Upon walking into the secondary ICU of Sheba Medical Center, coworker Hannah and I found six year old Anas from Qalqilya with his eyes peacefully shut and his little mouth sleepily hanging open. With his mother by his side, he slept with child-like trust regardless of the events yet to take place in the coming hours. This was the first time we had the pleasure of meeting Anas and his mother.
While he slept, she greeted us warmly with a gentle smile that conveyed love for her son and also an air of concern. Through a translation app, we spoke with her and found out that Anas has had nine catheterizations, and three surgeries so far. The purpose of his time in the hospital today was to receive a diagnostic and interventional catheterization in order to see what further treatment he needs, and correct any minor issues. As we spoke with his mother, Anas slowly woke up.
He didn’t seem super thrilled at finding two strangers babbling in very bad Arabic at the end of his bed. Thus, when we tried to give him first bumps, high-five him, and get him to smile— all we received in return was a bit of an eyeroll which seemed to say he wasn’t enthused.
The only one who seemed to get a smile out of him was his mother who lovingly made sure he was comfortable and as happy as his situation would allow. Soon after, two kind nurses came into his room and wheeled him into the waiting room just outside the cath lab.
After waiting for a few more minutes with Anas and his mother, and a couple more futile attempts at getting him to be playful, the nurses had his mother walk with him back to the room his catheterization was to take place in.
Hannah and I left and waited for his mother out in the hallway. She was very strong, although it was clear that she was nervous for her little boy. Once we made sure she was ok, we gave her some space to call her family.
After an hour or so, we returned to her and were also joyfully joined by Jonathan and Michelle. Soon after that our little party grew even more when her husband and their Arab friends who live in Israel also joined us.
It was a blessing and a delight to speak with Anas’ parents, and their dear friends as well. The distraction that their friends brought was much needed relief. The time passed by quickly as our group discussed a variety of topics. After about three hours in the operating room, Anas was finally rolled out on his bed and his parents rushed to be by his side.
The doctors kindly requested that our group wait to see Anas until the doctors had made sure he was stable and had discussed a treatment plan for him. Our group of seven peered through glass doors eagerly— it must have been a funny sight to see from the other side of the door.
Finally, Dr. Sharon, a very skilled physician who performed the catheterization, came out and spoke to our group. She explained that the catheterization went well. They dilated an artery that had been far too small, and also took images of issues that need to be fixed. In the coming weeks, Anas will need a major open heart surgery to correct these issues. Until then, he has time to recover from this catheterization.
As Anas woke up, our Shevet community once more experienced the loveliness of Arabic hospitality. The friends of Anas’ family had brought a huge meal to share in celebration of a smooth catheterization, and insisted that we joined them.
The meal was absolutely delicious as they served a classic Arabic dish called Maqluba. Seeing this kindness, the Lord laid on my heart a feeling of wonder. This Muslim family, and their friends, going through such a trial, still faithfully chose to serve others regardless of their circumstances. What a good lesson for us who are followers of Messiah. There are such simple ways to bless other people and show them the love of our Lord. May we seek to serve those around us, regardless of the circumstances, so that we may “spurn one another onto love and good deeds” as Hebrews 10:24 says.
