As part of our ongoing efforts to build brighter futures for Roatán, we’ll be sharing stories from individuals and families on the island who have received the gift of light from our Light Up Life program. Let’s work together to #LightUpLife and bring joy to Roatán. A donation of just $10 helps to give 12 hours of light to a family for a year! Today, we share our first story by Melissa from Sandy Bay.
A Day Without Light
My name is Melissa Hynd, born and bred on the beautiful island of Roatán. I have been living in
the community of Sandy Bay my whole life. I grew up here with my mother, two brothers and
three sisters. My daughter and I both use the Luci Light from ALF each day and it brings us much joy.
The drastic changes over the years have impacted native islanders in our daily living and although we have learned to enjoy the vibrancy of life and all it has to offer, having little to no
electricity affects us greatly. This is why we were so happy to receive the light from the Abundant Life Foundation. It helps take care of my family and also guides my daughter through her night time studies.
Working to take care of my family and daughter is my daily routine. I enjoy getting up and going to work, while my daughter helps take care of my blind mother and brothers. Then my daughter gets ready to go to school at 12’o clock and I return home to take care of the house. Before we received our light, when dark settled in, I would have to visit my niece and nephew’s home so my child could use light to do her homework. Now, she can finish her studies at our home.
Our light has brought so much happiness into both of our lives. When I received the light I
whispered and said, “Light, precious light!” With our Luci Light we can do many things such as homework, reading, watching over grandma and completing night time chores before heading off to work next morning.
I am thankful not only because I now have light in my home, but because I can share light with
others around me. Thank you for the support for me and my family!
About Light Up Life:
Through our partnership with MPowerd, our Light Up Life program provides sustainable, solar-powered Luci Lights to families and individuals with little to no electricity across the Bay Islands. These lights provide a safer solution than candles for islanders who are left in the dark after the sun sets at 6:30. Any gift big or small makes a huge difference. Give here today to light up life with us!