Cricket

One thing that I have been able to do while here in India is learn to play cricket. Cricket is the game here in India. Everyone plays. If you are just driving around, you will see several games being played by various ages in various places. Anywhere with a flat area is a potential cricket pitch.

Being competitive, it has been difficult for me to not be good at learning the game. In many ways it is similar to baseball, but the subtle differences make it even more difficult to learn this game. There is a team here that has been letting me practice and play with them on a somewhat regular basis. I have enjoyed getting to play with them, but the team I am on always seems to lose by a few runs. I wish I was better.

However, despite my competitiveness, I got to witness an incredible sight. I could hardly believe it with my own eyes. Near where we are staying, there is a school for blind children. Some are not completely blind, some are crippled with polio, and some are just deaf. They are all "disabled" in some way. Despite their physical limitations, their love for the game of cricket has not been hindered.

The kids play everyday...just for fun. It is truly breathtaking to witness. It's hard to describe in words, so I'll just let you see the video. It is 45 seconds long, so it might take a little while to load, but it is worth it. Just watching the kids play has probably been the highlight of my trip so far. Watch how they play.




The ball they use is filled with little rocks so they can hear it. The kid that is playing catcher is completely blind. Towards the end of the video he throws it right back to the kid who bowls the ball. This wasn't just one throw, he made a perfect throw every time while I was watching him.