A Quinceañeara in the Village

On Saturday night, our family and Beth and Kent (also family) attended a quinceañeara in the village of La Boca. A quinceañeara is a special celebration for Mexican girls on their 15th birthday. It is a very meaningful occasion as a girl becomes a young lady in this culture, leaving "girlhood" behind. The young lady turning 15 is the granddaughter of our BM pastor en La Boca - her name is Jendy. Many family members and friends turned out for this special occasion.

Jendy's father escorting her down the aisle.

Pastor Dolores praying a prayer of blessing over Jendy.

The receiving line to congratulate Jendy.

Jendy and her family

After the ceremony in the church and Pastor Dolores' message, we went to the cena (the celebration supper; kinda like a reception) It was awesome! Being in the "rancho" (the country), the reception was held in the open air and when I say air - I mean it!! The wind picked up and practically blew us off the rancho. Also as the sun sets, the temperature drops at this elevation. We had all forgotten jackets so we were thoroughly chilled and wind-blown when we left. But what fun! The mariachi band that played for the occasion was fantastic. And Jendy's cake was beautiful. We didn't get to stay to taste it - when we left at 9:30 (we were an hour and 15 minutes from home), the meal was still in full swing with the 4th serving in progress. When there are not enough tables to seat everyone, we eat in shifts. That's just the way it's done.

It was a great cultural experience - one we won't forget. Not to mention the great time with Beth and Kent on the drive out and back. Love y'all!

Sylvia and I setting up her beautiful cake.

Jendy and I at the reception.

The mariachi band was awesome!

The outdoor reception...notice the beautiful mountain scenery in the background. The decorations were beautiful! I'm bending over to fasten Kenya's jacket.... behind Marlene.


Waiting for the cena/supper to be served. We ate carne guisada, rice, charro beans and tortillas. Delish!


Marc pictured here with our pastor's daughter from San Rafael, Perla and her husband to be - they are planning to be married on October 24. He is a pastors' son from Monterrey; his name is Eliezer. They're both great kids - we're excited that they're going to be married.

Having fun with Beth and Sylvia


Acting crazy...playing musical chairs

Scenes from the drive out:

An older Mexican couple making their way from La Boca down to the village of San Rafael. Yes, he's riding and she's walking.....

Logan standing by the gate to the property...waiting on the people to arrive. Notice the huge nopales (cactus) behind him.

Check out this dust devil - very common here in the desert. It had just passed through the church property, almost blowing us away while we were saying hello to the people who were arriving. Love those mountains. :)