Mountain Majesties on Day 3 of Tour

Day Three:

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Day Three began with hugs and thanks for the host families who took such good care of all of our AACS students on Friday night.  The hosts demonstrated their love for the Lord and for their long-time friends, the Kemptons , by opening their hearts and homes to us.  Students enjoyed a variety of activities on Friday night, including a trip to Downtown Disney, soaking in Jacuzzis, paintball, swimming, and conversation.   It was with smiles, and a few tears, that we boarded the bus and set out for Palm Springs.

After sharing some reflections from Friday night and hearing a devotion by Ms. Kauffman, we arrived at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.  As we took the breathtaking trip up to the summit, we sang “Hark! I Hear the Harps Eternal” for Ray, the tram operator, and the other passengers.  (There were big smiles all the way to the top.)   We ate lunch in the Pines Restaurant, took photos on the multiple observation decks, and hiked several of the trails.

Tired out by our adventures on the mountaintop, we took a quick 30 minute nap on the bus as we traveled to The First Baptist Church of Redlands, the venue for our evening concert.  We are grateful to Mr. Vineyard’s Aunt Deena, who serves on staff at First Baptist, for coordinating the concert for us.  As we got off the bus we were greeted by a joyful cadence pounded out by members of The First Baptist Church drum circle, who also accompanied us during the concert on our two African pieces, “Kwangana/Tink of Me.”  Our dinner was thoughtfully prepared by members of The First Baptist Church youth group and featured fresh Alaska salmon (caught by Mr. Vineyard’s Aunt Deena and Uncle Dale at their cabin in Alaska) and more ripe California strawberries (in addition to a build-you-own taco salad bar).  For a second night, our evening concert was made even more special by the presence of friends and extended family.

The night closed with the a long standing tradition on choir tour; skit night!  Students were put into groups before tour even began and prepared skits for TOUR SONG TWISTER.  Each group would take the music from one or more of their tour songs and rewrite the text/lyrics to fit their given theme.  Many laughs were had as we heard the familiar music of tour set to themes such as "A Night at the Opera", "Disney Delight" and "California Dreamin' & Beach Boys".  

We are all looking forward to a laid back day tomorrow, touring some of the most famous California beaches on the Pacific Coast Highway:  Newport Beach (Little Corona del Mar), Venice Beach and Santa Monica.  It is our last day, and we look forward to celebrating and being in fellowship with one another.  

AACS choir students sing Hark! I Hear the Harps Eternal on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Madrigals - My Funny Valentine

Mrs. Joseph and AACS choir ladies on top of the mountain!

Redlands, CA

Skit Night!

Awesome dinner provided by the First Baptist Church of Redlands

First Baptist Church of Redlands Concert

Palm Springs, CA

View from the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Maddie and Hannah enjoying some California sunshine

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Students enjoying hiking and rock climbing

Ms. Kauffman had an old HS youth group friend visit her at the concert.  Many students and faculty enjoyed catching up with California based friends and family!