We can all relate to the constant “outward pull” of life, and it was great to have some extra time to focus on our inner lives together.  Henri Nouwen says, “to reach the inner sanctum where God’s voice and direction can be heard and boeyed is not easy if you are always called outward.”  It was good, not only to have some time to relax, but to have some extra time for “inner renewal” as Nouwen calls it.

We went to the second largest thermal lake in the world in Hévíz, an amazing place which we’ve heard our friend Magdi talk about for three years.  Here’s some quotes from the Hévíz brochure:

“Did you know that Lake Hévíz is the world’s only naturally occuring peat bed medicinal lake that is fit for swimming?”

“The lake of Hévíz is a geological rarity.  Unlike other hot-water lakes of the world located generally on volcanic ground, the spring lake of Hévíz lies in a turf basin.  It is filled with calcium- and magnesium-containing hydrogen-carbonate medicinal water.”

“Enjoy watching the snow-covered landscape through a soft steam curtain while relaxing in the water of a the lake that is as hot in winter as in the summer.  The constant steaming of the water clears the air at the lake all the time, providing opportunity to relax in a dustless and allergen-free milieu for bathers and provides complete recreation for body and mind to people who are simply weary.”

Wow.

We made a couple outings to the surrounding area (Badacsony and Keszthely).  On Saturday afternoon, we saw the farsang parade in Keszthely, which was a awesome cultural experience.  Here’s a few favorite pictures:

A view of the “soft steam curtain” rising from the “calcium- and magnesium-containing hydrogen-carbonate medicinal” waters of lake Hévíz.

A view of the volcanic hills and Lake Balaton from the 13th century Szigliget castle.

The church sitting below Szigliget castle at the south western end of Lake Balaton.

The beginning of the parade.

Hmmm.  I’ve seen these masks a lot over the last three years.  Can someone educate me?

The drum line was awesome!

The end of the parade.  :)

Jacob is the champion of toilet bowl cleaners.

Tom, it’s been great to have you in town for a few days. Thanks for sharing last night on the topic of calling. It was so good!