A Milestone for Lidia

While you in North America were busy with Christmas preparations we were experiencing a different type of festivity. December marks the end of the school year and with that comes graduations or promocións. We were asked to be padrina and madrina for the promoción of one of the young girls from Patajusal 1. We know her father but we really did not know her so we were rather surprised, and a bit anxious, when we were asked. We had heard that being a padrina or madrina carried a lot of responsibility and that there was usually a fair bit of money involved. But we were assured by the father that all we had to do was attend the ceremony and come to the house for a little meat, and at a later time assist her in making her decisions about what she wants to do after graduation. After reading some information, both positive and negative, we felt that we should agree since it appeared that it was an honor more than an obligation.

But there were some obligations, although not the type that we would have thought. We were asked to be at the school at 3 so that they would know everyone was ready but instead they were at our place in Yapacani at that time asking if we would pick up the tables and chairs and bring them to the house. Then the pop had to be picked up. That was done and the time had changed to be at the house by 5 so we were there but the father was still in the shower and we were given a meal. We arrived at the graduation ceremony after it started but they just joined the end of the line to enter. They were certainly not the last ones to arrive! I had offered to take photos so I was kept busy.

We attended the ceremony although the other relatives did not. There were not a lot of people there considering the number of students graduating. The outdoor ceremony started with each student, dressed in their school uniform, being introduced to the people along with their parent of the opposite sex. The parent congratulated the student and presented her with a flower or bouquet and then the principal presented the certificate. And that was that. There were some messages from the staff and some singing but everything was rather low key and things were all over within the hour. We brought everyone back to the house and thought that we would have supper right after the ceremony. But that was not to be – supper was at 9 – in reality it was at 10. By that time Lidia had changed into a formal dress.

Since we were honored guests we were given the best of the meat and we each received a piece of beef at least a foot square. Then we also were given baked potatoes, yuca, and platano. There was no way that I could even think about finishing all that, especially since we were already fed earlier.

Following the meal, Lidia stood beside a table and each guest brought a gift and congratulated her while Lidia threw confetti on their heads. Those who choose to give money instead of a gift sewed the money on her dress. Oh,yes, Lidia had another long dress on by this time.

After the gifts were given, the dance started and Jake had to have the first dance since he was the padrino. That was a bit of a shock for him and he was totally unprepared. After a bit of a rough start it was OK. The night went on and on but we left about 1 in the morning. The last ones finally left at 4.

We returned the next morning to help clean up, we thought. But first we had to eat! Then it was time to open the gifts. First all the money was given to Jake and he had to count it. Then he was given the money to keep so that neither Lidia nor her family would spend it unwisely. When she needs it she will come and ask for it. Jake then had to open each gift and present it to Lidia. None of the gifts had names on so she has no idea of what each person gave. This whole celebration took a couple of hours and after that Jake brought back the tables and chairs.

We were thankful that alcohol was not a main focus at this promoción. At the next one we attended there was a ‘bottoms up’ drink after each dance and each person who presented a gift also had a ‘bottoms up’ drink. It amazed me that the ‘honored guests’ were still standing after a couple of hours. However, the party was still going on at 7 the next morning.

Although the father said there were no financial obligations we have a feeling that Lidia will be asking for money for her education. Instead of just handing out money we are asking that they submit their grades and also write an essay telling us how higher education will benefit themselves, their community and their country.