“I’m not going to be the principal,” I announced to the students while we piled onto the bus in Nicaragua. “So, behave.”
Over spring break, I had the privilege of representing ACS in Nicaragua as we connected with Centro De Fé. This Christian school has been our sister school for the past 16 years. I wasn’t the leader on the trip: I was like a “responsible adult” more than anything. I had a wonderful experience, meeting people I’ve heard so much about, connecting with ACS colleagues, and getting to know a wonderful group of ACS students during the trip (yes, they behaved!).
I remember a lot about this trip, the experiences, connections, and opportunities. But what has stuck with me most is the reminder of God’s faithfulness.
God’s Faithfulness in People
Our in-country leader was Saúl Carvajal, one of our secondary teachers. He and I go way back…he was a former student of mine back in 2009, my first year of teaching. Saúl joined ACS as a refugee student from Colombia.
I found an email I sent to a colleague who was checking in on him back in October 2009. Here are a few excerpts from my response:
“He has used his cell phone in class a lot and is easily distracted. I have had him in for a detention for direct disobedience.”
“He can do a lot better but is choosing not to. (I’ve caught him copying work).”
“He is rarely on task, he doesn’t put a lot of effort into his work, and seems to be very disorganized in terms of test dates, etc.”
I could write a blog on how I would respond very differently to an email about a student now, compared to back in my first year of teaching, but today, it’s not about that; it’s about God’s faithfulness in the life of Saúl.
I would have never guessed that the Saúl of 2009 would end up being a colleague and leading me on a trip in Nicaragua. But in March 2026 that’s exactly what happened.
He was such an excellent leader. He was prepared, he understood his responsibilities, he cared about our students, he understood the culture, and realities of life in Nicaragua, and he supported our students as they navigated all of that for the first time. It was a privilege to follow Saúl in Nicaragua.
God is always working in our lives—in mine, yours, and Saúl’s.
God’s Faithfulness to ACS
I also am keenly aware that ACS is nearing its 75th anniversary.
God is indeed faithful. He has blessed, and multiplied Abbotsford Christian School. This trip was a reminder to me that God continues to be faithful.
I’m entering the “top half” of our staff’s age bracket, and Christian education is both a rewarding and challenging calling. I was shown, yet again, that I only serve at ACS, and that God provides.
Saúl was a shining example of that for me during this trip.
God formed, and had a plan for Saúl, which (maybe to both of our surprises) lead him back to ACS. To have him lead me, his colleagues, and our students was an affirmation that God has, and will continue to provide talented and amazing people to lead and serve him in this place.
Our trip to Nicaragua was an amazing experience. But what I’ll cherish and hold on to for a long time to come is the reminder of God’s faithfulness in the lives of His people, and ACS.
May this blog be a reminder for us all, as parents, teachers, grandparents, etc. that God is on life’s journey with us and our children through the ups and downs. We often can’t imagine what God has in store for us and them.
Saúl, thank you for reminding me of this!
WHAT DO YOU THINK?