Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones

Sometimes I don't even realize how refreshing, renewing and rewarding it is to have the chance to simply BE. On Tuesday we traded the haze of downtown for this:

Last month our YearOuters read a book called Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero. It is an excellent resource and I would highly recommend it. In an effort to "practice what we preach" in regards to emotionally healthy spirituality, we spent one very special day in the Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones, or the Lion's Desert National Park. Now, there are no lions to be found here, and it is forrest rather than desert, but what it is is a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without actually leaving it. We spent some time sharing about different topics, but mostly we had the opportunity to be alone with God. I felt my whole body relax in a way it hadn't for some time and I felt the pure joy of observing and experiencing God's creation.

Before we left we explored an old monastery that is in the middle of the park. Here are some pictures:

We also checked out the catacombs!

And of course we enjoyed eachother's fellowship while enjoying a delicious meal!

All in all it was a wonderful day. :)