Yesterday was our last day with little San. Just two days ago we got the great news that he is completely fine and can go home to Kurdistan and this morning his flight was leaving.
Yesterday evening we had a fun little farewell-party for San and his mother. Over tea and cake we shared a few words with each other, words of appreciation and gratefulness. It felt so good to reflect on the past few months with San and his mother.
But as soon as they received their traditional packet of gifts, the calmness was over: San got a few cars from us and he immediately started playing with them until he had to go to bed.
The next day started really early for San. At 3 am, I woke San and his mother and only half an hour later we were on our way to the airport.
There we met another Kurdish child from Shevet who was also discharged to Kurdistan a few days ago. Since San was in our community house in Ashdod with this other child during most of his time here in Israel and knows her really well, they were playing and fooling around at the airport much of the time. It was really hard to keep them under control!
But after the check in and giving the suitcases away, it was time to say goodbye. Knowing that this is maybe the last time we may ever see them, it was hard to hold back the tears but I could find comfort in knowing that we have formed a strong bond with each other. With all the ups and downs, and with their time here sometimes having felt like a roller coaster ride, we will never forget those times and are stronger for them. They taught us how important it is to be there for family, no matter what, and that you are always able to help, even if it is just through a hug. And being able to go through a hard time together with them is so priceless and truly a gift of our God.
Little San was here for over three months, but it felt like he was part of our community for a longer time than that. He filled the whole community up with his energy, his laughter and with his fooling around. Wherever he was, you couldn’t help it but talk and play with him. We are all so grateful for the time God let us spend with him, for the healing process San passed through, is still going through, and of course for the relationships that developed in that time.
Please join us in our thanksgiving and rejoicing for God’s grace! We are sure that he has a plan with that family and we’re so thankful for having been a part of it for this season!
San’s mom has been looking forward to his echo today for quite some time now. When she arrived at Sheba from Jerusalem this morning, she was eagerly hoping for some good news. San, as always, was full of energy and bouncing all around the waiting room while his mom waited nervously for the doctor.
You can imagine San’s mom’s excitement when the doctor gave his report– San is doing great and can go back to Kurdistan without any worries. “Thank you, doctor, thank you!” she kept saying.
San and his mom are enjoying their last couple of days at our house in Jerusalem now and we hope to send them home later this week. Thank God for his healing work for San!
In the last few days, and especially today, San had the opportunity to let all his energy flow into the move. The Jerusalem-community is moving from the small guesthouse in the centre of Jerusalem to a big four-appartement house close to Hadassah Medical Center. And today was the first time he saw the house.
Though he wasn’t helping with unpacking the boxes or with cleaning the house he took over an essential part: keeping us entertained. Either by grabbing random stuff out of the boxes and playing with it or by running through the new garden and escaping through the little gate. It is unbelievable that no matter what he is going through or how early he had to wake up: he never seems to lose his energy. He is not getting tired of running through the whole house or of fooling around with the other Kurdish child that is living with us. We love him so much for just being himself and could barely imagine this new house without him.
Feel free to join us in prayer for little San. May the Lord make his time here unforgettable for all of us, that we are getting closer and closer and that he can enjoy the next few days here in this house before his long awaited Echo.
Little San is already staying with us in the Jerusalem guesthouse for over a week now. We knew immediately that he has more energy than any other child before. It is really fun to spend some time with him since he is never getting tired of discovering his surroundings. Sometimes it can also be a bit exhausting because with an age of almost four years, he still has a lot to learn.
For example, he loves to climb or to take random stuff he finds (for example my scarf) with him and to make him stop is really difficult. But in the last few days, I found a little trick: he loves to be in someone’s arms. So every time I want to prevent him fooling around, I just take him in my arms and carry him around with me. He really likes it and it is also kind of fun, taking him everywhere and showing him what he can do and what he shouldn’t (for example touching the hot oven). He seems to learn a bit from it so I’m really curious how our next time together will turn out.
Moving into the new guest house will probably make it really hard to keep him under control, but I’m sure God will help us to manage that. Let’s give thanks to our Father, that he has given San so much energy and curiosity! Please ask him for enough energy for his mother, who is exhausted every now and then, that she is able to deal with his power!
Yesterday morning, three-year-old San came from Ashdod to our Jerusalem guesthouse where he and his mother will stay with us until he his last echo on January 23rd at Sheba Hospital. This little boy is filled with energy. It’s hard to believe he had a heart surgery less than three weeks ago. Over and over again we see it happen, and this is truly miraculous, what’s happening in front of our eyes. Every time it fills me with awe of our marvelous Creator, and for me, there is no question. All the glory belongs to him.
Please pray for San and his family, that the the echo will be successful, so they can soon be reunited with their beloved family in Kurdistan. But also pray for all the medical staff both in Sheba and Hadassah Hospitals that are doing a wonderful, professional, and skilled work with all of these precious children.
Yesterday, San developed some pain in his neck and shoulders and a little bit in his chest. After checking with the cardiologists at Sheba Hospital, we decided in the afternoon to bring San to the ER to get him checked. It was only seven days after his open heart surgery, so we wanted to be safe.
Doctors at Sheba did a blood test and an x-ray. Even though everything looked good, they decided to admit him so they can watch him for a while. San didn’t mind the waiting time and played happily with one of the hospital clowns and his bubbles.
After long waiting hours, San and his mom were able to go to their room in the pediatric ward. When I arrived there this morning, I found them in the echo area. San had just seen his cardiologist who said San’s heart looks okay right now. One of his valves is leaking a little bit and the doctor doesn’t know yet if it will get better once his heart has adjusted to the closed hole, or if it is a different problem and San will need surgery for it. He would like to see San again in a month but also understands if his mom wants to get the follow-up echo in Kurdistan, so he left the decision up to her.
San was discharged to our house in Ashdod again this evening and we are glad that there was no serious problem with his heart. Please pray for wisdom in all decisions and especially for his mom. This situation is everything but easy for her.
San is discharged to Ashdod today. The doctors are surprised how good he is doing, not even a week after his surgery! In ten days, he needs to return to hospital for an echo and if he is good enough, he can go back to Kurdistan. That would be one of the fastest recoveries I have seen at Shevet. The doctors really think that this will be the case, although we want to keep in mind that the recovery will take a little bit longer.
San’s mother is very excited to go home. We pray that this will be the case, but we want to be sure to send her home with a healthy boy. Thank you for all your prayers for San.
In style for the recent FIFA World Cup win of Argentina San showed us his football skills today. When I came to the ICU I saw San and another boy playing football with the nurses and some doctors. I didn’t expect him to be so active after the surgery he just had but I got to see his improvement with my own eyes. Everyone was having so much fun with the boys and one of the doctors called San the little Messi of the ICU. Later we sat on his bed and played with the gifts he got from Sheba volunteers for Hannukah. San said to me that I should come to Kurdistan with him to play more when he can go home soon. His mother is really looking forward to getting out of the hospital and back to her home in Kurdistan. A doctor told us that it is possible that he can be discharged to our Ashdod house tomorrow and after his next follow up echo maybe even home to Kurdistan. It was so good to see him so happy and well.
Thank the Lord for San and that he is so good after his surgery. Pray for the coming days and that he maybe can go home soon.
Today I was very excited to see San for the first time after his surgery. Thank God he is doing good so far and he is stable. He is breathing well and he his also eating well. The doctor also told me that they are waiting at the moment before they take the chest tube out.
I spent some time with San and his mother. San proudly showed me his coloring book and afterwards we looked at some pictures on my phone of Shevie, our community dog. San loves the dog so much. Please pray for a continuing good recovery for San.
How nice to see San in such good condition. Having successfully completed his surgery, he is already extubated and conscious today. When I spoke to him, he responded well. Small movements, few words – he is on his way to recovery. Praise the Lord!
The doctors were so optimistic that they thought it would be possible to transfer him from the ICU to the secondary ICU as early as tomorrow. If all goes well, after removing the tube, he’ll be able to eat again tonight. All of this is cause for optimism. Nevertheless, you could see on San’s face that he still felt some pain. Nothing unusual after such a surgery. May God continue to heal him. We trust in his grace!
This morning coworker Joanne and I already arrived very early at Sheba Hospital to be with San’s mom on the big day of his surgery. His mom was waiting so long for this day and was very happy that it was finally happening. San was supposed to be the first surgery in the day, but because there was another little emergency surgery, his surgery started a little bit more than two hours later. San didn’t mind that waiting time even though he was not allowed to eat.
We played with his Chanukah balloon, and some other toys and he was hiding under his blanket between the bed of his mom and the suitcase. After that he was sleeping a while to get some energy before his surgery. Once in that waiting time his mom had him on her lap and suddenly started crying. I think she realized in this moment that this may be the last time she is holding her only son like this. I was touched and just prayed that San’s surgery will go well and he will soon recover from it.
Finally the doctors took San to the OR and we started waiting with his mom. She was very strong and brave, talked with some grandmothers and moms from Gaza, visited another Kurdish child and we played some air hockey in the hospital together. And surprisingly after less than four hours, a doctor came out to tell us that San’s surgery was already finished and he is back in his room.
Everything went well and San is doing good. What a relief. A little later, we could go to his room in the ICU with his mom. San was already starting to slowly wake up and open his eyes. We were all a little afraid before this surgery as San is pretty old already and didn’t get a surgery before, but now we are even more thankful for this miracle! Thank you God! Please help San to recover fast!
This evening, at the end of Shabbat, we brought our Kurdish child San to Sheba Hospital for his surgery admission. He will have his big surgery to treat his congenital heart defect tomorrow morning. San was very patient through all the tests the doctors had to make with him and made fun out of every situation possible. Sometimes you could see that he’s a little bit afraid because this whole environment is so strange for him, but his kind mother was there to comfort him all the time.
We need to pray for San and the doctors treating him tomorrow. It’s not an easy procedure so we ask the Lord to bless them with wisdom, knowledge and concentration through everything. Also pray for his mother as she is worried with her only son going into such a big surgery.
Today was an important day for San as he had his dental surgery. Without this, no heart surgery could take place because the risk of possible subsequent heart infection for him would be too high.
The admission to the dental clinic went smoothly. Shortly after the admission, we were called in and the preparations began. Oxygen and body temperature were again measured.
Then the doctor explained how the operation worked and that she wanted to try to save as many teeth as possible. After San changed into the clothing for the surgery, he went to the surgery room. His mom accompanied him. It was difficult for her to see her son like this. She was allowed to stay with him until he was completely stunned from the sedation. She came back to me with tears in her eyes.
As we waited, San’s mother showed me many pictures from Kurdistan and also of her family. The time went so fast and the doctor came with her report. Indeed the doctor was able to preserve many of the teeth, she was able to restore them. The doctor herself had not expected such results. What a blessing.
After the surgery, San was weak and in severe pain. Despite everything, he bravely held on to his cuddle blanket which his mother put in his bed. We had to wait some time until San was strong enough to walk. During that time I clarified a few questions with the doctor and was informed that San has to return in one week for a following up appointment to the dental clinic.
Thanking God for this successful operation. Praying for protection and healing in the upcoming days for San.
Since two weeks we tried to schedule an appointment with the anesthesiologist that San needs before he can have his dental treatment – without success. Today we had another child from Gaza coming who needed to see an anesthesiologist and ask him if he can have a look at San too because he needs his heart surgery soon.
And indeed, the doctor was really kind and made the appointment for San too. He examined him a little bit and looked at his reports and talked with his mom and now he is cleared to have his dental surgery.
I was very amazed how God was working in this thing. We usually don’t have kids coming for an anesthesiology appointment, so God scheduled it all in the right time. Thank you Lord!
Now we still need to schedule the dental surgery for San which also seems to be challenging, but we want to trust God that he will also open up a way for this!
San almost went into surgery this week. Unfortunately the doctor saw that San’s teeth are not in good condition. It is very dangerous to have dental infections when he will have a heart surgery.
San sat down very proud in the dental chair, but when the dentist came, the positive atmosphere disappeared. Luckily she knew exactly what to do to take a look into San’s mouth. San needs a big cleaning under anesthesia. This will take place soon. And then he will be ready for what he came for: the heart surgery.
This was a little disappointment for San’s mother because this means it will all take longer. But she knows that this will make her son better. Please pray for patience for this mother and child and for strength through these nervous moments.
Early this morning we got the message from Sheba Hospital that San will have his surgery tomorrow and we should bring him today for his admission. His mother was surprised but happy that the waiting finally has an end.
Half an hour later we were on our way to Sheba where San had and ECG and they did a 3D echo as a preparation for his surgery.
In the waiting time San went together with his mom to a party in front of the hospital where he got balloons and had a lot of fun.
But shortly before San could go into his room in the ICU the head nurse discovered how bad San’s teeth are and that he will need a treatment for that before he can have surgery. The risk of an infection would be too dangerous. This was very disappointing news for his mom who really wants to go home to her family soon again. Tomorrow San will have a first appointment with the dentist where he will decide what treatment he will need.
Please pray for patience for his mom who probably will need to wait again for a couple of weeks until all the dental work is finished and San cam have his surgery.
Thank God San is doing better. He and his mother were finally able to leave the hospital today and went back to Ashdod with us. Both were very happy about it.
San has a 3-D echo next week and after that, his operation. Let us pray for San and his mother in this very challenging upcoming time. We want to entrust San into God’s almighty, loving and strong hands.
I met San’s mother today in the hallways of Sheba Medical Center when she told me that she really wants to go back to our home in Ashdod with us today. I asked the doctors when San could be discharged and had to disappoint her with the doctor’s answer.
After his hospitalization on Monday when he threw up and felt sick, he was admitted to the pediatric clinic at the hospital. There he was treated with medication for his virus which helped him improve. San was already smiling at me today, but he still feels a little bit sick. His doctor told me that they want to keep him here until at least tomorrow to make the echo that he needs before his heart surgery without having to make another appointment for him to come yet again to Sheba.
Let’s pray for San and his mother that they will feel comfortable to stay another night in the hospital and for his echo tomorrow.
After a day of throwing up everything he ate or drank, we took San to the ER. The doctor saw that he looked pale and dehydrated. He decided to give him some medications that would help his stomach to settle down and he received fluids through an IV for three hours.
The whole night San was able to keep fluids down. But because he is a heart patient and because he was sleeping all night, the doctor wanted to keep him in the hospital to make sure he was okay. The doctor said that because of his heart condition, he needs to be perfect to be discharged to Ashdod.
Because of the long wait, coworker Kristie and I had good conversations with the mother of San with the little English, Arabic and Kurdish we had and we shared some food together.
San already looked much better when we said goodbye after the admission. We pray that God watches over this boy and that his body will get strong for the upcoming surgery.
As soon as I saw San this morning at Sheba Hospital, and was preparing to receive him upon his discharge, and despite the fact that his Cath was just yesterday, little San was already going wild and running through the hallways of Sheba. At first I couldn’t believe that his Cath was just yesterday! His mother was doing her best to keep him at one place because the doctors told her San shouldn’t be too wild right after his Cath, so she took him to a little children’s cinema area. That kept him silent and calm for at least a bit of time.
When I talked to San’s doctor, he was very kind and caring. He told me that after San’s diagnostical Cath, they still have to consider with this information what the best treatment for him is, so there’s still no concrete future plan for our little San.
When we arrived at home, San and his mother were so tired. She told me she has just slept two hours the last night, so she is really happy to come back to Ashdod.
Let’s pray for her, that she can get some much-needed rest, for the doctors to make the best treatment plan for San and for San himself to not loose his liveliness and energy. Praise the Lord for all the hospital staff that was working very hard for him!
Our cute San had his diagnostic cath at Sheba Hospital today. When I visited his lovely mother and San, he was asleep because he had trouble sleeping the previous night.
During the procedure, his mother was really worried. She had some company from other parents of our children in the ICU. After the cath she was really relieved as she heard the doctors reassuring her that everything went well. San needs a surgery for his condition so the doctors performed this cath to measure his heart and collect all the information they need for the surgery. When he woke up again afterwards, he was still a little bit confused from the anesthesia but already wanted to play with his balloon.
Praise the Lord for the successful procedure. We want to pray for San and his mother for his upcoming treatment.
Today the doctors at Sheba Medical Center surprised us with a phone call to say that San can have his diagnostic cath tomorrow.
When I brought him and his lovely mother to Sheba, we had to go through the whole admission process until we were able to see his doctor. The doctor explained to us why they need to do this cath and what complications are possible. Even though the risk for complications is really low, his mother was worried a bit because this procedure will be the first one for San. Our kind doctors at the cardiac clinic were fast to calm her down and tell her that this is a routine procedure. They need to do this diagnostic cath to collect information for his treatment plan for possible surgeries in the future. After all of this, San was admitted to the ICU where he stays with his mother until the catheterisation tomorrow.
Please join us in prayer for San and his wonderful mother. Pray for calmness for both of them in this exciting time of healing.
Our little “Schlingel” (german for rascal) San visited Sheba hospital the first time today. For an echo, blood test, X-ray and a ECG to evaluate his condition before coming up with a surgical plan. Energetic San had us on our toes all day while exploring Sheba. He was curious about every child he saw while waiting and wanted to make new friends. Even though he knows I don’t understand Kurdish, he tried to explain everything to me and we had a really fun time together.
Throughout the tests, San was so patient and didn’t even cry at the blood test which was a big surprise to the nurses there. San has a VSD, a hole between the lower chambers in his heart. The doctors don’t know yet if the just want to do a cath or also a surgery.
Keep San in your prayers so that he can stay as happy and adventurous as he is right now. Pray for his mother and their time here apart from their family.
We welcomed San and his mother together with two other kids from Kurdistan today as they arrived at Ben Gurion Airport this morning. All of them were really tired, so we went directly back to Ashdod to regroup.
Once he slept and ate something, San was full of energy again and started playing around in the house. He’s playing here with coworker Jakob.
When I looked after them again in the afternoon, he was smiling brightly while running and jumping around on the couches in the living room. Whereas his mom was still really tired from the flight. He is a really joyful kid and we are looking forward to having a great time with him and lots of fun.
Let’s pray for San and his mother now, for a wonderful time here and for strength regained, for his treatment and everything that lays ahead of them. God bless this little boy.
Yesterday was our last day with little San. Just two days ago we got the great news that he is completely fine and can go home to Kurdistan and this morning his flight was leaving.
Yesterday evening we had a fun little farewell-party for San and his mother. Over tea and cake we shared a few words with each other, words of appreciation and gratefulness. It felt so good to reflect on the past few months with San and his mother.
But as soon as they received their traditional packet of gifts, the calmness was over: San got a few cars from us and he immediately started playing with them until he had to go to bed.
The next day started really early for San. At 3 am, I woke San and his mother and only half an hour later we were on our way to the airport.
There we met another Kurdish child from Shevet who was also discharged to Kurdistan a few days ago. Since San was in our community house in Ashdod with this other child during most of his time here in Israel and knows her really well, they were playing and fooling around at the airport much of the time. It was really hard to keep them under control!
But after the check in and giving the suitcases away, it was time to say goodbye. Knowing that this is maybe the last time we may ever see them, it was hard to hold back the tears but I could find comfort in knowing that we have formed a strong bond with each other. With all the ups and downs, and with their time here sometimes having felt like a roller coaster ride, we will never forget those times and are stronger for them. They taught us how important it is to be there for family, no matter what, and that you are always able to help, even if it is just through a hug. And being able to go through a hard time together with them is so priceless and truly a gift of our God.
