Don't Kiss a Toad!

at Iguatu Camp, 2002

When the boys were all little, we would often go to a camp near a city called Iguatu for missionary conferences.  The boys enjoyed the conferences because they could play all day long with other MK's.  There was a lake for swimming. There was a soccer court for kicking balls all around.  And there were lots of really big toads.

During one conference one of the missionaries held a frog jumping contest.  Whoever wanted to participate had to find themselves a frog {toad} and make it jump to the finish line.  They boys had a blast, but found out that most of the toads were not very interested in jumping.  

The toads would all gather near the dining area at night.  I suppose they were attracted by the lights and all the free food - bugs.  It was a toad paradise.  The boys would often chase them around and watch them catching bugs. It was great fun.

the toad kisser was one of these boys

I remember telling the boys that they shouldn't pick up the toads too much and should always wash their hands good after messing around with them.  Oils on people's hands are not good for aquatic lizard type creatures.  And enzymes and bacteria (gook) on the toad's skin isn't so good for boys - or girls, either for that matter.

Well, one little boy didn't listen to my advice.  It wasn't one of my boys.  It was another little MK.  One evening one of my boys came running to find me and said - Come Quick!  That little boy had been hauling toads all over the place and now he was foaming at the mouth!  The little fellow was a little scared.  His mother was not too happy and not to sure what to do.  Another old missionary lady who was a nurse suggested washing his mouth out good and keeping an eye on him.  He had one big stomachache that night, but he got better.  Seems he had been kissing all the toads.  I'm not sure if he was looking for a princess or what! 

Here's a silly song with a good message from the people at Answers in Genesis and Buddy Davis about frogs and kissing!  Please don't kiss any frogs or toads - they won't turn into princes or princesses - take my word for it!

p.s. Every night these days big toads get in the dog's water bowls looking for water.  I've seen them eat the dog's food, too!  Since we live in a very dry place, the toads look for water wherever they can find it.