Kids concert (March 4)

I hung out with a class of disabled children today. I had met them about two weeks earlier when I dropped by to be introduced to the class and see what the work is like for the teachers. Ten kids in all and two teachers to watch over them. Neither of these teachers have training in this specific area, just lots and lots of love for children. It is clear, it exudes from their hearts as they interact and talk with the kids. Many of the kids have been making a lot of progress. Last time I visited, they told me the stories of progress. A lot of them had no way of communicating other than crying or screaming and some of them would soil themselves whenever they had to go. Yet, these kids were all so composed, most of them were able to talk, to the point that I didn’t think that they were disabled. Yet it was clear in the way that they struggled with simple puzzles, which according to the teacher, could be solved by her 3 year old child. One boy can’t talk and is constantly drooling, but he is happy, he keeps handing me pictures and flash cards. He barely has control over his limbs. When asked what his father does for work he puts his hand next to his head, signaling a salute because he is a policeman.
Today we went to a concert. I sat in the front of our vehicle with a kid on my lap while the other 8 and the teacher piled in the back. What struck me was how the older kids, despite their problems, were so very caring. They were really watching out for the younger ones, helping them along, holding their hands.
We ended up in the front row which was a little uncomfortable being so close to the speakers, but convenient for taking pictures. It was an interesting sight. Kids lined up all along the 3 foot high stage, peering over the top in anticipation. Others sat on the stairs, pushing each other off and picking fights. Still others sat on the edge of the stage next to the large black speakers. There were always kids running up and down the aisle. It was like this the entire duration of the concert.
The show was national music, starting with a group of male teens playing the horse-headed fiddle. There were two sort of interpretive or traditional dances. A bunch of solos and duets in the soaring, epic, ballad type songs that are so distinctly Mongolian. Our kids seemed quite into it and I think it was a fun activity for them. One boy had a huge grin on his face as he attempted to clap and express his happiness.