When I became aware that I couldn’t see the world, I felt dissatisfied with life. I always wondered why I had to suffer. I found refuge in music; songs and melodies lit up the darkness deep in my pained heart.
The first time I heard the sound of the keyboard was when I took part in activities at Bac Ninh Province Blind Association at the age of 10. The seeds of my passion for music were sown then, but they couldn’t germinate because I couldn’t afford music classes.
Vu Hoang Trung
It wasn’t until 2009, when I was studying in the second grade at Nguyen Dinh Chieu School, that I was introduced to a keyboard class funded by Samaritan’s Purse. During the first days, I learned to play keyboard, but I struggled with the finger positions and coordination. Playing a musical instrument is difficult for a person with sight, let alone a visually-impaired person who cannot observe his teacher’s hand positions; I have to imagine them through my teacher’s description.
I’m now a deputy leader of my school’s folk music band. It’s my pleasure to contribute to the performances receiving visitors to our school, performances on special occasions, and music contests. I will never forget one music contest in which we took part. Due to the absence of one member in my music band, I had to play drum on my keyboard, which was not my strength. Despite this difficult situation, we won the gold medal in the contest. It’s an unforgettable memory.
I will be 24 next year. I’m going to graduate from the junior high school soon. I’m pondering over my future journey: whether I should take entry exams to the music institute or teach myself keyboard while working as a masseur. Although the upcoming turn in the road remains shrouded, I believe that there will always be kind-hearted people who will encourage and assist me as Samaritan’s Purse has. I can see hope glowing ahead.
