Pennsylvania

Year of First Visit – 1997
Point of Entry – Philadelphia International Airport

Unusually sweltering temperatures made was a bit more than we had anticipated when we arrived at the campground. Though we were living in Texas, the indoors are well air conditioned there while this Pennsylvania campground afforded us to sweat at the great outdoors.

The pool soon lured us to seek some relief. We set our towels on the patio furniture and headed for the water. We simultaneously stepped in and simultaneously screeched as we stepped back out. The water was colder than anything in the Lone Star State.

Over the years we've spent the night in several locations in the state. Each time we've gone for a swim in the hotels' pools, we found that they are all set at the same temperature. Now, no matter what land we are in, when we find chilly water we refer to it as a "Pennsylvania Pool."

Of course, I've done more in Pennsylvania than simply attempting to swim. I've been to historic sites like Gettysburg, Constitution Hall, and the Liberty Bell. Few places I've been have helped me connect with history as completely as have the sites of Pennsylvania.

And if I were to list the most significant spiritual experiences of my life so far, Pennsylvania hosted a disproportionate number of them, especially considering that I've never lived there. Who I am today was greatly shaped by events in the Keystone State.

So for me, Pennsylvania is the place where the water is cold and where I can still expect to swim in the deep end.