Last year, I was able to be a part of the 15th birthday celebration of Yessenia, who had been adopted to the United States in 2006. She came back to the orphanage to celebrate this important birthday in the Peruvian culture. This time, I was able to be here for the 15th birthday of Rocio, who still calls Hogar de Esperanza her home. Rocio stole my heart 3 years ago by singing to me each night that I spent at the orphanage and, now, we are celebrating her transition from a girl into a young woman. Her party was a collaboration of the staff, volunteers, and visitors - and celebrated with all the children at the orphanage.
