Quinceañera 2024

(Please be aware that the target is set in Swedish Crowns which is about 10 to 1 on the US dollar so the target equals $2,100 or €2,000, not twenty three thousand dollars. :-)

Hi everyone,

This summer I have an amazing and unique opportunity. In June, just after I graduate, I have the privilege of participating in a group trip to El Salvador where I will be a part of hosting a quinceañera for girls from government-run orphanages across the country. This trip is being organized by His Hands His Feet, the humanitarian aide and ministry of All Blessings Intl, a Christian international adoption agency. Please visit their orphan outreach blog at www.allblessingswest.blogspot.com to learn more about their work. We will also be posting updates and photos on this blog before, during and after our trip.

A quinceañera is a traditional coming-of-age celebration in Latin America symbolizing a girl's transition from childhood to womanhood when she turns 15. It is a rite of passage in Latin cultures and is celebrated with a big party – something that girls grow up dreaming about like many of us do about our weddings. Unfortunately, girls in orphanages in El Salvador do not have the opportunity to experience this important milestone and that leaves a lasting hole in their lives. That's why our team is partnering with an organization on the ground in El Salvador called Sus Hijos to bring the joy and magic of this special event to these deserving young women.

During our trip, we will not only organize and host the quinceañera but also provide support and encouragement to the girls. Our goal is to make them feel seen and heard, and to create unforgettable memories that they will cherish for a lifetime. It's in fact not just about throwing a party; it's about showing them that they are not forgotten, they are loved, valued, and worthy of celebration.

This trip though isn't just about changing the lives of these girls; it's about changing mine too. It's about opening my eyes to a world beyond my own, and it's about making a difference, no matter how big or small. Visiting a place where people have far less than I do, this trip will broaden my perspective on the world and give me the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of these young women.

However, I cannot do this alone. Our team are reaching out to ask for support in making this trip a reality. After a generous donation to cover my travel, the total cost of this trip for me will be $2,100 (2,000 Euros). This covers travel, lodging, meals, and the costs for serving in the orphanages and feeding the homeless community in San Salvador in the evenings.

Your generous donation will as well help cover the costs of the quinceañera including venue rental, decorations, catering, transportation for the girls, and other essential expenses. We will also be collecting donations of dresses, shoes and jewelry for the girls to wear to the party so if you have an old ball/prom dress, sparkly jewelry or some fancy shoes collecting dust in a closet, please do let me know.

By contributing to this cause, you too can make a real difference in the lives of these girls, showing them that they are not alone and that they matter. Your support will not only bring smiles to their faces but also inspire hope and empower them to believe in themselves.

I am truly grateful for any assistance you can provide, whether it's through a financial contribution, by spreading the word about our cause, or praying for the trip. Thank you for considering this request. If you also have any questions or would like more information about the trip, please don't hesitate to contact me.

IMPORTANT DONATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please be aware that if you choose to donate, the amount you enter will automatically be in Swedish Crowns since I am located in Sweden. So you’ll need to multiply the dollar amount you wish to donate by ten (or by 11 for the Euro) to ensure the equivalent in crowns comes in and that you are charged the right amount. For example, $50 = 500 crowns and €100 = 1,100 crowns.

Know too that if you are US based and would like a tax deductible receipt, you can also donate in US dollars directly to His Hands, His Feet which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Just go to www.hishandshisfeet.org/donate and make sure to include a note with my name on it.

Thank you so much!

Emma