Nari's Heart Surgery

Thursday
July 17, 2008
Our Last Look at Nari
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It's been a long haul but today Nari and his mother start their journey for home.

With his heart functioning normally and a repaired hernia Nari was ready to leave; but not until last minute details were hammered out, prayer offered on their behalf, luggage loaded, some final goodbyes and last but not least a few tears of joy and sadness.

I would be able to say so much about these departure trips but I just can't seem to wrap my brain around the right word in the English language that says it best, so as they say in Arabic, "Alhamdulillah, Praise God!"

Nari leaving the historic Shevet Center in Jerusalem

The journey from Jerusalem to the Jordan border was very hot, but not hot enough to keep us from a ride on Shoshi, the camel.

Nari was not so sure of her but his mother loved every minute of her ride. She told us afterwards that they don't have camels in Kurdistan so it was a much welcomed experience.

The last stop was at hand but not before one quick burger and ice cream cone from McDonalds, this time a big hit with Nari himself.

Once at the Beit Shean border all went like clockwork and within twenty minutes they were on the bus heading for Jordan, but as is with most photographers, just one more picture through the van door before we say goodbye.

Blessings to these dear people as we strive to serve our Lord and Savior in caring for His little ones.

You may help bring another child to Israel for heart surgery by clicking here.

Monday, July 14, 2008
One Last Surgery Before Heading Home
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Even as Nari recovered nicely from his heart surgery, doctors in Israel determined that he would also need hernia surgery before they would send him home to Iraq. Today Hank, Hannah, and I went to pick Nari up from the hospital after the hernia surgery. Nari and his mom both were waiting patiently for us to arrive so Nari could go back to the Shevet center in Jerusalem. Nari was doing great and didn't act like he had just had surgery. I know they were relieved to come back to Shevet. We are really thankful that the surgery went well and Nari will soon be ready to go home.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Keeping Up With Nari
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Today when I visited Nari, I almost couldn't find him because he was walking around the hospital. I eventually caught up with him. Little Nari looks really great! Tomorrow he will go to the Save a Child's Heart house where he will finish his recovery. I know that Nari's mom is relieved that Nari is doing so great. Pretty soon, I believe he will have so much energy that he'll be hard to keep up with!

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Monday, June 16, 2008
Watching TV
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Nari was actually back in ICU for an irregular heartbeat when Keleigh and I arrived at the hospital today, but thankfully was wheeled back out of the ICU into a regular room. After he was settled there, I made a quick visit with Nari and his mom, and all seemed to be okay. Nari was already watching television when I walked into the room. Nari and his mom gave me a smile as I took a picture. I said my goodbyes and told them I would be back tomorrow.

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Thursday, June 12, 2008
Already Out Of ICU
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We visited Nari in the hospital today, and he is doing very well. He has already been moved out of the ICU. Nari even gave us a little smile for a couple of seconds, which is unusual for children who have had surgeries as recent as his. Nari's mother is also doing well. She has shown a lot of strength in her self-composure and cheerful spirit.

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Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Nari Is Stable Following Today's Surgery
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After a long wait, Nari finally had his heart surgery today. I had been waiting with Nari's mom for almost two hours when Nari came out of surgery. As the nurses wheeled Nari down the hall, his mother briefly teared up with relief that he was finally out. The nurses then wheeled him to ICU. After a little while, the nurses told Nari's mom that she could come in. As Nari's mom entered the ICU, Andrew and I followed behind. The nurses were stabilizing him. After just a few minutes Nari was doing okay. Before I left the ICU, I asked the nurse if Nari was doing well, and the nurse replied that he was.

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Monday, June 9, 2008
Nari's Last Supper Before Surgery
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As Andrew and I accompanied Nari and his mom to the hospital, they seemed to be pretty calm. Nari took a quick nap on the way there.

Within a few moments of our arrival at the hospital, Shaima and her mom gave Nari and his mom a comforting welcome.

Nari was settled in his room in a short amount of time. When Andrew and I got ready to leave, Nari, Shaima, and their moms had started eating a late supper. Nari and his mom were enjoying that. It's the last time Nari will eat for a few days; pre-surgery fasting starts at midnight. I prayed that Nari and his mom would have a good night's sleep to prepare for Nari's surgery tomorrow.

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Sunday, May 18, 2008
Nari Tests Positive for Tuberculosis
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Today, Nari and Ranj were tested for tuberculosis. Ranj’s results returned negative, but Nari tested positive. He has been given some medication that should clear the problem up in a week or two.

Although there were times that they wanted to be carried, both Ranj and Nari showed a surprising amount of energy today as we walked around the hospital. We had lots of fun looking at the fish in the waiting room, and the boys enjoyed some Pepsi later in the day. Both of these boys are so full of life and energy now; I look forward to seeing the change in them after their surgeries.

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