Hi Everyone,

Just to let you know that Noora is doing wonderfully. She has now had two post-op check-ups and is progressing along just as they had hoped. This past Thursday, her suture line had healed enough that they were able to begin the balloon expansion process, which will eventually create the skin that will cover the new prosthetic skull. Dr. Atwood will be expanding the balloon every 5-7 days for the next 6(+) weeks. Thankfully, the procedure is essentially painless!

Noora and Afef were honored to attend a lovely Sunday afternoon picnic, hosted by the Woodford’s Congregational Church in Portland, a couple of weeks ago (Woodford’s Church was one of the first organizations to sponsor a fundraising event for this project months before Noora’s arrival). Noora’s face lit up like a lightbulb when she saw that dalmas (grape leaves stuffed with rice, raisins, etc.) were on the menu! It’s one of her favorite foods, and one that she frequently talks her mom into making for her (per Afef). And, last week, Aynne Doil (a volunteer at RMH) kindly put on a delicious Middle Eastern dinner at the Ronald McDonald House, which Afef and Noora said “tasted just like home”. In anticipation of Ramadan, which began last Monday and continues throughout the month of Sept., Afef said he ate with fasting in mind. He will be abstaining from both food and fluid from sunup to sundown. Also during this time, both he and Noora will be attending nightly prayers and meals at the mosque.

English classes at Portland West continue, and both Noora and Afef surprise us daily with their progress. Noora’s favorite line this week is from her friend Shannon (at the RMH): “oh my gosh!” She’s had several trips to the ocean lately, which she loves. She hasn’t quite figured out how to stop the tide from coming in and ruining her sand creations, but she’s trying! Her tricycle and the playground are currently tops on her list for pleasurable activities, with ice cream coming in a close second. The daily video/conferencing with their family in Iraq provides some comfort and reassurance to Noora’s mom, who was particularly worried about this past surgery, as after each of her 7 surgeries in Iraq, she ended up with infections.

Rusul, Noora’s friend (whom she lived with in Jordan while they waited for their visas), is reported to be doing beautifully with her new prosthetic foot. If all goes well with her PT, she will possibly be leaving for home by the end of September. Noora and Rusul were able to catch each other up on their activities, yesterday on the phone after one of Rusul’s PT sessions. And Ellen Hart, a woman working on a project in our sister city, Portland, Oregon, stopped by the other day to meet and chat with Noora and Afef. Portland, Oregon will be hosting Mustafa (due to arrive on Tues.) along with his father, Ahmed. Mustafa lost his leg and most of his colon to a missal attack in Fallujah.

Thanks again to everyone for your concern and interest in this project and please, don’t hesitate to call us if you have the desire to meet or spend some time with Noora and Afef. Although Ramadan will be limiting them a bit this month, they do have some flexibility during the day.

Sincerely,
Susi and Doug

P.S. As the colder weather begins to descend upon us, and the wardrobe they brought from Iraq becomes insufficient, if anyone would care to donate a gift card to TjMaxx or Marshalls, it would be most appreciated.