On 31 May, Maha and Qamar Hadid (12 and 2 years) were operated on one eye for their lens dislocation as the result of Marfan's syndrome, a hereditary condition affecting the eyes and sometimes the heart. Both sisters underwent the operation very well and the placing of an implant in place of the defective lens permitted them both to see from this eye once again. We have made an appointment for them to be operated on the 17th of June for their second eye. A donor had paid the first eye for the two sisters.
	The same day we had to hospitalize in emergency Omar, 4, very anemic and suffering from acute pneumonia. He has sickle cell anemia (a hereditary illness affecting the red cells). He sometimes experiences acute pain and fever crises. This child, like many in the shantytown, has no legal identity, no nationality and cannot claim any governmental assistance. He was able to leave the hospital after three days and we are trying to have him followed up free of charge in a private center which cares for chronic patients.
	Great news and an answer to prayer : Dr. H, a young Lebanese-Armenian physician, has just joined our team. He will substitute for Agnès during the months of July and August (the Sanders will be on home assignment in the USA). A Christian medical organization is probably going to support him beginning in September. Until then, we must cover his remuneration, as well as that of Zeina, the dispensary assistant.
	Zeina's husband, Fadi, 30, shows a tumor of the testicle suspected as being cancerous and he should be operated on as quickly as possible. A Palestinian without work and income finds himself in a very precarious situation in face of this emergency. A Christian surgeon friend will operate free of charge, but we need to raise about $1000 for the hospitalization and pathology lab work. Fadi and Zeina will contribute as much as they can of their very limited means.

	The owner of the school whose third floor is vacant proposed to us an unacceptable rental price, we had to refuse his offer. We are thus still looking for a suitable school building for our classes. The overpopulated neighborhood is not really appropriate, and finding a building with a courtyard is nearly impossible.
	One of our teachers is leaving us at the end of this school year to get married, and we will need to replace her for this new school year.
	Our ninth camp will take place from 24 to 28 June in the mountains and 35 children will participate.

	Jonah the prophet will make a visit to Lebanon that week. Through his disobedience and his anger, and through his prayers in the stomach of the great fish and God's incredible compassion for the Ninivites, we hope and pray that the children will learn something new about God.
	A team called "Just for Kids" whose professionalism we appreciate will contribute to the spiritual training of the children during two evenings.
	Half of the camp's cost is covered by a gift from England. Thank you to all those will be praying for this camp. It is a unique opportunity for the children to grow in several areas of their lives..

Ahmad, a little boy mentioned in the last "Update" returned from Syria with his father. He came back immediately to the school with great enthusiasm. Now we must ask the question concerning the conditions in which we can accept a child whose parents are so indifferent.

We are just completing a 10-minute documentary video about Tahaddi Ministries in English, French and Arabic. We hope to have the occasion to show it to you soon.

Tahaddi © 2003