Thursday, May 14, 2009

Quince - 15!

This grinning little boy is my middle son, who today turns 15 years old. I can't believe how quickly time passes. It seems like just yesterday I was holding this newborn and marveling at God's handiwork.
The 15th birthday is a huge deal in Mexico for girls. They throw a party that is as big as a wedding, complete with "damas" and "chambelanes", or a court of girls and guys dressed in tuxedos and fancy dresses. It's a sort of "coming of age" party where the parents often present the girl with a doll as her very last toy she will ever receive, then they present with her jewelry or something more grown up. In Christian families, the pastor will come and preach a little sermon and pray a blessing over the girl. It's really sweet. Usually the worship band will play some music and there will be a time of worship.
For the boys, the 15th birthday is no big deal. Everyone jokes about buying him a pink dress and being in his court, though. He has asked for a trip to Starbucks for coffee and cake, and that's about it. I'm asking God for creativity today in celebrating him, so he can feel loved and appreciated like he is!

3 comments:

Gramma said...

My, how Max has changed. I know he still gets that grin, though!

Amrita said...

Happy birthday Quince. God 's blessings on you.

Anonymous said...

That's fun to see how different cultures place importance on something we don't really think of. Well, happy birthday anyway!