Last winter, a nostalgic swim in my old swimming pool at Eastern Illinois University

If you don’t know, I am one of those die-hard swimmers who never did get rid of the swimming pool bug.  After many years on a swimming team growing up, and also swimming with my university team, I still get excited when I find a new pool.

Luzhou has been a challenge with swimming pools.  Most are winter pools, meaning the water is cold all year round.  This is a sport, winter swimming, which the Chinese love.  Not me!  For my winter swimming ventures, I had a wetsuit that I wore until the water temps hit 60.  Not even the wetsuit could keep me from freezing.  And since there are no hot showers in such pools, there is no way to really warm up after you get out unless you sprint around the pool deck several times.  And even then, it’s still pretty darn cold!

I have waited for 17 years for a heated, competitive pool to land in Luzhou and one finally did this summer.  July 1st was the grand opening.  It is located in a beautiful park area on the other end of the city.  While a bit far, it’s well worth the daily visits I’ve managed so far.

A Christian Sister, Looking Out for Me

Choir member, Huang (red shirt) talks to another choir member during one of our rehearsals.

Not only do I now have a gorgeous pool to swim in, but I received a substantial discount in purchasing a year membership all due to church choir member, Ms. Huang.

Ms. Huang and I sing together in the Luzhou Eternal Love choir at the Luzhou Protestant Church.  She is also an avid swimmer, like myself, and teaches swimming lessons at the Medical College’s outside pool during the summer.  While I was home for the holidays, she texted me that there was a special discount for winter swimmers at the new pool.  Did I want to sign up?  The deadline was fast approaching and 60 swimmers were needed to get the discount.

I was in America, however, and there was no way for me to do this from where I was. Huang , however, was kind enough to fill out my application form and even pay the amount for me, trusting that I’d pay her back when I returned in August.

Sure enough, all was taken care of by my Sister in Christ, Huang.  When I returned, I picked up my yearly card and paid Huang my discounted amount which I never would have received had it not been for her diligence in helping me.

As you can see, swimmers look after one another, but more especially in this case, Christian swimmers.  A huge “thank you”, Sister Huang!  You really made my day.

From Luzhou, here’s wishing you Ping An (peace) for your weekend.