Amazing Grace

Hello Nadeau family!

This is my first post on the Nadeau blog - and my first post as a Nadeau! Very exciting :)

I've been wanting to post this for a long time - about a month now. It's been that long since I returned from my trip to South Africa, and it's taken that long for me to even begin to process through the experience. This trip was unlike any other. Even after eight years, each trip brings new challenges and new joys. As some of you know, last year our team experienced two major motor vehicle accidents. No one was hurt (God's grace!!) but one of the trucks used by the missionaries we serve with in South Africa - the Mafus - was totaled and we're still working on getting them a new one. The year before that, the airline "lost" 19 of our bags full of over $70,000 worth of medicine. God provided - just enough - for us to conduct the clinics, and the airlines paid us back for the lost medicine. But the challenges of those trips tested my faith like nothing else I've experienced.

So this year, I had no idea what to expect. Even through all those challenges we saw God working. We knew and believed that following God wasn't supposed to be easy, and that God's grace was wholly sufficient to see us through the most difficult times. And so we decided this year to make "grace" our theme. To focus our study and worship on God's grace - how to accept it, how to be strengthened and renewed by it, how to live in it, and how to share it. If you've never read it, I strongly recommend the book "What's So Amazing About Grace" by Philip Yancey. The team read that book this year while on the trip, and it's one of my favorites.

Where the last two years (or more) were challenge-filled and faith-testing, this year was a year of Jubilee. This year I tasted, and felt, and experienced grace. Grace from God in giving me what I don't deserve (blessings beyond measure, an amazing husband, a wonderful new family, safe travel, incredible teammates, forgiveness of my sins- even the ones I commit over and over again.....the list goes on). Grace from teammates in loving me right where I am, sins and all. Grace from the South African officials who allowed us to come and supported our work. Grace from you all through your prayers, encouragement and financial support. As we worked through the trip, and read through the book, and worshiped as a team and with our South African brothers and sisters, God's grace began to sink in. I still don't fully understand it, nor do I fully live in it. But this trip marked me and my teammates in new and powerful ways and we pray that God will continue to grow us in our understanding of His amazing grace, and empower us to share it with those around us.

Thank you simply is not enough. But I am truly and deeply thankful for you all. What a blessing you have all been to me, welcoming me so warmly and fully into your family. Your support made this trip possible and I cannot thank you enough for that, and for all you've done in the few short months I've known most of you. Ngiabonga kukhulu kukhulu (which is Zulu for "I thank you very, very much").

Here are just a few pics from the trip. More will be posted, hopefully, soon. Perhaps on Picasa. And my beloved husband has helped me create a little slideshow as well so I'll have to share when we all see each other again.

The "waiting room"

Sabelo preaching before a clinic

Sarah at the "pharmacy"

The Team (including my brother Andy (far left), nephew Tony (far left top!), and dad David (bald guy in back ;)

Nativities

I have several beautiful nativities. I love them all.

• My childhood nativity - it's made from wood and has lost a few parts - but Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus are still in tact. I have just been placing pinecones in the holes for the missing folks.


• My glass nativity from my friend Deedee. It is made out of frosted glass pieces and sits on a 4x4 inch mirror. It is really beautifull; especially when I place white lights next to it.


• My newest nativity is from Mom and Dad. It is a single piece of olive wood that is cut out into Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. I think it is REALLY beautiful.


• My African nativity set which I just adore. It was handcrafted in Africa out of banana leaves. I think it is hands down my favorite purchase (souvenier) that I have brought back from Africa.

Top 10 Most Favorite Moments in Africa

In no particular order . . . these are my top 10 favorite moments in Africa. I have to say I love being there (although I miss you all terribly).

1. Being greeted at the airport by some of the African teens (they really are in their 20's but they are called teens). They came with open arms and were so excited to see us all again. How did they remember my name? I loved talking with mCopseni - for such a young man - he sure is wise. He insisted that he carry my carry-on bag wherever we went!!

2. Driving around Africa all day picking up kids for the clinic. I drove into the heart of the black townships and deep into the rural areas. The roads were atrocious - potholes, dirt holes, missing parts of the road, and roads that really weren't roads - just cow paths. At one point in the day I dropped 38 kids off at the clinic. Yes - 38 kids fit into my 10 passenger van. The kids would sing the entire way - I'll upload some video of that soon. By the way - African's drive on the left side of the road.

3. Praying with people before they left the clinic. The people were so receptive to prayer - many people were sick, tired, and worried about their futures - especially their children. One woman I prayed with was diagnosed with HIV, her husband died a few months ago and she was desperately trying to find a job so that she could leave her children with some money. She prayed along side me with great passion.

4. Seeing the African sky at night - the stars are mind boggling - they are "thick" and you feel that you could reach out and touch them. The milky way and the Southern Cross were in full view. (My camera does the sky no justice)

5. Laughing with my missionary host Mercy - she always makes me smile until my cheeks hurt.

6. Praying with people in the hospital in Empengeni. Our friend, Katie, has been a missionary in South Africa since the 1950's. She is now in her 80's battling breast cancer. Despite everything - she is an ACTIVE missionary (she is from the U.S. and speaks fluent Zulu). She visits the hospital regularly and is able to "get us in" to pray with people who are ill. It is a real privilege. This year a message was given in each ward, we then sang 2 Zulu songs, and then prayed with each person. One boy I prayed with asked Jesus into his heart and I was able to give him a Bible. Katie followed up with him after we visited and all of the boys I prayed with in that wing asked for Bibles. My friend Prasanth and I also prayed for a man in bed H28 who had been shot through the mouth. He was unable to speak and he was trembling with fear. Big wet tears rolled down his eyes as we prayed for him. I was really moved by God's power in that moment.

7. I loved my time with the grandmothers (gogo's) who are given the title of respect "mama". Two particular ladies warm my heart every year: Mama nKosi (her last name translates to Lord) and Mama Zima. They both always great me with huge open arms and we have lovely conversations about everything. They are very wise old women - they have been incredibly courageous - living through the apartheid - poverty - and many of her family members affected by HIV. Mama nKosi is a nurse - her husband has passed away and she takes care of many people in her household. She lives in a very rural area and I had the opportunity to drive her home with my friend Cebo late in the evening after a clinic. She normally rides in the back of the 4x4 truck and it is a very bumpy ride. She was so excited to be in the van (it was still bumpy to me) and she said that I drove so smoothly that she would like me to drive her all the way to Durban (3 hours away) so she could enjoy the smoothness. [Thanks Dad] Mama nKosi also drove in my front seat on the way up to the top of the mountain and I asked her all about her life. She had never been to the mountain but the doctors insisted that she go because she is the best interpreter. Mama Zima always gives me a hardy laugh and puts her hands on my hips and says "studla" which roughly translates to hearty and active girl. It's a real compliment in Africa - I'll take it!

8. I had two different opportunities to "perform"! I was the lead actress in the skit about depression for the community. The doctors held a 1/2 day seminar on the topic. I decided to just go for it and be as dramatic as I could be [yes mom - I know this is not a stretch for me] and it went off without a hitch. I think people were surprised. Several teenagers came up to me afterward and expressed how they could relate to my "character" so it made me feel good that I didn't hold back. I also was invited to sing at the Easter service. The kids had heard the songs from the CD that my church put together last year and they insisted that I sing "cease striving". It was such an honor since my African friends can REALLY SING. The Easter service was a true highlight for me - there was an ABUNDANCE of JOY in the people. The wooden church was packed to the gills - there was singing - rejoicing and testimonies. The teenagers - ran the whole thing under the watchful eye of Baba (father) Mafu (Isaiah to us). We served South African sausages, a pasta like salad and homemade cake with the entire congregation. It may have been the only meal that day for many of the people attending. We also hid Easter eggs (empty) and handed out candy and then played games with the kids. It was so much fun. Several of the little girls wanted to hold my hand so I just took 3 or 4 hands into each one of mine and ran and ran and ran with them. I loved it!!

9. I loved seeing the animals - Giraffes (my favorite), elephants (my favorite too), warthogs, zebras, a LION, cape buffalo, rhinos, hyena, a leopard (I swear), blue guinea, exotic butterflies, vultures, baboons, monkeys and these gorgeous iridescent blue birds.

10. Handing out medicine to the people who needed it so badly. What an honor to be God's hands and feet. I loved explaining to the kids how to take their medicine and coding the dispensing cups with symbols so that mom's and grandmother's could keep track of what medicine went with which dropper. I loved shaking the hand of each patient and even getting and occasional hug when I was able. I loved when the old ladies would listen in on what I was saying to the patient in the next chair and hearing them chime in. I loved meeting all of the different people. The pharmacy is a really hectic place to work - but I love the pace and I loved that I have to be serious there - it's just who I am. I loved improving my Zulu. It was thrilling when I was able to hand over the pain medicine we provided for the cleaning staff at the game park after all of our clinics were done. Mercy stood by and I was able to explain, rudimentaly, what I was giving her and how to use the medicine. The woman was so thrilled and said that I must be Zulu I spoke so well. It was really cool!!

I have so many other wonderful memories - but these are my current highlights. God moved mysteriously on this trip - we were without luggage and water and we faced many challenges - but God's mighty arm led us. He worked in marvelous ways - feeding the community, healing the community, giving hope to the community and bringing me Joy even when I hadn't showered in days!

In one minute it will be tomorrow . . .

and tomorrow is the day I leave for South Africa!

I can't wait to tell you all about my adventures - I am sure I'll have a few blog worth stories and adventures. Flat Adam arrived today just in time to make the trip (I am so relieved!)

I'll also fill you in on all the adventures leading up to the trip including my guinea pigs gigantor bladder stone removal!!

I will miss you all while I am gone - keep on postin' and keep on prayin' - can't wait to see you soon.

Love, Tracy

Concert of Colors and Harry Madness!

Tonight I had the opportunity to visit with some friends who went on the South Africa trip this year. We ate went to Mexicantown in downtown Detroit for dinner at Los Galanes Restaurant. We all had the buffet - boy was I stuffed - tamales, enchilades, beans, veggies, tortillas! It was delicious. We then went to Orchestra Hall for the Concert of Colors. I went last year to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo who is a phenomenal group!! They were featured on Paul Simon's Graceland album. Anyhow, tonight we saw Hugh Masekela who is a South African jazz artist who participated in the Graceland album but is most noted for his song Grazing in the Grass . He actually played jazz in Detroit at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in his early days.

The concert was quite late and we stopped back at my friend Shelly's house afterward - so I was driving home and was able to see the Harry Potter Madness unfold. I passed several bookstores on my way home and there were lines circling around them - just to get the final book of the series called Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. As I rode through downtown Royal Oak - I saw many people walking home with their books! It was a riot to see at 12:15 AM - that's right - it's just past midnight!! The reviews are already coming out and they are of course - raving. My friend Carrie is at Borders with our librarian friend, Kathy, to get Kathy's copy. Carrie - pre-ordered and is guaranteed to have her copy in the mailbox tomorrow. I am not necessarily crazy about Potter - not really for - not completely against Potter - but I am glad that it has ignited the fever to read. It is my feeling that reading is a KEY element to educational success. Part of me, though, has to wonder what this world would be like if folks were as "crazy" and "excited" about getting a copy of the Bible. I do believe - this world would be a different place!!

Well that's all for now - it's late out.
p.s. I added lots of recipes to the cookbook today!

Fathers. . .

Hello Everyone - It has been a LONG and TIRING week. I am leaving today for South Africa. There are 18 people on our team who are going to serve the Zulu people of South Africa. We have been preparing since January this year and now have 54 bags to check in and 18 more to carry on loaded with many generous donations of medicine and medical supplies. I am so thankful even if it has mean some really late nights. It is such a privilege for me to go and I am so thankful to all of you who supported me in so many ways.

The only BIG bummer about going on this trip at this time is that I am going to miss FATHER's DAY. I know that we have some of the BEST FATHER's a Family could ever have. They are loving, supportive, kind, generous, provide good counsel, love to have fun, and well . . . they are so many things I could say.

I am overflowing with thankfulness for my Dad, my Grandpa, and my uncles. They are so so so special to me. Love you, Tracy

Shout out from Tracy!

Hi Everyone - I hope you are all doing well. It sounds like everyone had a wonderful Easter. I enjoyed spending time with Mom, Dad, and Pete.

I am off to church today and have and Africa meeting this afternoon.

Carrie and I went to the Royal Oak Market yesterday morning and bought parsnips, carrots, and onions. They were delicious. We also made bread in the bread machine. What fun!

I also bought two containers of wheat grass for the guinea pigs (humans can eat it too) and they thought it was pretty wonderful!

April Showers bring May Flowers

Good Morning Everyone - Can you believe it is April already? This morning we had strong April showers that have continued on into the morning here. I am hoping that these showers will indeed bring beautiful May flowers.

I have been busy working on the trip to South Africa as of late. We only have 75 days until we leave. It sounds both so short and yet so far away. Thank you to everyone who has responded to my support letter - whether in prayer, finances, and/or medicine. It is really appreciated. I'll certainly keep you up-to-date on my progress! You can also check out my Team Blog.

Yesterday I went to a worship leaders meeting in which we analyzed our 34 strengths according to the Gallup company. It was really interesting. The whole idea is to key in and work with our strengths and surround yourself with people who have complimentary strengths in order to be most effective in your job, your life, and for us our worship teams. My top five were: Activator, Achiever, Arranger, Restorative, and Developer! I wonder what all of yours are?

I am contining on at weight watchers and still am at about 10# lost - I really need a jump start right now. My friend just sent me several links to some good websites that I thought you might be interested in too!
(1) Hungry Girl
(2) Aimee's Adventures
(3) Jaime's Kitchen
(4) Half My Size
(5) Dotti's Weight Loss Zone (This has tons of weight watcher points info!)

I hope you are all doing well.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Love, Tracy

Weekend Update

Good Day Everyone -
I hope you are all well. Did you Spring Forward into Daylight Savings Time? The automatic download from windows worked perfectly on my computer. Now I just have to remember which clocks I advanced last night - and which ones still need some tinkering.

Last night I went to see the movie Amazing Grace at the MJR Theater. It was a great movie (rated PG) about the abolition of slavery in England. I would recommend it to everyone. When I got home I was still a little bit wound up and not ready to go to bed so I watched one of my favorite tv shows called Ace of Cakes - in this episode Duff and his team made an sesna airplane, a ski jump, and cake for Glitterama. Duff cracks me up!

I have lots of papers to grade this weekend and I am working on sending out my support letters for South Africa. Other than that - I am going to try to take in as much sunshine as I can (it was sunny and 45 yesterday!) Spring is definitely poking its head out in metro Detroit.

Dad is headed to China at the end of the week and mom is going to come "up north" to spend some time with me while he is gone. I look forward to her visit.

Oh yeah - and the pigs are holding steady. Piggy is letting me put her medicine without a fight (thank goodness) and it seems as if her little infection is settling down a bit.

Okay lovely family - those are my little tidbits - updates - and random thoughts for the day. Off to church I go. Love you all - Tracy

Saturday News

Happy Saturday - Thanks for all of the updates on how Grandma and Grandpa are doing. I keep them in my prayers everyday.

This morning I went early to Weight Watchers and lost 0.6#. Slowly but surely - just like a turtle in the race. Afterwards I drove to Farmington Hills to do a Future Problem Solvers Evaluation - but it was apparently cancelled so I treked back home. I brought my guinea pigs (Piggy and Ruby) to the Warren Woods Vet. Piggy has ringworm and Ruby has a broken tooth and a small cyst. They were pretty pathetic at the vet - scared to death. They just kept shedding and shedding and shedding. They were a big hit with all of the staff at the vet since they are sooooo cute.

Tonight I'll just clean the house and grade papers. Tomorrow, I will help lead worship at church and then I plan on working on details of the South Africa trip!

It's Snowing

Hello Family - I hope you are well. It is starting to snow in the metro Detroit area tonight. We will probably get just around 6 inches (that might be a bit hopeful). Last Monday and Tuesday we didn't have school because it was so incredibly cold. So I doubt that the district will budge on another day off of school tomorrow. We cancelled Bible study tonight since the roads are so slippery. I'm just about to head outside to shovel with the snow scoop. I love that old snow scoop - Dad told me that Grandpa made it. People don't have scoops around here - they just shovel or use the snow blower. I prefer the scoop - it's good exercise and it doesn't hurt my back.

Over the past few weeks 3 of my students have been selling red AIDS ribbons at school to help with my upcoming trip to South Africa. They've sold almost $150 ribbons. I was really touched that they put the event together. Now, even the teachers are selling them. It's been really fun to see people wearing them around school. I am going to bring my camera to school and get some pictures of folks wearing them. We are going to create a "Thank You" video that airs during the announcements. It will really be great.

Did everyone get a chance to watch Tim conducting the other day. I thought it was fantastic. I watched Tim's performance and then listened to the rest of the concert online. Tim says that they will eventually make it available to download on to our computers. Isn't technology something else?

All-righty! - I hope you are all doing FANTASTIC!

Grandma - I have been praying for you and your upcoming surgery - that the surgeons can fix the arteries easily and that you have an extraordinarily fast and painless recovery! I love you. Tracy

the first FIVE & back to South Africa

Hello Family,
I hope you are all well. (I'd love to hear about it on the blog - hint-hint).

Today was my third weigh-in at Weight Watchers - I have lost 5.2# so far. It's just a start - but it is definitely a start in the right direction. I am still in the running for the biggest loser - although - the guys are really beating the girls right now by a long shot. This week I am going to try to drink more water and increase my exercise. Please be praying that I have the strength to stick-to-it!!

The plans for South Africa are starting to come along. My friend Sarah and I are the trip leaders along with the Dr. Sharon Tice our medical director. We can't wait to get back. We are still looking for 3 more medical practitioners. Our team will be finalized on February 19th. We have people from many different churches which I think is very exciting. We update our prayer requests each month on the blog called live from south africa - check it out!

It finally snowed enough this past week - big beautiful snowflakes. Just enough to do a couple round with the shovel. Do you all have snow right now?

Can't wait to hear from you all.
Much Love, Tracy