Today we picked up Omar and his mother at Erez Crossing Point and brought them to Sheba Medical Center.
Omar had an echo and an ECG today.
The doctor said that Omar is doing fine and that some of the medications he receives can be decreased soon. He will have to come back in about three month’s time. It’s always really great when Omar returns for follow-up and I can spend time with him and his mother.
Please thank the Lord that Omar is doing so good. We ask God to continue to bless him and his mother.
Today Ella and I were at the hospital for an echo with little Omar and his mother. He is a very cute and happy boy and it was really nice to spend the time with him and his mother at the hospital.
His condition is in general good and for now he has to continue with his medical treatment. In two months he has to come back for another check up.
After his appointment we brought him and his mother back to Gaza. Please pray that he is doing well during the time in Gaza and the next check up is going to be good too.
This morning, coworker Lilly and I picked Omar and his mother up from the Gaza border crossing and brought them to Sheba hospital for an ECG…
and an echo. This is Omar’s first follow up appointment since his two-month long hospitalization, and thanks be to God, his echo looks very good.
His cardiologist adjusted his medications slightly and asked to see him again in six weeks.
Today with Omar was extra special to me as I also brought him from Gaza for his echo in October, and then to the ER that night when his oxygen dropped and he was rushed into an emergency catheterization.
How far this sweet boy has come since then! His cardiologist remarked what a great recovery he has made. “For that,” she said, “I can say alhamdulillah!” (“Praise be to God!”) Knowing that Omar’s life hung in the balance just three months ago, it was especially poignant when his mother proudly announced to me that tomorrow is his birthday and he’ll be one year old.
Praise God for carrying this beautiful boy through so much to make it to this day!
The mother of Omar finally received the news she’s been waiting for, and was able to return to Gaza. For a week now the hospital had thought of discharging him so each day ended in disappointment. Thankfully today was the day! He had to go in to a small surgery to remove a PICC line, but after that he was ready to go. The nurses wanted a picture with him before he left, and I was able to capture the sweet moment. Join us in prayer that God’s hand would continue to be with this sweet little boy and his family.
Coworker Tabea and I went to Sheba Medical Center to visit little Omar today. He is doing good. There is not much change since the last time we visited him.
There is now one week left for him to be on the antibiotics. After stopping the antibiotics, he will have an echo and if the result is good, he will be discharged temporarily either to our community home in Jaffa or to his own home in Gaza.
His mother is patiently waiting and hopes to go back to her family soon after spending two months in the hospital.
As of today, Omar has two weeks left of his antibiotics course. His mum said this today and then pondered whether they would be discharged from Sheba hospital to the Jaffa house or to their home in Gaza, and I said that is always the question!
Omar and his mum are dear friends, so it would be really nice to have them back with us, but they’ve been here for close to two months now, and Omar’s life is a miracle after his rapid deterioration at the start of it. Now he is playing and active and he acts like a normal child, except that his oxygen fluctuates sometimes.
Please pray for him, with one surgery done, his mum and I talked today about how the next one is the biggest and will hopefully also be the final one he will need. For me it was really nice to visit them, the time spent with Omar’s mum was like some reprieve from an otherwise very busy day.
Today I visited Omar and his very friendly mother at Sheba hospital. His mom was in a good mood and waved to me when I was in another room.
The reason for her joy might be that Omar had an echo today and the outcome was very good. The doctor told me there is only a little bit of blood clots still, but it has gotten better. Please pray that the next result will be even better with blood clots cleared.
Omar was in an extremely happy mood when I visited him at Sheba hospital today.
He still has to stay at the hospital for at least two more weeks, together with his mother, as he is still receiving the antibiotics. His mother said that the blood clot is getting smaller each time by a bit. She said “Schwaje, schwaje” to me today, which means slowly, slowly.
She knows that it will still take some time for Omar to be discharged from the hospital, and she just wants the best for him and it is good if he is getting better step by step.
Please continue to pray for lovely Omar and for his mother to have ongoing patience.
Look at this cute picture of the boy Omar, who is still in the hospital with his mother. As I saw him today his mother told me that Omar is doing much better again and he was even moved to a normal ward again and is not in the ICU anymore.
He has had in an Echo and his heart condition looks better. He still has the virus and therefore he still needs to be in the hospital for quite some time and needs to take the antibiotics. His mother is good natured about it and in a good mood.
Omar has been transferred to the pediatric ICU in Sheba hospital again for a few reasons.
He had a blood clot in his heart, which is now being treated with an anticoagulant and, much like many other children this time of year, he has come down with a virus which is causing a fever, so he will be receiving antibiotics for this as well for the time being.
On top of this, he is also teething! So he isn’t feeling very well overall, but thank God he is in the hospital as he recovers. He is a happy boy who is really, very cute, and his mum is an outstanding woman; please be praying for them both.
At Sheba hospital today, Omar’s bed was moved from the ICU to the normal cardiac department as he is doing better.
Omar’s mother is very happy and understands that Omar is making good progress.
Please keep praying for this lovely boy and his mother, that he may continue to recover well and not suffer any more complications. won’t be any other complications.
Omar is on a good way of recovering. He was extubated successfully today at Sheba hospital. In the evening, they will try to feed him already.
Two other tubes were also removed today, so it would seem that Omar’s condition is getting better and better.
We are very happy about this news. The doctors also told us that they have to give little Omar more oxygen and medication than expected, but they have not had to increase the amount as yet. All in all the doctors are very happy with this development, especially after the last urgent cath.
Omar’s mom was very happy and proud of her son. Praise God for this development of Omar’s health.
At Sheba hospital today, after extubating Omar, his oxygen went down very low again and he was re-intubated. Doctors found the reason for this. At the site of the surgery where they connected one of the large vessels that brings blood into Omar’s heart, the pulmonary artery was narrowed.
A catheterization was performed in which doctors were able to open this area with a balloon. We pray this will be enough for Omar to be re-extubated and subsequently recover.
His amazing mother was there for her boy and by his side always. When coworker Teresa told Omar’s mother that this week God had protected her son, she replied ‘Amin.’
Since I learned that the word Amin is connected to the word for truth (in Hebrew), I’ve always been struck by its use in this context, in my mind it translates to “truly” it is an agreement of what God has done and yet also a prayer that He will continue to do it.
Omar’s mum stood over his bed at Sheba hospital this afternoon as she be agreed this question. What a strong boy he is and what a God we have.
Today, surgeons removed the stent that had been placed there in Omar’s previous catheterization last winter. They also connected the large vein, which brings blood from the upper body to the heart directly to the pulmonary artery, where it will go to the lungs.
Given how unwell Omar was, we didn’t know what to expect from the surgery, but doctors were able to successfully complete the operation.
Please be praying for Omar’s recovery as it might be difficult, and for the coming days which are very important for him. Everything has happened so fast, from his oxygen being around 30 % at our community house on Sunday night, being intubated on Monday morning, a diagnostic cath same day, to the surgery today. It’s all been in rapid succession, so please keep his mother in your prayers as well. This has been unspeakably hard for her; she truly is a wonderful woman who is calm, intelligent, warm, and generous.
Late last night, Omar’s oxygen saturation levels dropped very low. Co-worker Alena and I rushed him to Sheba Hospital’s ER, where the doctors and nurses worked hard for several hours to stabilize him and find the source of the problem. He was admitted to the pediatric ICU and received blood transfusions, medication, and oxygen overnight in an attempt to raise his oxygen levels.
This morning, after the measures last night weren’t enough to keep his oxygen at a safe level, Omar was intubated and taken into an emergency diagnostic catheterization. The doctors still are not sure what caused this sudden change in his condition, and they plan to take him into surgery in the next few days.
This has been quite a difficult situation, especially for Omar’s mother, but one thing that stands out to me is the providence of God. We had originally planned to take Omar back to Gaza yesterday afternoon, and the fact that he was in Jaffa instead was due to a last-minute change of plans. What’s more, the decision to check his oxygen last night was spontaneous and difficult to explain—he appeared normal and healthy. But the doctor in the ER said it’s a good thing Alena checked, because if Omar hadn’t been taken to the ER last night, he could have died overnight. Thank God for his provision for this little boy.
Please pray for Omar’s health in the next few days, as his condition is still dangerous, and for his upcoming surgery. Additionally, please pray for his mother, as this situation is unexpected and extremely difficult for her.
Today co-worker Bria and I went to the Erez check point to pick up Omar and his mother. Omar had an echo appointment at Sheba hospital. His mother was very sweet, and used some of the English she knew to talk with me.
After the echo and an ECG, the doctors decided they would like to have Omar in for a catheterization Tuesday. We then took him back to our home in Jaffa until he is admitted tomorrow afternoon.
We brought little Omar back to Sheba Hospital from the Gaza border crossing for a check-up today. It was so so good to be able to spend time with his mother, who has been our neighbour in the families’ apartment all week, but sadly whom I have hardly managed to be able to see, with so much going on here.
Omar’s mum is a really steady, pleasant and undemanding person, with a calm nature and is fun to spend time with. She told me about her family, especially showing me photos of her older boy Khalid who looks like her, and her husband who looks like Omar. This is a beautiful family, and I am so pleased that the outcome of today was that Omar could return to Gaza to be with them! He had spent his entire life in hospitals, and most of that has been at Sheba; with his father unable to visit him.
Omar’s echo looked good today. The doctor told me that he has one of the most complex anatomies (anomalies) they have seen. His anatomy means that it is not possible to put him on a heart bypass, meaning that it wouldn’t be possible to carry out an open-heart surgery. So Omar has had two stents placed in his pulmonary arteries, which are functioning well, helping him to live, thank God, in relatively good health at the moment.
After the doctor gave the news that Omar and she could return to her family in Gaza today, Omar’s mother squeaked in happiness and we shared a joyful hug, as she poured out thanks to God, to the hospital, to Shevet Achim, to me (?!), to all who have helped her, in particular to Berith, our co-worker in Jerusalem.
Beirith and Omar’s mum formed a special bond during their time in Jerusalem, which was cemented during the emotional event of Omar’s bleeding. Both of these ladies are dear to each other’s heart. It was a happy surprise that it worked out for Berith to be able to come to the hospital today, and then return with Omar back to Gaza. God truly goes before us and makes the plans in such great detail, reminding us of the gift of good friendship.
Co-worker Carina and I arrived in the morning to Sheba and we went directly to Omar’s room. Omar’s mother was waiting for us inside, fully expecting to return to Gaza. Omar was sleeping peacefully in his bed.
A very patient, kind doctor came to the room and was kind to answer all our questions. After inquiring with the cardiologist, this doctor said that the next appointment must be a week from now. In practical terms, this means that Omar’s mother will have to continue to stay in the Shevet community house in Jaffa because it is not possible to arrange such fast travel permits. After we explained this to Omar’s mom she became very sad.
Sometimes staying in a hospital for a long time away from family is not an easy thing for them and she was sure she would return home to her family today. Carina tried to comfort her and offered her coffee and chocolate.
In the afternoon, we returned back to Jaffa in the rain. We were pleased to welcome Omar and his lovely mother back to our community home. We hope they will find ways to enjoy this time with us before they return to Gaza.
Thank you so much for all your prayers! The baby boy is blessed.
When I went to Sheba Medical Center today to visit little Omar and his lovely, calm mother, I didn’t know where I could find them at first. But as always, God knows what we need during the day even before we ask for it. As I was proceeding to visit some of the other Shevet children that are at the hospital, Omar’s mother came into my path! I didn’t even ask for this delightful surprize, but God provides everythibg in His perfect way. Therefore, with very little effort on my part, I easily found Omar’s mom who greeted me in such a friendly manner, went to her hospital room with her, and was able to visit her beloved son as well.
When we went into the room, some doctors where with Omar doing some tests or examinations on him. Of course he didn’t like that at all, but his mother took loving care of him to calm him down and it worked out quite well.
The doctors couldn’t tell me yet what caused his bleeding two nights ago, and when I asked Omar’s mother, she could omly repeat the words “don’t know the cause yet,” over and over again. This is a sentence she learned to say in English.
The doctors decided to keep little Omar in the hospital on a “normal” station (floor 5) in order to keep him under surveillance. I’m glad they know what to do and that we, as a Shevet community know that while we leave Omar in the hands of the medical staff, we ultimately trust him in God’s hands. There couldn’t be a better place for him.
Please lift the cute little four-week old Omar and his very patient and lovely mother in your prayers, and that the medical staff can figure out what was the cause for his bleeding.
When Omar’s mother woke up this morning, she discovered that a big part of her precious little sons clothes were blood-soaked. I thank God for His peace, because I remained calm when I helped her to remove his clothes, not knowing what to expect. This was very traumatic for the poor mother, and all her body was shaking. Gently we turned him around, but we couldn’t find the source, not even when she cleaned his body with water. I felt that I should take pictures of his bloody clothes, and I’m glad I did. It would have been hard to explain the reality in words for the doctors.
At Sheba hospital, I felt so sorry for both the little baby and for his mother because it was very hard to find Omar’s small veins for the bloodtests. They made several tests on him in the hospital, and after hours of check-ups and waiting, they decided to hospitalize him for more tests. That was a huge relief for Omar’s mother and for me. I really hope they find the source, because no one should need to experience what this wonderful mother did today. I admire her strength, while going through such a rough day like this.
Please, lift up this beautiful little baby Omar and his family in prayer, and also all the medical staff in Sheba. They do a marvelous work with their small patients.
Our little Omar is now threeweeks and three days old. When I look at him I can’t believe that every human was as small as this tiny little boy is, once in their lifetime. It’s so hard to imagine.
The lovely mother of this little boy is a very quiet and calm mother. When I went into her hospital room today, she was staying silently at Omar’s side, looking at him with a lot of love on her face. I love to see the parents we visit when they are glowing with this unbelievable love they have for their little children. Even though I can’t communicate with her very well, I can tell how much she loves him just by her countenance.
Omar had an echo-cardiogram and when all was ready, Omar and his mother were discharged to Jaffa. Co-worker Sebastian collected them from the hospital and brought them to our community house. When they arrived, we all enjoyed a lovely community time together with the other families. A delicious dinner was cooked by some of the mothers who are staying with us at the moment.
Omar’s mother knows how to inject the Clexane for her little boy by herself now. We are thankful for that. The doctor wants to see Omar and his mother in one week again for another Echo. During the following week we will have a good time together and enjoy having them with us. Your prayers for this precious little boy and his calm mother are still much appreciated.
Omar’s mother is a very kind and loving mother. When I visited her and her little Omar in Sheba hospital today, she was on the phone with someone. When she saw me, she immediately hung up and greeted me with a friendly smile. Despite the language barrier, it is nice to visit her and precious little Omar.
When I arrived, Omar was sleeping. I asked his mother how she was, to which she replied “Hamdullalah” (thank God in Arabic). Omar is thankfully also doing well, and continues to recover well from his surgery. After I was there for a while, he woke up.
His mother fed him milk and made him smile lovingly. She proudly sat him on his bed and showed him to me. Such a sweet little boy. One of his feet is as big as my thumb.
While I was visiting her, the doctors came for rounds and kindly told me why Omar can’t be discharged yet. He is still in the hospital because the doctors are in the process of teaching her to inject him with a medicine herself. Only after she has mastered this will they be released from hospital.
Thank you all for your prayers for this little boy and his loving mum. Please continue to pray for them that they will be discharged as soon as possible.
Little Omar had his Catheterization at Sheba Medical Centre today. Thank God, it went well. Our small boy is getting better, little by little.
Omar’s condition was considered good enough for him to be moved to the Secondary Pediatric ICU on Sheba Hospital’s fourth floor, which was a very good sign. Praise the Lord for his recovery.
When I went to Sheba Medical Center today, I didn’t know our little Omar was having a Catheterization procedure done. His very friendly mother came out of the surgery area, so I was able to spend some time with her. She was very calm and patiently waited throughout the duration of his Catheterization.
The waiting time was well spent. I was happy there was another mother with us that could help with some translation. They also could talk to each other which I was thankful for.
The Catheterization procedure was finished, and Omar’s mother was very happy. When I went to the Pediatric ICU where Omar is now, his mother was sitting next to his bed, crying silently. Thank God that the procedure was a success.
Your prayers for this lovely mother and her little son are much appreciated.
Omar is a two-week old baby boy from the Gaza strip. Thank God, little Omar on the weekend safely reached the Sheba Medical Center in an ICU ambulance, and is now in good and loving hands in Sheba Hospital’s Pediatric ICU. The doctors told me that he is stable, his oxygen is good, and that he is eating, which is great.
Today, doctors decided to do a CT scan for Omar tomorrow to assess how he is, and where exactly his heart trouble is located. They need to think about what the procedure will look like for precious little Omar, the goal to heal his little heart.
I introduced myself today to Omar’s mother, although there was some language barrier. With the help of a very nice doctor who spoke Arabic, she understood that I am from Shevet Achim and what we are doing. She was very friendly and patient towards me.
Please pray for the precious little life of Omar and his lovely mother, that the doctors can find a way to help them.
This morning doctors in Gaza sent us an urgent plea to help newborn Omar. Only surgery in Israel could spare his life due to his complex congenital heart defect. And thank God, with teamwork between our Gaza coordinator Amar and the Sheba Medical Center, by evening Omar was already safely in the ICU in Israel:
Doctors are now assessing Omar to see how they can help him.
Today we picked up Omar and his mother at Erez Crossing Point and brought them to Sheba Medical Center.
Omar had an echo and an ECG today.
The doctor said that Omar is doing fine and that some of the medications he receives can be decreased soon. He will have to come back in about three month’s time. It’s always really great when Omar returns for follow-up and I can spend time with him and his mother.
