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FLORENTIN'S HEART

After a wonderful week in Vienna with Flo - with sight-seeing, church services, and many new experiences (photos here) - we drove the two hours to Linz on Saturday. Once in Linz, we met up with 4 friends who have all visited us in Mali before (having met up with a 5th one on the way to Linz) and together we went up on the hill overlooking the city. After a great day on Sunday visiting church and friends, we checked into the hospital yesterday morning.

Understandably Flo was very nervous. He had lots of tests throughout the day, and more today. The operation is scheduled for 7 am MET tomorrow (i.e. 1 am East Coast time) and lasts 5-6 hours.

The doctor who did the (3D) ultrasound image of his heart was shocked and said that he had never seen a child with a heart valve that damaged, and the last time he saw one like that was 20 years ago with an old person. He said that there was hardly anything left of it, and that it was damage as a result of untreated angina when he was a child. The option of repairing the valve was therefore off the table.

We have already had the conversation with the surgeon performing the operation tomorrow, and he gave us two options. The better option is for Florentin's pulmonary heart valve to be used as the new mitral heart valve, and another human heart valve being put in as Flo's new pulmonary heart valve. Flo will then not have to take any medications and can live a normal life, doing sports and all. His stomach problems also seem to be a result of his heart issue, but they're still looking into it.

Please pray for the operation tomorrow. As soon as it's over, I will let you know on Facebook how he's doing. If you haven't befriended me yet, simply put in my name and you'll find me.

Photos Vienna here.
Photos Linz (and surrounding) here.

QUICK NEWS

•       Tierno - Our night guard Tierno had an accident last Saturday. A public transportation vehicle (little bus) hit him hard and then took off. He woke up in the hospital. We now have to cover all the costs. Thankfully, God protected him and he only has external bruising.

•       One Thief Caught - The day we left Mali, one of our teenagers was caught stealing money while we prayed before our departure for Austria. He's staying with us, with consequences, so please pray for him. Please pray for the other thief being caught as well who started stealing long before this boy moved in.

•        Documentary - A Malian TV crew has been made aware of us and wants to make a documentary on us. They also want to use their government connections to get us supported financially by the government.

•        Flo's Brother André - Last week in a home group meeting Flo opened up and told his whole life story, that which he had never told before. One thing I found out is that his little brother is in a bad situation in need of rescuing. As soon as we return, he will move in with us. If anyone is already interested in becoming his sponsor, let me know.

•        Back in Mali - Please pray for Paul and the kids during the next few weeks while I'm gone.

•        Construction - Our broken down walls are still in the process of being repaired.

•       Volunteers - We need volunteers in Mali who can stay a few months or more. If you'd like to come help us, please contact me.

I am the Lord who heals you. (Ex 15:26)

Trusting HIM,

Claudia