Rasan 's Heart Surgery

 

It was a great joy to go visit Rasan and his family at their home the day after he and his mother returned to Iraq. After staying with us in Israel for about 10 months, we were all like a family to one another, and Rasan's mother told me many times how hard it would be to leave us because she loves us so much. We cherish these friendships too, and visiting the family in Iraq gave us a broader foundation as well as another level of relationship which includes extended family. Rasan is pictured above with his uncle, and below with his grandmother and mother.

That day as we met Rasan's family and were lavished with thanks from grateful hearts, we had opportunity to discuss with attentive listeners how the love of God has made our paths cross.

When we arrived, Rasan's grandmother and aunt were there to greet us, along with Rasan's big brother, San. We also met other sisters and brothers-in-law. Four-year-old San seemed to be indifferent to us guests for the most part, understandably wanting his mother's attention foremost. He was lovable towards Rasan while in the room with us, but the family shared that he is jealous - understandably so - for his mother's attention, and somewhat angry with her for being gone so long. He was quite delighted however that his mom brought him something special he'd asked for--roller blades--and he focused on skating through the house much of our visit.

While Rasan's mother was with us in Jerusalem, she promised a huge meal for us if we were able to visit, and was disappointed that she could not cook such a meal while we were there on this trip. For our part we did not expect such a meal, and were satisfied with the delicious snacks we were offered while seeing our dear friend at home, and meeting her family. We kept this visit relatively brief so the family could see their newly-returned loved ones, and so Rasan's mother could get back on a routine at home. (Click below to watch a video clip of Rasan waving goodbye.)

Even as we left, more visitors were arriving to join in welcoming them back.

I spoke with Rasan's mother again before I left Sulaymania, and found that Rasan had pulled out his feeding peg, and it had been re-inserted at home. The situation left his mother feeling uncomfortable about whether everything was okay, so we arranged for her to see a doctor to follow up for Rasan. Since returning to Israel, we've spoken again several times. We will be sending more of Rasan's special formula over with our Iraq liason when he visits, and have discussed what is needed.

Just last night in a phone call Rasan's mom informed us that Rasan has had a fever, and she wondered if they caught the flu on their way home. There is also the possibility that finally having his first tooth emerge has caused some of the symptoms though, so we're hopeful this is the case. At this time Rasan is still not eating by mouth, and Um Rasan is feeling frustrated by how slowly the process is going for him to learn to eat solid food.

Please keep Rasan and the rest of the family in your prayers. Rasan's father had to be away from home while we were there, somewhat delaying the adjustment period to normal for all of them. For now it is a more than full-time job for Rasan's mother to care for Rasan and his big brother, but she sounded like she was not too discouraged. God has provided so much for them already, and He knows how to answer all of our prayers for their needs. It is our desire that He will answer them all in a glorious way.