Mustafa's Heart Surgery

Friday, May 2, 2008
Dismissed To Go Home
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Yesterday was a day for celebration - Mustafa had his final echo and was found to be in excellent condition, and ready to go home at last! Praise God! As Dr. Alona performed this final check-up, she and the other doctors marvelled at the beautiful echo pictures they see of Mustafa's heart after the healing of his third and final surgery. And what a joy it is to see him! The little boy we met seven months ago who was blue, had a hard time breathing, not very much energy, and often felt badly is just not the same child. Each time I see him I am in awe of the new life in him, and the joy he has in everything he does. His mother is also a different woman, with a beautiful glow and peace about her that also tells part of

the story of this journey she and Mustafa have made together. Her first comment when told how well he is doing and can go home now, was "I thank my God for this," to which I agreed wholeheartedly! They then took off together to get the dismissal report with Mustafa asking to carry the large book representing his medical record for this last time.

As the day progressed while we waited for the newest Iraqi patients to complete their pre-admission tests, Mustafa and his mother had a chance to say goodbye to the staff whom they have come to love, and who've come to love them during their six-month stay. For Mustafa's mom, it was a chance to thank them for everything they have done for her son and for her. It was quite touching for me to hear the surgeon himself tell her how thankful they are that such a difficult heart problem requiring such a difficult surgery, and the hurdles along the way through all three surgeries, have had such beautiful and perfect results.

As they go, we're preparing for them a collection of many pictures to take home to help them remember these friends and care-givers. Even in the midst of the joy

about leaving there is also a sadness about saying goodbye to those with whom they've had such unique and special relationships. Those of us with Shevet Achim certainly feel this way in the midst of our thankfulness and joy that they can go home at last. We have been blessed to know them as friends, and thank God with them for all He has done in their lives.

In the coming days we will leave for Jordan where Mustafa and his mother will fly home to their waiting family. Having had the chance to meet them in Iraq, I can picture them vividly and the anticipation they must have as these final days tick by. Please pray now for a little more patience until that long-awaited reunion becomes a reality.

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Monday, April 21, 2008
Sending Love Back
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Mustafa is clearly on the mend and lights up the faces of all who meet with both him and his mother. Mustafa's mother continues to be a great blessing to the other mothers in the hospital, in spite of the nearly six months she has been away from her husband and two daughters due to Mustafa’s surgeries.

Mustafa's mom so appreciated the prayers and pictures from the children in America and they received the letters with great joy, sending love and thanks back to the children.

Continue to pray for both Mustafa and his mother, that their patience and joy would be an example to the other mothers at the hospital and the children's house.

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Monday, April 14, 2008
Up and Walking Around
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Mustafa was moved from the intermediate ICU Sunday and is up and walking around. Praise God for a smooth surgery and a quick recovery.

His mother, however, now faces her own health problems. At first the doctors diagnosed her with gallstones, but an ultrasound today revealed that this isn’t the case. Please pray for her healing so that she can fully enjoy her son’s complete health.

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Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Still Intubated, with External Pacemaker
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Yesterday my friend and I got to visit Mustafa and his mother at the hospital. Mustafa's mom was feeling very concerned because, although Mustafa's surgery was successful, his oxygen level had started to drop that morning. I asked one of the doctors why this was happening, and he told me that they really didn't know why. His best guess was that Mustafa was experiencing "excitement" in response to the surgery.

After a few minutes, the doctors started looking pretty concerned and brought in both an echo and x-ray machine. They asked all of us to leave, so for a few minutes we sat outside waiting to go back in and hear what the consensus was.

During this space of time, Mustafa's mother, my friend and I all went to see Nahro being prepared for his catheterization that would take place the next day. I was impressed to see that in the midst of Mustafa's mother's own struggle and fear over her son, she was still available emotionally to help the other mothers, and to care for the difficulties she saw them experiencing.

A little while later we found Mustafa sedated and reconnected to his tubes ("intubated"). Usually as a patient recovers he is taken off of the tubes ("extubated") and given space to start breathing on his own. Mustafa's response to this was poor enough that they decided to put him back on the tubes for a little while to let his body gain strength.

Please be praying for strength in Mustafa's body as he pulls through this, and also for Mustafa's mother as she struggles with her own fear and weariness.

Simantov wrote about today's visit: Mustafa remains in ICU as his mother stood by in a demonstration of joy and faith I rarely get to see. She allowed us to pray for Mustafa, who is still on a respirator and an exterior pacemaker. Even though Mustafa is taking a bit of time to get stabilised, he is doing well. Tomorrow doctors will see if things have improved and may attempt to take him off the respirator.

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Sunday, April 6, 2008
Smooth and Successful Surgery
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I had a lot of time to sit and talk with Mustafa’s mother today during his surgery. She told me that she found out about Mustafa’s heart condition one month after he was born. At two months old Mustafa underwent a catheterization in Baghdad. If this first operation wouldn’t have taken place he would have only lived a few more months. Following this operation in Baghdad, the doctors told Mustafa’s mother that he still had a very serious condition. Without intervention he would only have a life expectancy of about 18 to 20 years at best.

At this point Mustafa’s family used all of their resources in order to find some help for him. They wrote letters to many organizations around the world. Often it would take up to a year to hear back from some of them and the answer was always that for this or that reason they were unable to help Mustafa. She also said that there were a few countries around Iraq with the ability to help Mustafa, but all wanted an astronomical fee that her family didn’t have the money to pay. Finally, after four years of continuous searching, she was pulled aside by a doctor who told her about a “secret” organization in Israel. That was seven months ago. Only a few weeks after hearing about this “secret” organization, Mustafa’s mother found herself and her son in Israel preparing for the first of what would be three operations. Today Mustafa had his final operation.

Immediately after the operation was complete, one of the doctors came out with a big smile on his face and informed us that everything had gone really well. Mustafa’s mother and I sat outside of the ICU waiting for Mustafa to be brought up. Finally we saw him coming down the hall. He quickly passed us and as he did the worry on his mother’s face quickly diminished. She turned to us and said, “His lips! They are pink!” After we went into the ICU we discovered that not only were his lips pink, but his fingers and toes as well. (Before the operation they were blue.)

Another thing she quickly noticed was his oxygen level. Before any of his surgeries his oxygen level was around 60%. Following his second surgery it was around 70%, but today his heart was completely healed. His oxygen level (shown below in turquoise) was fluctuating between 98-100%.

Initially the doctors told us that Mustafa would be attached to an artificial heart that would assist his heart until it was strong enough to pump blood to the body on its own, but by the time he arrived to the ICU there was no need for this.

Praise God for a smooth and successful operation thus far. Please continue to pray that Mustafa would remain stable throughout the night and continue in his recovery.

Staff member Hank, along with his family and guests, brought a birthday celebration to the hospital for Mustafa's mother:

Little did Mustafa know that while he was sleeping in the ICU his mother's birthday had come and gone, but not without a little birthday celebration. We tried to prepare a meal that his mom would enjoy--vegetables in sauce over rice--and then we made our way to the hospital.

The dinner and the cake were a hit but the small gift, a picture frame with a picture of her and Mustafa by the Dead Sea, was better than the icing on the cake.

Barb Yeakel, one of our guests, said that "just to be able to fellowship with people of other nations in a land of such uncertainty has blessed me beyond what I could have imagined."

As the night came to a close, Mustafa's mother asked if we could make a small cake for her son when he is out of the ICU. Our trust is in God for a quick and total recovery.

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Monday, March 10, 2008
Waiting for Second Surgery
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Mustafa is still holding out at the Shevet house in Jerusalem, awaiting his next surgery. From what I am seeing firsthand, I think his mom sure could use a break sometimes! But Mustafa is very, very attached and often refuses to let anyone really close besides his mother.

Last week we went on a walk down to the Old City. The return trip (especially with the kids) is very laborious and steep. Mustafa's mother laughed as she recalled the first and second times she made the same trip. On both occassions, upon completing the hill, she anounced that it was "the first and the last time" she would be making the trip. This time she admitted that it probably wouldn't be her last.

Mustafa's mother proved to be very kind and helpful this last week when another Iraqi named Karim was in surgery. Karim is our only patient at Tel HaShomer Hospital, which is about 10 minutes from the Wolfson Medical Center, where most of our patients are treated. Since Karim and his mother are all alone there and speak only Kurdish, it has been a very intimidating experience for them. Thankfully, Mustafa's mother was willing to accompany Keleigh to the hospital and translate from English to Kurdish for the entire day! I know that she was able to minister more comfort to Karim's mother than probably any of us could have, simply because of her multilingual skills. This was also a sacrifice for Mustafa's mother, because she chose to stay all day as a comfort to this mother, rather than accompany Juliana, Sarah and their mothers to the beach. She also had Mustafa with her the whole day. I think it is so neat to see the way these mothers have been so helpful to one another in adjusting, in comfort, in sacrifice, and in friendship.

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Tuesday, February 19, 2008
His Dream Come True
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What does it take to bring joy and happiness to three Iraqi women and their children when they've endured so much already? These families have been away from their husbands and other children, left their country for indefinite lengths of time, and watched their children undergo difficult surgeries. So it was my family's desire to pamper the mothers of Mustafa, Hussein, and Tara.

When a simple request to visit the Dead Sea was made, I welcomed the opportunity to spend some quality time doing what we love best: fun, food, and fellowship. Summing up what Jesus said to Mary and Martha: the worries, the

preparation and work surrounding Him will always be there, but Mary chose what is better, to sit at His feet and listen to Him, and He said, "That will not be taken from her." We at Shevet are compelled to do many things: administration, logistics, coordination, and all the things that go on within a well-tuned ministry. It would be easy, like Martha, to be consumed with the things pertaining to Jesus and His kingdom, but we want to be intentional about our first love, which is to make disciples of all nations. We do this at Shevet much of the time, through friendship evangelism but also recognize the need to share the Gospel in many different ways, like taking the time to build relationships and fulfilling the simple desires of the mothers and children. In turn, as we go through the day, we watch the "walls" come down, and many spiritual questions being asked.

So with eager expectation, Mustafa, Hussein, Tara, and their mothers got ready at 1:00pm yesterday for me to pick them up to begin their afternoon of fun. The women enjoyed the sights en route to the Dead Sea, but faces broke out in pure joy when glimpsing the sea for the first time. Mustafa excitedly shared with his mother, "My dream came true. This is the sea in my dream!" As we made our way down to the water's edge, basking in the beauty of it all, and sharing in some laughter, we soon found ourselves in ankle-deep water, with our shoes still on!

The women and boys did many things in our short time there: took some pictures on cell phones, tasted the water (yuck!), threw some rocks, collected some "treasure" (Mustafa's mother's term for sand, rock and salt). But one thing we did not do was go swimming, as Tara's mother kept saying she wanted to do.

Dusk quickly settled in and dinnertime was approaching, so after a long walk back up the hill, we piled in the van and headed for home.

Just a side note: as we were going through the checkpoint, ironically I was the only one to have my passport checked, which the women thought very funny!

On our trip back to Jerusalem, all three children quickly fell asleep and Mustafa's mother and I began to talk about many spritual things. She was quick to inform me that Mustafa, on seeing the Dead Sea said, "This is the sea that was in my dream" and kept insisting to her that it was indeed one and the same sea. She said I was instrumental in making that dream come true, and "her Lord" would keep me safe at all times, in the work we are doing. I was able to share my testimony with Mustafa's mother as she listened intently and asked questions. She brought up Satan or "the devil" and said that he is responsible for all the killing in the world--that he works in getting people to kill others. She also asked how I personally felt about Muslims. To say the least, it was the Holy Spirit working at His best, pointing to Christ every step of the way and drawing all men to Him.

While we were out sightseeing, my wife Michele was preparing "a feast" at the request of Tara's mother, and was waiting for our return. Upon entering our home, all the children quickly found a spot on the carpet and played with puzzles together, while the mothers enjoyed paging through "American" magazines until dinner was served.

The fellowship was sweet, but all too soon, it was time to end the day and return them to the Shevet house, as the children were becoming tired. But a good day cannot end without some group pictures to savor the moments.

We were richly blessed by and thankful for this opportunity to show Christ's love. Our prayer is that we can say, like Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:14, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him."

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Sunday, February 10, 2008
New Shoes, New Toys
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During the last visit to the children's house in Azur this past Wednesday, we learned that Mustafa's mother needed new shoes. Her old ones were worn out. Stopping at Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv today, we found some leather sandals to bless the moms.

They were delighted and said it was beautiful to have such a special gift. Usually, there is such a focus on the child that the mother forgets to tend to her own needs, resulting in being distracted during this time of medical crisis. The moms said they are not used to thinking about themselves, or someone asking, "What do you need?" This small gesture spoke volumes of the compassion and at

tention of those serving and caring about their needs.

For several months now, women from a local church have volunteered to come along on visits to the families both at Wolfson Hospital and at the house where the families reside while waiting, before and after surgery. Today was a special day for all. New toys donated to the church from an organization in the states were taken by taxi to the moms and kids along with new shoes and lots of hugs.

We are very happy to have taken part in making these Iraqi families' lives a little brighter. You can see the delight in their faces.

We thank everyone who has had their heart touched for this work, and responded by giving freely of their abundance.

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Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Recovering from Catheterization with Generosity
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On entering the children's ward today to spend time visiting "our kids", Hank and I noticed that most beds were empty. So we inquired about Mustafa with Nava, the head nurse and she told us that he was still upstairs recovering from the heart catherization. About 10 minutes later, he was wheeled into his room, but still pretty groggy from the anesthesia. I was surprised to hear that this procedure lasted about three hours, which the nurse said is normal. After getting him hooked up to various monitors, his oxygen level remained at 76%, so he was given oxygen.

Dr. Alona came in to let Mustafa's mom know that the procedure was a success; his pressure within his heart is very good and he will be ready for another surgery in one month to switch the crossed arteries to his heart. Dr. Alona went on to say that though this next operation is a complicated procedure and not an easy one to recuperate from, in the long run, it will give him the ability to live a long life. Without the operation, a person's life expectancy usually does not exceed 30 years of age.

I was touched at the generosity of spirit in both Mustafa and his mom. I stood amazed, when this beautiful little boy, just coming out of anesthesia, offered my young son, Levi, one of his treasured toy bikes he just got yesterday while visiting the hospital canyon (mall). He made sure he kept his favorite colored bike - yellow! Knowing that her own son was in discomfort, Diyka Mustafa

unselfishly went to the ICU with Hank to offer her assistance in translating between the charge nurse and Shinyar's mother. As Levi and I stayed with Mustafa, I quietly asked God to bring quick healing to such a tiny body. When his mom returned, he softly asked her if the cath was done, because he didn't feel any pain.

Let's continue to pray for him, as the road to full healing and recovery is a long one for this precious boy. Remember his mom in your prayers as well. Though she seems in good spirits and cheerful, the long hours and days spent in the hospital become very tiring, I am sure!

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Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Her Anxious Wait Is Over
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Mustafa returned to Wolfson Hospital today for a three-hour cardiac catheterization procedure to check from within how his heart is doing. From 11 am until 2 pm this afternoon Mustafa's mom waited anxiously for her son's return from the cath lab. Results were positive with good heart function signalling success after his initial surgery a month ago. Staff doctors making their rounds discussed his pulmonary arteries and we were informed that within 24-36 hours from now he will return to the children's house, to await his second surgery in approximately one month. He tried to drink a little water while we were there and his stomach immediately reacted but the doctors reassured us that he is right on schedule with targeted recovery.

To our great pleasure, upon arrival at the hospital we found Mustafa's mother is in wonderful spirits and socially interacting with the other Arab moms in the rooms surrounding Mustafa. We shared tea together and watched Mustafa smile continuously as he enjoyed his little cars given to him to pass the time before he can be released tomorrow.

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Tuesday, February 5, 2008
First T.L.C., Then Catheterization
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Today Mustafa will undergo another procedure: a heart catheterization. He's already had open-heart surgery, and very possibly will have another operation after the catheterization. Mustafa did not receive the news well. He was not a happy camper. Can you blame him? He told his father on the phone that he just wants to come home!

Mustafa's mother asked if I could spend some time with them, given Mustafa's mental fatigue and emotional sadness. I spent several hours with them and what a joy it was. Mom speaks fluent English and had a lot to say! She told me that she had studied the English language and would like to go back to college, that she has two other daughters back in Iraq, and she gave me blow by blow interpretation of Mustafa's unhappiness. So, before we we

nt to have some lunch in the hospital cafeteria, we stopped by the small mall attached to the hospital. Mustafa had a change of heart when he spotted a specific toy on one of the vendors' tables. Mustafa's mother, being a good mother, seized the opportunity to turn around a struggling child. She pulled out 25 shekels and bought the toy along with his favorite cookies. WOW, what a change $9 can make in the world of a child.

Not only that, but while I watched over Mustafa so his mother and Shinyar's mom could take a little walk after Shinyar's operation, some clown came along and put the icing on the cake. Clowning around Israeli style is what this volunteer does best. The three of us could not communicate verbally, but God's love was being translated in a tangible way. Now Mustafa added a blue dog to his collection of cheer-me-ups.

Mom returned and took Mustafa to his room to settle in. What a difference a little T.L.C. can make in a child's life. Know for sure that your prayers and financial support are having a profound impact in many people's lives, as we partner together in advancing the kingdom of God!

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Sunday, January 13, 2008
Playing "Doctor"
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When we first walked into the room today to visit with Mustafa and his mother, we were sad to find him crying and very unhappy. As she massaged his arms and legs to help him feel better, she explained some of what the trouble was. Firstly, he made friends with Baveel, who would come into his room once in awhile and talk with him. Baveel was very encouraging and would tell Mustafa not to be afraid. But inevitably, Baveel would have to leave to go back to his room. This upset Mustafa; his mother said that he could sense that something was wrong. He was restrained to his bed and tubes, while others came and went freely.

As the day went on, Mustafa's moods did improve! He enjoyed playing with his toys, especially when he had someone else to play with him. The rest of the toys he had paled in comparison, though, when he was handed a giant syringe. Not only was it cool looking, but he also discovered that he could squirt water out of it at bystanders! And finally, last but not least, Mustafa enjoyed playing 'doctor' with the giant syringe, gloves, and a stethoscope. I was his primary patient.

Mustafa's mom continued to treat all of her visitors with a lot of grace, but it was obvious that she was exhausted. She did get to take a break for about an hour at one point; I stayed and hung out with Mustafa. We were both tired so we took a nap.

Please be keeping Mustafa's mother in your prayers; she will really need the Lord's strength, physically and emotionally, during the next few weeks as she deals with her son's second surgery and recovery.

Short-term volunteer Jane adds:

Last week, Mustafa's swelling had reduced and his face was looking really good. He
has had a few breathing problems, but is able to eat small amounts. Mustafa's mother was delighted that he could eat three very small pieces of chicken, but his system rejected the small pieces of apple.

I had a very wonderful conversation with Mustafa's mother about how God uses times of suffering and pain to make us into better people, and how ultimately we have greater compassion and love for others when we have endured pain ourselves. I tried to encourage her that as her boy grows up, this difficult time he has endured will be a jewel in his life. She agreed, and said that she trusts her God that has done many miracles already for Mustafa.

Mustafa's mother has a great servant heart and is a huge encouragement to the other mothers, even though she is exhausted watching over her son in the ICU. She is very pale and hasn't been eating or sleeping well. Please pray for all the mothers that they can get quality rest; most snatch just an hour here and there.

It was such a joy to see Mustafa today in the intermediate ICU. He was sitting up in bed surrounded by toys and trying to eat. For a boy who hasn't really eaten anything in the last 14 days, this was quite a triumph. Mustafa's mother remains positive and thanking God, even though she is exhausted and isn't eating much herself. He was very excited to receive a "Get Well" card from a child in the Israeli town of Arad. He covered it in stickers and played with it for quite some time.

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Thursday, January 10, 2008
Looking Good, Sitting Up In Bed
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I was both thankful and delighted to see Mustafa in the intermediate ICU today when I arrived in the children's ward. He was sitting up in bed, and his mother was sitting with him. Mustafa is still not feeling well though, so he was not in a talkative or playful mood. He looks very good as medication is alleviating the fluid build-up he'd been having. There is still a chest tube in, which is draining his lungs, so he will remain in the ICU at least until this can be removed.

Mustafa's mother is very tired; please pray for her to remain courageous and hopeful. Because Mustafa is prone to whine when not feeling well, she is hearing a lot of whining, besides the realities of how challenging it is to nurse a child after such a major procedure. I think this tends to keep her from fully seeing how far he has come since the surgery 11 days ago. Let us pray that soon Mustafa will be able to leave the ICU and the hospital itself, and return to the Save A Child's Heart house to rest before his next surgery. May the Lord give them peace and patience in the interim.

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Sunday, January 6, 2008
Breathing On His Own, Swelling Down
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On the way to the hospital today I had a call with the news that Mustafa was going to have to get the fluid around his lungs drained. But along with that news I was told he would then be extubated (weaned from mechanical breathing assistance)! This was great to hear, and I was looking forward to seeing him. Last night I could see that the swelling in his face was going down. I was hopeful that today this would be even more noticeable.

When I went into the ICU I could see that he was only on an oxygen mask, and his blood-oxygen level was up to 79%, thank God. The swelling in his facial features went down throughout the day. He was beginning to wake up as well, which was both good to see, but hard to see, for as he woke up, he realized he was in pain. This caused him to cry, which affected his mother deeply. When he saw her, along with our friend Robin who was visiting, and me, he began to try to move around, which made him hurt again. We chose to back up and not talk so he would settle back down again. Soon he was resting more comfortably, but still opening his eyes from time to time, and crying a little.

Diyka Mustafa ("mother of Mustafa") has been told the doctors hope to let Mustafa finish waking up tomorrow. If he does well, he could even move to the intermediate ICU, which will be great news! She was also told that because Mustafa's body will need to heal for several more weeks, his second surgery is not planned until next month. This news was a little unexpected since at first they thought he might be scheduled this week. It was also unsettling because both Robin, who has been a close special friend to Mustafa and his mother, and I will be going to the US in the coming weeks. We all wanted to be together to encourage her through Mustafa's second, more difficult surgery. I am hopeful that God will bring another compassionate heart to sit with her after we leave. I will return after some time with a new grandchild, and although I do not want Mustafa here any longer than needed, I am hopeful they will still be here when I return so I can complete the journey with them when it is time to return to their home in a few months.

Please pray for Mustafa to understand that he must be still as he begins to recover, so he can heal quickly - he does not like to be still. Pray for his special mother as she continues to comfort her son, as well as does translation for the other mothers and medical staff. She is always ready to help, but I have encouraged her to feel the freedom to tell us if she cannot come because Mustafa needs her more at any time. Our prayers will be needed to support them both as they await the next surgery.

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Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Continue to Pray
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It was a heart-wrenching meeting in the hallway this morning when I saw Mustafa's mother on my way to take the charts for our new patients to the echo clinic. When I asked how Mustafa was doing, all of her fears came pouring out along with her sobs. She said she feels she is losing something because he is still asleep three days after surgery, and she knows this cannot be good. I reminded her that the medication is the reason he has not awakened, and it is because his body needs to rest. She is concerned there is or will be neurological damage because of this. I asked her to walk with me towards the clinic so we could sit outside for a few minutes together. And this is just what we did.... we sat a while so she could just share, and I could pray for her. Afterwards I asked if she wanted to walk a little further since I had to get back with the records, and she said she would like to come and visit with the other mothers at the clinic. She not only visited, but was a wonderful help to all of us because of her ability to translate between Kurdish, Arabic and English.

It was not until Dr. Tamir had finished the echoes on Baveel, Hardi and Arya that I was able to slip away to the ICU to see Mustafa. He is puffy right now, so doesn't look quite like himself. As I stood over him I prayed that he would have LIFE by the power of God's touch. I do feel there is an urgency to pray for him and ask you to remain faithful and diligent in your intercession on his behalf. The doctors are thinking right now that Mustafa may have his second, more difficult surgery next week, but I do not know which day. Thank you for continuing to pray, and even increasing your prayer, on behalf of Mustafa, remembering also his mother, and his family back in Iraq.

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Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Your Fervent Prayers Are Needed
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It was good to be able to see Mustafa and his mother today while at the hospital with the new families. He is still stable, but even on oxygen his blood oxygenation reading is only around 65%. He is still sedated, and the nurse said today he may remain that way until next week when his second surgery is expected to be performed. He looked the same today, except for the swelling which usually accompanies this condition after surgery. His sweet mother is doing well even as she deals with fleeting thoughts and fears of possible problems. She told me as we walked from the ICU today that she only knows she has to give her son into God's hands for Him to take care of. She was more rested today, and seemed to enjoy meeting the new mothers and children who have arrived to begin the process she now knows quite well.

I feel it is very important to ask for your fervent prayers for Mustafa to receive God's healing touch. Thank you for keeping him lifted in prayer. His mother also needs extra prayer right now. It is a critical time for her son, and her heart is hopeful, even though his condition is so difficult. She is giving herself as a volunteer translator between the Arabic, Kurdish and English speakers in all areas of the children's care at the hospital and the Save A Child's Heart house.

Thank you for your prayers.

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Monday, December 31, 2007
Brave Little Soldier
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Little Mustafa, who is only four years old, was such a brave little soldier as he was being prepared to have his extremely difficult and important heart surgery this morning. Mustafa's mother and I walked Mustafa all the way into the prep room before they take the children patients into the surgery room, and Mustafa was doing so well. The toys and wonderful pictures that help most of the children take their minds off of what is going on, really helped Mustafa and momma as the nurses prepped him and gave him a shot of anesthesia before taking him to the surgery room. Mustafa's mother did really well also on behalf of her little boy, and both had smiles until he was carried out by one of the friendly nurses.

It was then time for her to reflect on what was about to take place for her little boy. The need for the surgery in order for him to have a healthy life ahead gave her hope. We both prayed and cried a bit, but it encouraged her for the hours that lay ahead. Mustafa was in surgery for slightly over five hours and was taken out of surgery and into ICU at approximately 2:30pm.

Mustafa's oxygen levels were not at the ideal highest, but the doctors knew that he would not be at exactly 100% until he had his final surgery which is planned for within the next couple of weeks.

I called Mustafa's mother around 8:30pm tonight and found that he had stabilized and his oxygen levels had increased, answered prayer! Prayers are still needed for this little soldier, as he is still not out of the woods, but we know God is in charge. I hope you all take the time to think about brave Mustafa and his mother, who have traveled from such a far away place to get the best care possible. My prayers to Mustafa and his mother.

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Sunday, December 30, 2007
Admitted for Long-Awaited Surgery
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This morning I got a tearful call from Mustafa's mother. Her youngest daughter was very sick back in their home in Iraq, and was crying and crying for her mother. Not knowing what else to do, the family at home called so the sound of her mother's voice could provide the comfort needed at such a difficult time. After such a heart-wrenching call, Mustafa's mother called me for some needed comfort. She had spoken to her husband who could not understand why their child was not having his turn for surgery. She felt rather overwhelmed and needed a friend to talk to, and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be her friend and hear her needs. We talked and I prayed for her, asking for God's help since I know He is in control of all things, including the timing of Mustafa's surgery.

Later I called the hospital to check on Dilshad's surgery, and asked about Mustafa's surgery, since we'd heard it would probably be this week. I was told that he would come to the hospital on Monday for the surgery on Tuesday. This was great news, but based on previous experience, I didn't want to call his mother back until we knew for sure there were no emergencies which might bump him from this slot. It was a big surprise this evening while I was at the hospital waiting with Dilshad's mother to get the call saying the Mustafa was on his way to the hospital for surgery tomorrow! I was glad I could be there to greet them as they settled in for the night.

Mustafa was about to go for the first pre-surgery tests when I found them in the ward. His mother was very thankful, even if still somewhat hesitant to believe the surgery would really happen in the morning. Mustafa himself was being brave for the most part, and said to just call him "Rambo" because he was going to be brave like him. I was proud of his behavior this evening as he went through the tests, shedding tears only when the necessary blood test had to be done. He was convinced by Dilshad's mother to eat some dinner, and he enjoyed visiting with little Ahmad in the neighboring bed.

When it was time for me to leave, he even worked up the courage to meet the new "Ronald McDonald" statue which is now located in the "fish room".

Mustafa's surgery is expected to be difficult; his heart will undergo correction of transposition of the great arteries. Pray for this very bright little boy in the morning as he is separated from his mother for the surgery. Please pray for his mother during the long wait while the doctors undertake this operation. Because we have three new patients arriving into Israel tomorrow, I will not be able to be at the hospital tomorrow. Mustafa's mother was very disappointed when I told her this, but I assured her I would pray from wherever I was, and would check on her and Mustafa by phone through the day. Our very dear friend Robin will be able to be there with them in my stead, and I'm thanking God for sending such a friend at this time. Please join us in prayer.

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Thursday, December 27, 2007
A Dinosaur in the House
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I was happy to see Mustafa and his mother waiting at the gate of the Save A Child's Heart house on Monday when I arrived. I had called to tell them I would be coming, because I wanted to be with them to help ease the disappointment of the day since they thought Mustafa's surgery would be that day. But because of a pre-planned power outage to do work at the hospital, Mustafa's surgery had to be postponed. It will be a complicated and lengthy surgery, so there is no way the doctors would take a chance he might still be in the operating room when the power outage occurred.

We had a good visit during lunch and afterwards. Mustafa had been perfecting his mean dinosaur look and movements, and showed them to me several times. He looks pretty friendly in the video you'll see, but he really does know how to make a pretty mean 'tyranosaurus rex' face! (Click the arrow to watch.)

We are hoping along with Mustafa's mother, as well as his father and siblings back home, that Mustafa's surgery will be this coming week. He has had a very long wait, and is getting pretty restless in the waiting period. Both Hedi and Hussein have had their surgeries, and the three of them traveled over to Israel together from Jordan. It is hard for the family to understand why Mustafa's surgery has been delayed so much. "We can trust in God's perfect timing," I tell her, and she acknowledges that this is what she believes. Pray for continued perseverance for this special mother as well as for Mustafa himself. He is a bright little boy, and is ready to get on with life after this surgery gives him a new heart. I pray that everything God had in mind for his life when He created him will come to pass.

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Friday
December 7, 2007
Cough and Fever
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I was surprised to see Mustafa back at the hospital yesterday because he did not have any immediate appointment with the doctors after his CT scan on Wednesday. His mother told me neither she nor Mustafa had slept well the night before as he had been coughing badly.

It was confirmed that Mustafa also had a slight fever. After his prescription medicine was ready, he returned to the Save A Child's Heart house together with Rayan who was at Wolfson in the morning for his speech and physiotherapy sessions.

In the evening, when we visited the families at the Save A Child's Heart house in Azur, Mustafa's fever had subsided and he was excited to receive visitors, running down the stairs and jumping into our open arms!

I had not met with Dr Eyal in the ward since my last conversation with him about Mustafa's strange snack of tissue paper and napkins, so I do not have an update on the possible treatment as yet.

Meanwhile Mustafa's mother has been most helpful in interpreting for me when I needed to explain to Rayan's mother some of the detailed instructions given by Rayan's physiotherapist for her follow-up action. It is such a blessing whenever we have at least one of the Iraqi mothers who can understand English and who is able to relay our messages to the other mothers in Kurdish.

It is indeed a wonderfully divine arrangement how certain Iraqi families end up being paired or grouped with other Iraqi families through no intentional 'arrangement' on our part, as the invitations for the families to come over to Israel depended mostly on the doctor's assessment of each case, the urgency of the child's condition to come over, the official approval of their visas as well as the families' financial ability to fly from Iraq to Amman for the cross-over into Israel.

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Wednesday
December 5, 2007
CT Scan All Clear
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Because Mustafa has been having frequent bouts of headaches, the doctors did a CT scan on him today. When I arrived at the ward after accompanying Rayan for his speech therapy session, I noticed that Mustafa was fussing quite a bit and his mother was rather worried over the results of the CT scan.

But by mid-afternoon, Dr Eyal gave us the good news that the neuro-specialist has confirmed there is nothing unusual in Mustafa's CT scan. So Mustafa had all the little contraptions on his body removed, and he was released to the Save A Child's Heart house till his next medical appointment.

After lunch, the mothers and I took Mustafa and Rayan for a short walk in the garden to take in some Vitamin D, a.k.a. sunshine. Mustafa had collected three apples from the cafeteria during lunch, but his mother told me he often takes just one bite and that is all he would eat. To make eating the apple fun for Mustafa, I turned on the video and asked him to tell me what he was eating, in English and in Kurdish. Click on the arrow to watch how Mustafa enjoys the "language lesson" and of course, his "seeow" (apple).

It may seem like a small thing that Mustafa enjoys eating his apple, but not when we hear that his favourite food is actually tissue paper and paper napkins! His mother even found him biting plaster off the wall at home in Iraq! This sounds worrisome indeed! I recall watching a documentary-drama on Korea's first female physician and how she uncovered the cause of some sick villagers' strange urge to eat soil and sand. She deduced that they could be having worms in their stomachs or intestines, and when she treated them with a de-worming concoction, all their weird eating habits subsided.

I mentioned Mustafa's craving to Dr Eyal and he said there could be two problems. One problem is lead poisoning from the consumption of paint and plaster. The other problem could be the presence of parasites in Mustafa's body. Then I shared with him about what I learnt from the Korean docu-drama and he agreed it is possible, and that he will get Mustafa examined further regarding this matter.

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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A Geography Lesson
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Yesterday, when I visited the Iraqi families staying at the Save A Child's Heart house, Mustafa greeted me like a long-lost friend and was eager to show me the poster which his mother made that was pasted on the door of the room which he is sharing with Hussein and Hedi.

The mothers of Mustafa and Hussein, both of whom I'd not seen for several weeks, were surprised to see me yesterday at Save A Child's Heart because they thought I'd returned home to Singapore. I told them that indeed, I was scheduled to leave on Sunday, 25 November, but have postponed my flight home as Shevet Achim is presently short of manpower especially since more Iraqis (Delir, Dilshad, Diyar and Aras) are expected to come over to Israel tomorrow.

That was when Mustafa's mother asked, "Going to Singapore? Not China?" So I showed them on the wall map where Singapore and China are located in relation to Israel. Then Mustafa pointed out to me where Iraq is, and his mother was so proud of him and told him to show me where Georgia, USA is... "where Donna comes from."

So far, Mustafa has not been scheduled for his operation, which is expected to be a rather complex one. The Wolfson medical team wants to ensure that Mustafa receives close supervision after his operation, and since the doctors were away on a medical mission in Moldova two weeks ago, Mustafa's operation has been held back a bit. Besides, Mustafa needs to have a catheterization done in order for the doctors to work out the best operation procedures.

In the meantime, Mustafa seems none the worse for the delay. He has a hearty appetite and is adapting very well to living at the Save A Child's Heart house, where he happily plays with both the Iraqi and Ethiopian children.

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Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Happy and Cared For
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High-school students from the Anglican International School in Jerusalem joined Shevet Achim for a two-day community service project. Today's assignment included visiting Iraqi and Gazan patients at Wolfson Medical Center and at the Save A Child's Heart children's house; and by day's end, blogging on the children they had become acquainted with. Shevet thanks the AISJ students who freely gave of their time and energy!

I met Mustafa in the SACH home where children come to stay before and after their heart surgery. He is waiting to go into the Wolfson Hospital for his heart operation. I was able to speak to his mother in Arabic as my family lived in Lebanon as missionaries. She spoke to me about Mustafa's heart condition and said how happy she was that she could bring him here and how kind and helpful the staff were to them. After Mustafa has recovered from his surgery he will be going back to Iraq where he lives.

I felt very happy to visit this house where the children looked happy, loved and cared for. This is a good place for them to recover after the hospital surgery.

My prayer is that Mustafa and all the children in this wonderful home will be safe and well.

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Monday, November 5, 2007
Riding Into Israel
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After waiting in Amman for almost a month since the medical screening, yesterday Mustafa finally received his visa to enter Israel. This morning around 5.00am, Donna brought Mustafa, together with Hussein, Hedi and their mothers, from Amman to the King Hussein / Bet Shean border check-point, where Jonathan and I (LC) met them. The three boys were some sort of celebrities, as a camera crew from a TV channel were also present to film them for an upcoming feature.

Mustafa and Hussein have become the best of friends during the past weeks living together in Amman. They came through the arrival gates sharing a seat atop a luggage bag.

They seemed to recognise both Jonathan and me, as they beamed us bright smiles. These boys appear so different from my first encounter with them during the one-day medical screening in Amman. Then, they were bursting out in tears each time I approached them with my camera but now, look at how Mustafa posed for me today! (Click play arrow below).

Upon arrival at Wolfson, Mustafa, Hussein and Hedi were brought into one of the rooms in the children's ward, and the lunch was immediately served. The boy was indeed hungry.

After lunch, the nurse trolleyed into the room the blood pressure equipment and the weighing machine, followed by a 'cabinet' of what Mustafa recognised as "lethal weapons" of anesthetics, needles, syringes and rubber gloves. Then fear overcame the boy and he started bawling even before the medical staff touched him! But the tears stopped the moment each phase of the checks was over,

be it the measuring of his height and weight or the taking of his blood samples. He received a souvenir for his bravery -- a rubber glove blown up into a balloon!

Rayan and his mother were back at Wolfson for his echo appointment, and they dropped by to visit with Mustafa and the other two new Iraqi arrivals. Cheerful Rayan was held up as a smiling testimony of how well a boy can be after going through a life-saving operation, which took place just two weeks ago.

After lunch, Mustafa proceeded to get his x-ray and echocardiograms. Throughout all these procedures, all three boys -- Mustafa, Hussein and Hedi -- were together. Not only did the boys enjoyed each other's company, but it was also a great relief for us that Mustafa's mother knows English and was able to help translate for the other mothers what needed to be communicated.

This evening, Mustafa and Hussein were transferred to the Save A Child's Heart house where they were warmly welcomed by the Iraqis presently staying there -- the mothers of Tara, Rayan, Soz and Karwan. Karwan's mother promptly brought out some home-cooked rice, chicken and french fries for the tired group, who ate their dinner heartily and went to their room soon after for an early night.

Tomorrow, Mustafa and Hussein will return to Wolfson for more detailed medical checks.

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Sunday, November 4, 2007
Visas At Last
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Finally today I got the call from the embassy all of us here have been waiting for: Mustafa's visa was ready and I could come and pick it up!! Praise God!! I called Mustafa's mother immediately to tell her the good news, and once I convinced her it was really true, we shared joyous laughter over the phone. She invited Robin and I to dinner for a celebration for Mustafa, Hedi, and Hussein before we travel tomorrow.

We arrived this evening to a happy household and presented a glowing Diyka ("mother of") Mustafa with her visa. Then we sat together and had a delicious meal of one of my favorite dishes, Tebsi with chicken, prepared for this special day. I was invited to pray before the meal, and it was precious to get to thank God for all He is doing to help these families while looking ahead to all that yet remains of His work among us. The only grey cloud around the gathering was that we all knew this meant that Hedi and his mom would say goodbye to his father in the morning. But we also know that it is only for a short time, and then they will be reunited when Hedi comes home with a new heart.

We talked together of the plans for tomorrow, and enjoyed each others' company for just a little while before saying goodnight. We will all be awake early to leave for the border at 5 AM and continue on to the hospital to have the children examined upon our arrival. Please pray for us to have favor as we travel, and at the border crossings. We are thankful that our friend Jody can drive us to the border so that Hedi's father can ride with us and say goodbye to his family there. Remember the tender hearts of these anxious mothers as they enter Israel and the medical process that awaits them as their children receive the healing needed. Lift up the children, asking for peace in their young lives as they enter a new hospital environment. And remember our partners with Save A Child's Heart who will treat the children, as well as join us in caring for the families during their stay.

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Saturday
November 3, 2007
Hi Sis!
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Thank God, Mustafa's surgery is now fully sponsored. But we continue to wait for the release of Mustafa's visa by the Israeli embassy in Jordan.

Meanwhile, a call to his sisters back home in Iraq served to brighten Mustafa's day!

We're hoping to get his visa and travel to Israel on Sunday or Monday. Please pray for Mustafa, as his heart defect (see October 28 entry below) occasionally causes threatening symptoms.

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Wednesday
October 31, 2007
The Long Wait for a Visa
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After waiting all day Tuesday, the Israeli embassy told me that I'd get a call from them about Mustafa's visa on Wednesday, and not to call them until I heard something. As the hours drug by, I suspected that it would be another day of disappointing news for the families waiting here, and indeed we did not get news the visa was released. When I called to speak with Mustafa's mother, she was deflated, and asked us (me and my new friend Robin, a temporary volunteer) to come on over so we could visit and talk more. We talked together while the children entertained themselves with pages of stickers we brought for them.

Our talk was intense as she asked questions and expressed frustration at why she was the one who was not being approved since all of the families waiting here are from volatile areas of Iraq.... why would a simple woman like her have to wait when all she wanted was to get help for her son? And she unselfishly asked if the other families have to wait to go for surgery because of her lack of a visa. As we talked, I explained the realities of security checks being a formal necessity for all of our patients, and that sometimes, for reasons that were not clear to us, some of these security checks took longer than others. I assured her that she was not being singled out, and that she was not the only one who'd had to wait like this, and as I spoke, she began to weep forth the anguish that was in her heart. While it was an opportunity to offer comfort, it was also a release valve for pent-up emotions about such concerns as how much Mustafa needs the surgery, and having to answer to her husband when he calls about what is happening and when they will leave for Israel. As a mother myself, I know that what is foremost for her are the needs of her child, yet it is important to remember that we are dealing with the governments of two countries who do not have relations with each other, so I reminded her of this. As Mustafa realized that his mother was crying and came to stand close to her, we were all silently processing with our minds, but our hearts had a hard time assimilating it with the reality of an innocent child's life hanging in the balance. However I also know in my heart it is an opportunity to thank God for opening this door of help for Mustafa by these Israeli doctors, and reiterate for all of us His control of the situation.

When she was calm again, she told us she'd written a poem as she waited yesterday, and she read it to us. It was a beautiful expression of what she is experiencing during this time which she calls ''My Test''. She shares about being tested by her God right now as she reflects on having a son with a heart problem, traveling to a new place, living with strangers who also have sick children, meeting us, knowing that we love her and are praying for them all, and learning patience as we have to wait, wait, wait. It was very touching... and perhaps hearing about it gives you a picture of the preciousness of relationships which are formed as we reach out to these dear families with God's lovingkindness.

Especially at times like this, it is a joy for me to be able to tell Mustafa's mother and all the mothers that people from all over the world are praying for them as well as giving the funds which will pay for their childrens' surgeries. Please continue to surround them in prayer. Even as I write this I am waiting to hear from the embassy so I can go get their visa and begin the next phase of the journey to healing for Mustafa....

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