Last Sunday I experienced my first Peruvian quinceañera when one of the girls in our church named Paolo turned 15. Birthdays are a very special occasion here in Peru—especially a girl’s 15th Birthday, which they call her “quinceañera.” The event was announced well in advance at our church and over 100 people attended. Members of our church worked together to decorate the church, provide special music, prepare the food, and create a PowerPoint of Paolo’s life. Paolo had a beautiful formal dress made for the occasion.
The event was to begin at 5 p.m. but actually began after 6 p.m. This is customary in Peru—if it would actually begin at 5, no one would be there yet! Being late for things is simply the Peruvian way of life. It is neither right nor wrong—only different. The ceremony included Paolo being escorted by her father down the aisle, preceded by her mother and friends that carried flowers, much like a wedding ceremony in the United States (minus the groomJ). Scripture was read to Paolo by her friends, a message and prayer of dedication were given by Pastor Evelio, and special words were presented by her parents. Much focus was given to challenging Paolo to stay pure until marriage, and a purity ring was placed on her finger by her father. In addition to a trumpet duet and vocal solo, I was honored to play a special on the piano for the ceremony. This opportunity was made even more special because I played on a keyboard that was presented to Paolo by her parents as a Birthday gift. Paolo is learning to play the piano, and she was thrilled to tears when she received this special gift at her quinceañera. A full course meal was then served, the PowerPoint was presented, and the spectacular 3-layer cake was served!
I was impressed with the entire event, but especially with the presentation of the purity ring and with the amount of time, money, and effort put into making the evening special for Paolo. I will never forget my first experience of a quinceañera, and I’m sure Paolo will never forget this one either!
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PRAY FOR BIBLE CLUBS!
Pastor Evelio about to baptize his daughter, Yadi
Trujillo: Fun in the dorm
Trujillo: View of the ocean
Trujillo: The team at Victory Bapt. Church
On a Hill Far Away
I can see this cross from the roof of my house.
The Peruvian Flag
The Stupendous 7: ARRIBA Team
Front to Back: Joy, Nikki, Cole, Josh, Zac, Titus, Me
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8 comments:
Praise God for these opportunities to learn the language and culture here in Peru. Though the path is hard at times it is always worth it!
Praise the Lord for the opportunities to be stretched even tho we feel like we may pop. The stretching is growth. Our prayers continue to be with you in all of your special needs. 1.Tim.6.6
It's a good day when you and / or Jeremy blog! I check often! It keeps you in my prayers. In your spare time, you can pray for Jeremy with food issues. That seems to be his biggest struggle at the moment! He's not a picky eater usually, but is having a hard time. Had fish heads & rice the other day. Yum! :)
Que bonita experiencia estas teniendo en Lima. Encontre tu blog porque justamente el quinceañero de mi sobrina es el sabado y estoy buscando algo que decir en mi discurso ese dia.
Saludos y gracias por el trabajo que haces en Peru.
I used to live with Paola last year on the ARRIBA team... i miss everyone there so much, but am thankful for the time that I could spend there and that you are able to be there now too to experience it all for yourself! I hope your year is going well- please feel free to ask any questions (goye1615@earthlink.net)
Glad you got to see your first "coming of age" party. At least, since these people were Christians, you got to see it done biblically. Unfortunately, having been to one myself (step-mom's sister in-law is Mexican and Catholic), well, let's just say that drinking is very much a part of the occassion.... Even as an unsaved 8th grader I knew that was wrong. But, the mariachi band was pretty cool! lol In all seriousness, glad to hear God's blessings in this special occassion. Praying for ya'll!
Awesome. Keep it up girl. We're praying for you guys. Stoughton misses you guys, but we're hanging on. Melissa Ray says "Hi." Looking forward to hearing from you all. God bless!!!!!!
Oh my gosh, I am from Peru living in the US, and in a couple months I'm having my quincenera! Which I have no idea about, because I have lived in the US my whole life, and I don't have a very good idea on the customs! =/
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