BY: KOENRAAD BEUGELINK, FAITH FORMATION DIRECTOR

Two days into my start at ACS these words entered my mind:

“What am I doing here?”

I mean why would anyone who made it out of high school want to go back to high school? Don’t get me wrong, I had a pretty good high school experience. Not academically mind you, but certainly socially. When I shared that reflection at our first staff meeting several experienced teachers gave me that friendly smile and nod that conveyed, “I know exactly what kind of student you were, and we are glad God works miracles.” With our adult social culture often revealing distrust and social disconnect between adults and teenagers, it does sometimes seem strange to walk into a high school as an adult.

So what am I doing here?

I have a confession to make. I’m a baby kisser.

It’s true. There, I said it.

Anytime I see a little baby I just want to hold it and smother it with kisses. Yes, even if the baby is not mine. I know—weird, eh? I’m at my weakest when I’m baptising little ones at church. I just want to grab them out of the parents’ hands and plant a kiss on their sweet little baby head. I’m really not sure why. It’s not like my kisses are like a kiss of the Holy Pope, so why? Obviously, the little ones are so cute, they smell so good, and they are so small, so…so…I digress.

I think it’s because babies are so vulnerable and they need constant attachment reminders that they belong and are loved. Attachment reminders not just from parents (which is of primary importance), but also reminders from the community that surrounds them. They don’t just need kisses and cuddles, but daily acts of service that build into their understanding a confidence that they are cared for and loved; they are surrounded (not alone) and capable of thriving in this sometimes difficult world.

That’s why I’m here

Attachment.

I carry a lot of official and unofficial titles, labels and expectations at ACS like: faith formation director, chaplain, youth worker, and culture changer. But really, I’m here because I love teenagers. I’m fascinated by them. They’re no longer “baby cute” (except Tianna and Yelissa), they no longer smell good (Axe body spray honestly, does not help) and they are not small anymore.

Yet, they still need those constant attachment reminders.

As I walk the halls, plan chapels, meet with students, roll out GIS (Global Intercultural Studies) and teach Bible modules I want to speak, show, and share those important attachment reminders with our students; that they are cared for, they belong, they are loved (no conditions), and they are prepared for and capable of thriving in this sometimes difficult world.

Christian schools don’t have sacraments like baptism where pastors and congregations remind children and families of God’s covenant promises. But they do have administrators, teachers, and support staff who are able to speak, show, and share God’s attachment faithfulness in classrooms, hallways, and gymnasiums.

That is what WE are doing here.