There is this baby named Somaia from Gaza. She need a heart surgery, but her low weight does not qualify her for it. She has been on ventilator waiting to gain weight. I was shocked to see Somaia last time I visited her. She was lying there with her eyes open but still so lifeless. I was simply scared to come close to her with a sense of overwhelming helplessness, and took the picture I needed for the Shevet newsletter and hurried out the room

I then read the message someone I don't know replied to the newsletter that we shall be confident in the knowledge that just holding our hand on them and softly whispering to them can make a huge impact, which encouraged me tremendously. I was determined to come closer to Somaia today. Good thing that I had my coworker Margarita, who has powerful words of prayer, with me. Margarita prayed in Spanish and I in Japanese, while each one of us gently caressing Somaia's little feet. I never forget what happened. She opened and moved around her eyes, sucked the pacifier in her mouth and slightly moved her arms. I witnessed a life.

Lord, you knitted her in her mother's womb, and you breathed your breath into her nostrils. I pray that you pour out the greatest mercy on Somaia and revive this little life strong.