Chrissy Ohlinger / SPECIAL TO THE PVT Theresa and Ernie Fuller stand around the peace pole at Haven Selah with Nathaniel and Petra Molina-Ohlinger, two friends from the family drum circle. Theresa uses the peace pole to make a circle and pray for peace for all nations who are at war in the world. Advertisement

"Haven" means a safe place and "Selah," to stop and think. Haven Selah is a private residence on North Blagg Road where Theresa and Ernie Fuller regularly invite the community to come and enjoy and learn.

The aptly named residence is located on five acres of land with gardens, a fish pond, a labyrinth, a tepee and a meeting room.

The Fullers invite friends and anyone who wishes to learn from guest teachers who come to Haven Selah to teach a variety of cultural themes. She is currently holding Dances of Universal Peace, a group of dancers who promote peace and harmony.

Other activities are a drum circle for adults and another separate venue for families. Every Sunday there is a "Science of Mind" meeting, and Haven Selah is listed as an official study group.

Fuller first came to own the land where Haven Selah is located about 25 years ago. She worked at the Nevada Test Site as a staff assistant for many years and would return to Pahrump on weekends. That was when she first connected with the land. "This land is sacred," she says. She feels as close to the land now as she did 25 years ago when she first bought it. Due to health problems she moved to Las Vegas, and finally returned to Pahrump to realize her dream of building a haven for herself and others. Fuller's husband built his workshop himself, incorporating a room for his wife to hold meetings. The loft was a natural use for the space above the meeting room, and has been very useful when people are invited to stay at the property. When speaking of the meeting room, Theresa Fuller says, "It's everything I would do if I had a big home. It's a great big recreation room."

The couple celebrated the room being finished in 1996. The second additions were the fish pond and garden, and then, over the years the labyrinth and additional gardens were added.

Fuller has seen the transformation of Pahrump since she has owned the property. When she first came to Blagg Road, there was no noise, no houses, and no stores. Fuller estimates there were only about 1,000 people in Pahrump,

The first drum circle attracted 15 people and has steadily gained exposure over the years. However, while drumming continues, the people are different. "People come and go," Fuller says. She is dedicated to sharing knowledge with people who choose to participate. In the past she has hosted many groups including how-to classes for drum-making, reiki, homeopathy, embracing the feminine as well as the Dances of Universal Peace, drum circles and Science of Mind meetings that she continues to hold.

Last year her family was struck with tragedy with the loss of Fuller's granddaughter, Brandy. After a halt of activity and as the healing process continues, the Fuller family is beginning to invite people once again to share in Haven Selah.