In With The Old Out with the New

Why do we always find ourselves trying to keep up with the Jones? We always want the latest gadgets or technology. Well, sometimes older traditions and things are far better than we could imagine. Recently, I had the great privilege to take part in an ancient Mayan tradition. I got to visit a chux!

Chrissie & Marissa in the Chux

Let me tell you exactly what a chux is. It is basically a very tiny little mud hut, so tiny that you have to crawl into it. It is set up like a sauna with boards to lay down on. The way it works is that you get naked (don't worry I went in with my swimsuit on) and take in a bunch of freshly picked herbs. Once you get in, it is so dark you can't see your hands in front of your face. There is a pile of rocks with a fire burning beneath it in one corner and two buckets of water. One bucket is warm to throw on the rocks and the other is cold to use later. First, you beat your body with the herbs as you begin to sweat. Then you lay down and relax. Once you are ready to come out, you pour cold water over yourself and exit. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. I felt refreshed and relaxed all at the same time.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Guatemala, make sure you find the time to check out the chux!

*Enrique

Chrissie's Bible Study Continues...

So, I am sure you remember that I had started a Bible study a while back with two of my good Guatemalan friends here. Well, I figured it was time for an update, especially since one of them, Shirley, just accepted Christ!!!

Shirley's entire family is Catholic, so I was very shocked when she called me a few nights ago. I thought she was calling to get the

latest update on one of our favorite television programs, but it was an entirely different update. She said, "I accepted Christ

tonight!" I was completely shocked. She started to tell me how her boss at work is Evangelical and had been inviting her to a Bible study for awhile. Well, this night she decided to go and although she went on to tell me it was so boring that half the women were sleeping, God still worked a miracle. It happened during the prayer time at the end of the meeting. Shirley felt like God was talking directly to her and she knew she needed to make a decision to follow Christ with her life. I was so excited for her. It was perfect timing because the next week she was going to help us with Marissa while a Sister Church team was in town. She was so encouraged by the team and the women's meeting during the week. That she actually asked me if I had any Bible studies like the one they did during the Sister Church meeting. The study was a Beth Moore study and I do have 2 others in Spanish.

So, our Bible study continues, but this time with a Beth Moore study on believing God. I am so excited to see how God worked through all of this and I can't wait to see what else He has planned.

Keep praying for Shirley that she would begin to grow in her relationship with Christ. Also, pray for Paty that she would see the need to rededicate her life to Christ and begin to walk with Him once again.

*Chrissie