50 Anos Mision Chilena

The day had finally come for the celebration of 50 years of missionary work in Chile. We all arrived to the stadium around two. I was able to help braid the girl's hair. We had about 70 girls to braid in "trenzas de Maria" french braids. There were four of us that worked as a team to get all the hair done.

The girls dancing a Mexican folkdance had such beautiful hairdos.

It was really amazing to see how much time and effort went into putting this production together.  Each of these girls had layer after layer of ribbon sewn onto their yards and yards of fabric.

The young men who danced a Mexican folkdance.

Here are all the La Serena are kids waiting for the festivities to begin.

These kids were dressed up in traditional Cueca attire.  Cueca is the national dance of Chile.

Youth from the Santiago area particapated throughout the entire show acting and dancing along with the naration.

Before and during the program the audience would cheer for Chile by saying, "Chi chi chi le le le Viva Chile!"

All of the dancers were brought back on the field at the finale.  This gave them a chance to cheer and talk and get together after the program was over.  Here is Emily with her good friend Natacha.

Nathaniel, Karina, Emily, Victor, and Kriztheel

Kriztheel, Sofia, Karina, and Emily

Emily and two random guys.

Any time a camera came out, all the kids nearby would run over and try to get in the shot.

BFF's