Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Well yesterday we found ourselves in Plitvice, Croatia, at one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen in my life. We took the bus from Zadar to Plitvice, and the bus dropped us off in a forest. We had no idea where we were, but just got out and started walking. We had called about renting bungalos for the night, but didn't know where they were or even what they were called. So we find this old man, and he helps us out a little. He sends us on the main road, toward the entrance of the national park, which is about 6 kilometers away. So off we go, walking on the road with our big huge backpacks, looking for the bungalos.  We're singing songs and telling stories, trying to pass the time, when we see this old lady on the side of the road. She starts talking to us, and asks us where we're going. After some small talk, she asks us if we need a place to stay for the night. Well, yeah, actually we sure do. She tells us that she rents out the extra bedroom of her home to tourists, and we could stay there for 17 Euros each for the night. We look at each other, look at her, decide she looks pretty trustworthy, and accept the invitation. So off we go again, into the forest toward her home!  It turned out to be really nice. When we got there, she made us tea and we got settled in, then explored the area a bit. The next day, we would wake up early and spend all day inside the national park. 

I can't even explain the beauty of this place. Words can't describe it and pictures don't do it justice. The water is so blue and so clear, you can see all the way to the bottom from far away. There are fish and birds in the water, and waterfalls all around. You can hear the sound of the waterfalls in almost every direction. There are small wooden bridges built throughout the lakes and waterfalls, so that you can hike through. Every time we turned a corner, the whole group would be in awe. Each twist and turn outdid the last. It was truly amazing. 

Traveling to big cities has been really neat, and I've loved going into cathedrals and seeing amazing architecture and fancy buildings. It's the best that man can do. But being outside, at the beach at sunset, on the edge of cliffs with crystal clear water underneath, absorbing the warmth of the sun on my face, I was just in complete awe. That's what God can do, and it tops what man can do every time. Natural beauties of this world totally set my mind on things above. So much detail and intricacy... our God is amazing!