Today, I realized
I miss the simplicity of Tahoe ...

Simplicity it really wasn't,
because we worked so hard.

But, in California, things were different.
Ministry was number one.
School wasn't a factor,
relationships were null,
and everything revolved around kids and God's glory.

Why is that so hard to do here?

When there's already a "schema" of life
for me here at college,
it's hard to be who I want to be
if it's different than who I've been.

I love life ...
I just want to be everything God made me to be.
The girl that reflects HIS beauty.

It is my desire to lavish my love on you.
-1 John 3:1-

That's what I've felt this summer ...

I have grown to love California ...

and I know one day I'll return to these amazing kids -

And I will miss my girls very much!

Oh, what a summer we've had ...

After our last day off at the beach ...

We had our last dinner out at Bridgetender ...

On Friday, I'll be on a plane back to Shreveport ...

-Angelle Aimee

God has really blessed me
through small perks of working really hard during the week.
Our weekends have been amazing ...

This weekend we went to San Francisco/Santa Cruz ...

DAY ONE -

We left the church at 5AM
and stopped in Rocklin at Chik-fil-A for breakfast ...
Callie and I got to play on the playground!

Our next stop was the Golden Gate Bridge -

It was amazing ...
and I got to put my feet in the Pacific Ocean ...
(never thought I'd be able to say that!)

Then, on to PostCard Row
(the Full House house inspiration!)

and there was a playground across the street ...
and if you know me and Callie
you should already know what's coming ...

fun times!

We went to Lombard, the curviest street EVER!
and there are some amazing flowers
on that road!

Then, we dropped the van off at the hotel,
and headed to

We walked around ...
and when this guy who makes cool bread
found out it was Sarah's birthday, they sang to her
through the glass on the microphones!

There are Legal Street Performers
like "The Bush Man"

Who just jumps out and says "BOO"
when people get close!
It was hilarious to watch!

Some of the girls went to tour Alcatraz,
but Candice and I walked around the Wharf and Pier 39.
I made a friend ...

Then, our girls came back and we headed to dinner ...

I got a monster salad, but no worries
I showed him who was boss!

After a long day, we headed back to the Travelodge
and how we had energy, we still don't know
but we had a fun time

It was so cool, we had a shower that was the perfect size for me,
I don't know about the rest of the world

But I liked it!

And just remember, as Jocelyn says,
"What happens in Francisco, stays in Francisco!"

DAY TWO -

We woke up and headed to the Trolley

There was a man who sang to us as we waited in line,
he had the most amazing voice!

He said, "It's not hard guys.
If you like the music, put some money in.
If you don't, feel free to take some out.
I'm not starving or in need.
I just like to play!"

Hanging on the outside of the trolley was SUPER FUN!

Then, we sort of shopped around
and headed to China Town!

The Old St. Mary's Center was in there,
it's really nice inside.

China Town was just a really cool place to see

Different cultures intrigue me

Then, we headed to the Beautiful Santa Cruz
to stay at Mrs. Sue's house.

DAY THREE -

I woke up early
and sat outside just enjoying the view.
I think this has to be one of the most beautiful places
for a quiet time God ever created.

Then, the girls started waking up
and Candice and I climbed rocks down to the sand.

Then, we just enjoyed the view before breakfast ...

Before we left,
we had to take a silly picture with Mrs. Sue!

Then, we headed to the Boardwalk
and spent the rest of the day on the beach.

Angela and I rode a few rides!

We finally  headed back to Lake Tahoe!

But you must know, there were a few times
when I was reminded of home and my buddies there

and this made me think of EMILY!

I had an amazing weekend ...
now it's time for the last 2 weeks of Tahoe

Hope everyone has a great week!

-Me.

Ever have one of those near perfect days ...
when you just know God is looking down and smiling
as you praise him for such greatness ...

Well, I had one of those today,
first the little kids went to Kid Zone
so all I had were big kids in recreation today
and we played 3-legged soccer!

Brandon and I scored 2 points!

I love all the kids here at FBC Tahoe,
but there is a special place in my heart for the 3rd - 6th graders!

Then, at 5 we went for a boatride/dinner
with Mik and Lek.

I love Angela ...

and Candice!!!

It was crazy like a rollercoaster at times!

We went to The Beacon ...

and had some amazing food!

But we might have disobeyed the rules ...

Then, the sun went down ...

All of us with Mik and Lek ...

Since it rained a bit while we ate,
there was a beautiful rainbow!

Then, we headed back,
and it got dark.

I love these girls ...

When the sun got really low
and we could no longer admire the sunset,
a dance party started in the front of the boat!

They were playing the Oldies station ...

My magic carpet ride pose ...

Hope you enjoyed ...

I know I did!

-Angelle

Sometimes it's really hard to express thoughts
in clear words that will be meaningful
to others ...
words that will make them understand your heart
where you've been,
who you are,
who you're becoming
and how that affects your future ...

I hope that I am able to clearly express
what happened to me this summer in
Tahoe City.
That people will understand
what working so hard
and serving others has meant to me.

How I've gotten to live Ms. Debbie's big dream,
and how amazing it is to be reaffirmed
in the knowledge that God does
HUGE things if you will let him work in your life ..
and that all he really wants to give you are the
desires of your heart.
That he knows what will make you happy,
and if you will receive it ...
it's right there.

That the world needs so desperately for us
to reach out and love them ...
healing can come from a simple smile,
a relationship that could change an attitude,
and lead a person to the one true relationship that matters,
the one with Jesus.

How easy it is to forget all that ...

I missed home this week.

And realized that I miss passion ...
it seems many people are lacking in that area these days ...
just be passionate about something,
it doesn't have to be anything extravagant.
I'm passionate about loving others ...
THIS I'M SURE OF.

Being intentional is very important too .. and it works.
My friend Callie set out this week to be intentional
with the youth she's worked with here at the church,
and kids got saved this week at youth camp.
God is working ...

These days I never feel prepared ... 
but it isn't always bad,
I guess God has to have room to work somewhere.

Sunday - a day of rest, 
I think the world needs a day off.

May the words of my mouth
and meditations of my heart
be pleasing to you, O Lord,
my Rock and my Redeemer.
-Psalm 19:14-

-Angelle Aimee