A Special Place

There is an ancient Celtic Christian expression I love: “thin places.” It describes a place where the separation between heaven and earth becomes very “thin.” These are places where the divine presence can be felt in a special way—where heaven stoops to greet the earth with a kiss.

Perhaps you have had a thin place experience—may be overlooking an awe-inspiring natural vista or under the quieting dome of a gothic cathedral. For Moses, a patch of dirt was hallowed ground. For Joshua and Caleb, Canaan was a God-given paradise reflecting His favour. For Solomon, the temple grounds were worthy of reverent, silent craftsmanship. Jesus both wrestled in and ascended from the same peaceful mountain ridge, the Mount of Olives.

I have taught at Parkview Adventist Academy for five years and have determined it might be a thin place or at least an exceptional place. I recently surveyed some students regarding this: “Why is PAA special?” These are their responses:

Zhiyar Mokry: “We are all like family. It feels like we’re somewhere else, not just at school.”

Kofi Adom: “The people. On my first day at PAA, I was sitting by myself, and a student walked up to me and acted like he already knew me. After that, I just met more and more people who were really friendly.”

Sephora Feliz: “There is a lot of diversity here compared to other schools. There can be a lot of racism at other schools, but PAA is very multicultural. People are not mean here.”

Jheffry Feliz: “The teachers. It is a smaller school, so they give you more time and put more time into you. The teachers are willing to make the content understandable.”

Nolan Oickle: “The teachers. They are very unique, but weird is cool.”

Russell Gabrys: “The teachers and the students make PAA the best. Oh, and the new building.”

Elijah O’Sullivan Amaya: “The goofy teachers. I think what makes PAA special is that we’re a family. Here I see my classmates at church. They’ll give me a ride, they’re accepting, and everybody gets along well. It is a really welcoming place to be.”

Juan Alcudia Marin: “The environment. The atmosphere at PAA is amicable. People are cool and nice to each other.”

Ashlyn Tataryn: “The teachers are our friends, not just our teachers. They take an interest in our lives, and it reflects in how they teach us. They’re all phenomenal.”

Hovie Clark: “The fact that it is small. You have more availability to your teachers and can get help when needed.”

Shirley Jojoa: “The fact that teachers go out of their way to involve everyone in activities outside of school, like our ski trip.”

Brianna McPherson: “The people and the connections you make at PAA. Everybody knows everybody here.”

Jemma Muhima: “The teachers are nice, and they check in on your mental and spiritual health. They’re not just there for curriculum.”

Melanie Murillo: “The teachers. I have experienced a lot of love from the teachers and a lot of care in ways I haven’t in other schools. I have found comfort here that I can’t find in other places.”

I think these kids are on to something. I believe God is most clearly experienced through relationships. At PAA, we strive to make sure the gap between heaven and earth is narrowed through kindness and loving care. I invite you to come and visit this special place for yourself.

By Zachary Loxdale- he teaches science and religion at Parkview Adventist Academy. When he isn’t petting his dog or laughing with his wife, Jessica, he is likely to be found running on the streets of Lacombe.