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Brad Corrigan
Dia De Luz 2008
"When entering what appears to be a war-zone it seems appropriate to enter with proper armor and protection. Love Light & Melody has learned however, that sometimes the most powerful weapons of protection are also the most surprising! This was most certainly the case for 2008's "Day of Light" celebration.
On March 6, 2008 a flood of people, music, and kites invaded the city landfill in Managua, Nicaragua, where nearly 1,500 people live, work, and make their homes. Love Light & Melody's second annual "Day of Light" event was created to break down the emotional, physical, and cultural barriers often found inside the trash dump community, and to reawaken dreams, imagination, and hope in all those who participated in the day."
Those are the words of KC Dewey -- Director of Relations for Love Light & Melody and a true warrior in the fight to end the emotional, physical and spiritual effects of the extreme poverty in Managua, Nicaragua.
The second annual Dia De Luz (Day of Light) on March 6, 2008, united a community in the refusal of darkness. From all across the globe people came -- they walked, they played and they danced. They brought light into a place where darkness typically looms, and smiles quickly graced the faces of everyone who participated. It was one day. What difference can one day make? Consider the day you graduated high school or college, the day you met or married your spouse, the day you won that championship; or consider the day you lost a friend, the day you broke that bone, the day you got fired. A single day can change your entire life. Why not live every day of your life to improve the next -- more importantly, why not do something each day to make someone else's day the best they've ever had?
A day can make a difference, and Dia De Luz was such a day. A day when darkness dared not rear its ugly head and a day when the sun shone down upon the smiles of a community that lives in trash. In the videos section, there are exclusive clips from the forthcoming documentary, Dia De Luz, which uncovers a day in the life of the trash dump community in Managua, Nicaragua.
Of that day, Austin Blasingame, an artist who helped paint a mural on the wall of the Hope School, wrote: "A group of us wandered about 100 yards up a mountain of trash, a few people burning their shoes, even skin - pockets of hot ash and material went into flames all around us - combustion, chemicals and gases hidden under fresh dumped trash. At this point, the smell had overtaken the senses, and I felt me eyes tear. All I could think was, how can anyone live here. This was just the beginning."
For the rest of the story, stay tuned to Changents, the exclusive spot for sneak previews and clips from the upcoming documentary, Dia De Luz.
September 11, 2008 - 11:18am
Friends --
Thank you deeply for your comments of encouragement, support and insight. My name is James Kenly -- I work closely with Brad both as the manager of his band and the Director of Love Light & Melody and I am writing on his behalf to say thank you.
Please know that we DO read these comments, and while we are significantly behind on responding to you we do care and we are anxious to engage you with the story soon. Thank you for your grace and patience.
Be well,
James
September 14, 2008 - 11:22pm
I am a nurse and very interested in knowing how I could help... where do these beautiful people recieve medical attention and what are their needs? I know several other medical people who are interested in doing what they can... your website is inspirational because of the depth of the beauty and the need one can see,,,, thank you for sharing.
October 5, 2008 - 5:24pm
I was involved in a medical mission trip to bluefields Nicaragua and I would love to get involved in your programs in Managua. My husband is a talented and recorded musician (Brad: He is the guy you borrowed the guitear from in Holland, MI). We both have hearts for helping people and would love to get involved. Please let us know how to go about doing that.
Thanks,
april muske
November 7, 2008 - 6:55pm
Reading this article has made me realize what a wonderful life I have. These people in Managua should not have to live a life of poverty. I would love to get involved and do whatever I can to help. Braddigan Corrigan is a wonderful person along with everyone else involved in this fantastic project. I would really love to get involved to help the people of Nicaragua. I really hope this project continues. God bless all involved in this beautiful project.
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July 30, 2008 - 1:00am
I NEED TO SHARE MY STORY WITH ANY ONE OF YOUR ORG.
I HAVE BEEN HELPING OUT THAT COMMUNITY FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS....
AND I WILL LIKE TO JOIN MY RESOURCES AND WILLINGNESS WITH THOSE OF YOURS.
CONTACT ME PLS.