March 10

We are rejoicing in God our Savior!

With great excitement we can now say, "mission complete!" Amenah and her mother have been safely returned to their home in Iraq. With hugs and tears of joy they met Amenah's father at the airport. On their return they found that a huge celebration feast had been prepared for them with over a hundred people present.

Here are some words from Major Kevin Jarrard:

"Words are inadequate to describe my thankfulness to all of you for your roles in this mission. If you have never previously witnessed a miracle – now you have."

Thank you all for joining with us in this endeavor. We pray that God would bless each of you as you have been so generous in supporting this mission.

MISSION COMPLETE!!!

February 21

God has once again shown His gracious hand!

The doctors are amazed at how quickly Amenah is healing. Her expected 10-day stay at the hospital turned into only 3 days. She has become quite the energetic and rambunctious little girl; they have been unable to keep her quiet as the doctors advised! At her appointment yesterday the doctors said she may be able to return home to Iraq as soon as March 4th; her mother is elated. The team is now working to put their trip together. We cannot find words to express how thankful we are for both your prayers and financial support. Please keep praying for them as they prepare for their journey home.

God Bless you all!

For those interested in the Vanderbilt blog the link is provided below:

http://www.vanderbiltchildrens.com/

February 12

To God be all Glory, Laud and Honor!

AMINA'S SURGERY WAS A SUCCESS!!! By 11:00 a.m. on February 11th, the surgical team was able to report to Amina's mother that her surgery was a success. The surgery lasted a total of three hours, which was shorter than orginally expected. "I cannot describe how I am feeling," said Amina's mother, Maha Mohammed Al-Sumaidaie. "I didn't even imagine this could happen. Thank goodness for everything, and I thank God for all those who have helped."
Amina is doing very well at this point, but is not out of danger yet. Please keep praying for her recovery. She is expected to be in the hospital for the next 10 days and will then spend the next six weeks recovering at her host family's home.

For those interested, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital is keeping a running blog on Amina's story. It is updated every day. The link is provided below.

http://www.vanderbiltchildrens.com/

The correct spelling of Amina's name is Amenah Al-Bayati.
Thank you again for all your prayers and support!

January 31

Amina's surgery has been scheduled for the 11th of Febuary. She continues to be happy and stable.

Pray for the doctors to have steady hands and an understanding of how to correct Amina's heart problem during the surgery.

For those who are interested, http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/ continues to run stories on Operation Amina. After going to the site, click on NEWS and then LOCAL NEWS. Type Amina or Iraqi girl in the search box and the stories should come up.

Thank you again for your support and prayers.

January 29

Amina continues to be evaluated by the physicians at Vanderbilt. At this time she is being treated for an upper respiratory infection. She will undergo more tests Wednesday, and doctors are hoping to do the surgery next week. However, this all depends on her physical condition. Doctors are trying to make her as physically strong as possible before the surgery.

Despite Amina's conditions, her mother says she is a different child since her arrival in the US. She is very happy and playful. Her mother says she is so grateful that Amina is receiving care, and she is waiting for the BIG HAPPINESS, which is a successful surgery and return home to Iraq. She says, "Americans are wonderful!"

KEEP PRAYING!
"Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him Who sent Me." Mark 9:37

January 26

Little Amina's medical problems are more serious than first thought. The doctors who examined her at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital discovered that her heart is backwards in her chest and her large arteries are oriented abnormally. In addition to this, she has a large hole in her heart along with a severe obstruction between her heart and lungs. Amina will require a very complex open heart surgery. At a time like this we are so thankful we can rest in God's sovereignty, knowing He is in control of every aspect of our lives. We find great comfort and joy knowing that we serve an omnipotent and omniscient Lord. Now is our time to pray without ceasing. Wrap Amina in your prayers!

We have provided a web address below to a recent news story and video of Amina. After going to the site, click on NEWS and then LOCAL NEWS and her story will be there. If it has been removed, type "Amina" in the search box:

www.myfoxatlanta.com

January 24

WE HAVE AN AWESOME GOD!
We were overcome by God's greatness as we witnessed the arrival of Amina, her mother, and Team Bulldog on the evening of the 23rd. As always, God had this operation perfectly and sovereignly planned out to the last detail. If they had left a day later they would have been further delayed due to extreme weather conditions.

Amina was to have had a day of rest, but she is sicker than expected. In light of this, her evaluation at the hospital will begin today. Please be praying that once she is evaluated there will be no complications, and that she will be operable. Pray also that those in contact with Amina and her mother will have opportunities to share Christ with them.