Off to work

Would you like to walk to work with me this morning? As I step
out the front door, I am met by the sound of traffic, the chirp
of birds and the beauty of the flowers that drape over our chain
link fence. Workmen are stirring across the street as they start
their day making a new medical building. The electric door
clanks behind me and I greet the watchman who usually stands
on the corner.

I cross the street and the keys that hang around my neck clank like a little lost sheep. (If you hang your keys around your neck you don't lock yourself out of any place, but you sure can't sneak up on anybody.) I cast a quick look up at the Volcano Pichincha. The sky has been gorgeous behind her for the last few days and the weather balmy. One of my many keys gets me onto the school property. To the left is the soccer field and to the right is a small Bible Institute that is also a Quichua Church on Sunday. I open another gate and cross to the school entrance.

Easy commute! I greet the Quichua man setting out his wares for the day, wish the school guard a good day and head off to my office. Hope you have a good day too.

Pichincha

Quito sits in the lap of a volcano named Pichincha. I think she's a woman because one moment she'll cloud over in a scowl while shortly before she was bathed in sunshine and warmth. They tell me her crater is on the back side so if she has a temper fit the ash will go in the other direction. I've also heard tell that she can send it in our direction too if she really wants.

Like a child who peeks in the kitchen in the morning to see mom at the sink, I often look up at her to see what kind of mood she's in and to enjoy her beauty. She doesn't have snow like some of our volcanoes but she's my favorite just the same.

If you come visit, we can go up a cable car and get close and friendly with her. I hear some folks climb her on foot or ride dirt bikes in down hill races. I'd rather sit in awe and admiration and keep my bones in some sort of useful condition.

If you like mountains, Quito is the place to be. I feel very blessed to be here in the shadow of the lovely Pichincha and resting in the hollow of her Creator's hand. He keeps her temper in check.