I'm Allergic to My Bed

I was freezing cold by the time I crawled into bed last night. While we had been standing by the fire outside, my traveling clothes of capris, tank top, zip-up hoodie, and Crocs (wth no socks) weren’t quite the best outfit for the winter weather here in Argentina. So, I put on my winter pajamas and piled high every blanket I could find. (The little “log” cabins are quite cute; however, they are not heated.)

I awoke about 1:30 with a sore throat, and was a bit concerned but was really too tired to even think about it. However, I awoke at 3:00 with a golf-ball-size lump in my throat. Oh no! I have had these symptoms 4 other times in my life. The first time, I ended up in the hospital with a very serious infection. The other 3 times, we determined were caused by allergies. It wasn’t until the 3rd time, however, that we determined what the allergies were to … animals.

So, I was laying in bed at 3:00 a.m., having a hard time swallowing. I knew that if the golf ball got too big that I could then have a hard time breathing. It never crossed my mind to bring allergy medicine, because this only happens every year or two. I have 3 cabin-mates, none of whom speak English. Carissa’s room is across the base, through the dark woods and mud puddles. I finally decided to sit tight, pray, and hope that Carissa did not find me dead in the morning (suffocated by the golf ball lump).

When I awoke at 9:00, the lump was still there, but hadn’t gotten any bigger. Whew! I’m assuming that this bedroom has had pets in it. I was told that I will have a new room on Saturday. So, I am praying that I can survive one more night in the bedroom that I am allergic to.

I missed breakfast this morning. (I wasn’t told when to be there, and Carissa decided to let me sleep.) But, my housemates offered me tea and crackers. That was probably about all I could have eaten with the golf ball lodged in my throat anyways.

Carissa and I had a good morning of visiting. Lunch was served at 1:00 and the lasagna was delicious. I have no idea what types of vegetables were in it, but they tasted great. (I love to make lasagna, but never put veggies in it.)

After lunch, Carissa got out her computer and showed me the 2500+ pictures and videos that she has taken the past 5 months. Wow! It was really good that I had gotten to meet all of her friends prior to picture time, because it put everyone into context.

I had a relaxing afternoon and evening, while Carissa was in classes. We had a nice dinner, and then more chat time around the campfire. Then, right before bed, Carissa realized that we should ask one of the staff (who happens to be a nurse) if she had any allergy medicine. Not only did she have allergy medicine, but the whole package was in Eng lish. So I knew what I was taking. Whew! I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep, without my golf ball.