Sand Class on Keakwa Island

The distinct aroma of the sea mixed with the scent of wet soil welcomed the arrival of Febriana and Michelle on Keakwa Island. Two young women with burning passion were sent by their church to serve the community on the coast of Timika, Papua. Febriana, an energetic girl from Makassar, was accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the big city where she was born and raised. Meanwhile, Michelle, with her gentle smile, was a Minahasan girl who grew up in Tomohon, the cool flower city at the foot of Mount Lokon. Their different backgrounds and cultures became the first challenge they had to overcome. 

The “Sand Class” they held in the yard of their simple house was a silent witness to their small debates about teaching methods, the selection of hymns, and even their food preferences. However, their determination to share knowledge and love with the children of Keakwa Island slowly melted their egos.

As they began teaching at the island’s only elementary school, the reality of their mission became unmistakably clear. The school building itself stood weathered and faded, its wooden walls marked by the relentless wind and sun, with creaking doors and broken windows that let in shafts of golden morning light. Mr. Markus, an elderly teacher with gentle eyes and a warm smile carved by decades of dedication, greeted them with open arms. Yet, their hearts ached at the sight before them: children of various ages—first to sixth grade—all huddled together on mismatched benches in a single cramped classroom. There was a scarcity of books, only a handful of worn notebooks and pencils passed from hand to hand; the chalkboard was cracked, its edges stained with years of use. Amid these humble surroundings, Febriana and Michelle felt a mix of determination and sorrow, driven by the hope that their presence could bring color and possibility to the children’s dreams.

“Be patient, my dears,” Mr. Markus said one day. “Teaching here requires a heart as wide as the ocean, which teaches us about patience, and a heart as strong as the mangrove forest, which teaches us about resilience”.

As Febriana and Michelle settled into their daily routine, they watched Mr. Markus move through the weathered school with a gentle diligence that spoke volumes. His steps echoed softly on the creaking wooden floors, and the faint scent of chalk dust lingered in the air, mingling with the salty breeze that slipped through the broken windows. The children’s laughter, sometimes shy and sometimes bursting with joy, filled the cramped classroom and seemed to rejuvenate the old teacher. His warm voice, shaped by years of teaching, carried stories and lessons that reached every corner of the modest school.

Every morning, the two young women gazed at the calm river they needed to cross, its surface shimmering under the tropical sun. The sound of water lapping against the wooden hull of their boat became a daily symphony as they paddled toward their destination. Occasionally, the roar of the ocean waves would interrupt their journey, accompanied by the sharp scent of brine and damp earth that clung to their clothes. When rain fell, its rhythmic patter on the tin roof created a soft chorus, and the fresh aroma of rain-soaked soil would fill the path, urging them onward even as the wind howled in their ears.

Despite these obstacles—whether the flashes of lightning illuminating the dim classroom, the crashing of waves against the shore, or the ever-present fragrances of sea and land—Febriana and Michelle found inspiration in Mr. Markus’s unwavering spirit. The sights of eager faces, the sounds of community, and the gentle scents of their remote island home became part of their calling, making every struggle a testament to their devotion and hope.

“I hope this high tide recedes quickly,” Michelle muttered worriedly, helping the children onto the boat. High tides often isolated Keakwa Island for days, making the land invisible. They could only hope for rain for fresh water.

Febriana, with her courage, tried to calm Michelle and the children. “God is with us,” she said with conviction. “We will surely be safe and succeed in overcoming all these challenges”.

After the exams, they were filled with gratitude and emotion. Seeing the proud smiles on the faces of the children who passed made all their struggles and sacrifices feel insignificant. They were not just teachers; they were also sisters, friends, and mothers to the children of Keakwa Island.

The “Sand Class” continued to grow. Before they knew it, Febriana and Michelle’s time of service was coming to an end. To ensure the children’s education would not be interrupted, two new missionaries arrived to continue the work they had pioneered.

News about the two missionaries on Keakwa Island spread to other islands and villages, becoming a living testimony that inspired many people. Febriana and Michelle, two young women from different worlds, had united in a single, noble mission, sowing knowledge, love, dedication, and sincere friendship through their service.

Kreator : Vidya D’CharV