Quinceanera

It was a special honor for Steve to participate in the Quinceanera for Cyntia, our Pastor's daughter. A Quinceanera is a very important rite of passage for a young lady in this culture. It is held on the occasion of her 15th Birthday and signifies that she has left childhood behind and is now beginning her adult life. The ceremony and reception are very similar to our weddings in the United States.

These girls are cousins and celebrated their Quinceanera together. Cyntia is on the left.

Their friends come into the church in pairs and line the aisle to form a path for the honorees.

Flower petals are strewn in the aisle and the pews are decorated with tulle and ribbon. During the service the girls are presented with a doll, which signifies she is leaving childhood behind; a crown which represents the crown of righteousness she will recieve if she remains faithful to God; a bouquet of flowers which represent beauty; a kneeling pillow to signify the necessity of prayer; and a Bible on which to base her life.

Steve exhorts the girls to be Godly women. The Lord helped him to speak effectively in Spanish.

A group of Christian young men from Monterrey added beautiful music.

The girls and their escorts at prayer time.

Steve and the girls after the service.

In the car on the way to the reception.

These flowers are tied onto the hood of the car. Check back later for pictures of the beautiful reception.