During the trip, I had trouble with bug bites a couple of times. In the Washington, D.C. area, I had bites all around my ankles. They itched, but I was able to stand it by wearing low socks that didn't rub on them, and applying an Aveeno cream.

But the worst was Texarkana, TX. I didn’t see what got me. I was trying to keep up our travel blog, working late into the night at an outdoor picnic table. At first I thought they were just the old bites itching. Then I noticed a few pricks higher up. The next day I had many marks on my skin, but not much irritation. HOWEVER, over the next few days they became very itchy, grew larger, and became inflamed with heat–translation: every time we got out of the car!

I finally counted: below the knee, on my right leg alone, I found 53 bites! The other leg was comparable. Both had fewer above the knee, and I only had two or three on my arms.

I tried a couple of topical aids, but what helped me the most was simply a wet wash cloth. Because we were in the car, I could keep cool air flowing by. When I started to itch, I gently swabbed my legs with the wet cloth. But when we stepped out of the car and back into the 100 degree heat I was pretty scary-looking!

I’m fine now, except for the slight scarring, which I believe will continue to fade until no longer visible. But I'm definitely going to remember the wet wash cloth treatment: no drugs, no cost, just ahhh! Relief!

*******

Dear merciful Father,

I know that my troubles have been so light and momentary. How much worse it was for Job! I'm not sure why You created biting/stinging insects, but I know they serve a purpose in Your over all plan. But, Lord, what did they eat in the Garden?

Amen