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Tarza Leaves Israel
December 3, 2008 by Jeremy · Leave a Comment
This was Rezhin and Tarza’s last week in Israel. These two girls are just precious and full of life. Every day they’ve talked about when they would get to go home to see their families. You could see the anticipation growing in them each day and never would have imagined that these two girls running around playing, recently had had heart surgery. It’s exciting to think who they will become as they return home with new hearts.
They are deeply appreciative for the nurturing care they’ve received from the staff here and truly love the women here. They made thank you notes in their Sorani dialect for some of the staff thanking them and making sure they knew they would be missed. Last night they even invited Donna to share one last meal with them before preparing to leave.
Everyone woke up this morning freshly cleaned and with their best clothes on. Packing must have begun last night, leaving things only to be tidied up today. After waiting several hours, we all loaded up in the van mid-afternoon to start the journey home. It was a beautiful day, providing for a nice drive and great views of the country. Once at passport control things went fairly smoothly and they were able to make a couple of quick purchases from the Duty Free Shop before going outside to wait for the bus.
Sadly they faced a long wait on the other side of the border crossing, making what was already a long day that much longer. After a quick nap, they’ll awake early in the morning to head to the airport to return home.
What a privilege it has been to meet these two beautiful girls. How grateful we are that they have many more years of health and life ahead of them!
Excellent Echo Report, Fun With Beads
November 24, 2008 by Jeremy · Leave a Comment
Tarza got an excellent report after her echo, and although her mother was hoping to be able to leave after today, Dr. Tamir said Tarza should come back in one week for the final echocardiogram. We are thankful for this good report, and expect Tarza will be on schedule to go home early next week.
A Very Good Report
November 17, 2008 by Jeremy · Leave a Comment
We made our way to the hospital this morning for Tarza and Rezhin
’s follow-up echos. After waiting nearly an hour, each girl was taken in for her echo. Afterwards, the report was that they are doing really well. Neither of the girls has any sign of water in her lungs, nor are they on any medications, only vitamins.
After they left the echo they met up with Ali and his father as they were walking outside. Both mothers and daughters sat outside with Ali and rejoiced with Ali’s father. Both Tarza and Rezhin will have another echo next Monday.
Tarza Recovering
November 16, 2008 by Jeremy · Leave a Comment
I went to the hospital yesterday to bring Tarza 
and Rezhin back to the house.
They were ready to leave when I got there. The trip went well, the taxi driver was very pleasant, he couldn’t speak english and he called another taxi driver over to translate to him what I was saying, they also told us to have a good journey. The girls are doing great and were glad to get back to the house. Lawk and his mom were also glad to see them. The hospital will let us know when they go for their echocardiogram.
Out Of ICU, Munching Doritos
November 11, 2008 by Jeremy · Leave a Comment
Today, I found both Tarza and Rezhin out of the ICU and in the ward. While I was visiting this afternoon the girls were munching on Doritos and peanut M&M’s. It seems as if they are on their way to a full recovery.
Surgery Went Well, Without Complications
November 10, 2008 by Jeremy · Leave a Comment
Tarza had her surgery this morning. Tarza’s mother was nervous and was crying. Ali’s father and Rezhin’s mother were with her. While we were waiting to see Tarza after her surgery, they wanted to go to lunch, so we went to the cafeteria and ate. Later went to drink tea. They had not let Tarza’s mother see her yet. It was a good while.
Ali’s father had gone in to see Ali in the ICU, and stayed for awhile. When he came out, he told Tarza’s mother to go in, so she did. When she came out she was crying. Even though we can’t understand each other’s language, I still have that compassion of a mom.
When I went in to see Tarza, I asked the doctor how Tarza’s surgery turned out. He said very well, with no complications. By the time I left, Tarza was awake and alert.
Surgery Scheduled For Tomorrow
November 9, 2008 by Jeremy · Leave a Comment
We received a surprise telephone call this evening from the hospital telling us to bring Rezhin and Tarza, and that they would have surgery tomorrow.
The mothers speak only Kurdish but Ali’s father is there to help with the translation. His calmness and attention helps them to have a peace they might not have if he weren’t there.
Tarza Arrives In Israel
November 4, 2008 by Jeremy · Leave a Comment
Late this afternoon we welcomed Rezhin and her mother, along with Tarza and her mother. We’d hoped to receive them Sunday evening but needed to wait until today. Once here at the house, we were all thankful to have Sara’s father to help us communicate with one another. Neither of these mothers speak Arabic or English, so we’re really hoping that translation will be available for all of us during their stay here.
Tonight at the house the three little girls (Rezhin, Tarza and Sara) are all feeling shy, and therefore have not yet begun to play together. Since Rezhin will not have her first echo until Thursday, we’re hoping that they will enjoy playing with one another in the morning after a good night’s sleep.
Shy Yet Brave In Initial Tests
January 6, 2008 by Jeremy · Leave a Comment
A shy Tarza and her mother began the admissions process today for her heart surgery. Even though she is beginning to warm up to those of us on staff, she is still very quiet and shy. Because of this, I rather expected her to be fearful of the tests which had to be done today prior to her admission. What a surprise that she was such a trooper when it came her turn for the dreaded blood test! She only made a small whimper when the needle was inserted, and was very brave the rest of the time for every test.
The doctor found in the echo that Tarza has an ASD, which can be repaired by a simple and short heart surgery (relatively speaking of course!) It is hoped that her surgery can be scheduled soon, and after the surgical team meets on Sunday we should have a better idea about just how soon. Naturally all of us hope they do not have to endure a long wait to get the treatment they came for.
On Sunday Tarza and her mother will return to the hospital to be checked after the standard test for tuberculosis. One father was a great help to them and us at the hospital by translating and explaining what to expect, and another father has been a great help here at the house. 
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