Wednesday
March 17, 2010
The Path to Hope
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Sunday
January 31, 2010
Ahmed Standing By for Surgery
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On Sunday all available Shevet family gathered around Ahmed and his mother as we prepared to leave for the Wolfson Medical Center. The plan was to admit Ahmed and take him to surgery the following morning to repair a leaky heart valve.  Upon our arrival we learned the surgery schedule had to be altered due to the surgeon's unexpected illness.  Dr. Tamir sent for Ahmed to do another echo and determined we should keep him on the same medication until the surgeon Dr. Sasson recovers and the schedule recovers as well. 
At this time we are on "stand by" just waiting for the next phone call that may say, "Come NOW."  Please continue to pray for Ahmed's complete recovery and God's grace for the surgeon's expert hands.

Yesterday and today the doctors and surgeons have been examining Ahmed, discussing the possibilities and deciding what would be the best thing for this little boy's heart. Today they us that he was able to come home to Jerusalem tonight, but that Sunday morning he would be admitted again, and Monday morning he would have his second surgery.
 
It's been a long few days in the hospital for Ahmed and his mother, not knowing exactly what was in store and anxiously waiting for a decision to be made. Ahmed's mother has been especially fearful, putting on strength for her son but really just trembling inside. When the doctor came in to tell us they had decided on surgery, one of the others just held Ahmed's mother as she wept and wept, realizing the seriousness once again of her son's condition.
 
Ahmed himself has been such a brave little boy. Not only is he smiling after all this, but his eyes are just shining with love and he's fighting to keep everyone else smiling as well. Let's pray for this precious boy and his mother, that God would reveal his love to them in amazing ways these next few days- that they would be drawn closer to one another in love, and that together they would see and know the goodness of the Lord in their lives and in their hearts. Pray also that God's wisdom and grace would rest on the doctors and surgeons this coming week, and that Ahmed's weak heart would be completely restored with the strength and life that only God can give.

As we arrived at the nurses' station in the ward today, I heard a playful little voice call my name.  Although Ahmed was still rather swollen, his bright eyes and mischievous smile just beamed from the hospital bed.  Ahmed and his best friend Mohammed were playing together and struggling over the same toy. 
But all in all they shared the events of the day much better than we expected.  Both mothers waited their turn with Dr. Tamir and his face looked saddened as he told Ahmed's mother that her son's surgery had not produced the results they had hoped for.  One of the valves is not operating properly, and until Dr. Tamir has an opportunity to meet with the surgeon he could not say whether or not it is repairable at this point.  An artificial valve that small is an issue, and even if they had one the right size it would require a lot of medication over a very long period of time.  It will take some thought to determine if an artificial valve is even an option and what the next course of action will be.  For tonight, Ahmed remains in the hospital under close supervision wondering why his mommy keeps crying.  This is one of those moments that you become so keenly aware that only God holds the power of life and death in His hand and the doctors are only His instruments.  Please pray for Ahmed, that the Great Physcian and Healer will make a personal bedside call for Ahmed to reveal His healing power and love for them.

Ahmed developed a rapid heartbeat and swelling of his face over the last 24 hours, and tonight we rushed him back to the hospital for evaluation. Please pray for him, his mother, and the completion of God's good work in their lives.

Ahmed was such a good sport today! Though there was lots of waiting around the hospital, and he was no doubt weary of it all, he proved to have exceptional patience throughout the length of the day. He showed a sweet kindness to the doctors during the echo this morning, and while waiting throughout the rest of the day he often would smile at another little child, share a toy, a snack, or simply enjoy their company. He's really quite a social little boy, and as you can see in this video he's got great rhythm, too!
The doctors who were in the echo room with him this morning are such an encouragement to this boy and his mom, obviously so full of love for their patients. Please pray God will really bless them for their kindess and devotion; they do so much for these little Iraqi children.
The results from the echo today showed that Ahmed does indeed have a leaking valve in his heart, which is something they will want to keep an eye on. However, the doctors are still very hopeful, and say that after two more echos he should be on his way home.

Ahmed and his mom are now back in Jerusalem with us and rather weary from their stay at the hospital. Please pray God will bless them with good rest and and good health, and that any complications having to do with the fluid in his heart would be resolved quickly and simply. I thank God so much for bringing this precious boy to us. Let's continue to pray that he and his mother would truly come to know the love God has for them and the peace found in Him.

Since being released from the hospital several days ago, Ahmed's been doing so well! Every time he smiles at me my heart melts all over again, he's got such a loving spirit. Whether we're dancing together, reading a book, singing, or even just saying goodnight, his joy and enthusiasm for life is so beautiful to watch.
 
Today during his echo the doctor found he has some fluid around his heart, so they've admitted him into the hospital for the night to put him on a new medicine and to observe him for a little while. He didn't mind the thought of the hospital so much, but once he saw them pulling out the needles for bloodwork he began to get a bit nervous! Before the nurse even began drawing blood Ahmed was screaming, and it broke my heart (and I'm sure his mother's as well) to see him so afraid. As I sat beside him, stroking his head, I felt his hair was simply drenched with the hot tears that just kept coming and coming. Yet even though he was so afraid, Ahmed didn't hold it against the nurse (who had been so kind and gentle) and even gave her a high-five and a weak smile before she left. He may be fearful, but his little heart is so full of compassion.
Pray with me that God would truly bless Ahmed with peace as his heart continues to get well, and that He would continue to reveal his goodness to this precious boy.

Monday, January 4, 2010
Silly Ahmed is Back
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Ahmed is recovering beautifully since his surgery on Thursday. He's alert and smiling, and as you can see our little friend hasn't lost any of his fun sense of humor! It's hard to get a "normal" smile for the camera, but his mischievous faces make everyone around smile enough to make up for it. His mother is tired but extremely grateful to see her son doing so well.
 
Some days waiting in the hospital can be a bit dull, but Ahmed is quite creative, and even when things were slow this morning our short-term coworker Madelyn found he was keeping himself amused: But best of all in this video is the glimpse you get of those precious eyes- a bit shy at first, but deep inside so loving and happy!

Let's give thanks for how God has blessed this little boy, and pray that God would continue to give him new strength and health each morning. And that through the love of all those caring and praying for him, he would truly understand how much he is loved by God...and that he would never forget. Pray that he will always be able to laugh and smile, knowing with full confidence and joy that Jesus is holding him closely, holding him with hands that never let go.

Thursday, December 31, 2009
Into Surgery with Ahmed
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Wednesday December 30, 2009
Brave Ahmed Hospitalized for Surgery
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Last night we received word from Wolfson Hospital that our funny little Ahmed has finally been invited for surgery.  We arrived about 11 AM today and the admission procedures began.  While Ahmed's room was being prepared, he got to play with his best buddy Mohammed, who is recovering from his own surgery.  Ahmed has been asking about him continually since his surgery, wanting to know when he was coming home. 
Between the blood pressure, new echocardiogram, temperature and bloodwork that was done, seeing Mohammed was the highlight of his day.  The surgery will either be done tomorrow or Sunday after many calculations are completed by the surgical team. Please keep this brave little boy in your prayers for a successful and complete repair of his heart.

Friday, December 4, 2009
Emergency Echo for Ahmed
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When I arrived at Wolfson today to check on the children, I saw Ahmed and his mother briskly walking into the emergency room with Hamza following close behind. Since Hamza had been re-admitted for a few more days before being released to return to his family, he has taken over the role of interpreter and ambassador for Shevet Achim whenever we are not there.

Ahmed was unsure of what was going to be done to his body during his visit to the emergency room. Once he understood it was going to be another echocardiogram, he appeared to be at peace.
Ahmed's main concern seems to be the sight of needles and blood, especially with his own body, as many adults can identify with that issue! The report from the echo was "very good" according to Dr. Alona, and Ahmed was dismissed to return to Jerusalem.
On the way out the photographer for Save A Child's Heart gave Ahmed a picture of Hamza. When we were riding back to Jerusalem, I saw Ahmed in his car seat lovingly looking at the picture of Hamza before he fell asleep. We continually pray that the precious new relationships formed here at Shevet Achim will reflect a breakthrough in the hearts of these families for a precious relationship with their Savior, for He is theirs as well as ours.

Today Robin and I left early for Wolfson Hospital with Ahmed and his mother for the heart catheterization that was postponed last week.    Remembering the difficulty the staff had last week with Ahmed's small veins, Robin and I prayed that a good vein could be found on the first try.  Ahmed was very fearful that it was going to be another painful experience.  The fear and tension was written all over his face and actions.  Even Robin's new game "let's count the ways a rubber glove can make you laugh" was not much distraction for Ahmed. 

The doctors and staff worked with a bright light in a dark room to look for suitable veins in Ahmed's hand, but none were large enough. (We've muted the screams and cries on the video below out of consideration for your ears!)
Once the port was inserted into his arm, Ahmed was better able to be distracted by a one-armed bowling game on an iPod. 
The cardiologist Dr. Tamir waited while we called one of our volunteers to translate for Ahmed's mother.  He wanted her to fully understand the procedure and just how serious Ahmed's condition is.  Once the translation was finished and the medication had Ahmed sleeping soundly, we had almost a three-hour wait while the doctors worked.

Once the procedure was completed and Ahmed was wheeled out, Dr. Tamir once again asked us to call our translator to give Mom the good news. 
During the procedure they were able to expand the aortic value and reduce the pressure in the pulmonary artery to allow better use of oxygen for Ahmed.  A little boy once almost given up as inoperable now has a better chance than ever for one surgery to make a world of difference in his life.  God truly shows us His great concern and love for us and these children every day.

Ahmed will remain at Shevet Achim while his body gets used to the adjustments that have been made.  Then it will be time for surgery.  Right now, we will continue to pray, comfort and love each other.  Jesus was a man of compassion, and as we reflect that compassion to our Iraqi guests, they are learning to have compassion on one another.  Even twelve-year-old Hamza (another patient from Iraq) was there at Ahmed's bedside today to comfort him. 
May we continue to set the example we hope to see in others.  Please continue to pray for Ahmed and his mother, that total restoration will be accomplished by the grace and mercy of God.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009
After Many Tears Ahmed Found Peace
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Ahmed was admitted to the hospital for his catheterization this morning. The brave little boy of the 3 hour and 45 minute echo does not have the same tolerance for needles. The nurse attempted to insert a port four times into Ahmed's little vein unsuccessfully, so the staff allowed his mother to take him back to his room to calm down for a while.
Later they sent for him, and after many tears the insertion of the port was successful. I was privileged to witness some very tender private times between a mother and a son as Ahmed began to relax in his mother's care. Please continue to pray for this little one. His surgical need was rated between needing immediate intervention and being inoperable. We have seen many miracles happen with the children God has brought here, and these doctors are very committed to saving children's lives. They can only succeed in what they do by the help of God. He is the One who holds the power of life and death in His hands.

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Ahmed's Extended Echo Leads to Ice Cream
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While Ahmed waited for his first echo this morning, we played silly games, made faces and giggled at each other for quite some time. Slightly before lunch, the doctor gave Ahmed a sedative because children need to lie perfectly still during the echo procedure. Ahmed’s mother refused the sedative letting the doctor know, “He can do it!”  So, four and a half year old Ahmed laid perfectly still for 45 minutes, with only a few funny faces and some hand holding. After the first doctor finished with the echo, Dr. Alona came in and said she had to check on another patient in the ward, so she told us to get something to eat and come back later to talk. We went to the Canyon (Hebrew word for shopping mall) and introduced Ahmed to his first McDonald’s happy meal and ice cream cone. What a delight to watch this new experience. You can watch by clicking on the play arrow below:

Ahmed is such a fun little boy, so full of life and joy and more cooperative than many adults. When we returned to speak with Dr. Alona, we found a team of three (at one point, four) doctors there to continue the echo for another three hours. Ahmed fell asleep during most of it. The extensive amount of time the echo took was due to the thorough care and concern for this child.  The only news we received before we left was they would plan to schedule Ahmed’s catheterization for Wednesday, if no emergencies interrupted the schedule.  Please continue to pray for Ahmed, that God will use these dedicated doctors to restore the quality of life He fully intended Ahmed to enjoy.