As my second week of school in Guatemala was slowly nearing its end, I was given a very exciting opportunity. My new friends from school invited me to a quinceañera taking place the upcoming Saturday. Upon verifying it was okay with Jump the World and my host parents, I eagerly accepted. I spent the next Friday, as I had off school thanks to Father’s day, preparing. My host mom lent me her dress and I was brought to get my hair styled and a pedicure. Luckily, we already had these appointments scheduled as my host family was attending a wedding the same night. 

My host sisters happily took on the role of preparing me for the party. They played at least 20 songs that would “definitely” be on the playlist and jokingly gave me the task of memorizing them all so I could sing along at the party. They also helped teach me a number of dances corresponding to the songs. And I’m proud to say I was able to join in for many during the party. 

And now I had all the preparation I needed, it was time to have fun. I’d always seen videos and photos of the dresses birthday girls wear to quinceañeras, but it was even more beautiful in person. The party started off with the birthday girl's grand entrance, her parents gave short speeches, then there was a beautiful father daughter dance. We ate some delicious food, so good in fact in the scramble to get some, a few girls knocked an entire tray of chocolate covered strawberries to the floor! Then, after we were full, we danced. It was so much fun and I’m so grateful and happy I got to experience it.

#JumptheWorld