Day 5: Healing Springs

 Today we visited the Healing Springs at Lake Vouliagmeni, Attica. It was my favorite day so far here in Greece. It was like a secret hiding place only the locals knew about.  It was calm and peaceful. Even when it started to get crowded the noise level was very minimal, keeping it very relaxing and enjoyable. I began to think about back home and I wondered if there were places similar to this. Back home everything seems so fast-paced and chaotic; like nothing is ever good enough and we have to make it bigger and better. But is it really better? We get so busy in our everyday lives and take on so much, oftentimes more than we should. Sadly, we forget to just take the time and be present.  

This spring is a popular swimming spot for locals that used to offer cliff diving. The water today was 25 degrees C, which is about 77 degrees F. It generally ranges between 22-29 degrees C. (71.6-84.2 degrees F.) It was a little chilly for this Florida girl, but I managed to power through and get all the way in. I slowly swam from one end to the other enjoying the view and the company of my fellow classmates. After I got acclimated to the temperature it was very refreshing and fun. 

At the steps to enter the Healing Springs are these little fish that like to nibble on your skin. It doesn't hurt but it does bother some people. The little fish are called Gara Rufa, they are also known as doctor fish or nibble fish.  They eat the dead skin off of your feet leaving your feet feeling smooth. At first, it was a little weird, but I quickly got used to it and actually enjoyed it. It was very soothing. 

After swimming for a bit and feeding the little fish, I decided to get out of the water and do some reflecting. I was able to be in the moment and really reflect on myself and things in my life. God has created such beautiful and amazing places and so many of us take it for granted on a day-to-day basis. God consistently used nature as a way of healing the mind, body, and spirit. It is hard to live in the moment 100% of the time but as I was sitting there soaking in the beauty that surrounded me it gave me a new perspective on many things. I don't believe it was God's intention for us to stay stressed out and constantly be on the go. We all have craziness in our lives, and there are times we cannot let go of some of the tasks and responsibilities that we have but we do have to learn to slow down at times, soak in the beauty that surrounds us, and just live in the moment. Dr. Jones has asked me before if I want to write my own future or let my past write it for me, after my self-reflection today I see my future a little more clearly now.

After we left the Healing Springs, we went back to the Greek Bible College where we had pizza for lunch. It was good, the cheese is different than what is usually put on pizza, and it was not greasy like it usually is at home. I also love that every day on the tables, we have fresh flowers in the center. The people at the college are so kind and welcoming. I have really enjoyed talking to them and getting to know them. 

We had some free time to relax, do laundry and hang out for a few hours before dinner. For dinner we had a very yummy meal of Asian noodles and Asian cabbage salad. We also had bread and fresh oranges. After dinner we walked down to the local ice cream store and enjoyed some delicious gelato. 

 This has been such an amazing experience and I am so thankful to be here.

~KaSandra Howe