Mornings

As you know I am an avid people watcher, not in the nosey in your business sort of way, but just in a curiosity sort of way.  People fascinate me.  It's one of the reasons I have always love airports.  Just standing back and watching travelers scurry to and fro, I immediately form a mini story in my head as to where they are going and why.  Living down here has been a dream come true in this aspect as people here in El Paso absorb life like a sponge. 


For example, up North people are friendly don't get me wrong, however eye contact is generally reserved for the moments when an actual business transaction is taking place or a conversation is happening.  Very rarely do people look you in eye throughout daily activities and if they do and hold that stare for any amount of time we immediately start to check our nose for bats in the cave that are flapping their wings, or check to see if we have a Cling-on.  Here, oh my, what a difference.  For the most part, people will look directly at you and not look away even if you look back.  Why?  Curiosity, and just plain love of people.  If you smile immediately they will smile and even sometimes strike up a conversation.  This is fabulous for the ministry as you can imagine.  


So why am I rambling on and on about this.  Because it is necessary in order for you to understand the events that occurred this morning and why I find it so thrilling.  


Everyday I leave for work early and drive a nice peaceful route through our adjacent neighborhood. Each morning I see a beautifully dressed classy woman walking up the road with her lunch bag in hand.  She reminds me of a modern day Audrey Hepburn.  For a month now I have seen her each and every weekday and the first week I saw her we nodded in recognition of one another. Since then, we have always exchanged smiles and last week we exchanged waves and smiles.  I always judge how early or late I am based on her progression up the hill.  Today I was extra early as she was just standing at the crosswalk waiting at the light as I pulled to a stop at the same light.  My windows were partly down and she smiles and says "Buenas Dias Mi Hija!"  Glancing at the the light she quickly states that every day she sees me.  And thanks me for always smiling, wishes me a good day, and then scurries on her way.  I sat there for a second almost in tears because her small gesture of recognition brought such joy to my heart. 


I would have to say that is what makes me love El Paso so much.  People take advantage of every opportunity down to here to share their feelings with each other.  Words never go unspoken (for the bad or good but everyone is always honest which is so refreshing).  I thank Jehovah every day for this opportunity to soak up the love of life that I am surrounded by.