Who knew just how much a little tiny insect
could interrupt life. Nearly three weeks ago I had two red spots appear on the
back of my leg, which looked more like burns than bites. I didn’t think too
much about them until a rash starting developing and then grew and grew and
grew. My body was reacting to something and the itch became unbearable. By this
time, I had come to Bouake with the team to say good-bye to our dear friend
Tricia who left for the States. This provided me with the chance to visit the
doctor. He affirmed that I had indeed been bitten by nasty little ticks, those
buggers. A combination of antihistamine, cortisol cream, and oral antibiotics was prescribed. Indeed, after three days locked in a cool room and multiple
oatmeal compresses, the rash began to subside. Goodness, I’m the first to admit
that I’m not a happy camper when it comes to uncomfortable skin problems. So I thanked God for the relief. I had a follow-up appointment with the doctor and
he was pleased to see that the medicine helped. However, he prescribed another
type of antibiotic to treat Lyme’s disease that could have been transferred by
the ticks. So, I’m still in Bouake this week…getting a shot every evening.
I decided to make the most of my week here.
I’ve pulled several classics off the library book shelf, found a piano hymnal to
stumble through, and nearly dried up two uni-ball pens writing letters, journal
entries, and to-do lists. The campus is livening up again with flamboyant trees
and flowering plants everywhere. If I can get over the sweatiness of it all, I
love my evening runs. Mimi and I also made a couple of trips into town to the
fabric market and tailor. Between my antibiotics, stash of chocolate, and
outfits-in-the-making, my entire May stipend has disappeared. Oops.
Lord-willing I'll be returning to Niakara on Saturday morning. After nearly two weeks away, I am very ready to see my family again and continue day to day life in the little Ivorian town.
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