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Zinar's Heart Surgery
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Seeing God's Handiwork
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Today Autumn and I took a very contented Zinar and his thankful mother to the airport in Amman for their flight home. Each of us felt the range of emotions which arises when the joy of seeing God's handiwork bring forth a baby's healthy heart meshes with saying goodbye to a friend.
 
Zinar came to us very blue and weak, and is returning home with a repaired heart which is helping his body gain strength daily. He loves standing up on his tiny but strengthening legs and trying to walk, and wants to practice often. After sleeping most of the way to the border from Jerusalem, he was not satisfied in the taxi to Amman until he had opportunity to stand for awhile on his mother's lap. He is full of smiles now, whereas before he was rather listless. And his appetite is very good, so he is sure to grow quickly into a playful little boy.
 
Let's remember to pray for Zinar and his entire family. We are hopeful to hear from them soon telling us they've arrived safely and begun the ''Welcome Home'' celebration in their village. Even as we prayed yesterday before leaving Jerusalem, it is our hope that all the good seeds will bear good fruit, for God's glory.

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Thursday, August 30, 2007
Zinar Begins His Journey Home
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Zinar passed a major milestone today when Dr. Tamir did a follow up echo and was very pleased with what he saw. After a final echo on Sunday just to be absolutely certain that Zinar has not developed any unexpected complications, he will be dismissed to go home. Zinar's mother was thanking God and ready to come to Jerusalem as the first leg of her trip home. She will stay here with us until that final echo and then we'll cross to Jordan early next week for their flight home.
 
Zinar himself was extremely contented today. He was sleeping when we arrived for Halo's echo, and when he awoke and had the echo, he was very pleasant, and even played with Dr. Tamir's hands as he did the echo.

Dr. Tamir said he felt like Zinar realized these were his allies, and we talked of Zinar's generation as perhaps one which would indeed recognize the possibility of an Israeli-Kurdish alliance someday. I believe God is able to bring such things forth from beginnings such as these. Let us pray and see what He will do!
 
Following the echo, we took Zinar and his mother to the SACH house to gather their luggage and say goodbye to their friends. The relationships formed are so sweet among these mothers who speak the same heart language when it comes to their children, even if they hail from countries around the globe. Some of the friends in the house today were from Rwanda and Zanzibar, and there were a few teary moments as they parted company.
 
Then it was back to the hospital to await the doctor's final dismissal reports for Halo and Zinar, as well as for a Palestinian patient whom we escorted back to Gaza when we left the hospital this afernoon. This made for a late arrival to Jerusalem, and a hungry crowd when we arrived. As I write, both Zinar and Halo are sleeping, along with their parents. We ask that you continue to pray for this precious mother and son as they spend their last few days in Israel. May it be the best days yet as they experience God's love through us.

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Wednesday,
August 29, 2007
Good Results From Cath
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Zinar's mother and all of us are thanking God for the good report after his catheterization today. Dr. Tamir said the stint was in place, and he expects to release Zinar tomorrow. Zinar and his mother will go to the SACH house for a few more days, with his next and hopefully last echo scheduled for Sunday morning. At that time, God willing, he will be released to return home. Zinar's mother is very hopeful and encouraged by this possibility. Please keep praying for this precious baby and his mom as they prepare to return to their family in Iraq. Seeing him becoming healthy and strong is a wonderful blessing and we give God the praise for it.

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Monday, August 27, 2007
Catheterization Re-Scheduled for Wednesday
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At last today I had another chance to visit with Zinar and his mother at the SACH house, where they have been waiting for his catheterization. Last week the catheterization machine was broken, so they had to return to the house for more waiting, and the previous week there was a need for someone else to fill Zinar's slot for that day.
 
Both Zinar and his mother were in a fine mood. I was happy to see Zinar beginning to walk now, and noticed how much he enjoyed the activity. He was shy about coming to me even though he still found it fun to pretend he would walk towards me.
 
Zinar's mother is anxious to get home, noting that not only Arkan and Sidra - with whom she came to Israel back in May - have gone home, but now perhaps even Halo could leave before her and Zinar. Let us pray that the catheterization on Wednesday morning reveals that everything is in order for Zinar's heart and they can leave very quickly now. I hope to be there to see them and find out the doctor's report afterwards so we can inform you of the praises and prayers about how God is moving in their lives.


Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Catheterization Postponed
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Zinar's catheterization has been postponed because the hospital's catheterization machine is broken. We'll keep you updated.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007 
Catheterization Scheduled for Tomorrow
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We were informed today at Wolfson that the doctors have decided to perform a catheterization on Zinar tomorrow. Hopefully they will find that there is no need for an additional surgery.

Zinar had been prepped for the procedure with IV catheter lines which were very uncomfortable for him, so we found him a little fussy. He perked up for a few minutes with a new toy, but then began to show his need for a nap. A few minutes of cuddling with his mother was enough to start him dozing and we left them as he fell asleep.

Please pray for Zinar and his mother tomorrow morning. She is very anxious for she and Zinar to return to Iraq as soon as possible.

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Sunday
August 12, 2007 
Seeing Zinar Again
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After returning from America Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure Friday of returning to Wolfson Hospital to visit the Iraqi and Palestinian patients who are there either recuperating from or waiting for their heart surgeries. One of those patients was little Zinar, who I escorted into Israel from Jordan back in early May, and I've looked forward to seeing him again since I learned he would not be dismissed before I arrived. It was wonderful both to embrace his mother and to see the improvement in Zinar as he continues healing. The difference in his color is remarkable!! He was curiously and happily ''helping'' Maryam play dominoes as we visited her in her room in the children's ward. Although he preferred to be near his mother, he allowed me to hold him a few minutes at a time, and he was trying to do a little walking as well, with those tiny legs standing on Maryam's bed. 

Today, Alex, LC, and I found Zinar in his stroller in the hall of the children's ward when we arrived this afternoon. He had been crying after having undergone an echocardiogram -- not that echos are difficult, but they are not fun for little ones. The results of the echo will be used to determine whether Zinar needs another catheterization or perhaps another surgery. A paper ball which LC had with her quickly ended Zinar's tears. He was especially delighted to play with Halo before Halo was dismissed to Jerusalem today.
 
Please pray for Zinar and his mom who are hoping to go home soon, as they wait for the next decision of the doctors based on today's echo. I look forward to escorting them back across the Jordan, followed shortly thereafter by a joyful reunion with their family when they arrive back home in Iraq.

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Sunday, August 5, 2007 
In the Children's Ward
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With Zinar there is very little to report! Drinking his milk contentedly, Zinar sat in his mother's arms and surveyed the birthday celebrations. Zinar has been transferred to the children's ward, and all that should concern him now is whether he can beat Halo, a fellow Iraqi, in shrugging of the last vestiges of his heart surgery. Zinar's mum beamed and joked with us as we tried (and failed dismally) to communicate with her. Her happiness increases in direct correlation to the decreasing number of pipes in Zinar. This young fighter is clearly on his way to a happy recovery!


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Tuesday, July 31, 2007 
Cradled in Mom's Arms
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Hidden from the hub-bub of the main ICU, but not forgotten, Um Zinar cradles Zinar in her arms on Tuesday as he continues down the road toward full recovery. Last we heard, there was a good chance that Zinar would need another procedure to repair a problem with his left pulmonary artery and to break down a blood clot in his heart. Now, it appears that his complications are being resolved, in part, on their own!

Though he is not stable enough to move to the children's ward, we praise God for his good update and continue to pray that his condition won't require further surgery or catheterization. The Great Physician has his hand on every child at Wolfson Medical Center, from the most critically ill child to the kid who just broke a wrist. Tonight I thank God specifically for this brave little boy and his mom who have weathered a lot over the past month and continue to press on with courage. My prayer is that they discover where they can find true refuge in time of need (Psalms 9:9).
 
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Thursday
July 26, 2007 
More Stable
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What a welcome change to walk into the ICU today and NOT see Zinar! I meandered down the hall towards the children's ward and found Um Zinar in the secondary ICU, which cares for more stable children. Zinar was resting quietly, with relatively little medical equipment attached to him. Um Zinar was so happy about her son's move. She has been smiling a lot more often in recent visits and seems hopeful for Zinar's continued progress. Time will tell if Zinar needs another operation or not. The likely next step would be a catheterization in the next week or two in efforts to correct the problem with his left pulmonary artery.

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Sunday
July 22, 2007 
Not Out of the Woods Yet
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Today in the ICU, Zinar had the attention of a few neurologists at this bedside. They were doing a routine check it appeared, and all looked good. In fact, today he looked as good as I've seen him since his surgery. As of this weekend, he is no longer intubated. Instead he receives a more moderate form of help with breathing from an oxygen hood. 

Um Zinar and I headed down to the canyon (a mall that is attached to the hospital) to grab a bite to eat as Zinar slept. Now that Zinar's condition has improved slightly, she seems a little bit more relaxed and willing to leave his bedside. It was great to see her crack a lot more smiles today.

Still, according to Dr. Eli, Zinar is not out of the woods yet. He is experiencing some lung complications. Hopefully in about two weeks, he'll undergo a cardiac catheterization that has the potential to solve his current problems.


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Tuesday
July 17, 2007 
Surgery Postponed Due to Pneumonia
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Zinar is now lying on his stomach to help him breathe better as he battles pneumonia. Often times, children contract pneumonia while on a ventilator, due to the body's inability to naturally defend against bacteria. His overall condition has doctors concerned. By Sunday they hope to make their decision on whether or not to proceed with a surgery. (The surgery previously scheduled for tomorrow will not be happening, at least not yet.)

A concerned Um Zinar spends her days rotating between comforting Um Ali and spending time by Zinar's bedside. She seems very sullen, especially as Zinar's condition has deteriorated in recent days.

Please join us in prayer for wisdom as the doctors decide what to do next. We give God the glory in advance for how he chooses to move in this difficult situation.








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Monday
July 16, 2007 
Second Surgery on Wednesday
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Zinar has been in the ICU since his first operation on the 2nd of July. When we visited this afternoon, Shevet Achim volunteer Fred prayed for this dear boy, to Um Zinar's great comfort.  
 
The doctor told us that Zinar will be scheduled for his second operation this Wednesday, to remove the blood clot from his right atrium, and possibly to open up a narrowed pulmonary artery as well.
 
Um Zinar was visibly concerned when the doctor spoke with us, as she didn't understand what was going on. So we brought her over to see Um Hussein, who acted not only as our English-Kurdish translator but also as an encourager to the elder woman. Please pray with us for both mother and son during Wednesday's surgery.
 
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Tuesday
July 10, 2007 
Blood Clot Revealed in CT Scan
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Tuesday's CT (also known as CAT) scan results showed an additional complication in Zinar's heart. This highly specialized X-ray showed that he has a blood clot in his right atrium, in addition to a narrow pulmonary artery. Um Zinar was able to sit down today with Dr. Eli and a Kurdish translator and hear the latest on her son. Visibly concerned, she waits to hear what the surgeon thinks is the best plan in moving forward. There is a possibility that Zinar will undergo another operation in efforts to resolve these two problems as early as Wednesday morning. However, the doctors are also considering waiting, as two major operations within a week's time is a lot for any child to undergo.

Understandably, Um Zinar has shed a lot of tears in the recent days and would benefit greatly from our prayers. She is promised an update from the surgeon as soon as he decides what seems like the best option for Zinar's heart. We'll let you know what course of action the Wolfson staff decides to take.

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Sunday
July 8, 2007 
Upcoming CT Scan
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Within the next couple days the doctors will be able to evaluate Zinar's pulmonary artery with the help of a CT scan. Other than that, the doctors have little news to share on this little one. I'm becoming a firm believer in "No news is good news" when it comes to ICU updates! 

Um Zinar looked tired today, but thankfully she has her friend, Um Hussein to be with for meals and for the long hours in between. She appears worried about various medical procedures and equipment, such as oxygen being delivered through a nasal cannula. I encouraged Um Hussein to reassure her that is very normal and not to worry. Let's continue to bring Zinar before his Abba (Father) as he is still in a pivotal stage of recovery.

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Thursday, July 5, 2007 
Zinar May Need A Second Operation
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The report of Zinar's condition was overall favorable today. Dr. Eli Gilad, chair of the pediatric ICU department at Wolfson, said that Zinar's condition has improved significantly over the last two days. Still, there is a decent chance that Zinar will need another operation in the near future. His left pulmonary artery isn't functioning properly, therefore the lungs aren't getting the needed blood for oxygen exchange.

I found Um Zinar with Um Hussein in their little 'bedroom' outside of the ICU. This small room with a curtain for a door is where about three mothers can sleep and hang out when they are not at their children's bedside. One of the other ladies I met in there today said that this room has been her home for the last nine years! (Her daughter is severely handicapped.)

I was so thankful for Um Hussein's ability to translate for me today. Her English is getting better, so we were able to dialogue quite a bit. After telling them what I knew about Zinar's progression, we prayed together--we would love to see his lung situation resolved without another operation. In shallah (God willing). The mothers say this a lot. I do too, because I know that these kids' lives truly are in the hands of the Lord.


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Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Under Observation
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Today (one day after his heart surgery) Zinar appeared to be stable and on his way to recovery. The doctor said there were some concerns yesterday, but that Zinar is stabilizing and needs to remain under observation while still sedated. Um Zinar seemed happy and confident her little boy is okay.

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Monday
July 2, 2007 
A Fully Repaired Heart
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Zinar has stabilized in the ICU following his surgery this morning. The surgery accomplished a "full repair," meaning that his heart is a completely normal heart now.

However, his heartbeat is irregular--not an uncommon trait in children after this surgery--and he is receiving medication for that. He is also on pain relievers and sleep-inducing drugs. He is connected to a device that breathes for him until his own body can take over. Earlier today there was blood in the draining fluid, but that is now resolved.

Tonight I spent a few minutes alone with Zinar, praying for him and watching his little movements and occasional grimaces. There was a peaceful, quiet atmosphere in the ICU.  I think Zinar's mother must have also been at peace, because she was nowhere to be seen in the ICU.  She was in the children's surgery ward hanging out with Hussein's mother, Rawan's mother and another of "our" kids from Gaza named Raya. I gave Zinar's mom a bouquet of red carnations in celebration of the long-awaited surgery. We exchanged multiple hugs and kisses.

One interesting note is that Zinar's "mom" is not actually his mother.  She is one of Zinar's father's two wives. Although Zinar didn't come from her body, she and Zinar have an extremely close relationship. With Hussein's mother translating into Kurdish, I told Zinar's mom that I think she's amazing for her commitment in caring for Zinar throughout this whole adventure.

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Sunday
July 1, 2007 
Calling Zinar Up To Bat
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Surprise surprise, Zinar gets to fill another kid's slot for surgery tomorrow! (The other child came down with a fever, thus temporarily forfeiting his surgery.) While we were picking up Sidra to take her to Jerusalem, we found Zinar and his mom, looking at the artwork in the children's ward where he'll spend the night before his operation. This is a wonderful blessing. Um Zinar was waiting and waiting--an answered prayer no doubt.

Praise God for expediting his surgery! Usually the children's surgeries last around five hours, so pray for peace for his mom during this nerve-wracking time. Also, join us in asking that God would guide the hands of the surgeons.

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Thursday, June 28, 2007
Sweet Dreams, Sweet Friendship
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Still waiting for his heart surgery, Zinar sleeps through the heat of the day at the Save A Child's Heart house in Holon, Israel. His mother was found, as is often the case, with the mother of Sidra. They have become close in times of trials. Their bond may be interrupted, as their kids are in different stages of their heart repairs. Though we cannot communicate well, it was very clear from her gestures that Um Zinar ("mother of Zinar") is well aware of the difference of timing. As she points to Sidra and her mom and waves goodbye, she then points to herself and points her finger down to the ground with emphasis as if driving in a stake. This has got to be discouraging, but we know God is faithful to provide other supportive moms as she waits for her son’s surgery, should Sidra and her mom leave next week.

The Great Physician is aware of all of his children’s needs and we thank him for looking down upon Zinar. We know he is well-acquainted with this sweet little one's ways!

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Sunday, June 24, 2007
A Fan for Zinar
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When we visited the SACH House today, Um Zinar asked for Simantov to put the new box-fan at the window to draw fresh air into the room. Zinar was already all wet with perspiration, so he had to sit a little distance away from the fan, which he seemed to look at with longing, to be cooled down!
 
There is still no news of Zinar being lined up for his operation in the near future, and Um Zinar is anxious for procedures to be speeded up soon, especially since Sidra and her mum will be ready to go home to Iraq. Um Zinar expressed some of her concerns to Simantov in her native Kurdish, as if he could understand. All we could do in response was to smile and gave her encouraging nods.
 
Then Simantov provided some unintended entertainment when he sat down and hit his head against the railings of the double-decker bed, and this sent Sidra squealing with glee... and laughter filled the room. On this cheery note, we took leave to visit Hussein and Arkan at the Wolfson Hospital.

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Sunday
June 17, 2007
Wisdom for Doctors
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We visited the Save A Child's Heart house and found Zinar in Mom's arms, happy as could be. Mom, on the other hand, is hoping for some movement in the direction of beginning the needed treatment. There was no information available as to when that might take place, and we would appreciate your prayers that the doctors would have wisdom in their decisions.


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Thursday
June 7, 2007
Tearing Down Walls
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Such an active and alert little Zinar I saw tonight as I visited him and his mother at the Save A Child's Heart (SACH) home located only minutes from Wolfson Medical Center, where Zinar will sometime in the upcoming weeks have open-heart surgery. To see his activity level tonight makes me wonder, "Who will be able to keep up with him once his heart is functioning properly?" 

Um Zinar's quietness and appearance made it plain to see that this mother had had a busy and tiring day. The time of waiting is quite a strain on these mothers. The multi-cultural, multi-language communal co-habitation is quite new to most of these moms. The familiar settings of their homes seemingly now only a fleeting image, they remain as strangers in an unfamiliar land, separated from their familiar home and family as well as their customs and traditions.
 
These Muslim mothers are aware that there are those they quite possibly will never meet that are praying on their behalf. The love of God shown through those obedient to pray is tearing down walls and building bridges to reach these precious ones. Thank you for your faithfulness to do so and please do continue. It is making a difference! 

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Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Strength of Zinar
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Arriving at the SACH house today, I found Um Zinar alone with her son.  The other two Iraqi families were at the hospital since Sidra was undergoing surgery.  Um Zinar’s eyes became moist as she mourned being alone without her companions. These Iraqis need each other so much during this critical juncture of their lives. Zinar himself was quite uplifted as he playfully reached out for my hand. I believe children are blessed with tremendous fearlessness. I could see Um Zinar actually draw some strength from the satisfaction of her son. Let us pray the Son gives them the strength they need.


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Wednesday
May 30, 2007
Laughing and Waving
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Zinar looked very good today.  Last week when I visited he still looked very weak, but he has been on some medication and he is already looking better. He was laughing a bit today and waving to us. This took a lot of his energy, but he was so enjoying himself!




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Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Zinar is Smiling Again
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After 15 days of waiting in Israel, Zinar, Arkan, and Sidra are still waiting.  The mothers are sharing a room together at the Save A Child's Heart house, while sharing a kitchen and living room with other women from around the world.  It isn't easy for them to be in one small bedroom with three bunk beds, but they seem to be dealing well with the stress of not having their own place.  What they want to know most is when will their children head for surgery. 

Zinar is a beautiful baby.  He looks a lot like his mother, especially when they both smile.  Zinar's mom is quiet and seems to like to observe us all, though she gets a kick out of Sidra's antics.  Zinar is a happy baby, but he looks very small for his age, skinny.  Um Arkan told us that he doesn't eat well and that when he was in Iraq he used to spend the night in the hospital at least once a week.  He is getting vitamins and the doctors are keeping a close eye on him.  Autumn, a new Shevet staff member, living most of the time in Gaza, held him for a while and really got him laughing.  We all had a great time visiting and we only wish we could have had more time. 


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Thursday
May 17, 2007
Zinar Hospitalized for Fever
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Zinar was brought to Wolfson Medical Center from his pre-op home at the Save A Child's Heart children's house, because he was running a fever. The nurses are monitoring him as to how he is responding to the administered medications. He was quiet, except when the nurses came... or when he was hungry.

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Monday
May 14, 2007
Zinar Survives PPT Test
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Yesterday Zinar was transported to Wolfson Medical Center to take PPT (blood) tests. This was quite obviously not to his liking (nor would it have been mine!). However, this procedure is very necessary for a more precise evaluation by the doctors. Thankfully, it was short in duration and soon he was back to his sweet little self.

 

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