The story of the teacher who helps the student become better is practically as old as the tale of time. But as I read the story of Madeline and Xin Xin, I still couldn’t help but sigh, shed a tear, and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And that’s because despite the prevalence of these tales, whether being shared by nonprofits, written in books, or captured on the big screen, they’ve rarely been told in such an emotionally compelling way. International China Concern, a nonprofit that aims to help create fulfilling lives for China’s abandoned and disabled, has nailed it with this one.
The title is Xin Xin’s Dream: The Transforming Power of Love. Sometimes, we can’t quite define what love is. Or we can, but everyone comes up with a different response when asked the very question, “What is love?” And yet, at some point in our lives, we’ve witnessed what the power of love can do. A little like this is bound to resonate, and to resonate with a lot of people. It certainly did for me, and it got me wondering: “What’s Xin Xin’s dream and what does this have to do with the transforming power of love?”
The story begins with us being told of Xin Xin’s triumph against adversity, which began four years ago, when the child, who suffers from cerebral palsy, was struggling to navigate through everyday life and establishing his own sense of self. With ICC therapists, he accomplished his first dream: to walk to his classroom without anyone else’s help.
But then there was the problem of verbal communication. Or lack thereof.
He was frustrated, angry, and aggressive toward other children. Volunteer Madeline Fok saw him struggling and wanted to help him communicate more effectively. This would involve a process of trial and error, patience, and a genuine, loving bond. After Xin Xin expressed that it was a dream of his to be able to type, Madeline decided that typing was the perfect tool for better communication. And so they worked together toward a common dream, Xin Xin’s dream, and her dream, too.
“The hugs that pass between a 62-year-old lady and a 13-year-old boy are truly precious. He loves her so dearly, and she does him. Their relationship is a beautiful reflection of what family can look like. Maybe he has the confidence to communicate and she has instilled in him a belief that he has something worth sharing.” -Alison Kennedy, International Project Liason
Love has the power to help create special bonds, a sense of self-worth, a place in the world, and more — so much more. Love provides the strength to go after big dreams. I don’t doubt that someday, Xin Xin will be cruising down Route 129. The transformational power of love has not only changed his life for the better, but Madeline’s life, too.
I think you can understand why I was so thoroughly moved by their story.
China Concern was a member of our 2015 Nonprofit Storytelling class.
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