Today’s blog post is written by Paula, who lives in Beijing with her family. She teaches English and music to the Bethel kids on Friday afternoons:
“Song Po (Jimmy) and I met 2 years ago and I was immediately drawn to his shy smile. At first, he rarely spoke to me in English or Chinese, but if he heard me come close or if I asked him a question, he would just smile back. Finally, this year, Song Po slowly began answering my questions, sometimes with a little stutter. I could tell he really wanted to communicate, but it just came a little harder for him than others.
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Song Po’s ayi told me he desperately wanted to learn to play the piano. I knew nothing of teaching piano to blind students, but remembered my childhood piano teacher placing a blind girl’s hands on top of hers and teaching her that way. At first, Song Po just wanted to figure songs out by himself, with which he was actually quite good. But, he soon realized he could learn much more quickly if he felt it and heard it.
How amazed I am with this sweet, persevering boy. He picked anything up that I taught him very rapidly. In fact, the last few lessons, he has sat down with that smile of his and played things I have never even heard of! The last two songs he learned were very complicated and I have no idea how he figured them out, but he did. When I ask him where he learned them, he just kept smiling and playing. I love that kid.
Song Po is a great example of how far someone can go when others believe in him. One day for the English hour after piano lessons, we brought in play dough. He had never experienced this medium before, but after some encouragement, went diligently to work. After some time, he proudly announced, “Miss Paula!” “Yes, Song Po, what did you make?” “A dinosaur!” He grinned bigger than ever and growled a giant dinosaur roar. Sure enough, his creation had a big mouth with large, carefully formed teeth and fangs. He was mesmerized that he could create such a fierce creature and made several variations, proudly holding up each one each time. I had to hold back my laugh when he asked if he could keep it in his pocket, something he often did with things we created in class.
Image may be NSFW.
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Song Po is a sweet, kind, and diligent boy who blesses and inspires me every time I see him and what he is determined to learn. I believe Song Po influences people around him through his gentle, but persistent nature. I know he has changed me.”
To find out more about this wonderful boy, view his profile here. Song Po is paper-ready for adoption, for more information, email adoption@bethelchina.org
