Dreams Come True (Honduras 2014, Part 7)

Back at the sponsorship center, the staff was busy preparing for Melania's quinceanera party.  For those of you who are just now joining us- the main reason I returned to Honduras when I did was to have a 15th birthday (quinceanera) party for Melania.  It is a huge deal for girls in Central America, often bigger than their wedding day!

It was awesome to arrive at the project and see all of these women gathered around, excitedly planning Melania's party.  It helped me to know that when we said goodbye later that night, our girls would have a whole army of people to look after them.

Guests began to arrive, and it was time for us to get ourselves ready.  While we got dressed and did our hair and makeup, the amazing staff at the project decorated the church.



Oh, did I mention that right before the party, the church got swarmed by thousands of flying termites?  They were all over us and the church; even in our dresses!

Just like a wedding here in America, a big part of a quinceanera is the father-daughter dance.  Unfortunately, Melania's father passed away 3 years ago.  Before the party, one of my team members, Jonathan, pulled me aside.  He said, "Megan, I'm not fluent in Spanish, but I think your girl just asked me to dance with her at the party."  It was such a sweet moment to once again see how much of an impact not just I, but my whole group, was able to have on my girls.  I loved that they have such a strong support system behind them. 



Practicing





Melania's family and friends started arriving, along with the children who are sponsored by our team.  The party began and Melania made her stunning entrance.  She was so nervous, but handled it with such grace.



Melania, her brother, and I all gave speeches at the party.  Through her brother's speech, I learned that it had been Melania's dream to celebrate her birthday this year. 

My teammate, Judy, doubled as my translator during the party

They also had a ceremony where Melania's mother replaced her flat shoes with heals- a symbol of becoming an adult.



 And then, the father-daughter dance



Seeing Melania twirl around in her gorgeous pink ball gown and tiara, hair and makeup all done, was a clothed in garlands moment if there ever was one.  After the father-daughter dance, the dj (a project worker with a computer) played some dance music and everyone danced.  Everything was beautiful.  There was just one very important thing missing. 

That thing was Estefani.