Jenifer's "15 Años"

In the Latin American culture, a girl's fifteenth birthday is a very big deal. Often a ceremony is held in a church, almost like a wedding, complete with attendants, a big dress, and a grand entrance. While we are unable to do something on that grand of a scale, Kendon and Wendy work very hard to make the fifteenth birthday very special for the girls here.

Jenifer turned fifteen on September 2nd but we had her celebration this past Saturday, October 6th. She selected the color and style of a dress that was made for her. She also got new shoes and jewelry to wear. She received the full beauty treatment: Vivian, the NLCH secretary, took her to get her hair done. I painted her fingernails and toenails. Wendy did her makeup.

Jenifer was allowed to invite ten guests and we were so honored to receive an invitation! The celebration was held in a beautiful private room in a fancy restaurant in Guatemala City. We had a delicious steak dinner. A very special part of the evening was that one of Jenifer's supporters from the United States flew in to surprise her (she is pictured on the right).

After dinner, each person around the table offered a blessing to Jenifer and/or shared a special memory of her. Kendon and Wendy presented her with a beautiful ring (the traditional 15th birthday gift) and prayed for her. We ended the night with a delicious peach birthday cake.

It was a very special evening! Jenifer is a beautiful, loving girl and we pray that this is only the beginning of many years of joy and blessing for her as she grows to walk even more closely with the Lord.

Here are a few more pictures from the evening:

Kendon escorted Jenifer into the room as we all stood and applauded.A huge candle chandelier in the lobby of the restaurant.I told Jenifer that she looks like a princess here, posing in the balcony of our private dining room.Kendon & Wendy praying with Jenifer after placing her ring on her finger.

Yami, Estela and Debora

Jenifer and her two younger sisters: Karla and Yessica

KarlaJenifer trying out the cool sinks in the bathroom. Notice how it is full of stones and the water comes out of a pipe by raising a lever. Very impressive!