Love & Hope Children’s Home was recently blessed to celebrate the 15th birthday of our oldest boy, Kevin. While having a big quinceañera, or 15th birthday party, is more common tradition for young women, we decided to recognize Kevin’s coming-of-age with a small, but special, celebration at home.
Veronica, our cook, prepared a special chicken dinner. Mandy made the cake and the tias decorated the kitchen and patio with streamers, lights and close to 100 balloons.
Several special guests arrived for the celebration, including Kevin’s old tutor, Kathya, and our friend Delena. Love & Hope’s social worker and psychologist, Gloria and Jessica, also came with their husbands. The Love & Hope kids wore their best dress for the occasion.
After dinner, it was time for presents. One of Kevin’s presents was a special book compiled by the kids. Every person in the house wrote a note or drew a picture, and all of the cards were put into the book. Kevin took a good amount of time to look it over and read the cards, with the other kids leaning closely over his shoulder. Later, we enjoyed a slide show. The slide show included early photos of Kevin that got everyone giggling.
It is hard to express in words the amazing personality that Kevin possesses. He is kind and loving and pure of heart. Kevin radiates joy and patience, rarely saying no to the little Love & Hope boys that flock to him to play. Kevin is not a very talkative young man, but that is okay, because what he lacks in words he makes up for in laughing. He is all smiles, all the time. Kevin is affectionate with and obedient to the adults at Love & Hope Children’s Home. His lean (and ever lengthening) frame is strong and athletic, perfect for dominating us all in soccer. Kevin works hard in school and does it without complaining, working well individually and accepting help when needed. Kevin is one-in-a-million; he really is.
Kevin currently lives with his brother, but comes to visit Love & Hope from time to time. The rest of the kids mob him with warm (though boisterous) greetings when he walks through our door for the weekend. We miss having Kevin around, but we were so thankful to be able to spend this significant birthday with him. Feliz Quince, Kevin!