Hank Dannecker has sent me updates on three of the Palestinian children that his organization, One New Heart, is sponsoring for needed heart surgeries conducted in Israel by Israeli doctors working pro bono.
The pictures may take a minute to upload.
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Dear Friends,
I returned home from the hospital several hours ago and I'm glad to report that Arkan is out of the PICU and has moved right to the ward. He is doing so well that he may go home by this Friday. You need to remember this baby is less than 1 month old and has had major heart surgery but Um Arkan is thrilled for her little boy.
Also, after six hours of surgery Umaima was brought into the PICU, we were told by the doctors that the surgery went very well. The down side is that there is more than normal the amount of blood draining from the chest area so if it has not decreased by tomorrow they may need to reopen her chest. Mom and dad were obviously shaken but because her father speaks fluent English I was able to give him a little reassurance. Also, I drove Khaled and two of his friends back to Bethlehem for the night. Khaled told me he is determined to help 1 New Heart in some way to help more children.
Our prayers our with Umaima and family this night, remember Um Umaina is alone at the hospital with her baby girl.
Grace and Peace,
In addition, a separate message tells us that Hanan, of whom we have previously written, has gone home with her family. It also shows how peoples of different faiths recognize they worship the same God.
Dear Friends,
This morning Dr. Tamir called me and asked if I would be able to come to the hospital and take Hanan home before Shabbat started and if so she would be released to go home.
We quickly got ready and made our way to Wolfson Medical center and found Hanan and her mother ready to go. So after driving about 45 minutes Um Hanan became familiar with the roads and took us right to her village and to Hanan's grandfather's home. We stayed with the extended family for three hours, received a tour of some of the family homes, a little store that they own, part of the village and we were also invited to stay for dinner and even spend the night with them. So, after an Arab meal with all the fixings, hot tea and much conversation and pictures we were ready to head back to Jerusalem. But the family was not willing to let us go so easily, 5 more minutes led to five more minutes and so on and so forth. They asked us if we will return and we said, "Yes." their next question was very telling. They wanted to know when would we return with the family? This is a poor family with a lot of themselves to give, very kind and inquisitive of who we are and what we are doing. When we made our way to the door they presented us with a gift, it is a picture frame with some kind words from their hearts behind glass. Here are some of their words:
You have become a huge part of our lives, her life and all of our hearts. And now I am getting to know a brother our holy books have mentioned. We never knew someone like you with purity and compassion still existed. You are a believer whose heart ignites with light. I honor, respect and love you my brother and in every prayer I pray for you and your loved ones I will always ask God to fulfill your dreams and wishes. Hopefully we stay in contact and you attend her wedding and walk her down the aisle. And I will learn your language fluently for your sake, God bless your heart.
Thank you for giving our family the opportunity to serve in this manner.
To God be all the Glory!
Hank Dannecker Jr.
1NewHeart
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You can visit Hank's website on this page, and see how he and his family are working with Israeli hospitals and doctors to provide much-needed heart surgery to Palestinian children at no cost to their families.
I would invite comments from my Muslim readers (especially those of the UCI Muslim Student Union who read this blog) as to what you think about this endeavor. Perhaps, you will re-think your position about Israel and what an "evil, racist and apartheid state" it is.
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