Some of you have been interested in an update on the story of Fetena, a little boy who is deaf and can replicate every Michael Jackson’s dance move without hearing music. This weekend I brought the Michael Jackson movie “This Is It” to him and we set up a portable DVD player so he could watch it. As each new MJ move was introduced, Fetena swiftly replicated it there on the spot. Amazing!
I also brought him a Nike soccer ball sent from my Ethiopian friend Yonnas who lives in Portland. At first, Fetena would not accept the gift. He could not believe he actually could take it home with him. He kept giving the ball back to me, gesturing gracefully as though he was giving me a gift. Back and forth we went, giving, giving, giving. Finally, someone had to get stern with him and wave him away with the ball. Only then was he stunned to realize the ball was really his.
In a country so passionate about football, it was surprising that he did not know what to do with it. Someone showed him how to kick it, and off he went with his friend, rapidly learning how to maneuver the ball with his feet.
May we all learn to overturn our own inadequacies in such a way.
Fetena and Yohanes, using “natural” sign language to communicate
Fetena studies Michael Jackson dancing from the “This Is It” movie
Fetena with his soccer ball (Check out the amazing homemade barbells made of cement next to him!)
Fetena plays football with a friend
Fetena with his momma
