QUINCEAÑERA!

When Ron and Vicki Robertson were serving as missionaries 
here in Arequipa, they put on a Quinceañera for Giovanna,
 Margot, and Susana.  We saw pictures of this and were
 impressed with the special love shown to these girls who have
 no family to help them celebrate turning 15 years of age.  
This is a very big event in Hispanic cultures, a kind of

 "coming of age" party.  So when two of the girls at the 

adolescent home turned 15 during our trip to the United 
States, we decided to also give them a fiesta upon our return.

The first step was renting the dresses.

Kym McDaniel joined the Director of the casa,

Pedro, and us to take Victoria and Martha

dress shopping.  They were thrilled!

We were surprised at the Cinderella look

the girls gravitated towards, but then, after

all, they will be princesses for one night!

There was more to putting on a party like this

than we first thought!  We needed to order 

invitations, arrange for the location, 

transportation before and after, decorations,

food, and party favors, called "recuerdos."

True to form, Gloria thought making the party

favors would be preferable to buying them, 

so after going to a bead shop, and allowing

the girls to choose pink, purple, white, and black

 beads, Kym and Gloria went to work with the girls, 

creating pretty bracelets.  Of course, they took

longer than anticipated, but what else is new?

Finally, the big day arrived!  Before the party, 

we went over to the casa hogar to give the 

girls some necklaces and earrings to wear 

with their fancy dresses.  While in the States,

 Gloria had also found some ceramic jewel boxes

with the words  "Mis 15 Años," also with a place 

for their picture. The gifts were a big hit!

 The evening of July 24th, 2010, at San Lucas Church,

 many guests and family gathered for the 

special occasion.  It was a joyful time, one we

we hope these two girls will remember forever.

Martha

Victoria

For more pictures of this event click on this link:  quinceanera night

We are indebted to all the help given to us

by the Director, Pedro, and Juan Ayala.