter is truly
the
best medicine. I got to witness this firsthand today as I
visited with
Hana and her mother. Hana's mother would say some silly word
and Hana
would break out laughing. Then I would start laughing, then her mother
and back to Hana.This went on for about 5 minutes, it was great. Hana's
definitely on the comeback road.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
Please
join our May 2007 campaign to help more Iraqi children by clicking here.Click
to send an email to Hana's mother.
Sunday 5/6/2007
The Look of Life
Filed
by 
What can it be that
makes Hana more beautiful each time I see here? Today, as I
entered the intermediate ICU where she is currently residing, her eyes
caught mine. The doctors say she cannot see, yet her eyes tell of a
little girl that sees far more than her physical eyes are revealing.
The color of her skin is the best it has been since she arrived in
Israel. She has a radiance that can only be described as "The Look of
Life."
 There she and I were
today all alone (her mother was napping elsewhere). What an awesome
privilege to hold her hand and to speak to her and to pray directly
over her. Her attention was quite
exciting to watch. Perhaps it was just the man's voice that she heard
and was attracted to, but then it could have been the words of life,
that she drew from me to speak over her. May His life be abundantly
hers in the upcoming days.
For
the last two days, she has been receiving steroids to dissipate the
fluids surrounding her heart. The doctors are hopeful that
the excess liquids will be gone in several days and are contemplating
what they will do once this happens. They certainly need our
prayers, as do Hana and her mother. Thank you for your faithfulness in
doing so.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
Friday 5/4/2007Sleeping PeacefullyFiled
by
When I went
to the ICU today to check on Jihan, I looked toward Hana's bed,
and it was gone - that is how I got the good news that Hana had been
moved to the intermediate ICU! I found her sleeping peacefully with her
mother standing alongside.
Um Hana was thrilled over this
progress. Hana continues to eat by mouth, and her color was
the best I've seen it in the weeks since she arrived from Iraq via
Amman. Today her oxygen levels hovered in the mid-80 % range during the
time I was there, as she slept.
Let us continue to thank God for every
part of the progress Hana makes on her road to
recovery. Thankfully He knows every step of the way......
You may
help sponsor your own child's surgery by clicking here.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
Thursday
5/3/2007Angelic in PinkFiled
byToday Hana's oxygen
saturation level hovered in the high-90 % range while I was
there; notice the improvement in her color above.
And the end of the visit held great news: her mother was able to
spoon-feed her again! Um Hana ("mother of Hana") was beaming as she
told me about it. It is encouraging to note that this means there was
no damage to her ability to swallow after the heart surgery.
We'd
had several other visits today too, including sharing lunch in the mall
attached to the hospital. Um Hana really enjoyed spending time with
Ahmad's mother (also here from Iraq for her child's surgery), and the
feeling was mutual for Um Ahmad.
The
doctor's report for Hana is basically unchanged as they watch and care
for her. Let us be faithful to watch for her too as we pray. May God
stretch out His hand to heal, just as in Acts 4:30 > ''....that
signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy servant
Jesus."
You may
help sponsor your own child's surgery by clicking here.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
 Wednesday
9:08 pm
5/2/2007Hana Awakes; Oxygen in
Blood Nearly TriplesFiled
by
When
we arrived at the hospital shortly after noon today, Hana's mother
found us before we found her. She was smiling, and took my hand as we
walked to the ICU. My first glimpse of Hana was of her face, and I saw
her eyes open and blinking. Immediately I knew that she had awakened
from the sedation following her surgery, and I was so thankful! This
was why Um Hana was smiling and wanting us to come quickly.
I
spoke with Dr. Cohen about Hana's condition, asking specifically about
whether they had been able to determine if any further brain damage had
occurred from the surgery. He said that it appears there was no further
brain damage, but also, there is no improvement. This is more opportunity
to give thanks to God, since the possibilities were so grim. About
her heart he said that the procedure was successful, she is stable, and
is progressing normally. While we were there I saw on the
monitor
that her blood oxygen saturation while breathing room air was holding
at 90% of normal; before surgery, while she was receiving oxygen, the
saturation was nearly as low as 30%. What a difference!
I
ask that you continue to pray fervently for Hana to be totally healed.
God is able to do abundantly more than we ask or think or imagine ....
as He always has been, so He remains today. Ps. 116:5 > "The
Lord is
gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion."
You may
help sponsor another child's surgery by clicking here.
Tuesday 9:28 pm
5/1/2007Hana Has Come Through
Surgery Successfully
Filed
by Thank
God, Hana survived her surgery today. She is now in the ICU where the
doctors are watching to see if she will awaken from the anesthesia. We
know that the opening of the right ventricle was successful, but so far
it is too early to know if there is more brain damage from the surgery.
After a long and intense morning, Um Hana ("mother of Hana") is
rejoicing that her
daughter has been given back to her by God's hand.
Photo by Sheila
Shalhevet, SACH When Um
Ahmad
and I arrived, Hana's mother was standing opposite the elevators
where patients exit after surgery on their way to the ICU, looking
forlorn and exhausted. She was thankful to see us, and we walked to a
seating area with a view of the hall leading from those elevators. I
prayed as we walked, asking God to show Himself mighty on behalf of
Hana, and He reminded me of the verses in 2 Chronicles 16:9 >
''For
the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show
Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to
Him.''
At almost the same instant came the reminder that God sees the hearts
of all, and looks there and knows whose heart is loyal to Him. I
reflected on the beautiful strength I see in this woman as she
continues to entrust her baby to God because she believes He is
generous and merciful. I believe He is generous and merciful too, and
once again thoughts such as these at a time like this focused my vision
on the immensity of the loving graciousness of God. He is not a God far
off, but near at hand and longing to be known. While we
sat, we all were praying. Um Ahmad was quietly reading her Quran, and
Um Hana was silently speaking her heart to God, as was I. We were
joined for a few minutes by one of the Save A Child's Heart
volunteers who was able read the Arabic translations of more of your
prayer emails to Um Ahmad to translate to Kurdish for Um Hana. Again I
was thankful for the reality of your prayers at such an opportune time.
When our friend finished reading and left us, Um Hana and Um Ahmad
began to talk, then looked at me and Um Ahmad lifted her hands and said
"Only God can help us." I agreed and said I know that He
hears
our prayers, to which she added that He sees what is
happening.
At
about noon we saw a bed being wheeled down the hall from surgery, and I
walked ahead to see if it were Hana or not.
It was, and when Um
Hana came for a first look her face lit up and she was truly in awe of
seeing her daughter again. She cried and
laughed and was full of relief that Hana was with us as we walked
together down the hall behind the gurney. I captured her spontaneous
thankfulness when we arrived at the ICU and I asked her if I could take
her picture ... she has preferred that not many be taken in these past
few very difficult days.
When the ICU team had
finished
connecting Hana to the appropriate monitors and medications we were
allowed to go in to see her. Um Hana was nearly radiant with joy to see
her baby again. She gazed at her and stroked her head, and watched the
continuing activity of the nurses and doctors around her daughter's
bed. At this time, the doctors reported that Hana was stable, and I
noted that her oxygen saturation was in the mid-70 % range. (Later in
the afternoon when I returned to the ICU, it had risen to around
90%.) 
As I went to stand by
the bed, she urged me to change places with her to be
nearer Hana's head, and although I didn't want to take her place, she
insisted, and to my surprise, asked me if I wanted to pray for Hana. I
gladly did so, speaking of the love and hope and future God has in mind
for Hana as I prayed for her body to receive total healing and
life.
Thank you for
joining in prayer today for
Hana and her mother and family, for the doctors and nurses, and for
those of us here with them to support them. I'm very thankful to God
for all He has done this day, and look forward to what is next. Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
 Monday 10:00 pm
4/30/2007Hana to Surgery in the
Morning We've just had final
confirmation
that--after two weeks of hesitation caused by Hana's poor
condition following a stroke--this little Iraqi girl will go to heart
surgery Tuesday
morning in Israel. The doctors are going forward at the
family's request and despite their own grave concerns, as the following
entries make clear. Our position, and that of Hana's parents,
is to do all we can and trust God with the outcome.
Please
call upon your friends and fellowships to intercede for Hana on Tuesday
and the days following. We will update this page as soon as
more information becomes available.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
Monday 4/30/2007Hana's Mother on the Eve of
Surgery
Filed
by
As
my co-worker Stephan and I entered the ICU this evening, we found Um
Hana sitting by her daughter's bed as Hana rested. Her beautiful smile
registered the recognition of our presence, and we visited with her
until she received a call from Iraq. After she left the room I stood by
Hana's tiny body and prayed for a few minutes, thinking of all the
people involved in the situation surrounding Hana's surgery tomorrow.
Dr. Yaron was on duty in the ICU, and I spoke with him about the length
of time we might expect for the surgery. He said she'd likely be in the
OR at least 3 hours, and that most of those hours are the preparaton
and closure of the body, while the actual placing of a shunt does not
take long. There is also of course the time in the recovery room before
she is brought to the ICU. But until the surgeon actually begins, he
cannot say how long the surgery might be. As I looked at the oxygen
saturation levels go from the 30-some % to the mid-50-some %, I was
thankful for the chance this surgery will provide her heart to function
more normally.  When I left the ICU to
speak with the
nurses about Ahmad's medications (this Iraqi boy was discharged to
Jerusalem today following his heart surgery!), I
found Um Hana visiting with some local Iraqi Jews who'd come to visit.
As these guests spoke with Stephan, I took the opportunity to present
Um Hana with some of the prayer letters sent to her by email and
translated to Arabic. Um Ahmad translated the Arabic into Kurdish for
Um Hana, and she listended intently, as did Ahmad. She is thankful for
all the prayer going up for her and her daughter. I was thankful to
have more letters to take to her at this crucial time, showing that
many people care and are praying for her precious child. Um
Hana was sad that on the eve of her daughter's surgery her friend Um
Ahmad is leaving. We have made plans for Um Ahmad to come to the
hospital tomorrow so that they can be together during the surgery time.
Alex will stay in Jerusalem with Ahmad for some guy time as he
supervises him and keeps him on his medication schedule. While
the others loaded the van with Ahmad and his mother's bags, I sat with
Um Hana. I asked our Father to let her know that He would be with her
tonight and tomorrow just as surely as I was sitting there with her.
Please continue to pray fervently for a miracle for Hana's life. Lift
up the doctors as they perform this surgery. Remember Hana's father in
Iraq with his other four children. And please pray for me as I spend
the day with Um Hana tomorrow, along with her Kurdish friends. My hope
is that she will know the depths of God's compassion and concern during
this critical time; that He is good and His love endures forever.
Click to send a message of encouragement to Hana's
mother.
 Sunday 11:50 pm
4/29/2007Holding On to Hope
Filed
by
Hope is an amazing
source of strength, and I've been watching as it seems to be what
sustains Um Hana ("mother of Hana," pictured at right with Um Ahmad) in
these last two weeks. I was with her last Thursday before and after she
met with the team of neurologists and cardiologists, and a translator
who spoke fluent Kurdish and Hebrew, hearing a basically hopeless
medical report on her daughter. Although her heart was, if possible,
more broken than before, her resolve never changed. She spoke with her
husband after many tears, and they agreed that they are willing to take
this chance at life even if the outlook seems hopeless, because they
want their daughter to have every chance to live. They recognize that
ultimately they are putting her in the hands of God, not doctors, and
that He will be the determinant of Hana's future. This is not an
assumption I'm making and telling you, this is what they are telling me
is the basis of their decision. Even though the doctors gave Hana's
parents until today to be sure of their decision, their decision never
changed: they wanted Hana to have the heart surgery she was originally
invited for.
These doctors had also spoken to me
the times I was at the hospital when they came to examine Hana,
explaining in detail the current state of brain damage and possible
outcomes of the heart surgery she needs. It was a barrage of reports
filled with hopelessness. Yet I remembered the voice of God whispering
to me the morning we first drove Hana and her mother to the hospital
almost two weeks ago, as He said, "Hope for Hana." Somehow with this He
put a resolve in me to believe for the miracle needed for Hana's life,
and I know that nothing short of a miracle will bring forth the life
she needs. So as I've been here in a very small way to try to give
comfort to Hana, and especially her mother, I've anchored myself to the
hope which comes from who God is in His lovingkindness.
Today
was the day the doctors wanted to hear the report of the family, and
when they were told that the parents wanted to go ahead with the
surgery, their response was "Then this is what we will do."
So again today we talked, this time, four women who sat together on a
bench under the trees outside in the hospital courtyard, clarifying
everything through the help of translation from English to Arabic to
Kurdish. We talked and cried, and before we finished, I prayed for Um
Hana as she perseveres and carries this burden. Currently the surgery
is set for Tuesday morning. Please be in prayer for every aspect of
this situation ... it is difficult for me to put into words all the
needs, but I am confident God will help you know how to pray.
Hebrews 6: 17-20 > ''Because God wanted to
make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of
what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that,
by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we
who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly
encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and
secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus,
who went before us, has entered on our behalf.''
Romans
8: 26-27 > ''In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our
weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit
himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he
who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the
Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.''
Our Arab-Israeli staff member
Raneen adds:
Donna and I first
entered the ICU to see Hana and Jihan (another Iraqi child recovering
from her heart
surgery). Um Hana was holding Hana while
Hana was having food by the feeding-tube. I said hi to Um Hana - she
rememberd me from the time where we met in Jordan in the screening
test. I could see that Um Hana wasn't happy but there is a ray of hope
in her eyes; she told me "Allah kareem," which
means ''God is generous.'' What Um Hana is going through is very hard -
no one can describe it by words. The child is very precious for her
parents; the parents are ready to do anything to make their child be
happy.
Sunday
4/29/2007A Visit With
Hana's Mother
Filed
by
Hana's mother, Bethany, Ahmad's
mother, and Raneen
At
the mall we looked through the only "woman's" clothing store there,
which seemed to be geared towards attracting the eye of the 16-21 year
old crowd. We examined the nightgowns and than the lacy tops
meant for outdoor use but looking a lot like the nightgowns.
When I pulled out a pair of jean shorts cut very high, Um Hana said
"also for sleeping" and laughed out loud. It was only a
moment, but it held in it a small bit of respite from the
tears. I can only stand amazed of this beautiful young woman,
with 5 children, being asked to make a difficult decision.
She and her husband must decide, after hearing the advice of all the
medical staff, whether or not to risk heart surgery which has a risk of
further damaging Hana's condition. I do not have the wisdom
to know how to advise her, but I can sit with her, eat ice cream, and
pray.
Thursday
4/26/2007
"It's Up to Hana's Parents"
Hana's
mom met with the heart team at Wolfson today. They again
explained the situation to her saying that the child may die during
surgery or could be placed permanently on a ventilator after surgery
and that either way the surgery would not help her [neurological]
situation. Doctors are also concerned that the child's state
post-surgery could cause her to remain in Israel
indefinitely.
Hana has been put on a feeding tube right
now. The
doctors say the decision is left to the parents at this point.
Please pray.
Wednesday
4/25/2007Praying for Hana
Hana's
surgeon and cardiologist were unable to meet today to decide her future
course of treatment due to the extended surgery of Jihan.
spent time at the hospital with Hana and her mother, and shares his
thoughts:
The
appearance of Hana, during my visit to Wolfson Medical Center today,
made me cry. They were not tears of pity, nor of sorrow, nor because of
the condition she is in. It was because of the extreme beauty she
possesses despite her condition. There she is blind and
quadriplegic after having a stroke. Now she is on oxygen and heavily
sedated due to the swollenness of her skull and the condition of her
heart, among other things. Here lies a girl soon to be 2 years old,
that has faced more in her short life than thousands of others.
However, when I looked at her, none of that seemed to effect in any way
the beauty that radiated from her small frame lying there on the bed in
the Intensive Care Unit.
Call me an
eternal optimist, call me irrational, maybe even in denial, but there
was a sense that indeed this little princess may, against all the
doctors are saying, rise up from her bed in fullness of
health. Why should that happen? How should that happen? Only
God knows, but I do know that His desire is that we would all live in
good health and that we would prosper. Little Hana is no exception.
There
was not a thing that I saw today that would even hint that what I stated
above would ever take place. However, I will not be surprised
if it does.
Which
reminds me of the prayer that came from my lips as I placed my hand
upon her enlarged head and felt her subtle response. These words came
unprovoked and unmeditated, "Hana, You are So
Beautiful! May God make your every dream come true!"  Hana's
mother, as she stood there beside me, seemed to find strength in the
prayer of words in a language she could not
understand. Later, tears came to her eyes as Donna
presented her with cards from the US, and pictures of the children who
sent them.
What do the days ahead hold?
Hopefully, our prayers......and the will of God. Thank you to those
that stand (or kneel) with us in prayer for Hana, her parents and the
doctors, during this really tough time.
Click
to send a message of encouragement to Hana's mother.
Sunday 10:11 p.m.
4/22/2007More Uncertainty About
Hana's Treatment Filed
by
We found out before leaving
Jerusalem this morning that Hana had been admitted to the hospital
because her condition had worsened, and that the doctors were leaning
towards performing her heart surgery soon. Upon arrival, we found an
extremely sick Hana, held by her exhausted mother who was
discussing the situation with an Arabic-speaking member of a
team of neurologists who'd examined Hana on Thursday. It was not a day
for pictures ...
It was a very difficult day
as Um Hana was told by the neurologists the results
of their findings and their subsequent recommendations. One of the
neurologists also spoke by phone to Hana's father in Iraq. The doctor's
report states that Hana is irreversibly blind, a quadraplegic, and
severely mentally retarded from the stroke she suffered about six weeks
ago. They are not sure her body can withstand surgery,
and given the current symptoms, they do not recommend
heart surgery.
Without the surgery, Hana is not
expected to live. Today she had several frightening cyanotic episodes
as we sat with her and her mother. This caused the pediatric
cardiology team to move Hana to the ICU to observe her for a
few days as they consider the difficult decision before them. Hana's
mother and father have talked, and are both aware of the
extremely precarious state of their daughter's life.
Before we left the hospital
late this afternoon, I told Um Hana that I would be praying and that
many people are praying for Hana and for her. Please pray that
they will know the presence of the God of all comfort at this time
-- I am thankful that in the midst of medical
conditions and opinions, He changes not. Please remember the doctors
and nurses who are caring for Hana, that they are filled with
wisdom and compassion as they care for Hana and
consider her case - it is difficult for them as well. Please
pray for us to function in grace and love towards all parties involved
in this intense situation.
As we went through this day with Hana
and her mother, several verses of scripture came to me which I
will share trusting that God will guide you in how to pray for
this baby girl and her family.
~ Luke 5:17 One day as he [Jesus] was
teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every
village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was
present for him to heal the sick.
~ Acts 4:29 -30 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable
your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders
through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
~ Matt. 14:14 And when Jesus went out He saw a
great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed
their sick.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at
this
email:
 Lord's Day
4/22/2007Stunning
Reversal:
Hana to Surgery Filed
by
Alex (director
of our Jerusalem office) just got a call from Dr. Tamir saying that
Hana is ''bluer'' than before, and they WILL do the surgery. They fear
she will die if they do not do it. And they were telling us they fear
she will not be able to handle the surgery, so it is definitely a time
to PRAY. Hana was admitted over the weekend.
Currently, Dr. Tamir does not think that the surgery will be today.
Will update when know more.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
Shabbat Evening
4/21/2007Update: Wolfson Will
Not Operate on Hana Filed
by
Dr. Tamir, the
chief pediatric cardiologist at the Wolfson Medical Center, called just
before the start of the Shabbat; the doctors have met and believe that
the surgery is too dangerous given Hana's condition (i.e., she may die)
so they will not do it. Dr. Tamir's thought is that they'll
be sending Hana and her mother home on Sunday.
We
will consider taking Hana to another center in Israel for a second
opinion.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
 Thursday
4/19/2007Hana Cannot See, Specialist
Fears Brain Damage
Filed
by
Psalm
139:12 “Even the darkness will not be dark to you: the night
will
shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
Today
the neurologist got to see Hana. She looked at the CT scans and other
reports that were made in Jordan and also examined her carefully. The
results were not encouraging.
From the
scans the
neurologist could see that the main brain vessel still seems to be
clogged, and probably large areas of her brain have not been properly
supplied with blood and oxygen for more than a month. From the doctor's
point of view this has caused irreversible brain damage by now.
Hana
now seems to be blind; she is not reacting to light and dark or any
movement in front of her eyes, and her eyes are always slightly turned
to
the right. She looks alert, but according to the doctor she
isn’t.
Hana
does seem to respond to
sounds and movement. For example, she calms down when her mom speaks or
rocks her gently or when traveling in the car. She also sleeps at
night. Um Hana feeds her formula and water with a spoon.
 The
doctors want to discuss her case next week, after she has been seen by
an eye specialist. Please join us in prayer for this precious little
life. We have often seen that when we have nowhere else to turn, that
is when the LORD starts to work. Let us direct our eyes to him and call
out to him in prayer.
Click
to send a message of encouragement to Hana's mother.
 Wednesday
10:45 pm
4/18/2007Doctors to Decide on
Surgery Plan
Filed
by
I've
just gotten off the phone with Dr. Tamir, the chief pediatric
cardiologist at the Wolfson Medical Center. Although Hana has
not
yet been seen by a neurologist, based on Dr. Tamir's physical
examination he believes she has suffered significant long-term brain
damage. He reiterated surprise and disappointment that we
brought
a child in this condition. (The doctors feel the burden of
long
lists of otherwise-healthy children who are waiting for heart
surgeries).
Though he still must consult with the
surgeon and
the head of the ICU, Dr. Tamir believes he will recommend going forward
with a palliative surgery (placing of a shunt) which will relieve
Hana's immediate cardiovascular distress. It leaves open the
possibility of a full repair of her heart at a later date.
Dr.
Tamir believes that the shock of a full repair, which involves going on
heart-lung bypass for an extended period, might at present be too much
for Hana's weakened condition.
Please continue in
prayer alongside Hana and the doctors who are trying to help her.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
Photo by Sheila Shalhevet, Save
a Child's Heart
Tuesday 11:45 pm
4/17/2007Concern About Hana's
Readiness for Surgery
Filed
by
After
a more restful night than I expected, we left Jerusalem this morning
for Wolfson hospital for Hana's echocardiogram. We did not know what
the doctors would find, or how her current condition would impact their
decisions about the treatment needed for her heart. 
While
medication given Hana to help her sleep during the echo was taking
effect, I contacted the parents of Lizan to come to the echo clinic
to meet Hana and her mother. Not long afterward, Jihan
and her father came to the clinic and were introduced as well. I thank
God for his provision of Kurdish speakers to help Hana's mother through
this challenging and emotional time. One of them was able to assist
with translation between Um Hana ("mother of Hana") and the Arabic
speaking doctor doing the echo, Dr. Rula from Bethlehem.
Dr.
Rula worked for a long time asking questions about Hana's current
condition, as well as examining Hana's heart with the echocardiogram
machine. Afterward Dr. Tamir came in and did more echo screening. The
decision was then made to admit Hana Wednesday morning for further
tests to determine her operability. After gathering the info they need,
and deciding on the type of surgery, the date will be set. Currently
the doctors don't seem optimistic about Hana's ability to endure the
type of surgery needed to fully repair her heart defect (tetralogy of
Fallot) due to her brain damage from the recent stroke. They
are
considering instead placing a shunt which will improve her blood flow
in the short term.
It was noticably
difficult for the
doctors to see Hana in such a poor condition that the full surgery
needed might not be able to be performed. As I perceived this, I began
praying for a miracle, and I am asking you to join me in this
prayer. Hana's mother is giving unceasing care to her baby
daughter, although she must be utterly exhausted. Our God is never
exhausted in His loving care for us, but unceasingly able to pour out
grace and supply for our needs as we ask Him. Let us ask Him believing
that He hears and answers.... already He has done marvelous things for
the other children who have come to Israel this year to receive heart
surgeries. Let us put our expectation in God alone, and keep our focus
on the power of His love. The prayer needs for Hana are urgent.
After
receiving the echo report, we headed over to the Save a Child's Heart
house. The other Iraqi families helped explained the policies of the
house to Um Hana, and shared with her from the food they'd prepared.
All day I had been trying to encourage Hana's mother to eat, but she'd
hardly had
a nibble or sip of anything. However when she saw Iraqi
food she did finally begin to eat. I thank God for how He has placed
these families at this time so that they can help each other.
 As
I rode home today thinking about the intense needs Hana has and knowing
God can intervene in her otherwise bleak outlook, I thought of the 1st
verse of Hebrews 11, which the New Living Testament words this way:
''What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is
going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet
see.'' Let's join our prayers together in such confident
assurance, and see what our God will do. In discussion about
Hana's
condition, a member of the Israeli medical staff, Um Hana and the other
Iraqis, and a few of our Shevet Achim team who were there, all agreed
on a comment the medical person made: There is no one to turn to in a
case like this except the one and only God, who alone can help us.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
 Tuesday 12:57 am
4/17/2007Hana Safely in Jerusalem
Filed
by
After a whirlwind of
activity, Hana has arrived in Jerusalem and is safely tucked in for the
night!
So much has happened to this little girl since our
screening in Amman, Jordan last December.
Last
Wednesday, she and her parents arrived in Amman, Jordan. On Thursday,
security checks were initiated at the Israeli embassy due to
Hana’s emergency condition. On Friday, Hana was admitted to a
Jordanian hospital. They did CT scans and other tests and advised the
parents of the need to place a tube (shunt) so that the fluid can drain
from her head, because the fluid was increasing. There she
stayed until Sunday. Hourly both Sunday and Monday, we were waiting for
approval of Hana’s visa allowing her to enter Israel.
Finally,
at 2 PM on Monday, the approval came and the transportation sequence
began to transport her and her mother to Israel as soon as possible. In
doing so, our Jordanian directors, Dirk & Manuela, arrived at
the Jordan/Israel border moments before closing time Monday evening.
With extreme favor they were allowed to complete the crossing so
drastically needed so that Hana could be at Wolfson Medical Center in
Tel Aviv on Tuesday morning. There she will be examined by doctors and
surgeons to determine exactly how her condition is now, and whether
they can go forward with the heart surgery which she needs.
The
restfulness of having these events behind them was evident as they
slept much of the journey by van from the Jordan River border crossing
to Jerusalem where they are staying for the night at the Shevet Achim
center.
Notify
me when Hana's page is updated
at this
email:
 Sunday
4/15/2007Shunt Placed in Amman;
Ready to Travel
Filed
by
</ | | |
