A True Inspiration...

I know I said that I wouldn't blog for a while, but I HAVE to write about Hans. I really should be grading right now but I have to sit down and write about him! Hans is one of the most amazing people I have ever met and I thank him for giving me the opportunity to serve him! Everything started a few years ago when his sister Amanda took one of my Spanish classes at BYU-Idaho. I remember her telling me that she had a twin brother, who was on a mission at the time. A few semesters later, I had the opportunity to meet Amanda's wonderful twin: Hans. Hans was born with a physical disability, I don't know exactly what it is called. He is in a wheelchair and needs help to meet many of his basic needs. Despite his physical disability, I have to say that Hans is one the happiest and most positive people I have ever met! He is so witty and his wit is contagious! He is so sharp in every way!!! I loved listening to his insights in class when we had discussions about culture and I loved his eagerness to ask questions about the grammar when he didn't understand! He is one of my most responsible students, despite the fact that he needed help to do his homework and take his tests, he almost always turned in his assignments on time and not once did he take a test late. Hans just has a wonderful spirit about him! A few days ago we met in my office, to do a listening comprehension section of the test. I read the passage to him, when it came time for him to answer the questions for the first section he knew them all and answered quickly and with confidence. Then it came time to read the passage for the second section, I read it and then asked Hans if he was ready to answer the questions, he calmly asked me to please read the passage again. In a teasing way I asked him if he had been daydreaming while I was reading the passage. He hesitantly answered, "maaaay beeee?" His answer triggered this uncontrollable laughter from both of us! We seriously couldn't stop laughing! I tried so hard to start reading the passage again but I just couldn't for quite a few minutes! We were both laughing uncontrollably! It was a great moment!

Hans has given me opportunities to serve and become more Christlike. He is a true inspiration to me. I am a firm believer that we are meant to meet certain people in this life, it is not mere coincidence or fate. The people we meet in this life, at any point of our lives, are sent to teach us something and touch our lives, Hans is one of those people. I have a lot to learn from this wonderful student! I feel truly privileged to have met him and have learned from him!