Topic: Pray for Edona
Displaying all 27 posts by 3 people.
Post #1
Autumn wroteon July 7, 2009 at 9:33am
On May 5th, Edona Sadiki arrived in Indianapolis through Samaritan’s Purse Heart Project (SP), for a very standard heart surgery. Edona is a 14 month old girl, from Kosovo. Her mother, Luljeta (Lul-yet-a), is 6 months pregnant and unable to accompany Edona to the US for her surgery. Therefore, Edona’s parents signed over guardianship to Valentina, a SP translator, for the duration of her stay in America. On May 26th, she was able to go back to her host families home after her first surgery. On June 4th, Edona had to have a second open heart surgery and recovery from that point on has been very difficult.
Due to her difficult recovery, Samaritan’s Purse made the decision to fly Edona’s father, Selajdin (Se-ly-din), to the States to be with Edona. Her mother, Luljeta, is not able to come because of her late stage of pregnancy.
This is only the 3rd time a father has ever been brought to the States for a surgery by Samaritan’s Purse, so this is a very unusual occurrence.
Yesterday, the doctors treating Edona decided that she is not getting better and another surgery is needed. She is going to be having a third open heart surgery. This is a very high risk surgery and they don’t even know if it will fix all the problems they are seeing. Therefore, I am asking you all to pray. Pray specifically for her healing. There is no way she is going to recover without God being a huge part of this. The doctors have been confused for several weeks, and this week have asked specifically for us as a church to pray for wisdom and direction.
Please continue to pray for her father, Salijden. Pray that God would speak clearly to him now and Christs love would be evident to him during this time. Pray for peace and comfort as he is torn between his child in the USA and his wife and unborn child in Kosovo.
The third thing I would mention for prayer, is Edona’s mother, Luljeta who is heavily pregnant and unable to be with her daughter.
Due to her difficult recovery, Samaritan’s Purse made the decision to fly Edona’s father, Selajdin (Se-ly-din), to the States to be with Edona. Her mother, Luljeta, is not able to come because of her late stage of pregnancy.
This is only the 3rd time a father has ever been brought to the States for a surgery by Samaritan’s Purse, so this is a very unusual occurrence.
Yesterday, the doctors treating Edona decided that she is not getting better and another surgery is needed. She is going to be having a third open heart surgery. This is a very high risk surgery and they don’t even know if it will fix all the problems they are seeing. Therefore, I am asking you all to pray. Pray specifically for her healing. There is no way she is going to recover without God being a huge part of this. The doctors have been confused for several weeks, and this week have asked specifically for us as a church to pray for wisdom and direction.
Please continue to pray for her father, Salijden. Pray that God would speak clearly to him now and Christs love would be evident to him during this time. Pray for peace and comfort as he is torn between his child in the USA and his wife and unborn child in Kosovo.
The third thing I would mention for prayer, is Edona’s mother, Luljeta who is heavily pregnant and unable to be with her daughter.
Post #2
Autumn wroteon July 8, 2009 at 6:59am
Edona will be having surgery today sometime between 10 and 11am this will start. This is a very high risk surgery. Please pray that this 3rd surgery will be what is needed to help her begin to recover.
The surgeon said yesterday that the first 24-72 hours are very critical. If she pulls through those OK, she has a very good chance to start healing quickly and a good chance that her heart function will begin to normalize.
Please pray for the surgeon, Dr. Abraham, that his hands will be steady and sure today, and that this time the repair will be complete.
Thank you for your prayers!
The surgeon said yesterday that the first 24-72 hours are very critical. If she pulls through those OK, she has a very good chance to start healing quickly and a good chance that her heart function will begin to normalize.
Please pray for the surgeon, Dr. Abraham, that his hands will be steady and sure today, and that this time the repair will be complete.
Thank you for your prayers!
Post #3
Autumn wroteon July 8, 2009 at 11:46am
at 2:20pm, they began closing up Edona. They think this will take another hour or so, because they also have to get her heart restarted once she is closed up.
So far, her vitals are very good.
So far, her vitals are very good.
Post #4
Autumn wroteon July 8, 2009 at 12:44pm
She is out of surgery and doing well for now. We are still awaiting an update from the surgen. Obviously the next 48 hrs are very important.
Salejdin is calling his wife now to update her on the progress. So...so far so good.
Salejdin is calling his wife now to update her on the progress. So...so far so good.
Post #5
Angela wroteon July 8, 2009 at 7:32pm
I am still praying! Central Christian Staff and my home group are also praying! I keep checking back for updates :)
Post #6
Autumn wroteon July 9, 2009 at 5:34am
I was in meetings until about 9pm last night, so this is the first chance I have had to update. Here is what Kelly, host mom, sent to me last night around 6:30pm yesterday:
"All indications right now are that Edona’s 3rd open heart surgery went well. The procedure itself took about 2 hours. When we got to see her back in her room, she looked pretty good. The surgeon said that right after surgery, some of her blood pressures that had been so out of whack were starting to normalize a little bit. That’s good news. We do know that tonight, tomorrow and Friday will be critical times for her. After the past 2 surgeries, she has had a very inflammatory response to being on the heart/lung bypass machine within 2 days of the operation. Please pray that this time that will not be an issue for her. Salejdin called Luljeta after the surgery, and she was happy to hear that Edona was doing well. The surgeon said that if Edona makes it through the next 2 days with no serious issues, we should start to see good improvement in her pressures and her heart function. That definitely is our prayer!! Please pray that she remains strong – she has proven to be a good fighter so far, but she still has a lot of ground to cover before she can get out of the hospital. Thanks so much."
"All indications right now are that Edona’s 3rd open heart surgery went well. The procedure itself took about 2 hours. When we got to see her back in her room, she looked pretty good. The surgeon said that right after surgery, some of her blood pressures that had been so out of whack were starting to normalize a little bit. That’s good news. We do know that tonight, tomorrow and Friday will be critical times for her. After the past 2 surgeries, she has had a very inflammatory response to being on the heart/lung bypass machine within 2 days of the operation. Please pray that this time that will not be an issue for her. Salejdin called Luljeta after the surgery, and she was happy to hear that Edona was doing well. The surgeon said that if Edona makes it through the next 2 days with no serious issues, we should start to see good improvement in her pressures and her heart function. That definitely is our prayer!! Please pray that she remains strong – she has proven to be a good fighter so far, but she still has a lot of ground to cover before she can get out of the hospital. Thanks so much."
Post #7
Autumn wroteon July 9, 2009 at 7:40am
As of 9:55am
Edona had a good night and was awake a little bit and moving her arms. Her color is good, and there have been no surprises so far. All good signs!
Edona had a good night and was awake a little bit and moving her arms. Her color is good, and there have been no surprises so far. All good signs!
Post #8
Autumn wroteon July 9, 2009 at 1:12pm
Edona has made it through her first 24 hours after surgery with no problems! The doctors that have seen her today have been pleased and cautiously optimistic. When I saw her this morning, she was semi-awake but still pretty sleepy. She looked very peaceful and comfortable and has had no fever. One of the medications that they were using to improve her heart function before surgery has already been stopped, and they have started her tube feedings again. She just seems to be handling everything very well, and I am so thankful. Of course, please continue to pray for increased strength and complete recovery! Thanks.
Post #9
Autumn wroteon July 10, 2009 at 5:44am
Friday, July 10th. 8:30am
Edona is going to be taken off of the ventilator this morning. They took her off of the pacemaker last night and all of her vitals are good, heart rate is fine and no temperature.
Please pray that the extubation will go well. If she cannot handle being off of the ventilator, they may have to do a tracheotomy and that would require a 6 month stay for Edona.
Also, continue to pray for her father. We have had several of our (male) pastors, staff and husbands of staff visit with Salejdin this week. He told one of our pastors that he loves our church, this is huge for a Muslim man to say he loves our Christian church. Please pray that God would reveal himself clearly and mightily to him during this time.
Thanks!
Edona is going to be taken off of the ventilator this morning. They took her off of the pacemaker last night and all of her vitals are good, heart rate is fine and no temperature.
Please pray that the extubation will go well. If she cannot handle being off of the ventilator, they may have to do a tracheotomy and that would require a 6 month stay for Edona.
Also, continue to pray for her father. We have had several of our (male) pastors, staff and husbands of staff visit with Salejdin this week. He told one of our pastors that he loves our church, this is huge for a Muslim man to say he loves our Christian church. Please pray that God would reveal himself clearly and mightily to him during this time.
Thanks!
Post #10
Lori wroteon July 11, 2009 at 9:06pm
Great news Autumn; trusting God will do what is best for her and her family. Thank you for the updates.
Lori
Lori
Post #11
Autumn wroteon July 13, 2009 at 9:30am
Monday, July 13th.
They did not take Edona off of the ventilator as planned, because they decided her lungs were still too wet.
As of Sunday evening, she was doing very well and had had one of her best days in weeks!
From Kelly, the host mom:
"The doctors are decreasing her sedation so she was awake and alert much of the day. One of her important pressures (CVP) was almost in the normal range. We’ll see what the doctors say in the morning, but tomorrow could be the day they try to take her off the vent. They have been waiting through the weekend for her swelling to decrease, and the improvement today was very good.
I continue to be amazed at the wide influence this little child is having. I can’t even begin to count how many people are praying for her and reading these updates as other people pass them on. All the nurses in the ICU want to take care of her – they try to beat each other to the hospital at shift change so they can request Edona! They even come in or call on their days off to check on her. Thanks for remembering her in your prayers!"
They did not take Edona off of the ventilator as planned, because they decided her lungs were still too wet.
As of Sunday evening, she was doing very well and had had one of her best days in weeks!
From Kelly, the host mom:
"The doctors are decreasing her sedation so she was awake and alert much of the day. One of her important pressures (CVP) was almost in the normal range. We’ll see what the doctors say in the morning, but tomorrow could be the day they try to take her off the vent. They have been waiting through the weekend for her swelling to decrease, and the improvement today was very good.
I continue to be amazed at the wide influence this little child is having. I can’t even begin to count how many people are praying for her and reading these updates as other people pass them on. All the nurses in the ICU want to take care of her – they try to beat each other to the hospital at shift change so they can request Edona! They even come in or call on their days off to check on her. Thanks for remembering her in your prayers!"
Post #12
Autumn wroteon July 13, 2009 at 12:45pm
Monday, July 13th at 1:15pm, from Kelly (E91 host mom)
Her swelling has really gone down. They are still waiting to take out her vent, though. I know it seems like I say that every day but that seems to be the stage we are in. They want to get it out, but they also want to make sure she is in the best possible shape when they do. She still has some secretions in her lungs that are pretty thick, and she has to be strong enough to cough that up if she’s off the vent. So please continue to pray for that. She was very playful today unless a nurse was touching her – then she gets mad! It was just so nice to see her looking and acting like herself.
Her swelling has really gone down. They are still waiting to take out her vent, though. I know it seems like I say that every day but that seems to be the stage we are in. They want to get it out, but they also want to make sure she is in the best possible shape when they do. She still has some secretions in her lungs that are pretty thick, and she has to be strong enough to cough that up if she’s off the vent. So please continue to pray for that. She was very playful today unless a nurse was touching her – then she gets mad! It was just so nice to see her looking and acting like herself.
Post #13
Autumn wroteon July 14, 2009 at 12:28pm
Tuesday, July 14th
Edona was taken off of the ventilator this morning. She has been dependant on it for a month, so this is very good progress. However, please pray that she won't struggle to breath at all, and she will not wear herself out learning to breath on her own again.
She is doing very well overall, her stats are good, and she is very happy talking and playing with her dad. She does not like to be messed with by the doctors and nurses and each time they try to do something to her, she gets pretty mad at them!
Edona was able to hear her mom's voice yesterday. When they called her, they put it on speaker phone and Edona reached out to touch the phone in response!
So far, so good! Please continue to pray for her full and compelte healing.
Edona was taken off of the ventilator this morning. She has been dependant on it for a month, so this is very good progress. However, please pray that she won't struggle to breath at all, and she will not wear herself out learning to breath on her own again.
She is doing very well overall, her stats are good, and she is very happy talking and playing with her dad. She does not like to be messed with by the doctors and nurses and each time they try to do something to her, she gets pretty mad at them!
Edona was able to hear her mom's voice yesterday. When they called her, they put it on speaker phone and Edona reached out to touch the phone in response!
So far, so good! Please continue to pray for her full and compelte healing.
Post #14
1 reply
Autumn wroteon July 16, 2009 at 8:26am
Thursday, July 16th. 11:00am
Edona is doing well today. Dr. Abraham says she is making good progress. He mentioned that she may be ready tomorrow to move upstairs to a regular room. But, after the last surgery, the consensus was that while she still has the vapotherm they would prefer she is not moved out of ICU. At the moment, she still has the lines for vapotherm and her feeding tube.
She looks good and is verbalizing "um, um" (word for dog) today and is not crying like yesterday. She saw a little dog that they bring around to see the children outside in the main area. When he left she was reaching and saying um.
Edona is doing well today. Dr. Abraham says she is making good progress. He mentioned that she may be ready tomorrow to move upstairs to a regular room. But, after the last surgery, the consensus was that while she still has the vapotherm they would prefer she is not moved out of ICU. At the moment, she still has the lines for vapotherm and her feeding tube.
She looks good and is verbalizing "um, um" (word for dog) today and is not crying like yesterday. She saw a little dog that they bring around to see the children outside in the main area. When he left she was reaching and saying um.
Post #15
Lori replied to Autumn's poston July 21, 2009 at 9:57pm
Hi Autumn,
Just stopped by to check on how Edona is doing. Hoping and praying every day is better.
Lori
Just stopped by to check on how Edona is doing. Hoping and praying every day is better.
Lori
Post #16
Autumn wroteon July 22, 2009 at 11:54am
Wednesday, July 22nd
Edona has been moved out of ICU and into a room on the pediatric ward. she still has a long way to go to recover her strength and be fully healthy.
at the moment she is getting physical therapy daily and she loves to be out of her bed. She is still very thin, and they are trying to get her nutrition levels up. they have started giving her small amounts of formula, but this often upsets her stomach and she throws it up.
so, please continue to pray for her. even though she is doing well, she still has a long way to go before she will leave the hospital or get to fly home to Kosova
Edona has been moved out of ICU and into a room on the pediatric ward. she still has a long way to go to recover her strength and be fully healthy.
at the moment she is getting physical therapy daily and she loves to be out of her bed. She is still very thin, and they are trying to get her nutrition levels up. they have started giving her small amounts of formula, but this often upsets her stomach and she throws it up.
so, please continue to pray for her. even though she is doing well, she still has a long way to go before she will leave the hospital or get to fly home to Kosova
Post #17
Autumn wroteon July 28, 2009 at 1:01pm
Tuesday, July 28th
From Kelly, Host Mom
Edona continues to do so well. Yesterday, they turned off her oxygen but left the nasal canula in place just in case she would need it. She did so well without it that today they removed it completely. So now all that is “attached” to her is her feeding tube. Yesterday, the doctors ordered her feedings to be increased quite a bit, but she didn’t tolerate that very well. She vomited twice, so her tummy is just not used to a larger quantity of formula yet. Today, her speech therapist gave Edona an open jar of baby food to see what she would do – she dipped her fingers in and started eating! So her interest is definitely there, but her tummy and throat just have to adjust. Tomorrow they have scheduled her swallow test, and if all comes back well then the therapists can really focus on getting some food in her. She has gotten so much stronger in just the past few days! The therapy dogs were in her room yesterday, and I guess she about took off running to get to them! Holding on to someone’s hands, of course, but running none the less. Her voice sounds normal, and Valentina said today she was laughing really hard and loud. So thankfully, there seems to be no damage to her vocal chords from the vent. She still can’t leave her room to go outside or in the playroom until they do a final test for the E coli bacteria that she had in her lungs in ICU. This should be completed by Friday. I guess the E coli that she had was one of the rarest forms and usually only seen in big city, university hospitals! No one thinks she still has it, but they have to be very careful to not let her out of “isolation” until the final test comes back clear. Salajdin will most likely be heading home at the end of next week – Samaritan’s Purse is just waiting on final confirmation of his flights. He is ready to head back, and his wife is REALLY ready to have him back. Thank you for continuing to pray for Edona. Her recovery continues to be miraculous!
From Kelly, Host Mom
Edona continues to do so well. Yesterday, they turned off her oxygen but left the nasal canula in place just in case she would need it. She did so well without it that today they removed it completely. So now all that is “attached” to her is her feeding tube. Yesterday, the doctors ordered her feedings to be increased quite a bit, but she didn’t tolerate that very well. She vomited twice, so her tummy is just not used to a larger quantity of formula yet. Today, her speech therapist gave Edona an open jar of baby food to see what she would do – she dipped her fingers in and started eating! So her interest is definitely there, but her tummy and throat just have to adjust. Tomorrow they have scheduled her swallow test, and if all comes back well then the therapists can really focus on getting some food in her. She has gotten so much stronger in just the past few days! The therapy dogs were in her room yesterday, and I guess she about took off running to get to them! Holding on to someone’s hands, of course, but running none the less. Her voice sounds normal, and Valentina said today she was laughing really hard and loud. So thankfully, there seems to be no damage to her vocal chords from the vent. She still can’t leave her room to go outside or in the playroom until they do a final test for the E coli bacteria that she had in her lungs in ICU. This should be completed by Friday. I guess the E coli that she had was one of the rarest forms and usually only seen in big city, university hospitals! No one thinks she still has it, but they have to be very careful to not let her out of “isolation” until the final test comes back clear. Salajdin will most likely be heading home at the end of next week – Samaritan’s Purse is just waiting on final confirmation of his flights. He is ready to head back, and his wife is REALLY ready to have him back. Thank you for continuing to pray for Edona. Her recovery continues to be miraculous!
Post #18
Lori wroteon July 31, 2009 at 6:20am
I am so thankful to hear all of this. Thanks Autumn.
Post #19
Autumn wroteon August 3, 2009 at 12:16pm
Sunday, August 2nd 10pm from Kelly - Host Mom
Well, Edona will have to wait a few more days to be released. She’s got a slight bacterial infection that’s causing a lot of “gunk” that needs to be coughed up. We had noticed earlier this week that she was coughing more. When the lab did her throat culture to ensure that the Ecoli bacteria was gone, this other bacteria showed up. The good news is that she is completely clear of Ecoli so she can now go out of her room and even go outside. She started on an antibiotic today to get rid of the other bacteria. She definitely doesn’t seem to feel bad. She has no fever and is still happy. Please pray that this infection will pass quickly.
Earlier this week, she started eating baby food and drinking formula mixed with baby cereal. Sometimes she’s hungry, sometimes she’s not but each day she eats a little bit more. She still has the feeding tube just to make sure she gets enough calories. She did have to go back on the oxygen for one day but then yesterday they turned it off again and it has stayed off. When she comes back to our house, Valentina will have been trained on how to use the oxygen and how to administer the formula through her feeding tube in case she still needs them. I don’t really have a time frame on how long they will be staying at our house – it mainly depends on how well Edona continues to eat and transition off the feeding tube. I’m expecting at least 4 weeks. She will also have a number of cardiology checkups during that time.
Edona's father, Salejdin will be leaving on Friday and heading home to Kosovo. Now that Edona is doing so much better, and likely to be released from the hospital, he feels comfortable going home.
Well, Edona will have to wait a few more days to be released. She’s got a slight bacterial infection that’s causing a lot of “gunk” that needs to be coughed up. We had noticed earlier this week that she was coughing more. When the lab did her throat culture to ensure that the Ecoli bacteria was gone, this other bacteria showed up. The good news is that she is completely clear of Ecoli so she can now go out of her room and even go outside. She started on an antibiotic today to get rid of the other bacteria. She definitely doesn’t seem to feel bad. She has no fever and is still happy. Please pray that this infection will pass quickly.
Earlier this week, she started eating baby food and drinking formula mixed with baby cereal. Sometimes she’s hungry, sometimes she’s not but each day she eats a little bit more. She still has the feeding tube just to make sure she gets enough calories. She did have to go back on the oxygen for one day but then yesterday they turned it off again and it has stayed off. When she comes back to our house, Valentina will have been trained on how to use the oxygen and how to administer the formula through her feeding tube in case she still needs them. I don’t really have a time frame on how long they will be staying at our house – it mainly depends on how well Edona continues to eat and transition off the feeding tube. I’m expecting at least 4 weeks. She will also have a number of cardiology checkups during that time.
Edona's father, Salejdin will be leaving on Friday and heading home to Kosovo. Now that Edona is doing so much better, and likely to be released from the hospital, he feels comfortable going home.
Post #20
Autumn wroteon August 9, 2009 at 5:46am
Edona was able to go "home" (to the Wagoners) on Thursday. She is still on a feeding tube and oxygen and her translater, Valentina, has been trained to use them both.
Friday morning, Edona's father, Salejdin, flew back to Kosovo. His wife is due to have their baby in a couple of weeks, so he really needed to get back.
Edona will continue to go back to the hospital a couple of times a week to receive physical therapy and working on her voice and eating. She must be eating without the feeding tube for 2 weeks before the hospital will release her to go back to Kosovo. They are predicting from 4-8 weeks for this to happen.
I will continue to keep you updates on her progress. Please keep praying for these final stages of healing.
Friday morning, Edona's father, Salejdin, flew back to Kosovo. His wife is due to have their baby in a couple of weeks, so he really needed to get back.
Edona will continue to go back to the hospital a couple of times a week to receive physical therapy and working on her voice and eating. She must be eating without the feeding tube for 2 weeks before the hospital will release her to go back to Kosovo. They are predicting from 4-8 weeks for this to happen.
I will continue to keep you updates on her progress. Please keep praying for these final stages of healing.
Post #21
Autumn wroteon August 26, 2009 at 4:29pm
Edona is doing really well. She has been having physical and speech therapy and slowly started eating more. She has put on weight, and is doing very well. Sunday, she was at church and lots of people got to see here there. It is exciting to see how God has healed this little girl. It will be even more exciting to see how God uses her story in the future!
Post #22
Autumn wroteon September 8, 2009 at 6:41am
Sunday, September 6th - From Kelly, Host Mom
Edona had good checkups this week. She is still on oxygen but the new medicine she is using in the nebulizer has helped lessen her congestion a lot. She should be able to be back off the oxygen next week except for at night. She also is eating more table food, not just baby food. The doctor did away with 2 of her 4 daytime tube feedings. The next step is to do away with all of her daytime tube feedings, then work toward getting her off the feeding tube at night. When she can maintain and then gain weight with no tube feedings, she will be ready to head home. We are still looking at October 1 as a target date, though no tickets have been purchased yet.
Just yesterday, Edona decided she wanted to try walking again. She is doing really well – 5 or 6 steps at a time with pretty good balance. She gets very excited at how well she is doing! She is also doing a lot of talking/babbling. Valentina called her our little parrot the other day. She loves to mimic sounds and words.
She was able to see her mom and dad again this week on the webcam. Luljeta is due with her new baby any day. She and Salajdin love to see Edona on the camera. Luljeta made the comment that she can see how big Edona is getting. She said she knows that is because she is getting so much love and care from everyone here. She said that makes the long wait easier, and she is content to wait until Edona is ready to come home.
I’m attaching some cute pictures. In one, you can see that Edona is surrounded by a “sea” of baby wipes. While Valentina and I were in the next room, and Edona was supposed to be playing with her toys, she decided to take all of the wipes out of the package one by one. She thought it was very funny.
Thanks for your continuing prayers!
Edona had good checkups this week. She is still on oxygen but the new medicine she is using in the nebulizer has helped lessen her congestion a lot. She should be able to be back off the oxygen next week except for at night. She also is eating more table food, not just baby food. The doctor did away with 2 of her 4 daytime tube feedings. The next step is to do away with all of her daytime tube feedings, then work toward getting her off the feeding tube at night. When she can maintain and then gain weight with no tube feedings, she will be ready to head home. We are still looking at October 1 as a target date, though no tickets have been purchased yet.
Just yesterday, Edona decided she wanted to try walking again. She is doing really well – 5 or 6 steps at a time with pretty good balance. She gets very excited at how well she is doing! She is also doing a lot of talking/babbling. Valentina called her our little parrot the other day. She loves to mimic sounds and words.
She was able to see her mom and dad again this week on the webcam. Luljeta is due with her new baby any day. She and Salajdin love to see Edona on the camera. Luljeta made the comment that she can see how big Edona is getting. She said she knows that is because she is getting so much love and care from everyone here. She said that makes the long wait easier, and she is content to wait until Edona is ready to come home.
I’m attaching some cute pictures. In one, you can see that Edona is surrounded by a “sea” of baby wipes. While Valentina and I were in the next room, and Edona was supposed to be playing with her toys, she decided to take all of the wipes out of the package one by one. She thought it was very funny.
Thanks for your continuing prayers!
Post #23
Autumn wroteon September 14, 2009 at 12:28pm
Sunday, September 13th
Kelly, Host Mom
Sorry I haven’t updated in a while. I’m having too much fun playing with Edona! She continues to do great. At her checkup last week, the doctor discontinued her extra oxygen during the day. She really doesn’t need it at night, either, but the doctor will wait until this week to make that decision for sure. Edona is also not getting any feeding tube feedings during the day – her meals are all by mouth. The formula amount that she gets at night through the tube has also been decreased. She is eating very well and has started to get better at drinking, too. If she has maintained or even gained weight this week, we are hopeful that the feeding tube will be completely removed. So if she gets off oxygen and the feeding tube this week, she will stay in the U.S. probably 2 more weeks to make sure that she continues to gain weight and stay healthy. Please keep her in your prayers! We love Valentina, Beti and Edona, and they love us but they are ready to see their families! I told Valentina to not feel bad for wanting to go home – if I were in Kosovo for 4 ½ months, I’m sure I would feel the same way!
Edona has become quite good at walking. She doesn’t want to be held or sit in anybody’s lap for very long. She wants down! She continues to say more words, both English and Albanian. Right now, her favorite word is “Hi”. She says it to everyone. Salajdin and Luljeta got to see her on the webcam today. She said “Hi” to them! Luljeta is still pregnant but hopefully will deliver a healthy baby boy sometime this week.
The picture I’m attaching was from Friday night when I took Edona on a stroller ride. The evening weather has been so beautiful. She fell asleep 15 minutes into our walk and stayed asleep the rest of the way.
I’ll send another update after our appointments on Thursday.
Kelly, Host Mom
Sorry I haven’t updated in a while. I’m having too much fun playing with Edona! She continues to do great. At her checkup last week, the doctor discontinued her extra oxygen during the day. She really doesn’t need it at night, either, but the doctor will wait until this week to make that decision for sure. Edona is also not getting any feeding tube feedings during the day – her meals are all by mouth. The formula amount that she gets at night through the tube has also been decreased. She is eating very well and has started to get better at drinking, too. If she has maintained or even gained weight this week, we are hopeful that the feeding tube will be completely removed. So if she gets off oxygen and the feeding tube this week, she will stay in the U.S. probably 2 more weeks to make sure that she continues to gain weight and stay healthy. Please keep her in your prayers! We love Valentina, Beti and Edona, and they love us but they are ready to see their families! I told Valentina to not feel bad for wanting to go home – if I were in Kosovo for 4 ½ months, I’m sure I would feel the same way!
Edona has become quite good at walking. She doesn’t want to be held or sit in anybody’s lap for very long. She wants down! She continues to say more words, both English and Albanian. Right now, her favorite word is “Hi”. She says it to everyone. Salajdin and Luljeta got to see her on the webcam today. She said “Hi” to them! Luljeta is still pregnant but hopefully will deliver a healthy baby boy sometime this week.
The picture I’m attaching was from Friday night when I took Edona on a stroller ride. The evening weather has been so beautiful. She fell asleep 15 minutes into our walk and stayed asleep the rest of the way.
I’ll send another update after our appointments on Thursday.
Post #24
Autumn wroteon September 17, 2009 at 12:46pm
Thursday, September 17th, 2009
From Kelly, Host Mom
(Note: I will add a picture of Edona to the Group page. Also, any donations/gift cards can be mailed to East 91st Street Christian Church, c/o Autumn Overbay and marked for Samaritans Purse.)
Edona has been taken off of the feeding! Today, her doctor said no more feeding tube and no more oxygen! This is the big step we’ve been waiting for. Now, Edona just needs to eat and drink enough to not need the feeding tube reinserted. For the most part, she eats really well. But sometimes, like yesterday, she was not in the mood to eat or drink much. If she were a typical toddler, we would just consider this normal toddler behavior. But in Edona’s case, she doesn’t have the luxury of acting like a typical toddler when it comes to eating and drinking. Next week when we go back to her checkup, we’ll see what her weight is and that will determine how much longer she will stay. If her weight stays steady, Dr. Abarbanell says she can go home 2 -3 weeks from next week. So instead of the first of October, we’re now looking at probably somewhere between October 10 through 15. Please, please pray that she will adapt completely fine to not getting anymore tube feedings. Her biggest challenge is still drinking enough, but we have found a few things that she does prefer. We are still thickening all her liquids but next week in the doctor’s office, we will try normal milk and juice and make sure she doesn’t cough or choke on the thinner liquids. We do have thickener packets that we can send home with her if she still needs to wait to drink normal liquid.
Other than missing their families, all 3 of our guests are doing well. They do enjoy short outings and visits – it makes the time go faster during the day. So feel free to call or drop by or take them out for coffee if you would like. I do like to indulge one of their weaknesses, which is coffee, and they enjoy McDonald’s lattes so if anyone is inclined to send a McDonald’s gift card our way, it would definitely get used. Thank you for your continued prayers. I definitely think we’re in the home stretch, and we continue to marvel at what God has done in Edona’s life. He is good.
Kelly
P.S. Still no baby brother for Edona! Salajdin and Luljeta are anxiously waiting for him to decide it’s time to enter the world!
From Kelly, Host Mom
(Note: I will add a picture of Edona to the Group page. Also, any donations/gift cards can be mailed to East 91st Street Christian Church, c/o Autumn Overbay and marked for Samaritans Purse.)
Edona has been taken off of the feeding! Today, her doctor said no more feeding tube and no more oxygen! This is the big step we’ve been waiting for. Now, Edona just needs to eat and drink enough to not need the feeding tube reinserted. For the most part, she eats really well. But sometimes, like yesterday, she was not in the mood to eat or drink much. If she were a typical toddler, we would just consider this normal toddler behavior. But in Edona’s case, she doesn’t have the luxury of acting like a typical toddler when it comes to eating and drinking. Next week when we go back to her checkup, we’ll see what her weight is and that will determine how much longer she will stay. If her weight stays steady, Dr. Abarbanell says she can go home 2 -3 weeks from next week. So instead of the first of October, we’re now looking at probably somewhere between October 10 through 15. Please, please pray that she will adapt completely fine to not getting anymore tube feedings. Her biggest challenge is still drinking enough, but we have found a few things that she does prefer. We are still thickening all her liquids but next week in the doctor’s office, we will try normal milk and juice and make sure she doesn’t cough or choke on the thinner liquids. We do have thickener packets that we can send home with her if she still needs to wait to drink normal liquid.
Other than missing their families, all 3 of our guests are doing well. They do enjoy short outings and visits – it makes the time go faster during the day. So feel free to call or drop by or take them out for coffee if you would like. I do like to indulge one of their weaknesses, which is coffee, and they enjoy McDonald’s lattes so if anyone is inclined to send a McDonald’s gift card our way, it would definitely get used. Thank you for your continued prayers. I definitely think we’re in the home stretch, and we continue to marvel at what God has done in Edona’s life. He is good.
Kelly
P.S. Still no baby brother for Edona! Salajdin and Luljeta are anxiously waiting for him to decide it’s time to enter the world!
Post #25
Autumn wroteon September 25, 2009 at 8:59am
Thursday, September 24th 10pm
From Kelly, Host Mom
Edona got a good report at her checkup today. So good that the doctor said she can go home in 2 ½ weeks! She still doesn’t always eat the greatest but the doctor said that’s no reason to keep her here any longer. That’s an issue that her parents will have to continue to work with her on. Her therapists have noticed quite an improvement in her strength and mobility. She is still behind on gross motor skills but should eventually catch up.
Luljeta still has not had Edona’s brother. She has been in the hospital since Monday but her labor is not consistent. If Baby Boy Sadiki is not born tonight, Luljeta will have to go to a different clinic to have a C section Friday. C sections are not as common as they are here so please pray for Luljeta and her baby. Pray for God’s protection over them and for the baby’s good health.
Some of you have asked about Salajdin and wanted to know how he is doing back home as a Christian and not a Muslim anymore. Well, he asked Theresa and Cindy from Samaritan’s Purse to choose a name for his new son. He said he wanted them to choose a Biblical name that would be meaningful, and he wanted them to choose it because he would be able to remember Samaritan’s Purse every time he looks at his son. Also, he said he is comfortable with it being a Biblical name because he has a new faith, and he wants his son’s name to reflect that. So I guess that means Salajdin is doing well as a new Christian, and is holding on to his new faith!! Please continue to pray for him.
From Kelly, Host Mom
Edona got a good report at her checkup today. So good that the doctor said she can go home in 2 ½ weeks! She still doesn’t always eat the greatest but the doctor said that’s no reason to keep her here any longer. That’s an issue that her parents will have to continue to work with her on. Her therapists have noticed quite an improvement in her strength and mobility. She is still behind on gross motor skills but should eventually catch up.
Luljeta still has not had Edona’s brother. She has been in the hospital since Monday but her labor is not consistent. If Baby Boy Sadiki is not born tonight, Luljeta will have to go to a different clinic to have a C section Friday. C sections are not as common as they are here so please pray for Luljeta and her baby. Pray for God’s protection over them and for the baby’s good health.
Some of you have asked about Salajdin and wanted to know how he is doing back home as a Christian and not a Muslim anymore. Well, he asked Theresa and Cindy from Samaritan’s Purse to choose a name for his new son. He said he wanted them to choose a Biblical name that would be meaningful, and he wanted them to choose it because he would be able to remember Samaritan’s Purse every time he looks at his son. Also, he said he is comfortable with it being a Biblical name because he has a new faith, and he wants his son’s name to reflect that. So I guess that means Salajdin is doing well as a new Christian, and is holding on to his new faith!! Please continue to pray for him.
Post #26
Autumn wroteon September 28, 2009 at 10:26am
Sunday, 27th September 2009
Luljeta had her baby!! She was able to avoid a C section, and everything went fine. The baby weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces so he wasn’t as big as the doctors thought, but still a good size. Salajdin said Luljeta and the baby were doing just fine. No word yet on the name. I’m just so thankful the delivery went fine – Luljeta has been in the hospital since last Monday waiting for this little guy to arrive.
Luljeta had her baby!! She was able to avoid a C section, and everything went fine. The baby weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces so he wasn’t as big as the doctors thought, but still a good size. Salajdin said Luljeta and the baby were doing just fine. No word yet on the name. I’m just so thankful the delivery went fine – Luljeta has been in the hospital since last Monday waiting for this little guy to arrive.
Post #27
Autumn wroteon October 2, 2009 at 11:17am
This Sunday, October 4th, Edona will be at the 10:15am service. They will be praying for Edona and also praying a dedication of her.
Edona's younger brotherwas named Samuel, which means "Heard by God". We all know that God heard our cry's for Edona, and her father, Salejdin, wanted Edona to be dedicated before she left the States.
Edona's younger brotherwas named Samuel, which means "Heard by God". We all know that God heard our cry's for Edona, and her father, Salejdin, wanted Edona to be dedicated before she left the States.