Working the Beach

“Hurry Rosalanda!”, John, eleven, called to his fourteen year old half-sister.  “We want to get there before the gringos get settled on the beach.”

“Coming!”  She pushed on her flip flops and hurried out the door of their shack in Belle Vista, a few miles from the north coast of Dominican Republic.  Recent immigrants from Haiti, their family spoke their native Creole to each other at home, but the children were learning English on the beach while earning some much needed cash.

It was a hot, cloudless morning already, and promised to be a scorcher – perfect for customers at Sosua Beach.  They served them drinks and brought them lawn chairs and umbrellas for tips.  They also ran messages for the shop owners.  The beach is an ideal place to learn English, which could get them a real job some day.

Folince met them at the bridge.  Despite his being only 7 years old, he was already in grade 4.  Being inquisitive by nature, he was a sponge for picking up the social nuances of the beach crowd.  His official job was ‘messenger’, and he was quick on his feet and mind, so that everyone liked him.

Had it been a weekday,  Folince could have skipped school and kept up, but John and Rosalanda, both in grade 3, were struggling at school, especially Rosalanda, who was still learning Spanish, never mind the confusing English that John and his friends were becoming accomplished at.

Compared to Haiti, Dominican Republic was a safe wholesome place, and their parents trusted them to navigate the dangers of the drug and sex trades by their own wits.  As long as they brought home some money to put food on the table, they were happy.

Eager to leave behind everything that reminded them of their hardship in Haiti, they had turned their backs on Catholicism.  And when they heard about free admission at a Christian school in Arroyo Seco, they jumped on this rare opportunity to give their children an education.  Folince had been young enough to make the transition smoothly, but the older children still bear emotional scars which presents challenges at school.

The teachers care and understanding is now making a difference in their lives and studies.  Additionally, the positive atmosphere and faith based structure of the school has affected these new Haitian children.  Instead of running home in fear, they’re laughing and singing about Jesus’ love with their friends on the rides with Pastor Chala to and from school.  Some of them have made professions of faith after hearing the gospel message.

In the principal Professor Diogenes’ small office, I talked with Folince, who was eager to try out his English on me.  “I like to drive motorcycles”, he boasts!  Yes, he’s only 7, but going on 17!  Pastor Chala pointed out that a bright boy like Folince is a prime target for drug dealers.  After discussing the dangers of working on Sosua beach, he gladly let me pray for protection, wisdom and discernment for him. My ongoing prayer is for him and the others ‘working the beach’  to have sponsors who pray for them and mentors in their lives.