As the three girls celebrating their quinceneras walked into the room, the words of Connie (a director at their children’s home, Manatial de Amor) rang in my ears.
“These three girls have been with us for a long time. They grew up in this children’s home. As I was praying today God reminded me that we all are daughter’s of the KING. He wants us to know that. In a very special way, God is showing that to these three girls tonight,” Cony shared.
Cony’s words are true for all of us. And in a very tangible way God was showing these girls what they mean to Him. This December we had another opportunity to provide a quincenera for three girls Back2Back serves at a local children’s home, girls who don’t have families to make this special event happen.
Shirley, Karely and Selene all have little to no family involvement. Usually, we (Back2Back) are able to provide a dress, a few humble gifts, a few flowers and a meal for their children’s home and any family that can attend. But, with the help of a group of women that came to serve with Back2Back, we provided a nice meal, cake and symbolic presents that are traditional for this special birthday signifying the maturing of a girl in Mexican culture.
Thanks to the women’s group, the quincenera was held in a warm reception room. They all wore the gown of their dreams. The girls received free hair styling and makeup by a relative of a Back2Back staff member and donations from folks through a Facebook and email petition allowed the girls to receive royal treatment.
Selene, Karely, and Shirley
Thursday night was in the low 50’s/high 40’s and rainy. So, the room inside a Mexican buffet restaurant was a huge blessing. Edgar, another Manatial de Amor director, gave the message and the woman’s group that was serving with us that week shared in the ceremony giving the symbolic gifts a girl receives (like a watch, bible, ring and pillow). Dancing and dinner followed the ceremony to round out a perfect evening.
Edgar sharing a message during the quincenera
On behalf of these girls and the Back2Back staff, thank you to all those who gave to give them the night of their lives.