Puget Sound Adventist Academy (PSAA) students celebrated the start to the 2015–2016 school year in traditional style with a three-day trip up to Walla Walla University’s Rosario Marine Station.
This annual extravaganza began with a unique service experience the morning before departure — in teams, students headed into Seattle to interact with the homeless, chatting with them about their stories and sharing socks, toiletries and prayer. Making these connections in their community was a moving and fitting way to kick off a retreat dedicated to unity.
Then it was on to Rosario. Blessed with sublime weather and staggering sunsets, everyone settled into cabins and the fun began. Student-led worships, friendly class competitions and group excursions kept everyone interacting and entertained. New friends, s’mores with Reese’s peanut butter cups and student/teacher impersonations were highlights.
Senior Carly Ursino felt it was “a great last [Connect] for seniors." She adds, "My favorite part was the activities that helped us get to know each other better — especially the seniors and freshmen. Relaxing, fantastic and well-put together.”
Event coordinator Troy Ahrens agrees. "Connect was incredible," he says. "[There were] lots of genuine, spontaneous conversations among friends and those who became friends because of our time at Rosario.”
Connect culminated in an agape feast. Parent Jill Clay’s beautiful decor has turned the lodge into a spiritual haven for a number of years, setting the tone for an impactful evening of communion for the PSAA family. Students had the opportunity to express their dedication to loving each other this year as shown by the Savior. It was an evening with “moments in the Spirit that I will never forget," reflects Ahrens.
The staff's prayer for the school year is to continue fostering meaningful relationships at PSAA among students, staff and, most importantly, with Jesus. They are looking forward to more fantastic connections there and in their community.
PSAA students, like sophomores Loren Montague and Savana Williams, gather at Rosario Beach each year for a spiritual retreat and student connection time.
PSAA is seeking to foster meaningful relationships among students, staff and, most importantly, with Jesus.
