The 2007 Quinceanera

A Quinceanera is a milestone for every young girl. It's a time she invisions and dreams about for years. This ceremony publically marks their transition into womanhood.

Every year here at home, a Quinceanera ceremony is held for any girl that turned 15 (quince) years old during the year. This time honored tradition is celebrated differently all over the Spanish speaking world depedning on your religious beliefs and economic standing. I've seen some ceremonies/parties to include renting out hotel banquet rooms, a DJ, and a sit down meal. I've also heard of a ceremony that simply included a special family meal and well wishes for the girl's future. Here at the Home, the girls don't have a prom. And in some ways, this celebration kind of resembles a mix between a prom and a wedding. All of their family is invited (if there is any). The church is decorated with streamers and paper flowers. The girls wear a fancy formal dress, and are escorted in on the arm of their brother, or significant male staff member into the church while everyone stands in their honor and special music is played. The girls are seated like royalty on the stage of the church. The pastor personalizes a special message. The next set of younger girls stand as a group and read special wishes to the girls and formally present hand made cards to each of them. Then each of the honored 15 year old young ladies have their turn at the microphone to say whatever is on their heart. At the end, their escort gracefully helps them off the stage and out of the church. Then everyone gathers in the cafeteria which has been brightly decorated with streamers, balloons, and a special 3-tier cake. (The cake this year was donated as a gift from the house mothers to the girls.) All enjoyed a nice fried chicken dinner and a time for hugs, well wishes and photos.

Veronica, in the picture above has been special in my heart from the moment I met her. She has such a tender heart. She and her 4 younger siblings arrived here about 4 years ago. Before coming here she hadn't gone to school, so she's now in the 4th grade. In the back of the picture you may be able to see a blond lady...that's Britney. And the guy in the blue shirt is Bobby, her husband. This missionary couple arrived here in Jan.

The other picture includes Don and Roseann Benner with the girls. It really was a nice ceremony and I was so happy that I had the opportuntiy to be a part of it.