Havan's Heart Surgery

Thursday, May 14, 2009
Meeting Havan's Whole Family In Iraq
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It was a real blessing to get to see Havan and his family a few weeks ago, just a short time after their return home. Um ("mother of") Havan and I had become good friends, and she was very excited when she realized Dirk and I were really there in her city. She came to the place where we were staying to escort us to her home, and when we arrived we got to meet the whole family.

I was delighted to see how much weight Havan had already gained!

And it was so special to meet his brothers and sisters whom we'd heard about from Um Havan many times, whom she missed so much.

We had a good, long visit and a huge meal together. We had time to talk about both the events of Havan's treatment, and the God of love who opened the door and laid

out an unusual path to the right surgeon for Havan's surgery. It was wonderful to be able to talk freely in their home about the things we believe, knowing that the Holy Spirit is the great Teacher who will give understanding. Havan's family, like others we visited, truly hoped that we would stay with them during our time in their city; this gracious hospitality is beautiful to experience.

Havan still has some of the breathing problems he was experiencing when he left, and continues to receive medication for them, but he is doing very well. His family was full of thanks for the help they've received and wants everyone to know how deeply their hearts have been touched by it. We can pray that Havan's lungs also receive the touch of God which will complete his healing. We look forward to further opportunities to visit this little one and his family on future trips to Iraq.

Saturday, March 21, 2009
Joyful Havan Returns to His Home
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Click the play arrow above to see for yourself how happy Havan was at his farewell party in Jerusalem Thursday night. It gives us joy too to send him home with a healed heart, especially after the first hospital we turned to in Israel rejected Havan as an unsuitable candidate for surgery. Thanks to the doctors at the Wolfson Medical Center for taking the chance to help Havan despite the bronchiolitis which made his treatment longer and more difficult.

We brought Havan and his mother to the airport in Amman late Friday night. There were a few anxious moments as we wondered whether she would be allowed on the plane with six big bags of clothing she'd accumulated for her family back in Iraq. But our last glimpse through the terminal window showed that she had made it through!

We thank God for the grace he has poured out and will continue to pour out on Havan and his family.

Monday, March 16, 2009
Free To Go Home
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Today was the day she had been waiting for. Full of questions Um Havan took her little boy to Wolfson Hospital for his last echocardiograph. Dr Alona was very pleased with Havan's progress and discharged them to return to Iraq this week. Pray that Havan's chest will grow strong and he will have no further problems. He is eating everything put in his mouth now and gaining weight.

Havan and Mum were full of smiles and we can praise the Lord for His hand of healing on this little man. He has had many weeks of respiratory problems before surgery and yet remarkably the surgery went smoothly and uncomplicated.
Thank you for your continued prayers as they return to Iraq on Friday 20th in the compny of their friends Omed and Halo and parents.

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Thursday, March 12, 2009
A Very Good Report
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We brought Havan to Wolfson Medical Center today for his first follow up echocardiogram since his release from the hospital. Havan seems to endear anyone that comes across him with his big eyes, beautiful smile and bubbly personality. You would never know that just days ago he could not leave a hospital bed. While we waited, Havan enjoyed gumming at a chocolate bar with his two teeth.

Havan has taken a disliking to being laid down in any hospital setting and almost immediately begins to cry regardless of the procedure. Today was no different. During the echo he made quite a fuss, but he managed to get through it okay and the report was very good. After the echo we took a walk down to the mall and let Havan sit on a couple children’s rides which he enjoyed quite a bit.

Havan has made remarkable progress since his surgery, please pray that he will continue to do so.

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Monday, March 2, 2009
Havan Moves Out Of ICU
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Donna and I visited Havan today at Wolfson Medical Center in Tel Aviv. We were greeted with good news when we arrived in the ICU to find Havan was not there, but was upgraded to the intermediate ICU. He appears to be doing very well, he is as energetic as ever, and is eager to smile to show his brand new second tooth. We brought him some yogurt as well because, for the first time since his surgery, he was able to begin returning to solid foods. Please pray that his recovery will continue to move smoothly.

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Sunday, March 1, 2009
Havan Celebrates First Birthday
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I was looking forward to seeing Havan and his mom after spending three days away going to Jordan as escort for Arazoo and her mother on their way back home. As I walked into the ICU I was thrilled to see little Havan sitting up in bed with his mom beside him. Click the arrow below to play a video clip.

I had carried a cake with one candle in order to celebrate Havan's first birthday, which was yesterday... but in the ICU we had to abbreviate our celebration until such a time as Havan can come home for a real party. Still it was precious to see him so interested in his cake, until I learned that he cannot eat anything except a bottle for a few more days! At that point I hid the cake from him, and Um Havan planned a little later to take it and share it with the other mothers.

Doctors had removed the second drainage tube from Havan's chest earlier today, and will be observing him for the next several days. If he continues to do well, he will be able to eat normally again, and be released from the ICU.

Um Havan was clearly relieved and joyful today over Havan's condition, and continues to have a thankful heart for all God has done for her son. She is weary though, and needs our prayers as she continues to persevere in caring for her son. Please thank God with us for Havan's recovery as we watch this precious little one regain his strength.

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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wide Awake After Extubation
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I arrived today at the hospital expecting Havan's mother to be very happy because Havan was to be extubated, only to find her crying instead. Apparently just before our arrival the extubation was finished, and for a few minutes Havan's oxygen level dropped dramatically. For the rest of my visit, Havan's mom was discouraged. The news from the doctors was good, however. Havan was extubated and receiving oxygen under a dome rather than by nasal canula, and his blood oxygen level was at 98%. He was awake, and was very thirsty, but could not have anything to eat or drink because the plan for today also included removing the post-surgical chest tubes. This was another reason Havan's mother was upset, that she could not feed Havan after so long a time. I also learned that she herself had not eaten, so I used her meal ticket in the hospital cafeteria to get a tray for her as well as Alaa's mother, who hadn't eaten yet either. We shared a meal together and at the same time the doctors began to prepare Havan for the removal of the chest tube. Just after we finished eating, I received a call to accompany Mohammad Fara and his mother on the way back to the Gaza border, so I had to leave the hospital rather abruptly. I didn't get to return this evening because we returned to Jerusalem to enjoy a farewell celebration for Arazoo here at the house.

I was very encouraged to see Havan kicking his legs and wide awake, looking everywhere. He only seemed unhappy because he was thirsty, and this is a small problem which will be quickly and easily solved. Please pray for Havan as he continues to strengthen, and for his mother as she continues to care for him. May she be able to get rest and return to her thankful self right away.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Chest Closed Today
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Today when I arrived at the hospital I found Um Havan in the room with several of the Palestinian moms. She told me that they would be closing Havan's chest today, and she didn't seem upset about this. After helping Noor and her mother on their way to Haifa for Noor's eye appointment, and checking on Mohammad Al Amsi's mom as she waited during his surgery, Havan's mom and Mohammed Hamdan's mother and I were ready to enter the ICU. Just at that time the doctors were ready to perform the minor surgical procedure to close the chest, so we were asked to leave as soon as we entered. They told us it would be about an hour before the procedure would be finished, and we visited together in the room for parents beside the ICU while we waited. Just about an hour later the procedure was done and we were allowed to enter and check on Havan. He was doing well, and his mother was relieved and thankful. She has a truly thankful heart for everything which has been done for her son, and is thanking God for how well he is doing so far.

The doctors conferred about the next steps of treatment while we were there, and are hoping that tomorrow Havan can be extubated. After their consultation about his condition, as they moved to the next bed, Dr. Houri's assessment of Havan's progress to me was, "Excellent." Praise to God!

Keep praying for little Havan as God continues to heal and strengthen him, and for endurance for Havan's mom as she keeps her loving vigil awaiting Havan's awakening.

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Monday, February 23, 2009
Stable, Holding His Own
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This morning I visited Havan and his mother and found him stable according to the doctor's report. He was making signs of waking up, although impeded by all the various tubes and drains needed to help him recover in the acute stage of his postoperative care. His mother was very calm and, judging by the smile on her face, was able to trust God to look after her son.

There has been much prayer for this little man. Please continue to surround him as there are potentially dangerous days ahead as he wakes up and his body systems begin to function normally.

May the love of Jesus fill his mother's heart and His presence be felt touching her son. We give Him all the glory.

Sunday, February 22, 2009
Surgery At Last
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Praise to God, Havan had successful surgery today after the long wait over the last few months. My visit to the ICU early this evening found Havan's oxygen level at 96%, and the doctors telling his mother and I that the surgery was very good, and Havan was doing well.

The morning began on a disappointing note for both Um Havan and I when, despite my sincerest promise and desire to be with her when Havan left for surgery, I left Jerusalem very early and then was trapped for 1 1/2 hours behind a terrible accident on the highway from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. I spent alot of the time praying for her, and trying to get word to her to explain why I was not there, but of course there was nothing I could do except wait for the road to be cleared. When I arrived and headed for the operating room I saw Um Havan walking slowly towards me far down the hallway. I hurried to her feeling so badly that I had not been there in the intensely emotional time when she parted from Havan as he was taken to surgery. I gave her a big hug and she cried quietly for a few minutes, then in accepting my apology for being so late explained that she was very afraid. I encouraged her not to be afraid, and spent the day with her during Havan's 8 1/2 hour surgery. I was thankful she was willing to eat as we waited so she would be strong when Havan awakens from the sedation following surgery. With encouragement given her during her waiting time, she began to stop being fearful and express gratitude for what was finally happening this day. Throughout the wait there were numerous calls from family members, especially in the early afternoon at the time many surgeries are finished. I decided to go and sit at 'the corner' where we like to wait to see the children as they're wheeled up from the OR, and while there one of the anesthestists came by. Having been to the pre-op room so many times, they know who I am so he asked who I was waiting for, and I told him I was waiting for Havan. He told me Havan's surgery was going well, but the doctors were still working, and it would be at least 3 pm before Havan's surgery was finished. I shared this with Um Havan, and because we knew Havan was doing well, she accepted it easily. The next hours dragged a bit, and we made a call to check on things. We were told Havan was out of surgery and they were hoping to be able to remove him from the heart-lung machine, which could not be rushed. Just at 4 pm we got the call that they were on the way up from the OR, and we saw them only seconds later walking towards us in the hall.

Havan's mother was relieved when she saw him, and after a few pictures were snapped and I could give her a hug, I found she had a huge smile on her face.

We were very relieved to find there was no heart-lung machine coming up with Havan, only to see it wheeled in a few minutes later. It was explained to us that they were bringing it up on standby because of the difficulty of the case, and they hoped he would not need it. I made a call to alert the team to pray for Havan. After about an hour's wait while the monitors and medications were put in place, Um Havan was delighted to go in to see her son.

We entered wondering his status, and were very thankful to see that Havan hadn't needed the heart-lung machine. Um Havan examined all the monitors and IVs, and heard from Dr. Tamir how well the surgery had gone. Then as she began kissing Havan she noticed his pink fingers for the first time. It is such a joy to see a parent experience this moment!

Immediately I began to thank God again for the SACH doctors' willingness to take the case after it was refused by another hospital. It was so clear to those of us on the Shevet team that God had a plan which was different than we'd expected, one which would give Havan a hope and a future. Now it is beginning before our eyes.

Please pray that Havan makes it through the night without need for the heart-lung machine. The first days after surgery are always the critical period, and because his surgery was so long, and the case so complicated, this is a time for focused prayer for him. The doctors will extubate him only when they're satisfied he is doing very well. Keep praying that Um Havan remains strong as she waits through Havan's recuperation, and that all her fear is driven out by the perfect love of God which He's given for her.

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Friday, February 20, 2009
Nearing End Of Long Wait
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I just stopped by Havan's bed for a few minutes today and found both mother and son happy. His mother now really believes surgery will happen. Dr Tamir
confirmed that Havan will go forward for surgery this Sunday. Havan's fans will rejoice at this news. Please continue to cover him and his mother in prayer daily.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Surgery Scheduled For Sunday
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It was a delight today again to visit Havan and his mother and enjoy the sparkle in his eyes as he plays with his neighbour Mohammed, who is likewise awaiting surgery this coming week.

Please continue to pray that there will be no change in Havan's date for his operation. His mother is so fearful of every imagined sneeze or cough.

Havan has an insatiable appetite again and eats anything, but especially loves vanilla custard. Pray that very soon he will have the energy to crawl and walk. Pray that there will be no ill effects from the virus infection he has fought and now overcome.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Sweet, Happy Personality
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Havan and his mom are still waiting for his surgery slot while he finishes healing from the RSV virus which delayed his operation. Thank God he is doing well right now, and his sweet, happy personality is giving all of us lots of joy. He has cut two teeth with more coming through soon, and is saying diyyah, the Kurdish word for mama. When I spoke with Dr. Alona yesterday she said they hope that he will be well enough for his surgery next week. We're all hopeful that this will be the case, and are praying toward that time as God's opportune time for Havan. Havan's mother is carefully guarding her son from germs and continuing to give him the tender loving care that he needs. Please join us in keeping Havan and his dear mother covered in prayer.

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Sunday, February 8, 2009
Havan's Chest Is Clear
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I arrived in the ward just at the time of the doctor's round and heard him tell Havan's Mum the good news. Havan's chest is clear and he will be listed for surgery for next Thursday. His mother was overjoyed and as you can see he has a wicked grin on his face!

What gratitude to the Lord for keeping this little boy! Pray that he will remain well in the intervening days until Thursday.

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Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Look At My Two Teeth!
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This morning when I arrived at the hospital, Havan's Mum was dissolved in tears after a call from home and from her misunderstanding Dr.Tamir. She thought he said it would be another three weeks before Havan's surgery. Fortunately it was cleared up and surgery is on track for the end of next week. She is very tired. I was able to encourage her to take a break and allow the nurses to care for Havan so she could have a walk to the hospital shop for an ice cream sometimes.

Havan was completely oblivious of his mother's misery, smiling at everyone and showing off his two lower teeth. Please continue to pray for this dear Mum and son that he will remain well so surgery can go ahead.

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Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Mmm... Chocolate
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Havan's Mum is often on an emotional roller coaster. Today she was afraid his operation would be postponed again, as his chest was heaving as he breathed, a sign of stress. However, when I brought out a chocolate buscuit, he sat up and smiled. Like any baby would do, he smeared his face with the delicious goodie.

Please continue to pray for his mother that her faith will remain strong and believe God that Havan will be well for surgery next week. She is very conscious that many people are praying for Havan and greatly appreciates the encouragement.

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Monday, February 2, 2009
Surgery Scheduled For Thursday
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Today Havan was cheerful, laughing and eating everything in sight and proudly sporting two teeth in his lower gums. His appetite extended to rice, salad, chicken, vanilla custard, chocolate biscuits and apple. To his mother's delight he has gained almost half a kilogram.

The nursing staff confirmed what his mother joyfully told me, that he is listed for surgery on Thursday, dependent upon Havan's good progress.

As you can imagine, Havan's Mum is terrified of the slightest draft and is keeping her son well protected from coughs and colds. Let us pray that the news will remain good and he will go for surgery this week. God has his hand on this little man and may He honour the faithful care of his dear mother. May Havan's supporters call out to the Great Physician on behalf of this delightful little boy.

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Sunday, February 1, 2009
A Smile And Two Teeth
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What delight it was to see little Havan resting asleep without the heaving of his chest and the anxious look in his face. His Mum said that the doctors had told her that he may even be considered for surgery next Thursday. This is good news. He is still receiving treatment for a fungal infection in his mouth but it is improving by the day.

After beeing woken abruptly by an African child blowing a toy horn in his ear, Havan sat up supported by pillows. Then he had a bright smile on his face as he devoured hungrily a bottle of vanilla custard.

Please continue to pray with us that Havan and his mother will have no further disappointments and he will receive the surgery he sorely needs to live a healthy, normal life.

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Friday, January 30, 2009
A Bright Spot In The Day
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Toward the end of my visit to Wolfson today I spoke with Dr. Adi, and she told me that overall Havan is a little better as he fights the respiratory virus. That was good news, because to see and hear him one would think he is not doing well at all. His breathing is labored and you can hear a rattling sound in his lungs with every breath he takes. He was fussy most of the time I was there, and very clingy to his tired mother. It was clear he did not feel well. He did perk up when Dorothy brought more vanilla pudding for him, which is his favorite, and almost the only food he can really enjoy right now. Before he could finish the cup, it was time for a breathing treatment. Afterwards he simply was not very happy and most of the time was whimpering. He was briefly entertained by a balloon I had in my purse, but because he was sleepy by that time, he returned to his fussy behaviour rather quickly. His mom began rocking him on her legs to help him fall asleep just as it was time for me to leave.

There was a bright spot in the day for Havan's mother. A couple of Kurdish friends of Save A Child's Heart and Shevet Achim came by the hospital to visit the patients with a touch of home: some Kurdish cooking! They have a Kurdish restaurant near the hospital and like to help the familes by bringing them food. It is a big blessing for them to have Kurdish guests come to check on them.

I prayed for Havan each time I touched and held him today, that his tiny body might be healed of the lung infection quickly, and that his surgery would happen soon. I also made a time to pray with his mother in her weariness, frustration and fear. She is worried about Havan's condition before the surgery, and fearful he won't make it through the surgery. She is frustrated that his surgery wasn't done while Havan was healthier, right after arriving in Israel, when Schneider Hospital refused the case and Save A Child's Heart accepted it. So I prayed over these things with her, but afterwards we had a guest, so we didn't get to talk further. Please keep her and her precious son covered with your prayers.

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Thursday, January 29, 2009
Praying For Havan
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We found Havan’s mother anxious this morning as she continues to wait for his heart surgery. Havan had been vomiting and appeared to be anxious himself, as he labored to breathe on his bed.

Havan looked up beseechingly at Matt as he laid a hand on Havan’s head and prayed for him. Surgery is still expected within ten days, and possibly sooner if Havan’s condition should deteriorate further.

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Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sitting Up, Saying "Mama," Fighting Infection
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I was delighted to see Havan and his mother today when I returned to Wolfson after my trip to the States. I arrived to their room at the same time that Arazoo moved into the bed next to Havan'

s, which was a happy event for all. I found Havan being evaluated to best determine treatment for a fungus which is in his mouth and throat.

Because of this development he has not felt much like eating or drinking, and is slowly losing weight. Beginning today Havan will take a medication which contains both a pain reliever and the needed treatment for the fungus in his mouth. The doctor expects Havan to use this medication for about three days, during which time both his appetite and his weight should increase. He was only able to eat small amounts of bread, and drink a little from his bottle during the day.

Even though Havan was not feeling especially spunky during my visit, he was able to spend a little time showing off one of his new skills: sitting alone! He also is beginning to talk a little, so I got to hear him say "dieya", the Kurdish word for "mama". And although he has lost a little weight, he is definitely taller than he was when I left several weeks ago.

Please continue to pray for Havan and his mother. He will be susceptible to chest problems until he has the heart surgery he needs, so we continue to pray his surgery can be done in the near future. His mother is weary and needs the encouragement your prayers can give. She would welcome hearing from anyone if you would like to be in touch, to let her know of your concern for her situation. We can translate and deliver your requests to her. Let us pray for quick healing of the fungus, no other illness, and a timely slot in the surgery schedule for Havan.

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Monday, January 26, 2009
Turnaround
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I found Havan and his mother in the ward late this morning. Havan's mother looked like her spirits had been lifted. Havan was healthy enough to be moved out of the ICU and into the ward. And even better, they were talking about the possibility of Havan's surgery taking place in about 10 days.

I confirmed all of this with the doctor who said that Havan had really made a turnaround and was doing much better.

Please pray that Havan's health will continue to improve so that they may go forward with his surgery. Pray also for Havan's mother. Her patience is beginning to dwindle.

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Sunday, January 25, 2009
Change For The Better
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I was so thankful that Rachel (a new friend of Shevet's) asked to accompany me to the hospital today as it gave me a chance to visit a few other patients during Arazoo's surgery. Rachel's presence was such a blessing as she loved, encouraged and prayed with Arazoo's mom today.

I stopped in ICU to see Havan and his mom and found him greatly improved. One of the ICU nurses confirmed that Havan still had some congestion in his lungs but was definitely doing much better. The effectual, fervent prayers of the righteous avail much!

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Thursday, January 22, 2009
At Least Four More Weeks Until Surgery
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Several weeks ago I stood on the beach watching Havan and his mother enjoying their first look at a sea. It is such a thrill to be part of that first experience as they step out of their shoes and into the sand and water.

But today was a very different experience for me as I entered the ICU to find a crowd of doctors and nurses around Havan's bedside discussing his case and Havan's mother with tears streaming down her face. After several tests on Havan the doctors discovered that the virus that he has is called R.S.V. It is a virus that is common to small children and affects the entire respiratory system. If this news was not already sad enough for his mother, she then was told that it will take four to six weeks for him to get better before he would be operable. As I tried to comfort her, I could feel her pain with every tear that ran down her face and onto her son's bed.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Mother Frustrated By Long Wait
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Today was the second day that I arrived to the hospital to find Havan's mom sitting in bed rocking Havan with tears streaming down her face. She is frustrated that Havan's surgery didn't take place in the past two weeks when Havan was healthy. Now, he is very sick again. Too sick for surgery.

The doctors said that he has an infection in his bronchial tubes that hasn't really improved in the past few days. If his condition continues to deteriorate, he will be moved to the ICU.

Please pray for Havan's mother as she attempts to remain strong and wait for her son's surgery. Pray that Havan will regain his health so that he may undergo surgery and no longer suffer from such serious illnesses.

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Sunday, January 18, 2009
No Surgery Until Chest Clears
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Justina and I spent time today with little Havan and his mother and he was still very congested and having oxygen and inhalations. He is now being fed through a naso-gastric tube. This reduces the stress of sucking. He has little energy and initially we were concerned whether he would ever be considered for his surgery, which was initially scheduled for tomorrow. I had a chat with Navah, the head nurse, and she said that Dr Tamir was going to keep little Havan in the ward until his chest cleared of the recurrent bronchiolitis and when that happened he would consider surgery.

Please pray for this precious wee boy and his mother who is very concerned. May the Lord uplift them in His loving arms.

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Thursday, January 15, 2009

Struggling To Breathe
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While this photo does not suggest it, little Havan was taken back to Wolfson Hospital tonight with chest congestion and fever and very difficult breathing. Click the play arrow below to have a look at his first examination by Israeli medical staff:

Please pray for this precious baby who is listed for surgery next Monday. His mother is concerned that his chest will prevent that from happening. Although not as severe as his previous admission, Havan is still struggling to breathe and when he cried it was just a whimper. May the Lord have mercy on this little one and his mother who is naturally very anxious.

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Thursday, January 8, 2009

Continuing To Recover From Bronchiolitis
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Havan saw Dr. Tamir today, and he was very pleased with Havan's progress. He is to have a further wait to allow him to be completely over his bronchiolitis. Then he can come back to Jerusalem after a week at the Save A Child's Heart house. We were able to get a nebulizer which makes it safer to have these little babies so far from the hospital. Pray that he will not develop any coughs or colds in the next 10 days before his operation.

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Sunday, January 4, 2009
Havan's Eyes Sparkling Again
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This morning the cardiologist, Dr. Tamir, pronounced Havan well again but requested he and his mother return to the Save A Child's Heart house in Tel Aviv until he sees him again. It was lovely to see his sparkly brown eyes twinkling again as he with his mother waited for the short trip to their home.

Please pray that it will be possible to schedule him for that lifegiving heart surgery soon that will put him onto the road to health and strength, and pray that he will remain free of infection.

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Friday, January 2, 2009
Havan Nearly Back to Normal
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This morning Havan was nearly back to his happy bouncy self. However because of the high risk of allowing him to return to Jerusalem where the temperature is 1-2 degrees C. the doctors have kept him in the ward. He was not needing oxygen and his mother was very relieved. Pray that a decision will soon be made regarding his surgery and that his breathing will continue to improve.

With the company of other Shevet mothers and children we have a large section of the children's department for them alone. They share meals and comfort and help each other. The Lord is so good and His mercies do endure forever.

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Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Havan Strugging with Viral Infection
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We found little Havan under an oxygen tent when arrived at the hospital this morning. The doctor told us that he had contracted a viral infection, which is very dangerous for babies with heart defects. The infection is causing his surgery to be delayed. Ask Father to fight this infection so that Havan can have the life-saving surgery that he needs.

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Monday, December 29, 2008
Havan Slightly Better, But Needs Surgery
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Havan was breathing easier this morning when I visited, but his mother said he had a restless night. Removal of mucous from his respiratory tract was met with fierce resistance but it did improve his colour. Please uphold this little one before our Heavenly Father who calls all little children to Himself.

There was talk today of possible surgery soon but nothing definite. The doctors again repeated that his condition would not noticeably improve until he received surgery. Pray for his mother who is worn out and very worried about her little man.

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Sunday, December 28, 2008
Hospitalized with Chest Congestion
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The past weekend has been very difficult for Havan and his mother as he has had a cold which caused congestion in his chest. Fluctuating from high temperature to below normal, he cried continually. Every effort to calm him failed. We prayed fervently as the weather was wet and cold and we did not have a driver available to take him to the hospital. We were able to give him oxygen and this helped his colour.

This morning, Monday, Havan and his mother went to Wolfson for assessment of his chest and was readmitted for stabilisation. The doctor admitting him agreed that there was little to be done for him until he has his surgery. This is being fast tracked and we are hoping the cardiologist Dr. Tamir will keep him in hospital until they are able to operate. X-rays today showed no detrioration in his chest which is a comfort but his oxygen saturation remains poor.

Please pray for this delightful little boy who, from this photo taken in the ward today, shows of distress. Thank you for caring; heavenly father loves Havan and we are believing soon for his heart to be like new.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Havan Is Operable!
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The news Havan's mother got today was worth waiting for. The heart catheterization Havan had showed that he is operable. Praise God! This sweet baby was able to remain amazingly content today even though he was fasting until his afternoon catheterization. After about one and a half hours, Dr. Alona came and gave us the results: "Havan can have a surgery." It is likely that Havan's surgery will be in about 10 days due to scheduling for several newborns with TGAs (transposition of great arteries) which must be repaired very early in life.

We expect Havan to be released tomorrow back to Jerusalem to wait until the call to come for surgery. Please be praying for him as he waits, that he will remain well and get as strong as possible. Pray that his mother will remain calm and able to persevere during this waiting period.

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Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Cath To Reveal If Havan Is A Candidate For Surgery
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We left the house in Jerusalem around 10:00 this morning to take Havan and his mother to Wolfson Medical Center near Tel Aviv. Havan was scheduled to be admitted to the hospital today for another echocardiogram, followed by a diagnostic catheterization the next day. We arrived at the hospital and stopped by to visit Elaf and her mother while we waited for the nurses to finish the admission process for Havan.

Donna, who had been with Wahaj's mother during his early morning surgery, came

and gave us an update on his condition. We were all very thankful for the good news that the surgery had been quick and Wahaj was doing well.

Just after receiving the news about Wahaj, a nurse stuck her head in the door and told us that it was time for Havan to have his echo. It took some time for this active little fellow to calm down and fall asleep so that Dr. Tamir could start the long, thorough echocardiogram.

Havan will undergo diagnostic catheterization tomorrow morning. The result of this cath will determine whether or not he is a candidate for surgery.

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Friday, December 12, 2008
Catheterization Scheduled For Wednesday
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After being scheduled for his catheterization the week before last, then sent home when an emergency catheterization was done on another child during Havan's 'slot', his mother was asking us, "When? When?" Last week we were told that they could not do the catheterization because the surgeon should be nearby in case they need to do another procedure during the catheterization, and the surgeon was out of town. We have been hopeful that we would get the call saying to come to the hospital on Tuesday, for Wednesday is the day catheterizations are done - and this evening we got the call directly from the doctor. She told us to bring Havan for his cath on Wednesday, and I had the joy of telling his mother. Actually when Dr. Alona called, she gave me the news that all three of the babies which Save A Child's Heart is helping will begin their treatment in the next few days, praise God! Earlier today we got the news that Rasan will also go for his long-awaited cleft palate surgery at another hospital, so all the mothers in the house got good news today.

This evening the mothers baked a cake to celebrate their thankfulness over what is about to happen for their children. Although they were all filled with joy about the surgery times being confirmed, I could tell they were each beginning to shift into deep thought over what is ahead for their precious children. Havan's mother seemed particularly quiet and didn't have an appetite for her cake.

We know that Havan's case is complicated and his surgery is expected to be difficult. For this reason another hospital chose to reject the case. The catheterization will be diagnostic in that it will help the surgeon know exactly how to treat Havan's heart once he sees the inside. Sometimes during catheterizations procedures are done which help prepare the heart for the main surgery. This is why it is important for the surgeon to be on hand in Havan's case. The last time I asked Dr. Tamir about the timing of it, he said he thought that the surgery would be possible and that Havan will be okay. All of the volunteers here at the house have commented that we are surprised Havan has done as well as he has, and perhaps his healing has already begun by God's touch as we have been praying all this time. May it be so!

Keep praying with us for peace and hope for Havan's mother in the coming days while the other mothers are admitted for their surgeries. God has sustained Havan, and we trust Him to complete what He has begun in his life.

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Wednesday
November 26, 2008 Waiting for His Bottle
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Mary and I set out very early this morning in order to be at the hospital in time to see Havan before he left for his catheterization, and to sit with his mother while she waited. We made very good time today, and were at Havan's bedside before he was scheduled to go. After only a few minutes, Havan's mother told us that the baby whose bed was beside theirs had already gone for his catheterization, so I knew right away that Havan would be in the room for several more hours. This is challenging for a baby and parent because the child must fast before their surgery, and Havan was already tired of fasting! Between the three of us, some clowns with bubbles, and Abu Ali coming to visit, we kept Havan distracted from his hunger most of the time.

Dr. Tamir told us yesterday that he would try to do the catheterization today, but it was possible that it would have to wait. As it turned out, one of the patients we worked hard to help come out from Gaza yesterday was more urgent than Havan, so after the first catheterization proved difficult and took a long time, the Gaza baby was the next case who needed attention. At around 11 a.m. we were told that Havan would be dismissed to return to Jerusalem because the doctors would not have time to do all three of the catheterizations. The good thing about that news was it meant he could eat something and have his bottle again.

Um Havan was disappointed to hear this news, although the evidence beside her when the baby in the next bed returned proved how difficult his cath was. The staff was with him constantly for the several hours we remained there, and still working with him when we left. Havan was oblivious to all these details of course, but very happy to be given his bottle after waiting for so many hours. Both he and his mother fell asleep in the car on the way home, and returned to glad greetings from the other mothers and children.

Please pray with us for Havan and his mother in the coming days. She is still very tired from the days in the hospital in Amman, and the strain of the circumstances she faces as she seeks help and life for her helpless child. God is attuned to the cries of the weak and helpless, and loves to show forth His compassion and kindness to those in need.

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Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Accepted By Wolfson; Cath Tomorrow
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Schneider Children's Hospital decided they could not accept Havan's difficult case. However, Havan has been accepted at Wolfson Medical Center, was admitted there today, and will have a catheterization Wednesday morning.

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Monday, November 24, 2008
Havan's Surgery May Be Too Difficult
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Friday Alex got a call saying that when we came to pick Lawk up for dismissal, we could also bring Havan back to Jerusalem. He had done well enough through the night to come back to us until a decision was made about his surgery. We were told we'd hear from the hospital either Sunday or Monday about when they would do a catheterization to determine whether Havan was operable. Even as we spent the day together waiting for dismissal, one of the nurses who was leaving at shift change came to me and said they didn't know yet what to do because they just were not sure he was able to be operated on. We left feeling thankful that Havan was well enough to be dismissed, and expecting the call to come in a few days about the catheterization appointment. He was sent home on four different medications--three for his heart and an antibiotic to treat the pneumonia.

Havan has been doing okay here at the house. Although he is small for his age, in some ways it is hard to believe how very sick he is when you are around him. He has a sweet and happy disposition most of the time, and enjoys watching the other children play. Tarza and Rezhin enjoy doting on him when they get a chance, and Lawk likes to come over to pat him from time to time. Everyone who sees him is captured by his adorable smile. We all enjoy taking turns holding him when his mother needs an extra hand, or when he gets a little fussy while his bottle is being prepared. Most of the time he is happy to observe what is going on around him, or nap in his mother's lap or on their bed.

When yesterday passed without hearing from the hospital about the catheterization, I expected to get the call this morning. As the hours went by today without a call, I'd decided to go ahead and call the hospital. Instead, Alex decided to call since he had another matter to discuss with the doctor who was making the decision. The news we received was not what we expected. The doctor said they did not feel they could offer Havan the surgery he needs because of the difficulty of his case. Therefore they did not schedule him for a catheterization so far. Alex will call again in the morning to see if this is the final decision on the case. If so, we will immediately seek help at another hospital in the area to see if Havan's case can be accepted there.

Through the day Havan's mother had been waiting expectantly for word about the timing of Havan's catheterization. After we finally got the news, Alex and I went in to the sitting room to talk with her together. The news, of course, was very disappointing, even though it is not the final word. As Alex prepared to leave, Havan's mom began to cry as the reality settled in for her. I talked with her for a few minutes and then she went back into the other part of the house and the other mothers surrounded her. I felt this was good for a time, but later went back to her again. She was crying off and on, and received several phone calls from her family. I prayed for her and felt the Lord did bring some comfort to her. We sat together for a while, and then a relative called who could help translate between us so that there was no confusion about what she understood or what she wanted to know. I am so thankful to be able to talk with family and have clarity of communication in times like these. We now have an open line with each other for whatever we need to discuss. I assured the relative that we are not giving up... even if Schneider deems the case inoperable, we will immediately pursue help with another hospital. I shared with him that those of us here as well as people all over the world are praying for Havan and his mother and family.

Please do join us in prayer for Havan and his brokenhearted mother. For the moment it is hard for her to hear anything beyond the bad news she got this evening. But with God there is hope, and with Him nothing is impossible. At the moment, Havan seems to be another case in need of a miracle. Will you join me in praying for one?

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Thursday, November 20, 2008
First Day At The Hospital In Israel
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Keleigh and I received Havan and his mother at the border late this morning and headed straight for Schneider Children's Hospital in Petach Tikva. I was relieved to see that Havan looked better than he had when I left Amman last week after the echo screening. Havan's mom said she was tired from having stayed the past week in the hospital in Amman, and once in the car, after long enough for Havan to take a bottle, they both fell asleep.

We were all thankful that Lawk and his mother are at the same hospital so they can keep each other company during Havan's stay. Havan and his mother were given a room next door to Lawk's, and once Havan's mother settled in for a few minutes, everyone gathered in Havan's room for the evening. Before long though, we found out that Lawk may be dismissed tomorrow back to Jerusalem! This is great news for Lawk as he continues to improve, but disappointing news for Havan's mom.

We also found out right away that these two families are from different areas of northern Iraq, and speak different dialects of Kurdish. They can communicate, but not totally. Next we called Mazal and found that she too speaks a different dialect than Havan's mother. Thankfully, Havan's mother does speak Arabic, and we are confident she will be able to have adequate translation for understanding the results of all the tests, and the decisions resulting from what the doctors find.

We were rushed upstairs so the doctors could do the echocardiogram in the late afternoon. They were not able to tell us much afterwards. Havan has both VSD and TGA, and the doctors said they would have to speak with Dr. Vidne, the head of the department, to know the options and come to a decision. He had left for the day so we must wait to know more. We were told that initial results show they are not sure there can be a full repair and that a catheterization may be needed first. Please be in prayer for God's healing touch for Havan's complicated heart problems.

Once back in the room, the normal admission examination was continued, and Havan's oxygen level was around 77%. However they wanted to monitor it for a short time since he was agitated and crying during the initial exam. After he quieted down some, the oxygenation rose to the mid-80% range. Even though he looks happy in all of his pictures from today, he did spend a lot of time crying, including during most of the echocardiogram. Part of the reason was because he was hungry but can only drink a little at a time without coughing from difficulty breathing. Part of the reason was because he was over-tired, and part of the reason of course is that he is so sick. He was somewhat more content when he was propped up on a pillow rather than lying flat on the bed. He definitely seems to have figured out that nurses usually mean something uncomfortable is going to happe

n, and is happiest when his mother is by his side. He enjoyed watching Lawk as he played nearby, or when Lawk came to comfort him for a few minutes. Lawk was sweet and gentle with Havan and seemed concerned with his new friend's situation.

Havan is taking a medication prescribed in Iraq which the doctors here are very concerned about monitoring. A doctor was to come in and check on what to do about the situation, but had not come by about 7:20, so I left for the evening. The medication is to lower the blood pressure, and the nurse I spoke to instructed me to ask Havan's mother not to give any more of this medication - she gave it to him and then told me about it, so I reported it to the nurses so they would be aware of this along with his dismissal report from the Amman hospital.

Havan's mom was exhausted and anxious to know something specific about her son, but understands that the doctors will meet first and talk with her later. We tried but were unable to reach her family in Iraq, which was also distressing to her. Please pray that she will be able to rest tonight knowing she is near the time for Havan's longed-for help to repair his heart. We can ask for miracles that will surprise the doctors when they go forward with Havan's treatment since we know we have a God for whom nothing is impossible. Let's seek Him earnestly on Havan's behalf.

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