Quinceaneros

November 30 was a big day for many of our young adults here at Rancho Sante Fe. Quinceaneros is a latino tradition, to celebrate a young woman's passing to adulthood, which is generally celebrated on their 15th birthday. Here at NPH, it is celebrated in November, for all young adults, both guys and girls. It is one of the biggest celebrations of the year.

Each Quinceanero asks a member of the opposite sex to be their sponsor for the evening (which includes buying them a special gift, accompanying them to mass, dinner, being their escort for the presentation of all the Quinceaneros, and to be with them at the beginning of the grand fiesta in the evening). Two nights before the big day, another volunteer told me that there was a guy that decided to not take part, because he was too shy to ask somebody to be his sponsor. So she asked if I would be willing to do it, and of course, I happily accepted. It's quite an honor to be a part of this special night for these kids.

It all begins early morning in the older girls homes as they want to make sure this day turns out just perfect for them. They spend nearly the entire day preparing themselves for the evening.

Mass began at 5pm, and when it became time to process in, my ahijado (godson), had still not shown up (he currently is living in Tegucigalpa, doing his internship). I was a little disappointed, thinking he had just decided not to come. About 10 minutes later, I was summoned to go down to boys' homes, as he finally had shown up. He was late because he couldn't get out of work. And so, the night began.

(photo - the godsons of myself and 2 other volunteers)

Following mass, we headed down to the school, and had a delicious dinner of kabobs, rice, ect. The dance followed. Although I don't know the kid (Jesus is his name) very well, I am friends with his brother, and it was fun that night getting to know him a little better. Hilarious kid.