I don't know, calling Swaziland Paradise might be a little bit of a stretch.

What to say? This past week has been one of the most eventful ones in the past 9 months. I can't believe that my FYM trip is winding down and I'll be home in a matter of weeks. But the Lord has given me a peace that this is only the beginning. Looking back at how He's wrecked my life and changed my plans makes my brain hurt.

Change of plans: I am no longer going to the Philippines. I still am going to be a servant leader, but instead of the Philippines, I'll be in the highlands of Peru. I'll be with a group of 15-18 year olds with two other leaders. That's about all I know about it at the current moment. I'm really excited to go to Peru, I know it's going to be a blast.

Youth Retreat: From April 25th to April 28th, JB, Michael and I spent the weekend on a youth retreat. It was a blast! It was weird being a leader on a retreat and planning everything and making sure things were lined up. It was also a little weird being on a Swazi retreat, things run a little differently. Everything was on African time which basically means nothing ever happened on time. In my American mindset the first day brought a little stress, but that soon wore off when I saw that only the white people thought anything was wrong with not being on schedule.  I was also the only girl leader and it was such a blessing to get to build and deepen relationships with the girls.

Goodbyes: Goodbyes are sad, they just are. I've already said goodbye to my school, but on Friday I said goodbye to the drop in center I've been at. Michelle has been working there the whole time and I've been going with her whenever I can. The kids there are so precious. I've decided to sponsor two of the girls, Tandeka and Thabsile. They are 8 and9 and have never been to school. Their dad is in a hospital in Manzini with AIDS, they haven't seen him in years. They are staying with their Gogo. The Gogo makes the equivalent of 20 dollars a month, but around 11 of it goes to rent every month. These girls break my heart and it has been a blessing to be able to spend time with them this past week. I took them to buy shoes and socks. We also got some groceries and winter coats so they don't freeze. Here's a praise, between the team and finding people from home all the kids are sponsored for school next year. That's about 13 kids, maybe more, I'm not sure. But praise the LORD!!!!!!

Leaving: Friday we drive out of Swaziland. Argh. I'm going to miss this place. I step on American soil on May 22^nd and am excited for that day, but until then, sadness. We said goodbye to our church this morning and it was such a blessing as they prayed over us and sent us out. After this I am headed home for my last Bible study. Thank you all for your support and partnering with me on this trip. God's been rocking my world and seeing His hand move has changed me. Thank you!

Chelsea Geyer

P.S. I'll post retreat pictures soon along with pictures of Thabsile and Tandeka.