Rasan's Heart Surgery

Sunday, May 17, 2009
Visiting Rasan's Family At Home In Iraq
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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.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Rasan Goes Home
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We said goodbye to Rasan and his mother on Saturday afternoon as they boarded a plane bound for their home in Iraq. They had stayed in Israel for nearly one year for Rasan's many surgeries and physical therapy.

Before they left Israel I took them with Bruska to the Jerusalem Zoo for one last outing. We strolled around enjoying the birds, monkeys, bears, and elephants. Rasan was his typical happy self, occasionally noticing the animals around him but mostly just happy to be alive, smiling and enjoying the attention of anyone making eye contact.

Rasan's mother acquired a great deal of luggage over the course of the year, so getting all of her things over the border, along with Rasan who needs constant supervision, was no easy task.

But we made it across into Jordan eventually and were at the Shevet house in Jordan late in the evening. The next day we took them to the airport and checked them in.

The airline took all of her medical supplies as well as everything else she had with her at no extra charge (a small miracle). We bid them a cheerful goodbye, and enjoyed one last frantic two-handed wave that Rasan has been working on.

Rasan's mother has been a tremendous help to us at Shevet. It is difficult to imagine life here without her. She has helped comfort and encourage well over a dozen mothers who have come and gone during her time here. She has been a valuable resource to us in translating as she speaks English in addition to Arabic and Kurdish. Rasan has been a very demanding patient, typically with at least one new appointment each week, and has needed almost constant supervision. The Jerusalem house will certainly feel different with both of them gone.

Rasan and Bruska, who also flew home on Saturday, are children who are still works in progress. They both go home with healthy hearts, but with other challenges still to be faced: Rasan with learning to eat after cleft palate surgery, and Bruska with the challenge of what we pray will be overcoming the effects of cerebral palsy which has left her legs crippled for now. Though they are back home, they will still need our prayers now as much as ever, as they continue the gradual processes of growing and healing.

Monday, March 23, 2009
Welcome Back!
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This evening we had the pleasure of welcoming a happy little Rasan back to the house in Jerusalem. After dismissal from the hospital a few days ago, Rasan and his mother went to visit some friends in the Tel Aviv area for several days. He returned to us with a new skill, as he has now perfected waving goodbye. He got so excited while playing earlier this evening he was waving with both hands - very cute!

Rasan is doing well as he continues to learn how to eat following his cleft palate surgery. It is a very slow process, however, and Um Rasan is wondering just when there will be completion of what is needed here so she and Rasan can get back to their family in Iraq. Will you please pray for continued patience and perseverance for Um Rasan?

Thank God with us for how far Rasan has already come from the time we met him - a tiny infant who last summer almost didn't make it through his heart surgeries. The strength and joy in him now is a testimony to how well he's progressed so far, and we believe that God will complete what He has begun in Rasan's life.

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Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Happy Back In The Ward
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What a delight it was to see Rasan back in his bed in the ward all looking remarkably 'normal'. He took a minute or two to recognise me as I had not seen him for nearly two weeks. Then he tried a weak smile. Rasan's Mum was also delighted with his progress. Apart for a little swelling around his mouth, he had no pain and was trying to talk. He waved me 'good-bye'.

Um Rasan is expecting for them to be home just as soon as they can establish him on an oral feeding regime. Please pray that this will be a quick development and he will be able to suck and enjoy food through his mouth for the first time in his life. How we praise the Lord for this wonderful, complete little boy and thank you for continuing to lift him and his dear mother before our heavenly Father.

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Monday, March 9, 2009
Cleft Palate Surgery Went Well
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When Kirsten and I arrived at the hospital this morning Rasan was still sleeping soundly and Um Rasan was gathering all of their belongings in order to move into the ICU after his surgery was finished. Soon the nurses came to take him by transport to the operating theater which is in another building on this large hospital campus. Once we arrived there and all the orders for his surgery were checked, there was another pacemaker evaluation in order to change the setting before the surgery. When this was done, we waited a bit longer while the doctors performing the cleft palate and the circumcision consulted, and at last Rasan was carried to the operating room in his mother's arms.

Um Rasan expressed gratitude and courage mixed with a mother's typical anxiety over her child's surgery as we waited together. She is tired after the many months of caring for precious Rasan, while at the same time inspired to persevere knowing this is the 'home stretch' in the process of healing the different needs of her little son's body. We enjoyed chatting together while we waited just over three hours, during which time one of the surgical attendants came to tell us that all was going well, but it might take a little longer than we'd first been told since the surgery started later. Yet just after noon - the expected completion time - the surgeon for the cleft palate repair, Dr. Mendez, came to tell us the surgery was done and was an excellent surgery. He said that everything about the surgery went well, and Rasan would be in the recovery room shortly. Um Rasan was overflowing with thanks, and asked a number of questions. Dr. Mendez told us that Rasan would be in the ICU at least one day, and could have only liquids for a number of days. He explained that with the new structure of his palate, Rasan had a smaller opening in his throat through which to breathe, and that this would require an adjustment for him. He told us that he would know more about Rasan's ability to begin to eat once he saw how his healing progressed. This seems to be the target for our prayer focus: that the healing of Rasan's palate would go well. He will graduate from liquids to foods like yogurt, and then, slowly, over the course of the next two to three weeks, should be able to eat solid foods. For now the feeding peg in his stomach is still in place until such time as he will no longer need it.

Once in the recovery room with Rasan, Um Rasan was a bit unsettled by how much pain Rasan was in as he awoke from his anesthesia. It was necessary for him to be medicated with only local anesthetics as he came out from under the anesthesia used for the surgery, and even though this included a tube in his nose for medication to be applied to his throat, he was clearly uncomfortable.

The pacemaker technician came back in to re-set Rasan's pacemaker following the surgery, and all of his vital signs were good as the nurse attending him continued to monitor him. It was necessary for Rasan to be observed for two hours in the recovery room, and during this time it became necessary for Kirsten and me to leave the hospital in order to escort a Gaza patient home from Wolfson Hospital. Rasan was beginning to settle down with his mother's loving attention and encouragement as we were leaving, and I promised to call later to check on them.

I called this evening after we returned home to discover that on his way to the ICU from the recovery room Rasan began vomiting, and had to return to the recovery room. He was observed for an additional half hour, and then moved to the ICU. He was still crying alot, and Um Rasan sounded tired. Thankfully our friend Gigi was there to help her through the evening. Tomorrow she will have the encouragement of another special friend as Dorothy goes to spend time with them. In the meantime, let's pray that both Rasan and his mother will get some rest tonight. He cannot have his pacifier or bottle or the stomach tube feedings, only liquids by syringe, so will likely have a difficult few days making this adjustment while the palate heals. Thank you for continuing to uphold this little one in prayer through the process.

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Sunday
March 8, 2009
Heading Happily to the Hospital
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Today we left Jerusalem for admission for the last part of Rasan's treatment in Israel, his cleft palate repair and circumcision, which will be done in the morning at Tel HaShomer Hospital. Um Rasan was thrilled, and Rasan was delightfully happy as we made our way through the hospital and waited our turn for his pacemaker evaluation to be done as part of the admission process. He only whimpered for a moment when approached by a medical person -- which he's figured out usually means some unpleasantness is on the way -- but once the technician herself arrived and was dressed in streetclothes, he was fine with the procedure.

Following this check-up Rasan was admitted to a room until his surgery in the morning. We were thankful to learn he would be the first surgery of the day, and hope to make it to the hospital to wait with Um Rasan until he comes back to the ICU. The nurse helping with admitting Rasan today said we should expect him to be in the ICU for several days, during which time his digestive tract will be emptied so that he can begin trying to eat by mouth as he recovers from the cleft palate surgery. As he is able to eat, the feeding tube will be removed, and the feeding by mouth will increase based on Rasan's ability to handle it. Please pray for Rasan's surgery to be supernaturally successful and his recovery to be quick and complete, with no complications. Pray for Um Rasan to continue to have peace and joy as Rasan's healing becomes complete.

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Friday, March 6, 2009
Preparing For Monday's Surgery
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Early yesterday morning we left Jerusalem for Tel HaShomer Hospital for the pre-operative consultations for Rasan's long-awaited cleft palate repair surgery. Although it was a long process, all of the information was checked, and all of the papers were signed. Um Rasan was filled with thanks and joy and a sense of disbelief that the day was really coming when her son would be finished with everything needed to be whole and return to his home and family. Rasan, on the other hand, remembered that he does not always like people who wear green garments and come to poke and prod and examine him. He became very clingy to him mom after seeing about three different doctors, but as soon as the exam was finished, his cheerful demeanor returned. We all especially enjoyed time in the warm sunshine outside the hospital as we waited for Justin to return from his visit to Halo and Omed at Wolfson Hospital.

Rasan's surgery is scheduled for early Monday morning, and we got a call this morning updating us that his admission would be on Sunday rather than before the surgery on Monday. This means that Um Rasan is now busy preparing to head to the hospital for his surgery and recovery, and then her departure back to Iraq. When we returned to the house, everyone said they had never seen her so happy, and it is true that this once fear-filled mother has become able to focus on everything God has done for her, and has found a place of trust that had not been there before. This is a blessing for us to see, and we hope it will bear great fruit in her life and family. I can already see it directed towards the friends she encourages as they wait for their children's recuperation to be completed.

Keep surrounding Rasan and his mom with your prayers as they persevere during the home stretch, and we see how God answers all the prayers which have gone up on behalf of Rasan's precious life and future, and that of his family.

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Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Cleft Palate Surgery Scheduled
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Rasan and his mother have been having a little 'holiday' in Tel Hashomer hospital over the past 48 hours. Unfortunately, his PEG feeding tube came out of its position in his abdomen and needed to be replaced. This invovled six hours waiting in Paediatric Emergency Room last Monday night. Then yesterday he went back for another silicone tube to be inserted and a barium meal to ensure there were no abnormalities. While there today, Rasan was seen by the surgical team who have now scheduled him for cleft palate surgery on 9th March, with a circumcision thrown in to complete all that is necessary to send him home a healthy, restored little boy. (The last item was his mother's special request.) Pray all goes well and he soon recovers.

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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Cardiologist Okays Cleft Palate Surgery
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Today I went with Rasan and his mother for a cardiology appointment, echocardiograph and ECG heart assessment. Dr Katz assured us that due to his

history Rasan's heart was functioning very well considering the complications last year at the time of his original surgeries. He said that he had no objection to Rasan going forward for cleft palate repair surgery which will enable him to at last eat and drink normally. If successful this will mean the removal of the abdominal gastric feeding tube regime that he now has.

While at the cardiologist, I called Dr David Mendes, a plastic surgeron who is willing to operate on Rasan and tomorrow he will approach the Tel HaShomer hospital to make definite arrangements. As you can imagine after the long wait, his mother is very excited and a little bit nervous. Please pray that this final arrangement will not be aborted by some unforeseen complication. We as a team have been believing the Lord for definite results and today we are well on the way to success for which we praise Him.

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Thursday, February 5, 2009
Back To Tel HaShomer Hospital
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About two weeks ago, Jonathan had taken Rasan to Schneider Children's Hospital for assessment by the gastroenterology department and several other departments. They said that there would be an answer that following Sunday. However, they called and said that they could not reserve an ICU room for the length of time needed for Rasan's aftercare, and cancelled the appointment for cleft palate surgery on the 8th of February.

Rasan and his Mum came with me to yet another appointment at Tel HaShomer hospital to see the plastic surgeon regarding his cleft palate. The outcome was that the surgeon promised to contact the only surgeon who does such corrective surgery and ask him to call me at Shevet. He did warn it could be several weeks as the Israeli elections interfered with normal surgical rosters.

I was so proud of his mother who, while disappointed not to have an immediate appointment for surgery, just grinned and set her heart for yet another wait. They will return next week for a cardiac reassessment in anticipation that the answer about the repair of his cleft palate will be "yes."

Rasan's mother was excited to see the staff and some patients in her 'old' ward, and they were both welcomed with great warmth. Everyone commented on how well and developed Rasan now was.

Please pray for them as the next few weeks will be very long. We trust the Lord for completion of the surgical process to enable them to return home.

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Thursday, January 22, 2009
Answer Expected On Sunday
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Today at Schneider Hospital we spent the day meeting with a cardiologist in order to get clearance for Rasan's cleft palate surgery. His mother seems to be in good spirits as she continually waits for an answer concerning her son. The hospital said they will inform us on Sunday whether or not he will be able to undergo this surgery. There is a chance that, because of Rasan's former heart condition and his pacemaker, putting him under anesthesia would be too dangerous.

Please continue to pray for Rasan and his mother as they wait for an answer.

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Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Hospitals Can't Get Me Down
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We set out from Jerusalem early this morning, with the objective of finally clarifying if and where Rasan should have his cleft palate repaired. Three

hospitals and eight hours later, we seem to be moving toward a date of February 8 at the Schneider Children’s Medical Center. But first Rasan will have to pass a battery of heart, lung, ENT, and blood tests to ensure that he is capable of withstanding another surgery. These tests will start tomorrow.

Today Rasan was in good spirits, and generally kicking his feet and smiling throughout the long day. He is an intelligent and cheerful little guy, and looking into his face one knows that all the work involved in caring for him is well worthwhile.

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Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Plastic Surgeon Willing To Help
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Today Justina and I took Rasan and his mother to visit Dr Golan, chief plastic surgeon in Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem. He expressed willingness to help and agreed to arrange an appointment with an anesthesiologist and pediatrician who need to be included in consultation before any decision can be made regarding the repair of the small cleft palate. Meanwhile, Rasan smiled and cooed at Dr Golan, blissfully unaware of the issues being discussed about him.

Please pray for Mum, who is distressed that the arrangements are taking so long and the outcome is by no means certain in any hospital. Rasan's cardiac status is anything but stable and the risk of putting him to sleep very high. Also pray for peaceful decisions to be reached by our team to the bring many ends together and see what, if anything, should be done.

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Sunday, January 11, 2009
Cheeky Rasan Moving Toward Cleft Palate Repair
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Tonight his mother complained to me that Rasan was always wanting to play. He has a cheeky grin on his face and kicks with enthusiasm trying to move around, thus strengthening his legs within the moulds needed to straighten his club feet.

Today I was in contact with Dr Golan, chief of the Plactic Surgery Department of the Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem and he has agreed to see Rasan with a view to cleft palate repair surgery. As expected, after many disappointments his mother takes a "we'll believe it when we see it" attitude. We have an appointment on Tuesday 12 midday to meet with Dr Golan's team. They are willing to do this surgery free of charge at only the hospital's cost, and were interested in knowing more about Shevet. Please pray that there will be an anesthesiologist willing to take on Rasan, who has an internal pacemaker and his heart surgery has left him with potential complications for any future anesthesia. This Dr.Golan sees is the greatest problem. Pray for the Lord's peace to rest on his mother as she tries to wait patiently for his surgery.

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Tuesday
December 30, 2008
Cheering Up Rasan
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Today I took Rasan and his mum to revisit the orthopedic surgeon in Tel HaShomer hospital for further assessment of his club feet. In the corridor waiting he was entertained by the local hospital clowns!

The doctor put a special Dennis Brown splint onto shoes which his mother had bought with her from Iraq, and explained that Rasan needed to wear them most of the time with no more than an hour's gap. This information was greeted without enthusiasm by Rasan's mother, but after wearing the splint/shoes for a few minutes he took to them with no problems. Pray that he will bear weight with his legs and therefore the pressure will straighten his feet.

Please pray for Rasan and his mum as the time for them here has stretched to nearly half a year and still no appointmeent for his cleft palate surgery. It has been promised for tomorrow but we continue to trust the Lord. May His mercy and grace surround this whole family.

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Wednesday, December 24, 2008
A Step Closer to Cleft Palate Surgery
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At last Rasan was able to keep his long awaited appointment at the Schneider Children's Hospital today. His Mum was filled with a mixture of anxiety and excitement as she met Dr Kalish, a very friendly plastic surgeon who examined Rasan and agreed that his cleft palate needed surgery. Following consultation with Rasan's heart surgeon, Dr. Kalish agreed to do the procedure. He said it would only require a few days in hospital and the training of his Mum in how to feed him before discharge. The administrative process has now begun and it is hoped a clear date for surgery will be given next week.

Pray for Rasan who is nearing the end of a year long journey to wellness and health. His need is urgent if he is to grow normally and get the nourishment his little body needs. This can only happen as he learns to eat again after the surgery. He has never eaten normally.

Rasan needs prayer support from his many friends around the world and financial support is much needed to see him able to return to Iraq soon fully restored with his new healed heart and restored mouth, throat and nose. May true shalom (wholeness of body, mind and spirit) soon be Rasan's experience.

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Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A Day of Disappointments And Trust
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This morning saw Rasan's mother packed and all excited. Today was the day she was taking her son to Tel HaShomer hospital, with the cleft palate surgery planned for tomorrow. The excitement evaporated, however, when Alex broke the news that the hospital was asking for more funds for the palate repair than we felt it appropriate to pay. This news brought tears to her eyes and while Rasan slept unaware in the next room, Alex explained that two other Israeli hospitals had offered the surgery for a much reduced rate. With reluctance, Rasan's mother agreed to wait until tomorrow, when it would become clear whether they went to the town of Zefat in northern Israel or to Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital, in Jerusalem.

Please pray for clarity of what to do and for peace to reign in Rasan's mom's heart. Pray for these two surgeons who have offered to operate free of charge,
and therefore half the cost. Let us "wait on the Lord" and remember He has it all in control, since the Lord loves little Rasan and his mother so much. We expect a decision early tomorrow.

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Friday, December 12, 2008
Cleft Palate Surgery Scheduled for Next Week
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This morning after returning from an errand I got the marvelous news that Tel HaShomer Hospital had called to let us know that Rasan's cleft palate surgery is on schedule for next week! Praise God for answered prayers!! Rasan's mother had tears of joy on her face as she told me about it and we thanked God for this good news. Later in the day the other mothers got word that their children's surgeries were also scheduled for the coming few days -- meaning all four of the babies here at the house will be admitted to the hospital within the next four days, and by the end of the fifth day, they will have had at least the beginning of their treatment. For Rasan, this is the final procedure he will need before returning home, and his mother's relief is evident. As you can imagine, this has been a very exciting day at our house! The mothers had decided to have a cake this evening, so it became the center of a celebration for the good news that each of them would soon go for the surgeries they came for.

Please keep praying for Rasan and his mother during this 'home-stretch' season of perseverance and stamina and patience which is needed. We know God's timing is perfect, and He has sustained Rasan's mom during her long stay here as she advocated for everything her son needed while he was under the care of Israel's excellent medical system. Rasan is happy and growing stronger by the day - it is amazing to watch! How gracious God is to give them a rest here at the house with the other mothers and babies before sending them back for Rasan's last surgery. Trust with us that the surgery will be a supernatural success which will bring God glory for His wondrous ways.

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Graduating To Orthopedic Shoes; Waiting For Cleft Palate Surgery
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Since Rasan's arrival last week, we have been working together to settle him and his mother into our house so that Rasan's mom is comfortable here and able to attend to his feeding with the Kangaroo machine. When he left the hospital, the dietitian adjusted the formula Rasan is taking, hoping to prevent the feeding tube from clogging in any way, and this change caused some diarrhea. After some discussion with the dietitians and physicians, we got permission to change the formula again, so that it was closer to the recipe he was using in the hospital. This change stopped the diarrhea, and also his mother's anxiety over it. Even though Rasan has had this problem, he is typically contented and curious, smiling, kicking his legs and playing with toys.

Yesterday we joined Rasan and his mother, along with Havan and Elaf and their moms, for a special dinner to celebrate the Muslim holiday which had just begun. Because they are not with their families, they wanted to share the meal with us, so we joined them. I found it an interesting scene as we shared their special food while they played a music CD we'd given them as background music.

Today Rasan was back at Tel HaShomer hospital for a check up on the healing of his club feet. We were thankful for the good report from the doctor who told us that Rasan could graduate to orthopedic shoes with a bar to control the angle of his feet. The nurse brought the smallest shoes she had, but they were still too large for Rasan's tiny feet. At that time we found out that Rasan's mother had purchased some shoes in Iraq before she knew she would get treatment here, so we are to take them back when Rasan goes for his next appointment in three weeks. We also spoke to the dietitian again to verify the formula change given us by phone over the weekend, and got the approval to continue as is since the diarrhea has stopped.

The only disappointment of the day was when we thought we might hear from the surgeon who will do the cleft palate surgery tentatively scheduled for next week. We were not able to spea

k with him, but we spoke to a nurse on the ward who informed us that there will not be a decision about the surgery until Sunday. Rasan's mother was frustrated by this answer as she is anxious to know Rasan is strong enough for the surgery, and to know that all the procedures he needs can be done so they can go home. We are all thanking God for the way the hospital has helped us help Rasan with his numerous health problems, but are hoping with her that the cleft palate repair can be done very soon.

Please pray for Rasan and especially his mother as we wait for the decision on Sunday about his surgery. Rasan's mom is very tired of being away from home for so long, and at the same time anxious to stay as long as necessary to receive the wonderful care here for all of Rasan's needs. The combination of this stress sometimes causes her to wear herself out. Will you pray for her to know the God of all peace so that she will understand how He wants to carry this load for her? We desire this most of all.

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Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Rasan Released With 'Kangaroo'
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Monday we were scheduled to pick up Rasan from the hospital after we secured the 'kangaroo.' The kangaroo is a feeding device that will enable Rasan to continue to be fed through the feeding tube inserted in his stomach while he is away from the hospital. We wouldn't be able to bring Rasan back to Jerusalem without it. We were able to get the device later in the day so we decided to postpone Rasan's trip back to Jerusalem by one more day.

Tuesday morning Donna was in contact with Rasan's mother to confirm that she was ready to come back to Jerusalem. With much hesitation and reluctance she confirmed that she would be ready.

We arrived at the hospital late in the afternoon. For many reasons, Rasan's mother was very reluctant to leave the hospital. She was afraid that he would begin to vomit again after he was released, or that the doctors would forget about the final surgery to correct his cleft palate. She was a strong woman with the ability to put her fears aside.

Rasan and his mother were dressed very nicely for the occasion. We made our way out of the hospital saying good-bye to many doctors and nurses along the way. With every good-bye she assured each of them that she would be back.

Rasan and his mother are now in Jerusalem waiting for Rasan's final surgery. Please continue to pray for them, for Rasan's healing and for his mother as she anxiously awaits the day she has a completely healthy son.

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Thursday, November 20, 2008
No More Vomiting
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Today I went to see Rasan. When I got there, his mom was going up for a meeting with one of the doctors, so I went to visit Alaa. After I had stayed awhile with Alaa and her mom, I stopped in to see Rasan.

The doctor told Rasan's mother that he was going to do surgery on Rasan's cleft palate within four weeks. He is not vomiting anymore, but now is having diarrhea, which is causing him to lose weight. They have replaced his feeding tube with a different material hoping this will help solve the problem.

He has new casts on his legs that are not as flexible. But that doesn't seem to keep him from kicking...

Please pray for Rasan that God will let the doctors know what's causing this diarrhea and that He will heal him either through the doctors or give him a divine healing. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this baby didn't even have to have a feeding tube, and was able to drink his formula from a bottle and eat baby food? I know his mom would rejoice and praise God for that.

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Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A Contented Baby
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Rasan is doing well except he's still having trouble with a little vomiting and a slight infection. He is only taking one medication now and seems like a contented little baby. He was sleeping most of the time when I was there today. He had an echo and some other tests. They are going to check his legs within a couple of days. Thanks so much for your prayers and support.

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Monday, November 3, 2008
Still Searching For Cause Of Vomiting
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During this afternoon's visit with Rasan, I found him happy and engaging. He continues to kick his legs even with the casts on them, and is reaching for toys and playing with them and wiggling himself around in his bed. He has come a very long way, and we thank God for this progress.

However, Rasan is still vomiting, and there is still not a diagnosis of exactly what is causing the problem. This is causing a lot of anxiety for his mother. The doctors are still discussing what to do to solve this problem, and have suggested that replacing the feeding peg in his stomach with one made of a different material might help. They also wanted to do a test with a tube down his throat to test the Ph in his stomach, but because of the tendency to vomit, felt this could be dangerous. We hope to find out more detailed information about the next steps in this process in the coming day or two.

Will you please join in prayer for God to heal Rasan's problem with vomiting? Please pray for peace for his mother who has a hard time not worrying about the problems and needed solutions for her son. She is also missing her older son and husband at home. We know that God is near to the weak and weary, and wants them to know His comfort. May Rasan's mother find herself settled by the love of God as she waits and cares for her son.

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Friday, October 31, 2008
Playful and Smiley
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Rasan is doing very well, besides having trouble with some vomiting. He is very playful and smiley. Today he was playing with a toy hanging from a lamp near his bed and pulled it down toward him. His mother quickly moved it, and he kept right on playing. He really loves one particular nurse, pictured in the photo above.

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Sunday, October 26, 2008
Rasan May Need Stomach Surgery
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Each visit with Rasan finds him getting stronger and growing developmentally as well as in size. He is playing with soft toys in his bed, cooing and smiling, and also kicking his legs. The new casts on his legs to correct his clubfeet have not slowed him down - they are made of lightweight, stretchy fabric so they can grow with him but not encumber him.

But for now, Rasan continues to have problems with vomiting and therefore has not been able to gain much weight. The doctors have been trying to find the cause of the vomiting but so far have not determined it. This week they will do another test on his upper digestive tract to look for reasons for the vomiting, and are considering a surgery based on the results of the test. The news of possible surgery has his mother very concerned, even though for now stopping the vomiting is her focus. Let us ask God to give revelation to the doctors as they search for the cause of the vomiting so they will know what to do. Please pray for Rasan's mother as she is waiting for the decisions and results of the tests; she is weary and needs perseverance. Keep praying for little Rasan as he continues to grow and develop under God's provision for his care.

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Monday, October 20, 2008
Running A Fever, Vomiting Occasionally
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Sweet little Rasan continues to vomit at times and consequently is losing weight. He is running a fever and is not sleeping during the night. A medical resident reported that Rasan's case will be reviewed by the full staff on Wednesday morning to determine the next steps in his care in regards to his digestive problems, his clubbed feet and the rash on his face.

Please continue to pray for little Rasan to digest his feedings so he can gain strength and move forward in his recovery, and to sleep through the night.

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Thursday, October 16, 2008
A Strong Grip
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Nancy and I stopped in at Tel HaShomer Hospital today, to visit with Rasan and Alaa, and found Rasan looking pretty good. His mother said that he had again started to vomit, which isn't so good, but otherwise he seems to be doing well after his heart surgery.

He still requires further evaluation regarding his cleft palate and clubbed feet surgery, and his mother hopes that decisions will be made about that soon.

He was very alert, and smiling, and is a lovely little boy. We know he's getting stronger, as his grip is very good – he grasped our fingers quite strongly, and kicked his blankets off regularly.

We left him sleeping peacefully, and look forward to seeing him again on our next visit to Tel HaShomer.

Please pray that the right decisions will be made about any further surgeries/assistance for him, and for his mother to be patient as she seems frustrated about the length of time it's taking for these discussions and decisions to happen.

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Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Rasan's Big Brother Misses Him
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I arrived at the hospital so early this morning that I found Rasan and his mother still sleeping. Once awake, the doctors told us that if Rasan’s heart were his only problem, he would be released to go home soon. He has responded really well to the feeding tube and seems to be gaining weight slowly. However, due to his cleft palate and clubbed feet he remains in the hospital. Today he looked better than ever!

Today his mother was especially worried that they would be sent back to Iraq now that he has a healthy heart, but as we were leaving the hospital this afternoon we were informed that Rasan had an appointment with a doctor this afternoon to discuss fixing his cleft palate. This seemed to calm her fears.

As we sat and waited for Rasan’s appointment I pulled out my computer and Rasan’s mother asked to check her email. As she opened her first email, tears began to stream down her face. I turned the computer around to see pictures of her other son back in Iraq holding a picture of Rasan in the hospital. It has been nearly four months since she has seen her family back home.

Now that Rasan’s heart is healthy, please pray that the hospital will be willing to correct all of his problems and that Rasan and his mother might be reunited with their family soon.

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Saturday, October 4, 2008
Gaining Weight With Feeding Tube
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Our visit with Rasan was very uplifting. He's so little--he doesn't look like he's nine months old. He is doing really well. When we came in he was lying on his side raising his little leg... so cute. Donna brought him a little hand knitted teddy bear with bright colors and there was a little white lamb that went "baa." He was reaching for these and he was smiling a lot. He was moving around quite a lot which is good. His mother bathed him and we put him in his stroller and took him down to the waiting room in ICU.

I watched him while his mother went to see Alaa and her mother. Alaa's mother came up to their room for awhile and Rasan's mother was encouraging her to be strong and wait patiently.

Rasan is not eating from a bottle or a spoon yet but is being fed through a feeding tube. They have increased his feeding 80 milliliters each time. He's gaining weight and looks like he's trying to make baby sounds. His coloring is good and he is a happy little baby. His mother is taking good care of him. He is so precious and although I couldn't speak their language, his mother could speak some English so we felt really at ease with each other. Rasan and I bonded immediately.

All of these improvements and healings come from your prayers and support. We know God is the healer, but we know He says that we must ask to receive and that He uses us for supplying the needs. This is what His love is all about. I believe it is just awesome that God would honor us by letting us be a part of this ministry of healing His children.

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Sunday
September 28, 2008
IV Feedings Continue During Fever
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The last time I was able to visit Rasan, I found him sleeping peacefully, but today, he was peacefully awake. He seemed very contented, although it was clear he would have enjoyed being able to take a bottle, as he was continually moving his mouth as though he were eating. He smiled for us

quite a bit, and seemed glad to see his friend Cristiano again, watching him continuously.

Because Rasan has been running a fever, doctors decided to continue his feedings with IV only, rather than beginning again with the feeding tube. So far he has been receiving the IV feedings for six days. The intermediate ICU staff said they do not know the cause of the fever. Rasan's mother is very anxious for her son to be able to eat again.

Please keep both of them in your prayers. The continual waiting and care-giving requires 24/7 perseverance; let us cover this with 24/7 prayer for them.

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Wednesday
September 24, 2008
Mother and Child At Peace
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I found Rasan today peacefully sleeping in the intermediate ICU where he had been moved shortly before I arrived. His mother was feeling much calmer and we had a very pleasant visit as Rasan rested beside us.

She shared that Rasan will remain on IV fluids for the next four days before the feeding tube is used for nourishing him, since doctors must be certain there is no infection from the procedure. Then it is hoped that he can begin taking in what he needs from the feeding tube.

As we talked about the past three months which she and Rasan have spent in Israel, she acknowledged that there were some very difficult times. However, she talked with tears in her eyes about the family she feels she has here now because of all the people she has met who have helped and cared for her. She was thanking God for this, and so was I. These relationships are precious and we do not take them for granted. The love which flows among our hearts in the good times and the bad are what help us be the available vessels we believe God sent us here to be.

Please keep praying for Rasan and his mother as the days go by, and his healing progresses.

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Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Feeding Tube Successfully Placed
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I went to visit Rasan at Tel HaShomer hospital with the new American volunteers, Linda and Mary.

Rasan's surgery today was successful. With God's help, the doctors didn't need to change the location of the heart pacemaker as they were planning to do. They put a feeding tube directly to his stomach, without any cardiac intervention. He awoke after surgery, crying a little bit.

His mother is so psychologically tired that she burst into tears as soon as we arrived. She was even too tired to speak English. I knelt on the floor beside her to hug her continuously, kissing her on the head, crying with her, and telling her that she had the right to cry--that she didn't need to say anything at all.

While Linda and Mary were rubbing Rasan's mom's shoulders, I got permission to go inside the ICU to see Rasan doing well.

By the time we left the hospital, Rasan's mother was doing better. She needs prayer because she has been in the hospital for about three months. I've personally experienced being in the hospital for a long time in a foreign country, with no encouragement from family members. We are doing our best to let her feel that we are her family here. And she said that we are.

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Monday, September 22, 2008
Pacemaker To Be Moved Tomorrow
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Rasan was doing much better today and shared many smiles with us during our visit with him. When we arrived, the blood test and paperwork had just been completed for his minor surgery scheduled for tomorrow, so his mother was a little anxious in anticipation of this. The surgery will involve moving the pacemaker over just a little bit, in hopes this will correct the difficulty Rasan has had keeping nourishment down. Besides this, a change will be made in his feeding tube so that it will be placed in his side. It is hoped that Rasan will soon be able to eat again on his own, so this tube will be temporary.

Please pray for Rasan and his mother during the procedure tomorrow. We will be with them during the surgery and follow up with you afterwards.

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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tests Explore Cause of Vomiting
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Today was my first opportunity to meet Rasan and his mother at Tel HaShomer Hospital. Little Rasan is still being fed with a nasal tube as doctors do testing to find the cause of vomiting. Today a test was done on his stomach, and he had an EEG. The results should be available tomorrow. There is a possibility that the

medication being given him to help his urination flow is causing the problem, but even though this medication was discontinued three days ago, there was still a lot of vomiting last night.

Rasan's mother continues to give Rasan little drops of formula with a syringe on his pacifier as he is given the bulk of his food via the feeding tube. She shared with me today that she is not able to hold him as much as she would like because of this vomiting, which is difficult for her. We can pray that soon she will be able to cuddle her son again.

I was thankful that she shares a room with a baby and his mother from Gaza who are also dealing with a feeding tube and trying to discover the cause of digestive problems. These mothers understand each other and are able to "be there" for one another when one needs to leave the room or has a hard time with her little one.

Alaa's mother was also with us today during most of my visit, and was, I believe, comforted in being able to help with Rasan during the course of the afternoon. I was thankful that she finds respite in the company of Rasan's room from her many hours in the ICU with Alaa.

Please pray that healing will come to Rasan and the problems preventing his return to Iraq will be no more. Pray for God's comfort and strength for Rasan's mother as she continues to care for her precious son.

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Monday
September 15, 2008
Vomiting and Fluid Retention
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We visited Rasan this morning, and we talked a bit with his mother. She told us that he feels a little better, but he still has problems with his stomach, causing him to vomit any time he has food in his stomach. In addition, his fluid retention continues to fluctuate from day to day.

As I looked at this poor little child, I thought it is impossible to remain indifferent. He is clearly suffering, but in his struggle for life it is obvious that he is supported by a strong mother who is able to face difficulties. A nurse informed us that the doctors suspect an infection in his spleen or liver. They are going to do ultrasounds to determine this.

Please pray that Rasan will begin to feel better, and that his weight would stabilize. Also, please pray for this weak child to overcome the other difficulties he continues to face.

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Tuesday
September 9, 2008
Rasan Still Battling Complications
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Rasan seemed to be improving slowly until this morning, when his mother woke up and noticed that his face seemed “fat.” The doctors noticed that he had gained some weight due to fluid retention. They will ask a cardiologist to look at him to determine the next course of action.

While we were visiting this afternoon a speech/feeding specialist came by to see if she could help Rasan hold down food. Currently he is being fed by a feeding tube. They attempted to give him some milk, but he immediately threw it up.

In addition to these complications, Rasan lost some neurological functions just over a week ago. The doctors attributed this to the anesthetics that he was on after his surgery. This week Rasan is showing signs of improvement in this area. He was able to grab his mother’s finger when she touched the palm of his hand and he was able to give us a quick smile as a friend held him in her arms and sang

him a song.

Rasan’s mother seems to be in high spirits, however a close friend said that this was just her way of coping. She has been in the hospital for over two months. She has sat by her son’s side while on the brink of death and stayed with him through his slow recovery. He remains in critical condition while she tries to have strength.

At one point in the afternoon we walked from Rasan’s room up to the ICU to visit Alaa. On the way we were stopped numerous times along the way by the parents of other patients, hospital staff and random visitors. It seems as if she has built a community of people to surround her. She told me that she has been called upon at all hours of the day to translate from English to Arabic or English to Kurdish. It was obviousy to me that the hospital staff has really come to love and appreciate her.

Please pray for Rasan’s recovery and his mother’s emotional well-being while they continue their stay in the hospital.

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Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Rasan Improving Slowly
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It has been an eventful week for Rasan with much going on. When we last saw Rasan on Thursday, his mom was in tears as we heard that the doctors were worried because of what his echocardiogram seemed to reveal. They had some trouble seeing whether the (VSD) hole in his heart had remained closed or if the patch that was previously put in to close the VSD had reopened.

Because of this, the doctors felt they needed a better look at his heart. This prompted the doctors to do another catheterization. Apparently, after the catheterization the doctors were able to confirm that the surgery from a few weeks ago was a success and that Rasan's hole was patched up adequately. This completely changed Rasan’s mother’s mood. We had yet to see her this joyful because she has been constantly worried about her son’s condition.

While Rasan's surgery may have been a success there are times that it still looks hard for him to breathe and he is still on oxygen (another echocardiogram scheduled for Sunday may reveal the cause of this). In addition to his low oxygen level Rasan has had a constant fever for the last couple of weeks that he just can't seem to shake. Please continue to pray that he remains nourished, that his fever would leave him, and that his mom would keep the patient and joyful attitude that she exhibited when we left.

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Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Rasan Moved to Secondary ICU
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I didn't know what to expect upon visiting Rasan and his mother in the hospital. I had heard some stories about him and what his situation has been. The numerous surgeries and the sleepless nights for his mother are two examples. When I arrived with some of the Shevet staff along with another volunteer, we searched to find where Rasan and his mother were staying. After some quick research, it was revealed that he was still in the ICU.

The nurses informed us that Rasan had been moved from the extensive ICU to the secondary ICU. This meant that his condition was improving. We began to talk to his mother who was beaming and smiling as her baby was out of his coma with his chest closed up. While she was smiling, she was also still worried. A few days ago Rasan had yet another surgery in order to install a pacemaker into his tiny little chest. Apparently this little trooper did quite well and is continuing in his recovery.

As we moved into his room to take some pictures, one thing caught my attention immediately, Rasan’s eyes were wide-open. He was a little cranky as his mother opened up his shirt to reveal the scar that marks his body almost entirely. We ask that you please continue to lift this adorable little boy up along with his mother. Pray that he continues to recover from all the obstacles that he has faced and that she continues to endure.

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Monday, August 4, 2008
Rasan Continuing to Improve
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Rasan is in a stable condition and his heart is doing much better. The doctors closed her chest on Saturday, however, he was reconnected to an external pacemaker. He is still in a medically induced coma and will need a breathing tube for a few more days. His mother is having peace and thanking the Lord for what He is doing with them. Thank you for your prayers as they are needed.

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Friday, August 1, 2008
Rasan's Heart Beating Without Pacemaker, but Remains in Critical Condition
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I was able to visit Rasan, his mother, and Amy today at the hospital. When I arrived the doctor was in the middle of updating Rasan's mother on his condition. If you look closely to the picture, you can see that Rasan’s chest remains open. The doctor refused to give us any assurance regarding his condition. His heart is now beating on its own without the assistance of a pacemaker, but he is still in need of artificial adrenaline in order for his heartbeat to be strong enough to supply an efficient amount of blood to his body. His mother remains very emotional. As we sat with the doctor she continually asked the same questions over and over as if she couldn’t comprehend how Rasan’s condition has deteriorated to this state. Understandably, she is afraid to be alone, so Amy has volunteered to sleep at the hospital with her for the next few days. Before leaving the doctor informed us that Rasan remains in critical, but stable condition. She said that they would know more about the future condition of his heart on Sunday. Please continue to pray for Rasan’s recovery. Also remember to pray for Rasan’s mother and Amy as she attempts to comfort her during this difficult time.

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Thursday, July 31, 2008
Rasan in Critical but Stable Condition
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Rasan came out of surgery around 3:00 p.m. this afternoon. The doctors reported that the hole in his heart that reopened after his previous surgery was once again repaired. Unfortunately, during the surgery they discovered several arteries that were malformed, requiring an additional procedure. In the end, the doctors were able to make a complete repair of Rasan’s heart, however, they are keeping his chest open for the next few days as a precautionary measure, meaning that God willing he will be in critical but stable condition for at least the remainder of the week.

I am unable to post pictures with this update because Amy has agreed to spend the night at the hospital to tend to Rasan’s mother. She has really appreciated having Amy by her side. Rasan’s mother has been staying at the hospital with her son for over a month. She is quite understandably exhausted and worried. Following the surgery today it was difficult for her to go into the ICU and see Rasan in that condition. It has been a really emotional day for her. This evening the doctors informed us that Rasan is critical but stable. They will continue to monitor his condition throughout the evening. Please continue to pray for him as his heart begins to heal.

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Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Rasan's Surgery Postponed One More Day
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Late last night we received a call from a nurse at the hospital informing us that Rasan’s surgery would be postponed yet again. Much to his mother’s disappointment, Rasan still had a very high fever and remained inoperable. This afternoon we received a call from his mother telling us that Rasan’s fever had gone down and his surgery would take place tomorrow (Thursday July 31). Please continue to pray for Rasan and his mother as Rasan in taken into the operating room again.

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Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Rasan's Surgery Now Set for Wednesday
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Yesterday I went to visist Rasan expecting to be with his mom during his surgery, but found them still in the room. Little Rasan still has not had his second surgery due to a fever. He is scheduled to have surgery Wednesday morning at 7a.m. His mother is doing okay and is a real trooper, although she is very tired and wants to see her son well. Keep them in your prayers as Rasan's mother is patiently waiting for the second surgery.

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Sunday, July 27, 2008
Rasan to Second Surgery on Monday
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Rasan will have a second surgery tomorrow at 12 pm to close the hole in his heart. His mother's spirits were high just hoping the surgery will go well tomorrow. He has a fever that has gone down from 40 degrees to 38 degrees Centigrade. Therefore, the doctors feel its ok to operate on Rasan. The past 3-4 days he hasn't been able to keep his food down, but generally he is fine.

The mother was hopeful as she was telling us when Rasan left Iraq he weighed 3.5 kilos and now he weighs 4.5 kilos after one month. August 5th he will turn 7 months. Goran and I prayed with her over her son with his upcoming surgery and current condition. She was extremely thankful especially hearing the prayer in her local language, Kurdish. Please keep Rasan in your prayers over the next several days.

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Thursday, July 24, 2008
Rasan's New Chair
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Although Rasan may have to have a second heart surgery next week, he was hanging in there when I saw him today. He is still on the feeding tube and has also gained some weight. The doctors came to check him as I was visiting and everything was good. Rasan's mother was very tired but still was optimistic in spite of waiting for another surgery. A donor gave Rasan a chair to sit in and play in (pictured above), and he seemed to really enjoy that. Rasan's mother was very grateful for the chair and was happy that he liked it.

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Sunday, July 7, 2008
Rasan Recovering Well With Pacemaker
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Today Alex and I visited Rasan at the hospital. The doctor stated he was doing well. He is attached to an external pacemaker in order to control his rapid heart rate. The doctors hope that this will only be temporary and that they won’t have to put a pacemaker in his heart. Rasan is a tough little guy and is hanging in there very well. I heard him cry in the ICU and it sounded like the cry of a healthy baby. The doctors are hopeful that Rasan will be out of the ICU in the next two to three days.

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Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Sudden and Successful Surgery for Rasan

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Yesterday, Alex, Hannah, and I were able to visit Rasan and his mother at the hospital. As we entered the room, she seemed less nervous in comparison to my previous visit. Rasan had not eaten all day because the doctors said that it was possible he might have surgery. It didn’t appear that Rasan was bothered by this, because he still smiled at us as we spoke to him.

Rasan was also looking much better than before. After we arrived, the nurses told his mother that the surgery was postponed, much to his mother’s disappointment. The doctors said they hoped Rasan would have surgery sometime in the next few days. Little Rasan was hanging in there, although this has been a tough time for his mom. I know she was anxiously and patiently waiting for his surgery to take place.

Early this morning Rasan’s mother called to inform us that Rasan was in fact having surgery today. When we arrived to the hospital he was still in surgery. Around 12:30 p.m. the surgery was completed and Rasan was moved to the ICU. Rasan’s mother was holding up rather well. The doctors said that his surgery was a success; Rasan is doing well.

Hannah and I stayed with Rasan’s mother for the remainder of the afternoon. When we left the hospital she seemed to be doing really well and was so thankful that the first step in her son's healing had taken place. Please continue to pray with us for Rasan and his mother.

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Comfort Food
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Today I went to the hospital to visit Rasan and his mother. Aros' mother sent with me a Kurdish home-cooked meal as a comfort for her.

Rasan's mother still seemed quite nervous and worried about Rasan's surgery. I assured her that the doctors and nurses do this kind of heart surgery all the time and that bit of information gave some relief.

Rasan is still hanging in there with his cleft pelete. Right now he can only drink so much milk each day. The doctors sound hopeful about his heart surgery and said that he might have heart surgery Sunday.

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Sunday, June 22, 2008
Rasan's First Day at the Hospital
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Little Rasan made it to Tel HaShomer hospital today for his first day of examinations. Alex and Amy and Robin came to help mom with all of the paperwork and getting settled. The doctors decided to admit him today to determine his surgery date. Rasan's mother was a little hesitant but soon settled in to know that her baby was being taken care of by one of the best cardiac teams in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Coming from Kurdistan, this little boy has been sick for most of his 4 ½ months of age, from his heart problems and possibly three more issues--a type of syndrome, a cleft palate and clubbed feet. Rasan tried to eat and rest, but because of his cleft palate he normally only eats half of his bottle and then spits up a bit afterwards. Please pray that he will be able to have this taken care of and he will be able to eat normally soon, as this little guy has not been able to gain much weight lately.

After the paperwork was taken care of, we took little Rasan to have a chest x-ray and also an echocardiogram. The echo showed this little guy has two holes in his heart: one large hole between his ventricles, and a smaller one between the atria. At this point we do not know what the chest x-ray showed. The doctors were concerned about some congestion the baby is having due to the cleft palate.

I was able to spend four hours alone with Rasan's mom and it was a very special time. She is very sweet and speaks English fairly well and she now calls me her sister. I am blessed and I told her I would be praying for her.

Please keep her in your prayers as there are no other Iraqi families currently at this hospital. We will all try to keep her busy and visit her often. We should know in a couple of days if little Rasan will be scheduled for surgery next week or the following week.

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