Leaving Egypt

When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, he took them to the Red Sea, which then obediently parted. The miracles of Manna and quail, water from the rocks, wicked being wasted, and scene on Sinai were only some of the many happenings that followed the wanders for 40 years.

But why 40 years? Why were still so disobedient after all that time that they couldn't have all the Lord's promised blessings? They lusted after the food and security of Egypt (Exo 16:3). They brought the idols of Egypt with them. In other words, they couldn't stop thinking of home.

As a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I have left home and its comforts, and I sometimes feel like I'm wandering around an unwelcoming and bitter desert. I miss my Mommy on those days, and I want to return to my Egypt (home) where things were safe and comfortable.


I knew that there was someone here to lead me through my wilderness. Christ has been my pillar of fire and my cloud guiding my sluggish feet. Instead of looking to the things back home that brought me comfort like food, friends, and the occasional zombie blasting video game, I have tried my best to keep my eye focused on the Saviour. It not easy to keep an eye single to God, and you have to remind yourself to keep looking forward.

Its hard to continually put our faith in Christ so that he can lead us. And its harder still to do that over and over again. But I think that is what faith is, even when we doubt or fear, we still go forward, forward in faith. I think the Lord said it best to Joshua, "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" (Josh 1:8)

Dear blog,

Sorry that I have deserted you for such a long time. You may have been far from my fingers, but not far from my heart. Things have been crazy. Its not an excuse, but it still is a fact. I have moved now to the city of Rochester, and I'm working with the Spanish population. I'm back with a pervious companion, Elder Henricksen.

We have had many adventures already. Walking in rain storms, talking with drunk people, fighting off dogs, and watching drug deals. They are all far more entertaining in Spanish. This is the life.

Life works in a funny way. When things are the hardest and the most down heartening is when you see the blessings of God the best. As it says in Isaiah, "I form the light, and create the darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things." (45:7) In order to have have light, we must have darkness. To have peace, there must be evil. In order to have good times, you must have bad. And I have a good life.

Sincerely yours,

Elder Westley