Take a moment. Close your eyes. Think back to your first prom.
You tried on at least 20 dresses and your mom thought you looked beautiful in each and every one. Tear...just as you expected...she always cried during moments like this, because she loved you so much.
Now, pause again. Close your eyes. Take your prom memories and imagine if your mom/sister/dad/grandma were not there....it's almost too hard to imagine because we were lucky enough to have them...but imagine if no one was there to tell you how beautiful you looked, to buy you a dress, to take your picture, to make you feel worthy of such an night.
Welcome in The Princess Program....
36 of the most beautiful foster girls you have ever met. Some at the hands of the state, others who were once adopted but turned back into the foster care system, children of parents in jail, or parents battling a life long addiction to drugs, some live in group homes or orphanages, others praying, waiting for someone to take them home, someone they can call mom or dad.
I was blessed enough to spend some very special time with these girls at a little event we like to call The Princess Program during Teen Reach Adventure Camp. The Princess Program is the first night of a three day *camp* the girls attend. As soon as they arrive on their bus they are whisked into a day fit for any pampered princess.
The images below were all captured by the talented Breanna & Scottie from Radiant Photography, who completely volunteered and gave up their Sunday to give back. For the safety of the children we do not show their faces. :)
They pick out their shoes amongst hundreds......most of the girls have never worn heals. *smile*
They pick out their dress.....with the help from our "princess assistants."
With the help of over 50 volunteers the girls get their make-up done.
Being a Princess means getting flocked with all the perfect accessories and there was no shortage to choose from.
The girl's chipped off finger nail polish in this picture reminds me of the innocence of youth and how much beauty there is in our flaws. *love*
Hair was curled, straightened, and pinned by a talented lady from Dolce Salon & Spa, who's team volunteered their talents and time to make sure our little princesses are glowing from head to toe.
Each girl received a crown. Some girls cried, and, well, all the volunteers hid their tears. Because in that moment it was confirmed, they were a princess, no matter where they had been or who told them they would never live up to anything.
Another perfect picture by Breanna & Scottie. They captured each moment and it's picture perfect emotion.
As she drank from her wine glass filled with juice, one of the girls said "This is how rich people eat." And a smile so big it would have made your heart break had you seen it, covered her face.
Each table was covered in pink & white flower arrangements with hanging crystals.
A party fit for a princess.
But we had to give them the proper arrival, on a red carpet of course.
And a group of handsome young men who drove all the way to camp just to escort the girls down the carpet to their seats.
We (the volunteers) sat on a hill away from the girls and watched. As each girl took the arm of each guy our eyes filled with tears. We were equally as joyful as we were heartbroken.
The girl's chipped off finger nail polish in this picture reminds me of the innocence of youth and how much beauty there is in our flaws. *love*Hair was curled, straightened, and pinned by a talented lady from Dolce Salon & Spa, who's team volunteered their talents and time to make sure our little princesses are glowing from head to toe.Each girl received a crown. Some girls cried, and, well, all the volunteers hid their tears. Because in that moment it was confirmed, they were a princess, no matter where they had been or who told them they would never live up to anything.Another perfect picture by Breanna & Scottie. They captured each moment and it's picture perfect emotion.
After each girl was dressed, glammed, praised, and crowned she headed off to "The Ball."
As she drank from her wine glass filled with juice, one of the girls said "This is how rich people eat." And a smile so big it would have made your heart break had you seen it, covered her face.
Each table was covered in pink & white flower arrangements with hanging crystals.
A party fit for a princess.
But we had to give them the proper arrival, on a red carpet of course.
And a group of handsome young men who drove all the way to camp just to escort the girls down the carpet to their seats.
We (the volunteers) sat on a hill away from the girls and watched. As each girl took the arm of each guy our eyes filled with tears. We were equally as joyful as we were heartbroken.In a world where no one tells them they are beautiful. Where they have been hurt, abused, neglected at the hands of men or people who should protect them. We saw them smile and blush as they were told how stunning they looked.
This night they were the center of attention. They were true royalty to us.
After they took their seats, each girl was served a five course meal. From crab cakes to dessert they ate until their bellys were full.
What is a prom without dancing? Each girl made her way to the dance floor.
And as girls we know there are no better dance partners than each other!
MY freshman year formal almost 14 year ago we danced The Macarena. I am happy to say it's still popular. Maybe I am not that old after all!
In the short three days I got to know these amazing young women I learned so much. First, they are strong. They have been to places you and I will never experience, they have been hurt in ways I didn't even know were possible, some don't have families and for others that is all they pray for.I went to camp to pour love, hope, and joy into these girls but it didn't go as planned. Nope. I gave and gave and gave but little did I know they were pouring into me. I am changed. I am changed because these girls who have really never been at the receiving end of unconditional love poured into me.
These young ladies are filled with light. A light no one can take away. A god-given light that shines through their entire being. All it takes is an opportunity and some people that believe in them to let them shine.
Want to get involved? www.azhope.com
Facebook? facebook.com/azprincessprogram
Twitter? twitter.com/princessprogram
The Princess Program is holding a networking/get to know us/fundraiser on August 17th @ My Florist Cafe. For details click here! Come get to know us, we would love to see you there!
Thank you for reading this blog post because to me giving back means more than any amount of getting.
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