Week 2

Wow. I feel like so much has happened since my last blog post. This week flew by! On Wednesday 7 new children arrived to the house from Zanzibar.  It was quite overwhelming coming downstairs in the morning and seeing all these new faces.  I was told I would be accompanying them to the hospital to do their initial medical screenings. We spent almost 8 hours at the hospital.  Each kid got a blood screening for an array of diseases, and had an echo on his/her heart, where his/her heart condition was revealed.  I couldn't believe how much time/effort the Israeli nurses, doctors, and specialists were devoting to each child. While at the hospital, I also saw the children I know from the SACH house. It was a completely different experience seeing them in the hospital; I felt like they needed me more there, than at the house.    Most of these children come to Israel without any family, or even familiarity with heart surgery.  Seeing the children both pre-op/post-operation reminded me that I am making a positive difference. 

While at the hospital, I also got to visit some Palestinian patients.  Half of the SACH patients are from Palestinian territories, but do not spend any time at the SACH house because they have the luxury to go home during their recovery. 

That same day I spent time with toddler Hay-min and his mother before his surgery; I also got to see him after! He was such a champ. He kept blabbering after his surgery to his mom, one of the Ethiopian nurses, and myself.  Although I could not understand exactly what he was saying, I could tell by the tone of his voice he was confused, and enraged. I later found out he was shouting "WHO did this to me?? WHO???" How do you explain to a small child what surgery is? He continued on for a bout 15 minutes, and then asked his mom why I didn't bring him a toy. (Oops!). I found out that Hay-min's mother is my age! A couple of the mothers have asked me if I have children or a husband. Below is mama Sameera with baby Sumayah.  They were also at the hospital that day too. She is absolutely stunning. 

Like most mothers in the house, Sameera wears a Hijab. Most guests at the house are Muslim. One of the new nurses from Zanzibar prays five times a day. 

The next morning I was getting ready to leave for Tel Aviv. I was so pleasantly surprised when the new children greeted me with huge hugs and smiles when they saw I was still at the house. Even the mothers were giving me hugs. :) :) :) 

I headed to Tel Aviv where I met my Freshman year Wisconsin suitemate and another Wisco friend. It is so nice knowing I have such good friends so close by. Coincidentally when we were walking around, we ran into another friend from Wisconsin! We ended up going to Shabbat dinner with him and some of his friends. 

This morning me and my friend Steph walked along the beach. It was packed with people, music, and food. Tel Aviv does not shut down like Jerusalem does on Shabbat. 

I arrived back in Holon a couple of hours ago. I can't believe I've been here almost two weeks already. wow. 

That's it for now :).