Jessica’s Quinceañera

Jessica turned 15 on June 6 and we celebrated by smashing eggs on her head. However, the big party celebrating this huge milestone in the Hispanic culture was celebrated on the evening of June 14. After much weeping and gnashing of teeth behind the details of the wedding-like birthday party, a beautiful ceremony took place.

With the help of many friends within the organization and community, Jessica had a Cinderella night. She and her damas were the most beautiful girls in the jungle. The blessing took place in the church and, afterward, the food and games took place in our very own sala.

We don’t have pictures of everything, so words will suffice. If I write 1,000 I believe that is worth one picture (as long as the saying is biconditional). Aaron, Juanito and a group that was visiting from Michigan turned our soccer goal posts into a beautiful tunnel with a palm roof at the gate. From there, a white sand pathway scattered with flower petals and bordered with bamboo sticks with little balloons and ribbon, lead the guests through the soccer field and down to the sala. A balloon archway stood inside the doorway to the sala and balloons decorated the ceilings and walls.

I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story. In the end, it was a beautiful night with tasty food, good friends and family, and a girl who became a princess—dress and all.

Here is Jessica entering with her date.

Here they are leaving the ceremony at the church.

Here is Jessica, middle, with some of her damas.

A photo of the incredible entrance to the sala.

Here is Jessica with her family. We, and her, were over joyed that they were able to make it.

A final shot of Kelly, Aaron and all the beautiful young ladies.