So, we are in Brazil right now. We will be here for a few months. On our second to last Sunday, as I was pondering again on the adventure ahead of us, We sang this song for the closing hymn in sacrament meeting. The words from verses 3 and 4 of this song just made me weep, I couldn't even sing, I just sat and the tears flowed.
Yes, this might be hard trip, as I know Brazil was hard for me last time - just lots of differences from our spoiled life in America. But maybe having done this before will make me better able to handle it. And I'm almost in my last trimester, so that might make it hard. But I'm also glad I don't have to go to my ob visits, which I don't enjoy (never have anything to report or any concerns, thankfully, so am glad to just be able to skip out on all of them, we'll be back when I'm around 37 weeks I think). Friends comment on how brave I must be, but I don't really think I am, but I am willing to go to support Corey. But again, back to the song, verse 2 started to get to me, as I thought of how I want to be faithful to God and strong as the saints of old - pioneers crossing the plains, so many who lived in years past where death was a part of life. They didn't have Costco or Walmart, but they were faithful and true and have won the contest God sent them to run...
Oh, may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold, Fight as the Saints who nobly fought of old, And win with them the victor's crown of gold. Alleluia, Alleluia.
How did they fight their battles? How did they win the crown? Through relying upon Christ - he is our rock, our fortress and our might. If I am able to do anything hard, it is through His power
Thou art our rock, our fortress, and our might; Thou, Lord, our captain in the well-fought fight; Thou, in the darkness drear, our one true light. Alleluia, Alleluia.
And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, Steals on the ear the distant triumph song, And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia, Alleluia.
This might feel like a long warfare here in Brazil, but I'll continue with my simple challenges. And if I keep perspective, I know that they really are simple. So many people in the world live with true challenges. Brazil isn't war torn Syria. I watched this video (also here) shared on someone's facebook page Monday, and then today also saw this one. I can live in Brazil and figure this out - it may be a little hard and different than American life, but so easy compared to the reality other people and nations face, right?
Let the song of triumph call us onward. Christ can help us, He is brave one, and He is the one that can help make our hearts be brave and our arms be strong. Alleluia, Alleluia!
