Experiences
Carl's last week alive was spent on the Guatemalan partnership trip.
It was no exception. From his enthusiastic efforts at making tortillas
with the women in the kitchen, to his sweat-drenched face after
swinging a machete to clear a coffee field, Carl gave himself fully to
the experience of sharing a week with our partners in the small Mayan
village of Chuisajcava. From his harmonica playing as we taught
traditional folk dances, to his joy in swinging a jump-rope, Carl gave
his entire self to the children of the village, and they loved him for
it.Carl engaged every conversation with our Guatemalan partners with the expectation that he could learn from them and share with them as equals on a journey of understanding. Even his tears during the closing worship as we washed the feet of the people who had served us all week long revealed how he had given not only his mind and body, but his heart as well to these sisters and brothers. Carl was profoundly committed to the hope "that all may be one" (TAMBO.) This hope permeated all he did. When his death came at the hands of the Pacific Ocean, it revealed the same courage with which he confronted life. He was, at 76 years, body surfing the large breakers of Champerico beach...enjoying to the fullest his love of the water and of swimming. I pray we all may live--and die--with such passion.
Carl Siegenthaler Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Theological Reflection Center
The Guatemala partnership team solicits your prayerful support and encouragement of the partnership, its projects, and the Mayan people of Guatemala. If your congregation or group is interested in a "Minute for Mission" or a 20-minute video presentation, contact the partnership team.
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to support and advance the Mission-Maya Quiche partnership.