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It's already December.
I'm really grateful for the experiences that I've had in my mission, especially for my time here in Georgia. Looking back on the experiences that I've had this past year has been exciting, overwhelming - mostly a roller coaster ride. I might add that the mission is truly pushing you emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. I have never experienced such in my whole life. Working 3-12 hours a day, 7 days a week, 4 weeks a month for 18 months. Exhausting? Yes. You only have an 8 hour break. But it's worth it. As my companion, Sister Alexis Lynn Hulme, would call it "Delightful exhaustion". Not only is it exhausting, it's rewarding. Your efforts are being paid off. You see people's hearts change, you see your own self change. Everything around seems to be progressing with you.
Two days ago, Sister Hulme and I had an experience that we would both never forget - just as any other spiritual experiences that we have on our missions. This was by far the greatest. We were able to understand, apply or even experience - even in small amounts - the Atonement of our Savior. Our beloved friend, after having progressed so much, ALMOST wanting to give up because he took steps back, He stumbled, he fell, and to his own words "he failed." That was heartbreaking. As we listened, both our hearts shattered. We wanted to help him. We love him so much that we just couldn't handle losing him. But notice the words "almost" - we inoculated him, we felt his pain, we tried our very best to save him, we did not give up. We told him not to give up. After moments of fighting against the adversary, we were able to see his countenance change. He was standing back up. And now, he's back to his happy, positive self. He's continually progressing, he's holding on to the iron rod and is looking forward to partake of the fruit of the gospel.
That day reminded me of my own conversion story. It reminded me of how much I felt the love of the Savior Jesus Christ that night when I couldn't take the burdens of my past anymore. I was in the deepest depths of humility that one November night three years ago. And I saw that in this dearly loved friend of ours.
One of the greatest things that I love about being a missionary is loving the people I am serving with, seeing the changes that happen in their lives because of the gospel, being that witness of them coming closer unto the Savior Jesus Christ. As I become that first-hand witness, I also see myself grow. Looking back, I could see a very huge comparison of who I was before her mission and who I am now. I am so grateful for the gospel and I love this gospel so much because of the experiences I have had and the experiences that I see in others. I have grown so much being here in Georgia.
I know that this gospel is true. I know that the Savior Jesus Christ lives. I firmly bear my witness that the Atoning sacrifice of the Savior of the World is the greatest gift of all that mortality could ever receive. I know that the Atonement is real. This I share, by virtue of my calling, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sister Kristel Marie Cruz Ngo (吳姐妹)
Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission/
p.s. This
is one of the most sacred updates that I have sent on my mission, and I could only share it with a selected few.
