| | Hemen's
Heart Surgery
 Tuesday,
February 13, 2007 Hemen is Home
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Great news! Today in
Amman we heard from the family of Hemen, via a phone call to my friend
Perjin, that they are home and he is doing well!
Both of Hemen's parents got on the phone to express their gratitude, and even Hemen spoke excitedly about being home.
After his brief conversation, he went back to playing with other children she could hear in the background -- how wonderful!
Thank
you all for your prayers and your help to make this possible. Praise
God for all He has done so far in the lives of this special family.
Hemen is pictured here in Israel on the eve of his return home to Iraq with a healthy heart
Sunday,
February 11, 2007 A Beautiful Job
Filed by
This morning as I rode to and from the airport to say goodbye to Hemen, Niga
and their fathers, I was remembering something a taxi driver said to me
one day. He asked why I was in Amman, and after I told him, he said,
"You have beautiful job.'' I agreed with him then, and today I am
thinking the same thought, only moreso, for today I got to see Hemen --
only weeks ago near death -- heading home! When I
visited the families last evening, everyone was excited about Hemen and
Niga's departure this morning, but I believe Abu Hemen [father of
Hemen] was most excited of all. The concern over the flooding back home
was not apparent on his face, having been replaced by a smile of
fulfillment. He was on the phone when we arrived, and from time to time
had other calls, after which he and Abu Niga talked together about
their plans for today. Hemen sat 
contentedly for a long time in the lap of my friend Perjin, who has
been a very special connection for all of us in her ability to
translate from Kurdish or English or Arabic to whichever language we
need, depending on our conversation. We all love her and appreciate her
help, and her two young daughters have gotten the chance to be friends
to the children who have passed through. Even without a translator,
just seeing Hemen's improvement is a huge encourage- ment to the
other families who are anxiously waiting in Amman. Although I knew
Hemen was frightfully ill before his surgery, I learned just yesterday
as Perjin shared some things the familes were discussing that the
doctor said Hemen might not have lived one day longer had he not gotten
to the hospital when he did. I thank God for His ability to get us into
Israel just in time! Very early this morning our friend
Jody arrived to pick me up so I could accompany Hemen and Niga and
their fathers to the airport, joined by one of the other fathers who is
waiting here for his child's turn to go for surgery. Hemen couldn't
stay awake for the ride, and fell asleep beside me clutching a paper
airplane in his hand. He was happy about this plane ride home and it
showed in the little grin on his face when he woke up at the airport.
Today the flight was on time despite a fog outside, so we quickly said
our goodbyes and they were able to go straight through check-in and
security. I gave Hemen one last big hug with more tears of joy to be
able send this little one back to his waiting mother in Iraq. There is
a snapshot of his departure which I will carry in my heart since I
could not capture it on film due to security. It is the moment when
Hemen, holding Niga's hand, was able to walk steadily on his own
through the security gate into the boarding area. I was, and
still am, filled with gratitude to God for all He has done so far in
Hemen's life.....and I am thanking Him for giving me this beautiful job
so that by His plan, the lives of Hemen, his father and I could be
joined in this experience for His glory.
 Friday,
February 9, 2007 God's Handiwork
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This
morning before I saw our guests, I could hear Hemen and Niga and their fathers singing and
chattering in the guest room in our house in Jerusalem. They were
eagerly waiting for the moment we would be on our way to Amman - the
next junction in their return to Iraq. And when our Israeli friend
Simantov arrived who would be driving us to the border, they broke out
in dance in the courtyard -- it was such fun to witness their joy! As
we drove through the greening hills around Jerusalem and into the
Jordan Valley, I was marvelling not only at God's handiwork outside our
van, but also at His handiwork inside our van. And as the day
progressed, I was again filled with thanks to be a small part of His
work in these lives. The most
amazing part of the day from my perspective was the amount of walking
Hemen did
today. Because of the luggage his father had to manage as we crossed
the borders, Hemen walked alongside him almost continuously. Just less
than 4 weeks ago, Hemen could hardly stand up, but now he walked for
quite a distance in order to navigate both the Israeli and Jordanian
border terminals. Yes, it was still a slow pace, but every once in a
while he'd add a little trot in his steps! To me it seemed that he too
was proud of this ability. When we had to wait awhile during a computer
glitch in the Israeli terminal, Hemen walked
back and forth surveying
all of the toys through the window of the duty free shop right beside
us. Finally, after making it through the processes at both terminals,
he told his Baba to hold him... and Abu Hemen came up with an ingenious
''suitcase shuttle'' alternative, which elicited lots of giggles from
all of us. After the taxi
ride back to Amman (during which
both Hemen and Niga took a little nap) the families had a brief visit
from some friends here who'd been with Hemen, his father and me the
 night we took him to the emergency
room in early January. As Hemen played happily, they
made
many comments about how he now was able to move around and interact,
and that he had heathier color rather than the blue pallor when they'd
last seen him. And we all rejoiced with the
fathers as they shared some
of their many experiences in Israel. These men gave many thanks over
and over for what has been done for them.... and we turn all of the
thanks to God, who alone is able to bring forth such accomplishments. Tomorrow
we are planning a time to visit with all of the families who are now
here in Amman waiting for their children's heart surgeries in Israel,
before Hemen and Niga and their fathers return to Iraq in
the coming days. Please be praying for them to be
rested and at peace
as the time for their departure approaches.
Thursday, February 8,
2007  Time of Refreshing
Filed by
What a sight it was today to see Hemen enjoying
his first
trip to the beach, as he was at last headed back home from his heart
surgery! Even though they are very excited to
return, there is
also a tension and anxiety for Abu Hemen at this time. He found out
that four days ago his home and workplace were flooded back in Iraq.
His wife has been calling in tears because of the strain of it as she
awaits them. The concern over this situation shows in Abu Hemen's face
and demeanor. There was a brief reprieve
from these problems today as we took him and Hemen along with Niga
and her dad over to the sea while we waited for their final medical
reports to be finished. Hemen was not too sure what to think about his
surroundings at first -- we'd awakened him from a nap in order to make
the outing, and he'd never seen an ocean before. But
when we
walked down to the water, he eventually decided to approach the surf
himself, and both he and his father giggled as Hemen picked up rocks
and shells to throw into the water. He also liked walking toward the
water, and backing up as it came in toward us.... it was a refreshing
time for all of us.  We
arrived in Jerusalem and enjoyed a brief walk with Shevet Achim
Jerusalem director Alex Pettett down historic Ben Yehuda street, center
of the new city of Jerusalem, scene of terror attacks and national
celebrations, and now--hard to imagine--host to two visiting Iraqi
families. After a great dinner with the staff at the Shevet
Achim
house, Hemen was quite tired and ready for bed before the big trip
tomorrow as we cross back to Jordan. Until it is
time for
their flight back home, Hemen and Niga will stay with the other Iraqi
families in Amman who are now waiting their turns to come over to
Israel for their heart surgeries. They are very excited to see their
family again, and we're thanking God for His healing of Hemen's heart
so that they can go so soon. Hemen will still need the second part of
this two-part surgery process within one year. Won't it be amazing to
see him again then?! Please pray for us
as we cross the
borders tomorrow. Pray for Abu Hemen to be calmed as he goes back to
the flooding problems at home. How wonderful it will be for Hemen to
see his mother, and for her to see him, in a matter of days! Pray for
all that God wants to do to be accomplished in their lives as we send
them back to their country. I will update again from Amman.
Monday, February 5, 2007  Hemen can Run!
Filed by
Today I returned from escorting Sakar to Amman
on her way
back to Iraq, and was pleased to discover that all three of our Iraqi
children still in Israel are now staying at the Save a Child's Heart
house outside of the hospital. And what a special
day it was,
for today, Hemen had the strength and energy to RUN for the first
time!! His dad told me about it excitedly, and then went on to tell me
(in our language of gestures and words) that now the color in Hemen's
lips and fingers was very good, just like his own. When I saw Hemen, he
was standing with some of the children at the house who were in a group
activity with one of the SACH volunteers, and he gave a big smile and
came walking over to see me. Right away I could tell that he was
stronger, and later in our visit, he demonstrated his running skills
for Alex and me. His dad has such a joy in his
countenance
knowing that they are only days away from returning home now. It was
great to see them both doing so well, and I look forward to escorting
them on their way back home in the coming days. I am so thankful for
all God has already done to save little Hemen's life!
Click
to send an e-mail message to Hemen
and
his father.
Tuesday,
January 30, 2007
A Delight to See
Filed by
 Today I returned to the
children's house and was able to see Hemen there as he continues to
grow stronger. His father has already noticed that Hemen is gaining
weight! When we arrived, he was downstairs visiting with some of his
friends after their dinner. He walked with his slow pace over to see me
with his cute smile, and I was able to get one of his sweet hugs. It is
a delight to see him back there when I recall how extremely ill he was
when we arrived there only weeks ago!! What a wonderful work God has
done to bring Hemen and his father to this land for the help of these
doctors so Hemen can be healed. I'm so thankful!  I
later found Hemen holding "Baba's" (papa's) shoes as if it is already
time to go home. Before long it will be Hemen's turn to head
back to Iraq, as Sakar did today. Keep praying for
him to grow stronger so he can
experience the joy of life he has not been able to have before now. Click
to send an e-mail message to Hemen
and
his father.
 
Click
to send an e-mail message
to Hemen
and
his father.
Thursday,
January 25, 2007
A Time to Play
Filed by
I saw
Hemen's little face peeping down the hall today as I approached his
room after visiting Jihan
-- he was moved a few days ago just across and down the hall from her.
He had been out walking, and was resting but glad for a visitor. We had
some giggles together playing with his teddy bear, and then Sakar
dropped in to see him too.
 
Even
better than this, mama called at this time so he was able to talk with
her. This cheered him up, as he has been missing her alot this week. We
enjoyed several more playtimes through the afternoon before I left ...
that laughter brought a big smile to his daddy's face too. They are
hoping to be dismissed to the children's home any day now. Keep praying
for Hemen's full healing.
Click
to send an e-mail message to Hemen
and
his father.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007  Walking Better than Ever Filed by When
I arrived today I found Hemen in the surgery ward in the same room as
Jihan. His father was telling me excitedly that Hemen had been walking
already that morning, and not only that, he did not want his father to
help him walk! I marvelled at the reality of that, since only eight
days ago when we travelled to Israel, and the previous three weeks
spending time with Hemen in Amman, he was too weak due to his heart
condition to walk more than a few steps. Later when I
returned
from visiting the children's house I saw for myself that Hemen was
indeed walking down the hallway on his own - that was a wonderful
sight, and an opportunity to thank God for all He is doing to restore
life to Hemen.
I
also had the joy of presenting Hemen's father with 2 email letters from
people who are praying for them and wanted to correspond with them. Our
staff member Raneen translated them to Arabic for us, and a Save a
Child's Heart intern helped him understand the meaning, together with
another father who could help translate the Arabic to Kurdish. At first
Hemen's father did not understand what these letters were all about,
but as it dawned on him, he looked at me with amazement and thanks,
saying "Thank you" over and over as he comprehended each sentence. It
was quite a blessing to him.
The
only downside to the visit with Hemen today was that he is missing his
mama. He had been crying for her today, and though I was able to offer
comfort, cheer him up and make him laugh for a few minutes, I cannot
take mama's place! Let us pray for Hemen's rapid healing and return
home to his family waiting in Iraq.... I'm sure she misses him terribly
too!
Click
to send an e-mail message to Hemen
and
his father.
Lord's
Day,
January 21, 2007
Hi Mom!
Filed by
When
I arrived at the hospital today, Hemen was still in intermediate ICU
and enjoying a television program, but seemed a bit subdued. His father
had heard from the doctors that the surgery last week is the first of
two surgeries which are needed to complete the repair of Hemen's heart.
The second surgery will be done in about one year, and then Hemen will
do very well.
After a short while their cell phone
rang, and
Hemen got to talk to his mother in Iraq -- and so did I !! She speaks
some English, and expressed her thanks for the help given her
son...which I pass along to everyone who has been praying and giving
donations for this surgery.
In
today's examination it was discovered that Hemen had air trapped in the
chest cavity, and so a procedure was done to insert a chest tube. This
was an unsettling event for Hemen's father, who is sensitive
to
every change in his son's condition and was still digesting the news
about the second surgery. By the early evening when I left, they found
that the air was still there, but were increasing his oxygen intake to
help alleviate the problem.
The
medicine given Hemen for the procedure made him groggy for the rest of
the day, but he still waved whenever he looked my way in the midst of
his drowsiness. Please pray that his body takes care of the excess air
quickly, so Hemen can continue recuperating and move on to the surgical
ward.
Click
to send an e-mail message to Hemen
and
his father.
Eve of the Sabbath,
January 19, 2007
Life Flowing Back In
Filed by
 
Much to
my delight today when I arrived
at the hospital I found that Hemen had been transferred to the
intermediate ICU. He was having an echocardiogram when I went in, so I
joined his father watching the doctors check on his heart. The report
is that Hemen is doing very well, and that news is reflected on his
father's smiling face. I hope you can see in the photos the healthy red
color in Hemen's once-blue lips, and notice as well in his fingers that
the normal color has returned.
As he sat up for a few minutes in bed,
he again gave me the thumbs-up as his father talked to him about how
well he is doing. Although Hemen is so much better, he still will not
let his ''Baba'' (daddy) out of his sight .... but soon they will be
able to walk around the hospital together as Hemen gets stronger. I
look forward to that sight.
Click
to send an e-mail message to Hemen
and
his father.
Wednesday evening,
January 17, 2007
Tears of Joy
Filed by Donna Petrel
There
was great thanksgiving and some tears of joy in the ICU waiting area as
Hemen was brought back from his successful surgery. His father, who is
probably the most tender and caring of those I've had the opportunity
to meet, was very anxious for the hours of waiting. He was pacing the
floor, looking anxiously down the hallway in the direction from which
he knew Hemen would return, shaking his head, shrugging his shoulders,
and pointing to his watch -- waiting, waiting,
waiting....
When at last he
was able to go into
the ICU and really see that his son was OK, he was greatly relieved. A
little later as he sat by Hemen's bedside, I was able to snap a
picture.
Hemen
awakened somewhat restlessly, and his father was speaking reassurance
and comfort to him. I think he was a bit distressed that his
eyes were taped shut --
normal procedure, but he seemed particularly aware of this to me.
Dr. Lior Sasson, the cardiac surgeon, told me that
Hemen's
surgery went well, and pointed out that the oxygen saturation was now
88%. (Yesterday when he was put in ICU, it was 12%). Now, the doctor
said, we must see how his body reacts to the increased flow. It was a
beautiful thing to notice that Hemen's fingers, lips, and toes were
already looking healthy rather than blue. His father noticed too, and
pointed that out to me w/ a big smile on his face. Let's pray that
Hemen's body handles the increased flow of blood and oxygen
miraculously well as a testimony to our loving Father's care.
This is hard to understand to me, as it seems it would be
automatically
wonderful to the body, but instead it is stressful at first to have the
greater amount of oxygen available.
When
I left, Hemen had been given something to help him rest quietly. His
father was sitting nearby, keeping watch, and ready to comfort him....
a beautiful sight!
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Tuesday
evening,
January 16, 2007
In ICU Hours Away
from Surgery
Hemen
seemed right on track for surgery when our staff member David
Hartman saw him tonight.
He
was admitted to the ICU this evening so that the staff can monitor his
condition and make sure he does not eat anything for 12 hours before
the surgery.
Until tonight I was
unfamiliar with the
practice of requiring the children to fast; now I understand why Dr.
Tamir chooses to do surgery at 7 a.m. It's easier to deny a
child
food during the night then in the morning when he or she wants
breakfast.
Lord willing, Donna and David will be
by Hemen's
bedside tomorrow at breakfast time. We will let you know how
the
life-changing day goes for this precious child.
 
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Tuesday,
January 16, 2007
Surgery Possible Wednesday
Morning
Dr.
Tamir spent time with Hemen this
morning. He was deeply troubled by Hemen's condition and
ordered some immediate treatment. After the treatments Hemen
seemed to perk up and was doing better.
Dr.
Tamir says that Hemen might have surgery as early as tomorrow morning,
Wednesday, but we will not know for sure until Hemen is examined in the
morning. The doctors and nurses will have to decided at that
time if he is strong enough. We will let you know the results
tomorrow. Please pray with us for God's hand to be on these decisions.
Monday,
January 15, 2007
Arrival in Israel
After
two weeks of sometimes
tense
waiting, our staff member Donna this
morning received word from the Israeli Embassy in Amman of the approval
of the visas for Jihan Hassan & Hemen Kawa, the two most urgent
cases from the December 28 screening in Amman.
Hemen
has been hospitalized twice since his arrival from Iraq, on the
day of the screening and again last weekend. Recently he's been having
spells of heart pain which cause him to cry in pain, and fainting
spells, several times per day.
With
the visas in hand, Donna began contacting the hospital in Israel
to notify the doctors of our arrival and checking the availability
of transport drivers on both sides of the border.
By 4 PM
all parties involved were in motion and by 6 PM the entourage
from Amman were at the Israeli/Jordanian border. This has in
the
past been a difficult transit, as personnel on both sides of the border
were initially doubtful that Iraqis could ever enter Israel!
But
Donna reported that the favor they received was so overwhelming and
special to the point that each of the group were presented glasses of
water while they waited for the process to be completed. They even
allowed the Shevet transport van to come inside the border crossing
terminal. Thanks be to God for answering our prayers on the children's
behalf.
Having crossed both
government's border terminals in less than 1
1⁄2 hours, the children and their fathers were on their way
to
Tel Aviv. There was such cheering that erupted from our Iraqi guests,
with even a shout of "Israel Qaies" ["Israel is good!"] and the
thumbs-up sign, as we began our journey across Israel.
Once
in Tel Aviv, we arrived at the Save a Child's Heart house [Shevet
Achim's partner organization at the Wolfson Medical Center], where the
fathers received their orientation to their new surroundings that will
be their home away from home.
Watching
Jihan & Hemen's eyes light up as they discovered the toys in
quantities as they have probably never seen before, that are available
for those that stay at SACH, was such a joy! The fathers were not
exempt either as they received their house tour and were reunited with
the father of Niga who had come two weeks before and whom they had met
at the screening in Amman in late December. It was such a wonderful
thing to watch as they were shown the ropes of what was expected and
furnished for their stay.
Dr.
Tam, a Vietnamese doctor in training at Wolfson, was summoned and
did a preliminary examination of both children. He determined
that Hemen, even though he was too weak to walk, or even stand more
than a few minutes, could wait until the morning to
go to
the hospital.
Early
Tuesday both children
will report to Wolfson Medical Center to
meet with cardiologist Akiva Tamir, the same doctor they met at their
December screenings and the one responsible for their
invitation
for their upcoming life-giving surgery.
We
thank the Lord that Hemen is now in good and capable hands.
We'll update this space with results of his first hospital
visit
on Tuesday evening.
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