Rodnika Jean Louis (Mika) first came to America in March of 1999.  She stayed in the home of Tim and Linda Martin of Eureka.  She had a mitral valve repair in April because rheumatic heart disease had left her valve inefficient.  The repair was re-done in July, and she returned to Haiti in September.  Mika returned to the U.S. on February 15, 2001, suffering from severe right and left heart failure, again probably from rheumatic fever.  It was decided to replace the valve, meaning she would be on Coumadin Therapy.  This would be difficult to monitor in Haiti.  For that reason, she needed to be adopted by an American family.  She underwent another surgery to replace the aortic valve in August.  Due to liver damage, it was difficult to regulate the Coumadin.  She was hospitalized later in August for possible infection, but was able to start school in September.  On October 6 Mika again was hospitalizaed for severe heart failure.  Although another surgery was performed, Mika went to be with Jesus on October 12, 2001.  "Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for such is the kingdom of Heaven" Matthew 19:14