Love Light & Melody

Austin's Story

2008-04-27T23:53:00.006-06:00

Austin Blasingame is an artist based in Los Angeles. He organized the production of a 70'x12' mural in the trash dump at Dia de Luz 2008, alongside fellow artists Patrick Maxcy and Kelli Murray.

The group that arrived Monday, about 1/3 of us, roughly 25 people, gathered in the courtyard to share words. It felt like everyone was frozen for the first few minutes as Brad began greeting us and welcoming us to his home away from home. The tension eased with every word Brad spoke. A short time after, I was called upon to speak about the mural, which I had been invited on the trip to help create.

I spoke about my passion for the arts, and how Dia de Luz was about connecting with the local people, and not about a perfectly executed piece of work, how it was more important to make the kids feel that they were a part of the production, that their hands and minds would mold the mural, that street art is about being in the moment. Art changes, taking a different shape everyday. I talked about urban decay and the beauty it has in a community, layers that build over time, art getting covered up, new art taking over and leaving traces of old - a metaphor of life itself.

I jumped in the back of a truck with my camera. We flew down the streets of Managua, hitting several speed bumps and dodging huge pot holes, getting confused glances from traffic and commoners. The dump, La Chureca, was 8 or so miles from our hotel. The entrance was scary, 5 burnt teddy bears dangling from a telephone line like shoes in the US, small fires, middle aged men, faces covered with bandannas, with pitchfork- looking tools in their hands, picking through the garbage.

Trash got thicker, the smell of tires and rotting garbage grew exponentially as we continued into the dump. Egrets posed far off to the left, and vultures loomed well over the highest peaks of waste. Hot pink, teal, green and yellow colored plastics scattered the land. We passed by the first 20 or so piecemealed homes, each one less than 25 square feet and 5 feet tall, some with light bulbs dimmed, others with running water, but all surrounded by heaps of trash and smoke.

I caught eyes with some of the people, each seemed as if they were looking through me. I felt no acknowledgment, just blank looks on their faces as if they had seen a ghost and never been right since - numb, I felt. I could only relate it to the feelings I had while reading Stephen King's series, The Dark Tower - The Waste Lands. I felt like I was in the city of Lud, a place empty and foreign to my mind, yet intriguing.

The truck stopped all of the sudden and Brad jumped out. The rest of us sat waiting, wondering, each breath harder to take in. My lungs wanted to reject the smoke. A girl ran out of a barb wired metal home and jumped into Brad's arms - "Mercedita," he called out. Spanish flew back and forth. He stared into her eyes and I heard words but didn't understand what was being said. Tears welled up in my eyes. Her coffee-colored skin only peeked through the finger streaks which cut the black soot on her face. Her once bright clothing, now dulled and tattered, no longer fit, and her hair was matted, but she was beautiful, and all of us in the truck were frozen.

A naked boy waddled out shortly after, and Armistead jumped out of the truck to embrace him. "Rey," I heard him say. Following his lead, I felt the urge to get as far away from the truck as possible and close to Brad. The life was precious, the kids magnetic, dirty and smelly, yet extremely clean. Each of their eyes glossed over. It looked like a tear would drop at any moment, but it never did. Smiles emerged from all of us as we began to melt into this world, all reservations put aside. I was in total disbelief of what was in front of me and around me. As I threw Rey in the air and saw him smile, I melted. I repeated this action and squeezed him, the dirt leaving marks all over my white shirt. I was in, no longer on the outside - somehow I felt at that moment that I was part of this place.

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.

The sun was going down quickly and we jumped back into the truck driving towards a school that sits a safe distance away from the meat of the dump. Several kids were curiously peeking out to see what we were doing as we roughly drove past, some smiled, others frowned. Animals were all over the place: cows, dogs, birds, chickens, all in horrible health. Emaciated cows stood eating plastic bags with snot strings stretching down to the ground. The truck stopped suddenly, Brian jumped out and took several photos of a dead pit bull lying like a stuffed animal amongst the trash with one leg hacked off- disturbing to say the least. The photos online from previous visits were brought to life, my senses overwhelmed, confusion and sadness took over as we retraced our tracks, exiting the same way we came in.

For the next 4 days I would enter the dump before the sun rose and leave after the sun set. Each visit was a different experience, each time I learned more about myself. I dug deeper within to understand why, how. I tried hard to connect with God and with everyone around me. Smiles and hugs: you couldn't give enough, and surely not receive enough in this place. There were times that I felt more at peace in the dump than anywhere I have ever been in my life. This disturbed me, but made me realize a lot about humanity.

As I look back on it now, I feel that I was forced to break myself down into the simplest form of life for that short time, which would have never happened at my lake front home with clean, heated, running water and nonstop media distractions. The face of advertising and all government corruption was exposed in these hours of enlightenment. My connection to nature - a disturbed nature - evil nature, made me sick, but I could see far off into the distance - beauty and hope, stars and light. Many times I felt helpless, I still do. These people need us and we need them. It is a balance of life - the reason we live, growing to be better people, to learn and live out our dreams to help the clouded mind be clear again and the darkened ground turn green.

The Day of Light

2008-04-27T23:51:00.001-06:00

KC Dewey is the executive director of Love Light & Melody. These are her reflections on Dia de Luz.

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.

On the morning of March 6th, over 200 university students, associated with Orphan Network's alternative spring break, and a team of 60+ individuals with Love Light and Melody gathered at the entrance of the dump. The day began by acknowledging the many organizations serving the people living in the city dump. One of the central themes behind the "Day of Light" was to stand as a united front that "people and trash don't belong together!"

The event began to unfold as those that gathered at the entrance began to infiltrate this community. Participants in the event talked, served, and invited those working in the trash to a concert Braddigan had prepared for those living there. As participants flooded through this community, children began to leave their posts in the trash and followed the parade of color and music. Slowly the forty-plus kites, brought in that day by the LL&M team, were passed off into the hands of the children working amongst the rubbish.

Vultures swooped overhead and came face to face with these magic banners (kites)...a true depiction of the battle of light and darkness that wages over this community. As the day pressed on, what once appeared as a war zone began to transform into an enchanted carnival. In culmination with Braddigan's concert, a group of muralists in partnership with the LL&M team painted a 70' x 12' mural on the wall of the School of Hope located inside the landfill.

As the muralists did their work, paints were left out so that children could put their fingerprints of color on the wall. These thumbprints quickly became vibrant little flower petals, and then a rainbow grew out of the rest flowing into a bunch of butterflies... we were all reminded as we watched the mural take shape, that we just don't dream enough!

In addition, several other artists joined the musical performance with Braddigan... artist and songwriter Whitney Whyte along with Brazilian artist Danny added their touch by contributing to a final song written specifically for the people in this community. At the close of the event the chorus was sung by all... "Amen! Hallelujah, love comes living here, dia de luz, melodia, in La Chureca, ohah!" A true depiction of what the day truly stood for.

We watched people of all colors, shapes, and sizes sweat, laugh, sing and dance as one family... and saw a glimpse of the life we were all meant for! A life where people stand together for one thing and one thing only... LOVE!

Making Our Way

2007-10-03T18:18:00.001-06:00

The picture and story of the life of our friends in Managua's trash dump continues to amaze us.

It is not only unlocking hearts here locally in the States, but it is also starting to stir and unite hearts the world over. Love Light & Melody exists because of the impact this Nicaraguan community had on our own lives first, but now to see how far the ripples have spread and that people are continually being drawn to the story both locally and globally is proof that HOPE is captivating. Over the last few months Braddigan has been on tour in both Brazil and Japan where he has found fans waiting to hear more about the current status of the children and families in the dump. How has this story spread so far so quick and into different cultures and languages? It is because darkness, extreme poverty, and evil are universally appalling; and hope, perseverance, and love transcend culture and language. It is because trash and people don't go together!

In one week Braddigan will begin his fall US tour in support of his new album The Captive, which showcases several songs directly inspired by his time spent in the trash dump. Also, Braddigan's tour will include a growing number of Love Light & Melody benefit shows where he'll be sharing his experiences first hand, as well as incorporating recent video footage and slide shows. These events are geared to bring new eyes and ears to the story, while also raising money for LL&M's current projects.

Beyond this, it seems each time we turn around we're face to face with another person who has been inspired to use their own particular gifts to partner with LL&M. We consider ourselves privileged to observe more people being drawn deep into their own passions to serve others through this story.

Time - Kim Braun

2007-10-03T18:17:00.001-06:00

Kim Braun, in an effort to get involved, used her wedding as a platform to contribute to the LL&M cause. Instead of giving each guest a party favor to take home from the night she donated money to Love Light & Melody on their behalf. In addition, Kim also wrote up a letter to each guest about the issues occuring in Nicaragua allowing for the story to be told.

Talent - Kelli and Dan

2007-10-03T18:15:00.000-06:00

Two graphic designers, Kelli and Dan, found their voices by offering up their skills to help LL&M create high end art designs to use as promotional material for all of our upcoming benefit shows and presentations. Be on the look out for posters, postcards, stickers, and t-shirts that we will be using to share the LL&M story with countless others in the months to come!

Treasure - Cam and Jim

2007-10-03T18:13:00.000-06:00

This last month the school in Managua's city dump was in need of $1200 to sustain their feeding program for the next several months. Cam and Jim, friends of ours from an organization called Global Connection International heard about the need, got involved, and generously committed to funding this initiative.

Join The Chorus Right Now

2007-09-12T07:22:00.002-06:00

HEY YOU! Yes you! Will you please help Love Light & Melody raise $10,000 for the people of La Chureca?!?! It's simple... but we definitely need your help! :-) Razoo, an online community bringing people together to make positive change in the world, is sponsoring a contest this month to help nonprofits raise money. Help us qualify by being the first 100 people to join our group by October 1st!

Here's how:

Go to Razoo and create an account

Check your email and confirm your account

Join the Love Light & Melody group

Tell your friends!

Talent - Lou Braun

2007-09-12T07:19:00.004-06:00

Lou Braun, a lacrosse player for the Denver Outlaws, used his voice and platform as a professional athlete to spotlight the La Chureca community. In a feature article in August's issue of Inside Lacrosse, Lou describes his experience in La Chureca...

"We can see pictures of kids covered in snot, mud and garbage, their stomachs sticking out because of malnutrition, barefoot and weak; and yet they're still smiling? Sure we can see some type of beauty there; but what do we know of this or this life? The real beauty comes through intimacy only found in relationship. To walk with that kid, spend time in his home, see his pet pig and chickens and ducks, to play games with him and his friends, to eat a meal with him..."

Read the full article...

Treasure - Dawn Gray

2007-09-12T07:16:00.002-06:00

Dawn Gray and her newly founded International Art Missions, raised $500 dollars for the art program at Escuela de Esperanza, the elementary school built in the heart of La Chureca. How did she do it? By selling art pieces that she helped the students create during Love Light & Melody's Dia de Luz event in March 2007.

See the artwork...

Time - Barbara Massey

2007-09-12T07:12:00.001-06:00

Barbara Massey, the director of a medical association in Colorado, is currently organizing her second annual Christmas gift drive for our La Chureca Christmas Piñata Party which will take place this coming December. Last year her efforts provided school supplies, food, sports equipment, stuffed animals, toys, and musical instruments for nearly 200 of the children attending Escuela de Esperanza. This year, she is telling the story of La Chureca again, hoping that more local physicians and medical groups will be drawn to it and help multiply her efforts!

Find out ways you can get involved...

Back From Nica

2007-09-12T06:59:00.001-06:00

Love Light & Melody's board has recently returned from its first meeting in Managua, Nicaragua this past August.

Several of us stayed in Nicaragua for two weeks, so we were able to spend a lot of time inside the La Chureca community, developing a clearer picture of the daily life and struggle there. We have certainly returned from this experience with a refined sense as to who we are and our place in the fight for all of the beautiful families that live inside the trash dump. It was such a joy to have time to meet more of the kids there, and to develop a greater vision as to the role of arts, learning, and sports for the little ones in that community.

We were also a part of the first official La Chureca meeting in Managua, where all of the nonprofit and humanitarian organizations involved in the dump came together to meet and share their perspectives. It was pretty overwhelming and humbling to see how many people were joined together that day, from many different countries and walks of life, all with the same purpose and passion!

We're excited to share more of this adventure with you. As we move out of our infancy and take our first steps, we want to thank you for being there with us!

The Journey Thus Far

2007-07-08T19:36:00.000-06:00

It has been over three months since Love Light & Melody's birth and much has transpired. Throughout these months many people have partnered with us by offering their time, talent and treasure. Included below are highlights of how some people have contributed in these three different ways. For every example however, there are countless others not acknowledged. Love Light & Melody applauds all of you who have found your voice in the song.

YOUR TIME

High School student David Dragrich channeled his energy to serve La Chureca by implementing a shoe drive at his local high school, Lyons Township of Chicago, Illinois. Through many school functions, athletic events, and a facebook group entitled "Shoes for Love Light & Melody (Shoe Drive at LTHS)" David gathered hundreds of shoes for those running barefoot in La Chureca.

YOUR TALENT

Photographers, Esther Havens of Austin, Texas and Eric Kelley of Charlottesville, Virginia organized and implemented what is now known as La Chureca Exhibit. This exhibit has raised and continues to raise both money and awareness as it travels the country. Thus far this exhibit has been shown in two galleries: "Local Color Austin" in Austin, Texas, and "The Bridge-Progressive Art Institute" in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Tom Shoes also partnered with this event and as an up and coming progressive shoe company donated a number of shoes to the people of La Chureca. All proceeds from these exhibits went to Love Light & Melody and in turn back to this Nicaraguan community.

YOUR TREASURE

Because of many of your generous financial contributions Love Light & Melody was able to cover the expenses and needs for the restoration girl's home for recovering prostitutes. This place is home to more than eight girls who were removed from La Chureca last November. In this home the girls are able to attend school, receive proper care, and be free from their past. This year all of the girls graduated from their grade in school.

The restoration girls home is one of Love Light & Melody's most cherished projects. Providing for these little ones is of the highest priority to us. If you are moved or if you are looking for a way to join the team please visit our website to see how you can give financially to this endeavor.

Upcoming Events

2007-07-08T19:29:00.001-06:00

Looking to the future Love Light & Melody is very excited about the up and coming season. Some exciting opportunities that are waiting in the wings include:

MEAL PLAN IN LA CHURECA SCHOOL
Love Light & Melody is partnering with the school in La Chureca to provide a meal plan for the next year for all 350 students that attend. A local Denver dietician has donated her time and effort to create an eating regimen that provides optimum health for these children.

ART PROGRAM IN LA CHURECA SCHOOL
LL&M is looking to hire a full-time art teacher at the school in La Chureca. By doing this we hope to cultivate a greater spirit of creativity and hope for all 350 children.

PILATES FUNDRAISER
A Boulder Pilates Instructor is donating to the cause by pioneering a women’s spa weekend in San Francisco. This event will include spa treatments, personal Pilate’s instruction, and a gourmet meal. All proceeds will go to Love Light & Melody.

STRATEGIC PLANNING
This August, LL&M will meet in Managua with a handful of other organizations to vision cast for the future of La Chureca. The purpose of this meeting is to synergize efforts, collaborate on projects, and strategize next steps. Love Light & Melody looks forward to share with you the opportunities that transpire from this time together.

Finding Your Voice

2007-07-08T19:29:00.000-06:00

Love Light & Melody thrives on helping others find their voice in the chorus. If you are still searching for yours, we want to help. Please keep us posted with ideas and dreams that you have. No role is too small or insignificant. Our hope is that you will be inspired to serve the people of La Chureca by finding and using your gifts, tapping into your own unique contribution. Everyone has a song; everyone has a part to play. Love Light & Melody believes you find yourself as you give your gift away. Please join with us in this journey. Contact us with your ideas and thoughts!

Dia de Luz 2007

2007-04-02T18:05:00.001-06:00

Over the past two years, Braddigan has been walking with a community of people who live and work in La Chureca — slowly but surely coming to an understanding of what life is like there and building a desire to give this community a voice. On March 6, 2007, Love Light & Melody held its inaugural event, and made its first steps in battling the cycle of poverty, addiction and disease in La Chureca with the Dia de Luz (Day of Light).

Over 500 "gringos" assembled at the gates of the trash dump, and in a seemingly unending line of small groups, they walked in, over and through the trash dump. They met the people of La Chureca where they were — in the trash where they were searching for recyclables, fixables, and food — and invited them to join the group on their walk through the vastness of the dump, to the School of Hope for an art show put on by the kids living in the trash, ultimately ending at a make shift soccer pitch (dirt, dirt, and dust!) for an epic concert.

The group grew and grew as hours went by, more and more footsteps of light, laughter, and smiles were laid out across the seemingly hopeless landscape, and when they finally arrived at the school building in the middle of the afternoon it felt like an oasis. The walls blocked out most of the smoke from the burning trash, granola bars and bottled water fueled everyone's tired bodies, and the laughter and smiles of children filled their spirits. The final part of the Dia de Luz came after a short walk from the school to the soccer field — the only significant clearing in La Chureca, filled with dust and rubble, where a stage had been built and instruments awaited Braddigan and his bandmates, Reinaldo (Puerto Rico) and Tiago (Brazil).

Over 1000 dust and ash covered people filled the space as the music began to take life in Spanish, English, and Portuguese... The joy and victory of the day was inescapable... There was dancing, soccer-playing, singing, resting, water being thrown everywhere, and friend-making for hours. As the sun set over La Chureca, the crowds dissipated and everyone headed home, but each person that walked, danced, and sang — gringos and the people of La Chureca alike — were connected as family that day, and their hearts will hold the story and fingerprint of our Day of Light forever.

More details...