My first glimpse of Ketema was of him reading his Bible outside of the CURE clinic. When I asked him what he loves to do for fun, he told me two things. Ketema loves to learn, and he loves to play soccer. Unfortunately, neither of those things are made easy for him, because of his condition.

As a fourth grader, Ketema had to quit school because the walk was too difficult for him on his left club foot. Because his foot is deformed, it has caused his other leg a lot of pain carrying most of his weight. Instead of continuing his general studies in the classroom, he is now focusing mainly on studying his Bible because that is a resource he has available to him. His father continued to look down lovingly as Ketuma explained his love for the Word, and went on to say that someday when he returns to school, he would love to study to become a teacher or a doctor. He also dreams of playing soccer on two straight feet like the other kids who play.

Ketema brought tears to my eyes when he answered my next question. I asked if he's experienced any stereotypes or social problems because of his foot. He said that his family is sad and even angry because people from their village blame his mother for his deformity. They say that because she carried water on her back every day while she was pregnant with him, she caused his foot to become crooked in the womb.

I'm looking especially forward to following Ketema's progress as he goes into his surgery and begins the healing process because he is the first CUREkid from Ethiopia! Please send some prayers his way as he prepares for a huge, life-changing experience!