Who says that a handicapped persons cannot live a happy and normal life? In fact, they do, and some of them are much more happier and contented than most of us. When I was a teenager doing missionary work, I went to a place, known by folks living nearby as the "Paradise of the Blind".
Living with them, even for a short period of time, is one of the the treasured memories in my whole lifetime. It amazes me, that though they were blind, they can do almost everything like a man with two eyes wide open. It is my first time to see a blind man climbing a coconut tree picking up, and husking coconut fruits.
And mind you the landscape of their vegetation was so pictured perfect from all angles and direction. Their own houses was so neat and clean. Everything was in order. They cook their own food and wash their own dishes.
There is no dull moment for me staying with them, I wished I could stayed longer. We shared a lot of things together. But I need to go to fulfill other obligation.
Before leaving I have a chance to play with them hide and seek and I considered it as one of the highlights of my experience with them. The game was played with a new twist. Of course they are not hiding, instead they were very noisy, laughing, clapping their hands, stamping their feet, and making every loud voice they can make so that the "It" knew their location and will try to grab one of them. Once you were caught, they use their sense of touch and hearing to identity you. Then you will be the next "It".
When the big bell located in their chapel sounded six times, they need to stopped whatever they are doing, they proceed to the chapel for prayer, singing, reading scriptures, and sharing. They start their day with morning devotion and ends up with evening prayer.
There are many lessons we can learn from them. We have no reason at all to be discontented in life. Yes we can live a happy and normal life and we can make every situation in life a paradise.
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