Letter - 12/8/14

Family and Friends,

I don't even know where to start for this week! But the snow is falling and the blessing are pouring and I give all gratitude and credit to my Savior and Heavenly Father. I don't know what is happening here in this area but Sister Johnson and I are truly just having blessings poured upon us. There is way too many miracles to report every single one of them but I would like to say that we successfully hit the 10 lessons goal this week, received a referral and added 3 new investigators to our teaching pool. This week has truly been guided by the Lord.

Serving with Sister Johnson in this area has been amazing and I haven't felt the spirit so strongly and so consistently my entire mission. It has been life changing and I know it is all the Lord's work because we couldn't do this without Him. My testimony has grown so much and I am so grateful to be a missionary witnessing all the wonderful miracles the Lord puts in my path. The Lord is providing the way to reach and even exceed our goals as we diligently and obediently serve Him. 

Because we experienced so many tender mercies from the Lord I of course have to share at least some right? Well of course I will. This past week has been such an eventful week for our huge are of곡반정. No matter where we turned the Lord was giving us opportunities to teach this gospel to not only nonmembers but members also. We truly were strengthening others and inviting them to come unto Christ. I have a testimony of the Lord providing the way as we do our part and have the desire and determinations to achieve what He requires of us.

BLESSING #1

This week we met with two single adult members for lunch. One just recently returned home from her mission and the other is a recent convert of about 2 years. We met with them Tuesday and as I sat down to study Tuesday I remember Sister Johnson and I had orginally planned to teach about the prayer of faith but right in the middle of my study I decided to pray for guidance and really know what these sisters needed. After I prayed I remember a talk that I was give at a Zone conference called Receive the Holy Ghost by David A. Bednar and then remembered a comment that President Morrise had said "The scariest thing about going home from your mission is losing the consistency of feeling the spirit." I felt right then and there that is what was needed to be shared. In the talk Elder Bednar tells how we can receive the Spirit on a daily basis and it's probably my favorite so that's what Sister Johnson and I planned. When we went to the return missionary's home she has a wonderful lunch set up and so we ate and as we ate she said "Ahh I miss the spirit. I need to feel it." I thought what a conincidence so Sister Johnson and I quickly told them what a miracle and coincidence it was that she had said that because that's what we prepared for. The return missionary said "there is no such thing as coincidences." When she said that I quickly remembered that this is the Lord's work and I am His tool and He is truly using me and guiding me. We were able to have such a stong and spiritual conversation that invited the spirit and we all learned from each other. I was so grateful to witness that and grateful to my Heavenly Father that He prompted me to pause during my personal study that morning and seek for His guidance. I know that the Lord guides us and that He know what each one of us needs and often uses other people to give us answers to our prayers. It was an amazing experience and I am so grateful we had that bonding experience with those members.

BLESSING #2

Our next miracle was when we met with our new investigator from last week. We met with her and she said that she read some of the Book of Mormon and looked up all the different vocabulary because she couldn't understand. She was seeking to understand and she took the step of faith to find out. It was amazing and the spirit just touched me as she spoke of what she learned. We then were prompted to invite her to church and she said that she would come next week because she would be out of town this week. BUT SHE SAID SHE WOULD COME!! It was amazing and she is truly sincere as we talk about the gospel and really wants to know. I am so grateful to see that people are seeking truth at all  times and that the Lord is putting them into our path to testify to them. 

BLESSING #3

Next this week Sister Johnson and I decided to make a lot of calls to former investigators and through that we were able to set up two new appointments. One eventually cancelled but the other one was successful. As we were preparing to meet with this 14 year old girl we read her record and found out that her dad did not approve of the missionaries meeting with his daughter so they stopped meeting. That immediately made Sister Johnson and I a little nervous especially because we would be meeting at her home and we weren't sure if the dad knew his daughter set up this appointment. We met with the girl on Saturday and as we walked up to the apartment we were extremely nervous so we decided to pray before we went in. Sister Johnson asked me to pray so I did. The minute we closed the prayer we both had this overwhelming feeling of peace in our hearts and just knew everything was going to be okay so we went up to the apartment and the girl quickly let us in. She said she was the only one home. We looked at each other in relief and knew God was aware but we made sure it was okay and the girl said yes. She is wanting english but she also seems to be having gospel interest and the best part is one of her friends is a member so hopefully we can get a member lesson going and that can influence a little bit more. But it was so neat to experience that overwhelming peace and know that Heavenly Father truly hears our prayers and confirms to us at all times that He is listening and we just need to trust in Him. 

BLESSING #4

So yesterday at church just as we were going to leave we got a phone call from a member and the first thing they said was "We want to give you a referral." WHAT? Sister Johnson and I just about fell to the floor. Come to find out that this couple want us to meet with the wife's parents. They know about the church because of their daughter being a member but the father just experienced a stroke and they are just seeking for truth and comfort. They are curious about the gospel because of the strength and comfort it has brought their daughter. So we set up an appointment for Sunday night to meet with this sweet old couple, pure gospel interest, at the hospital. Sister Johnson and I were so nervous especially because the members said they want us to teach well! PRESSURE! But we prayed and prayed and pleaded with the Lord to help us understand and speak the words that needed to be spoken but most importantly prayed for them to feel the Spirit especially the father because due to his stroke he can't speak. When we met they were all ears and ready to listen. We ended up teaching the whole first lesson and the spirit was so strong. We ended up asking the question 'If this message is true what would it mean to you? How would it change your life?' The mother immediately answered and said what peace and hope it would bring to her heart. The second I heard that I just wanted to jump up in the air and say YES!! That's exactly what it brings and Yes you can know this message is true. But instead I just calmly bore my testimony testifying that I know it is true and that through prayer and the Spirit they can too. It was such a great experience and amazing to see the sincerity in their eyes of just wanting to know and just wanting to feel the peace that the gospel truly brings.

BLESSING #5

Yesterday again we decided we wanted to do a practice lesson with a Japanese woman in our ward but she doesn't speak Korean so we did it in English. That was strange. I don't think I have ever done that but it was the most powerful learning experience of my whole mission. As we taught her we decided to teach about the Spirit, it was really powerful and she talkd about how when she feels the Spirit is just fills her with this hope. She talked to us about how many times while living in Korea it has been hard because she can't speak Korean and so she just stays home all day. She talked about times where she just wanted to give up but then a thought came to her mind "Christ never gives up." The minute she said those 4 words Sister Johnson and I had tears running down our face. The Spirit pierced our hearts and as I remember that Christ never gave up and He never will then that means I can't either. The testimony she bore of the Savior was like nothing I have ever heard, so powerful, so pure, and so touching.  I will never forget those words "Christ never gives up." I know that it's through Him we can overcome all things and obtain that hope of living a better life so all we must do is rely on Him and never give up on Him because He has never given up on us and never will. I love my Savior Jesus Christ and know that He is my strength.

I don't know many things about missionary work or life but as a missionary I have learned how to recognize the Lord's blessings no matter how big or small. I know that He loves us and wants to give us blessings at all times. Through prayer I have pleaded to my Heavenly Father with the eyes to see the blessings He sends me each day and its amazing to witness them and recognize them. I am so blessed. I am full of gratitude and as my mission scripture says "Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful‍ of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen." I will thank my God forever for this experience. 

Thank you for all your love prayers and support. Love you and miss you all! Have a great week!!

Love 

드리스콜자매

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll

Letter - 12/1/14

Family and Friends,

Well I don't even know where to start other than in gratitude. I don't know what has happened these last few days but the Lord has just poured blessings upon me and it’s so humbling and overwhelming. I just don't know what I ever did to deserve such wonderful blessings but I am grateful and as a missionary there is so much to be grateful for. MY heart is full of gratitude as I look back on my mission thus far and see all the wonderful miracles, experiences, trials, people, and steps of faith that I have encountered.

Today we experienced the first snow of the year on December 1. Perfect timing right. It's getting cold outside and I don't know if I am ready to bear the biting cold but here we go! At least I have Sister Johnson to do it with me. Sister Johnson is my new companion and she is who I spent Thanksgiving with. It was the best and we even made some delicious mashed potatoes which we almost died over they were so good. She is Korean but from Utah and is learning Korean like me so it’s super fun. It's a little stressful because we still have so much learning to do but oh my goodness have I experienced the gift of tongues this week like no other. I don't know what has happened but all of the sudden I can speak and understand Korean better than ever before and I know it is all the Lord. We are working together well in unity to accomplish our purpose and we are truly experiencing the after blessing for doing so. I can see us both progressing so much these next few months. It's weird living in just a two man house because I have never done that in my entire LIFE but its fun and we have lots of new adventures coming ahead of us. I love this new area. It is so big in comparison to my last but a lot more country like so I am super happy! I just feel so blessed to be apart of this great work that the Lord is putting on in Korea.

This week I probably experienced the biggest miracle of my entire mission.

Monday night I went to say goodbye to a less active who Sister Stout and I reactivated. She told me that her sister lived in Suwon which was where I was being transferred to but wasn't sure where. She gave me her number and asked me to contact her and help her boys with English. That was amazing. I was in shock and so touched to know that this member was trusting me with her sister and felt like I really needed to seek the Lord for this time because we all know referrals are not as common as we hope.

Well the following day, Tuesday night, I contacted the sister and I had no idea what to say but the Lord put words into my mouth and opened my ears to understand as I was able to have a great conversation with her and find out exactly where she lived. I broke down into tears after the call because the woman was so kind and I just realized what a miracle it was that I had the words to speak that were necessary for that time. With that information I then sent it to the office elders so they could send the referral to the area she lived in. I was so excited and so curious to where this referral was going to end up. I was hoping and praying that it would be in my new area and if it were what a crazy miracle that would be.

When I arrived at transfers on Wednesday Sister Carter (a sister whose place I was taking) came up to me and said "Did you know you sent a referral to us?" I then realized that the referral that I received lives in 곡반정 area where I was being transferred to. The minute I heard that news I just cried because it was truly such a blessing and miracle and confirmation that where I was being transferred to is exactly where I needed to be. I was overwhelmed with the Spirit and just couldn't believe that it was real life. Wednesday night Sister Johnson and I contacted this lady again and I told her that I am actually serving in her area and we were able to set up an appointment on Friday. It was just miracle after miracle but I had no idea what else was coming at the time. 

As we prepared to meet with the referral I contacted the referral’s sister from my last area and told her all that was going on she told me to take it slow and not invite her to church yet. I thought of course I will take it slow and see how the Lord wants this to work out. I can't mess up this perfect plan that the Lord has so I must pray for guidance and help in knowing what to do. So when we met on Friday we got to know her really well and talked about our purpose as missionaries and how we begin teaching from Preach My Gospel. She then asked when our worship service was. She doesn't have much of a religious background so it caught me off guard especially because of what her sister said about not inviting her to church too quick so we softly told her when our church was. She said that she may come because she had heard from her son that he wanted to go to church. She told us she had to think about if she wanted to continue meeting and needed to ask her kids so we kindly said okay not to pressure her or anything. This was all very fragile ground for me and we just went with our hearts trusting in the Lord throughout this whole experience.

Well Sunday morning Sister Johnson and I decided that we would send her the times of Church and english class through text so that she could have them in her phone. When we walked up into the chapel her and her two boys were sitting in the chairs ready for church. I was completely surprised! I literally couldn't gather myself it caught me so off guard. I couldn't sit with her because the bishop called me up to the stand for my introduction to the ward but the whole time I watched her and it was so special. The spirit was so strong in my heart and everything just felt right. The members welcomed her into the ward so well and I think it may have overwhelmed her a little bit. She and her boys stayed for all 3 hours which by the end I could tell they were tired and they rushed fairly quickly out which made me nervous and we weren't able to make another appointment but I know that Heavenly Father wouldn't have provided such amazing miracles for it to end there. I truly believe that He is answering my prayers and I know as Sister Johnson and I continue to pray diligently for this family that more miracles will continue to happen. I have been so blessed as a missionary and the miracles that I have seen thus far. I don't know what the Lord has planned but I do know that it is perfect no matter what happens. I am just so grateful that He is trusting Sister Johnson and I with the precious family and I know as we seek His will and guidance we will be able to touch this family's life forever.

I just want you all to know how happy I am to be a missionary and how much I love this gospel. I know it is true and it is the way to eternal happiness. I feel so blessed that I have had this knowledge my whole life and that now I have the time to share it. I am grateful that I have come unto Christ and that my purpose now is to help others to do the same. I have truly experienced the joy of this gospel and the joy of knowing that I am a child of God. I know that God loves us and knows us each individually. I know that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to this earth because of His love for us. If anything has grown on my mission is it my testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ. My last dance practice with the Relief Society members in 금천 I shared with them my testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ and I truly know that He is my Savior, Redeemer, and my Brother. He loves us and because of that we love Him. I know of His sacrifice and atonement and know that it was all out of love for each one of us. If only we could truly comprehend His complete perfect and unconditional love for us but because I know there is that love I know that I can always trust in Him and have faith in Him. I love my Savior and know that He has overcome all things and through Him I can too.

Thank you for all you love, prayers, and support. I truly am so grateful and humbled to know of all the support and prayers I am receiving. I love and miss each and every one of you. Please have a wonderful week and don't let the spirit of thanksgiving die in your heart. We always have so much to be grateful for so let us live in an attitude of gratitude. Remember that miracles do happen when you believe and that our Father in Heaven is always aware of our needs. He know us perfectly. I love you!!! Have fun! Keep smiling! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll

Letter - 11/23/14

Dear Family and Friends,

Well this week was a great last week to spend in my good old area of 금천. Yes that is correct we received transfer calls Sunday morning and I got news that I would be transferred to a new area called 곡반정. They closed one of the sister areas in this area due to the lack of sisters coming so Sister Hoffman my roommate and Sister Stout will becoming new companions and take over both wards. I am so sad to leave and feel that I wasn't here for very long but in the amount of time I was here the love I grew for the members and the people of Korea just sky rocketed. I really learned to serve and love the members quicker then ever before. It has been an honor to serve here and I kind of expressed this in one of my prior letters but it is what I learned while serving here in 금천. While serving here we haven't been booming with investigators so my focus was my members and what a difference that made in my daily life and missionary work. As I learned to work with members, love them, serve them and build relationships with them I began feeling more effective and successful. I realized that the members are my focus and they are the ones that I needed in my life to progress and become better. I was only here for 4 months but in those 4 months I made everlasting friendships that I will never forget.

As I talked of this last week being great let me tell you why. With the new change of the mission of focusing on lessons Sister Stout and I the last few weeks had just barely fallen short of our goal but this week we succesfullly made it and each of our lessons were meaningful and guided by the spirit. One happened Sunday night as we met with a member and talked about the prayer of faith. Sister Stout and I have been studying a lot about prayer of faith and really just wanted to learn not only from the Spirit but our member. It was a really special experience as we were talking things were brought to my rememberance and there was no fear inside me to speak Korean. Everything just flowed and it was a miracle. One thing she said that touched me was something my dad had just emailed me last week. She said "We are miracles. I am a miracle. Sister Stout is a miracle. Sister Driscoll is a miracle. Us meeting right now is a miracle." It is so true. As we look around in life we begin to realize that everything truly is a miracle from God and what joy that brings me. It manifests His love to us His children. Knowing that fills me with so much gratitude toward my Heavenly Father and His mercy towards each of His children especially me.

Another great event that happened is the 8 year old boy we were teaching the lessons to had his baptism on Wednesday. Monday we finished the lessons with him by doing Family Home Evening with his family and it was so great. It was the family I spent my birthday with. I love that family so much and am so grateful for all the sacrifice, love and service they have showed me. It filled me with so much joy to watch him make those covenants with our Heavenly Father and light up as he entered the waters of baptism and later recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am grateful that his mother asked Sister Stout and I to teach him and be apart of his conversion process. It was so neat to be a part of that special time with him even though while teaching him it was like pulling teeth because his attention span is very short haha but it was great for us to learn how to teach simply, clearly, effectively and adjust to his needs as an 8 year old.  I love this gospel so much and so grateful that like this little boy that I was able to learn it at a young age and see how it has blessed and changed my life. I never realized how lucky I was to have the gospel my entire life until I came on my mission and listened to so many conversion stories. This gospel is truly amazing and I love it. I am so grateful that I have this opportunity to preach it to God's children and invite all people to come unto Christ.

Due to me leaving all the Relief Society Sisters are super worried about the dance for the Christmas party but luckily Sister Stout has been amazing and knows the dance better then I do. She will be continuing the teaching and will perform with them at the Christmas party but this Tuesday we will have our last practice with me where we will learn the finale and have a big party. I am grateful that I get to say goodbye to everyone that night instead of earlier. I just love this ward so much and they have helped me grow so much by teaching me dedication, obedience, sacrifice, and love. Each of the members bent over backwars to fulfill their callings and be obedient to the Lord's commands. They sacrificed so much time for Sister Stout and I so we could do practice lessons with them and learn from them. They also just unconditionally loved me and filled me with joy the more time I spent with them. I am so grateful for each one of them and I am grateful that my last Sunday was the Primary Program so I was able to hear the kids sing and bear their testimonies of the Plan of Salvation that our Heavenly Father has given to us.

Thursday was then temple day and what joy and peace the temple brings into my heart. I am so blessed to be able to go every transfer and communicate with my Heavenly Father directly with no distractions inside. The temple truly is the HOuse of the Lord and the blessings of the temple are numerous. I am grateful everytime I walk through the city of Seoul and can see Angel Moroni gleaming in the sunlight. What a blessing that is and I am grateful for the hope it fills my soul. After that temple day Sister Stout and I spent the whole day (P-day) with 황미주, our member, my best friend. It was the best day ever and I just love her so much. We went to an ancient Korean palace and saw the beautiful fall leaves. We had so much fun together and it is a day that I will forever remember. 황미주 has truly been an answer to my prayers and has become my eternal friend. We always say that in heaven we are going to live right next to each other but in order to do that we have to work hard here on earth so that we can meet there. Once again so grateful for the relationships I have made and the person I have become while serving in the wonderful ward.

 I love being a missionary so much and thank my Father in Heaven everyday for guiding me to this point in my life. Each day I feel His guidance and each day I am grateful. I read in 2 Nephi 8 verse 16 the other day and just love the line that said "And I have put my words in thy mouth and have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand." As I thought about that I realized that we are in Christ's shadow. That is where we started and we can always remain there as we follow Him. In order to stay inside a shadow you must follow it which means we must follow our Savior Jesus Christ and as we do so perfectly we will be led back to where we belong. Christ is truly the way and we must follow him so we can remain in His shadow and become like Him. we are always safe walking in His path. I know that as we rely on the Savior we will always be comforted and safe. He is our Savior and I love Him. Thank you for your prayers in my behalf. Everything good that happens in my life is due to the prayers offered by each of you. Your prayers are being answered I can testify that to you. I love you and miss each of you! Have a wonderful week and remember that "You truly are a miracle!"

Love
SIster Ciarra Jean Driscoll

Letter - 11/17/14

Family and Friends,

Another week has come and gone and I can hardly believe it! Sister Stout and I are in shock with how much faster time is going by now that we are getting older in the mission. We are just going everday diligently striving to fulfill our purpose as fully as possible because we are realizing that it does come to an end. Our roommate Sister Hammerl from Australia goes home in 2 weeks so it's really hitting us that the time really does come so we have to work our hardest until the end and do what it takes to reach the full potential that God sees in us. I just love Sister Stout too! She is such an amazing missionary and is always improving herself and trusting in the Lord. I am so grateful for her example and love.

As I have served my mission I have been asked many times what my favorite part about my mission is and I want to tell you all that now. As I have been a missionary I have met so many wonderful people and built so many strong friendships and I love it. I love knowing that although I only serve here in Korea for 18 months and only with certain companions for a few months that these relationships are forever. The relationships I am gaining and the examples that are influencing my life are my favorite parts about my mission. As I reflect on my past companions I have realized that each of them have taught me a Christlike attribute so through each of my companions example and influence I am developing those attributes that I work so hard to have. As I reflect on the members and people on the street I think of the joy and love I feel when I see them smile and just take part or see the little light of the gospel that I want to give to them. I am learning so much through other people and being greatly influenced through each person I come in contact with. I know that the Lord has me meet each person for a reason and from each person I meet I have something to learn from. I need each person in my life to help me reach that full potential. The role that these people have played in my life is so great that I personally can't even comprehend it but I am forever grateful. I love being a part of this work and serving this mission that is causing me to stretch grow and become more like Christ.

Last Monday Sister Stout and I had Family Home Evening with a lady in our ward who has a daughter on a mission. She is so fun and just loves the missionaries and knows the scriptures and the gospel like the back of her hand. She truly has put the time and effort into not only knowing the gospel but living it. Her testimony continues to amaze me. While we were preparing for her we reflected on what she said during gospel doctrine class and when she bore her testimony that Fast Sunday. We both didn't understand everything that she said but both agreed that she needed peace in her heart so we planned accordingly. As we started the lesson she said that it was exactly what she needed. I shared with her the scripture that has brought me the most peace while on my mission and that is D&C 50:40-45.
 "40 Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.41 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; 42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost. 43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you. 44 Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall. 45 And the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that I am."
It brought peace to my soul knowing that Christ understands and knows how we feel but He reminds us that He has overcome the world and  we are always remembered by Him. He is always with us and as long as we are built upon His rock we shall never fall. This scripture has brought me so much hope, comfort and peace through hard times and good times and I know it is true. I have witnessed the Lord with me at all times guiding me and comforting me along the rocky road and the smooth road. I know as I endure patiently, lovingly and hopefully with Him by my side I will receive that great reward of everlasting happiness. We have no need to fear because we always have Christ with us as we invite Him into our lives.

As Sister Stout and I have been serving together we have done a service project at a nursing home type place and well in Korea that grandmas and grandpas are extremely hard to understand so we try talking to them but it's just difficult so since Sister Stout came and since I have started the dance for the Relief Society we have been practicing on the grandmas and grandpas. This was Sister Stout's idea and at first  I thought she was crazy but then I remembered that's what I grew up doing and what joy it brought those people to see all the dance performances I did when I was little so we showed them. It was so fun and one lady started crying while the others just clapped and smiled bigger then I had ever seen. It was so precious and as we danced I couldn't help but smile bigger then ever. One lady said that it was our smiles and the light that made it great. This experience brought satisfaction to my soul and reminded me of my talent of dance and how we truly can bear our testimonies through our talents and bring the light and joy of the gospel into other's lives as we share them.

This week was full of member visits and practice lessons and it was just the greatest. Sister Stout and I had so many member practice lessons that went to so well and helped us with not only our Korean but teaching skills. I don't know if I mentioned this but starting this month our mission has a made a change as far as our goals go and now instead of counting our conversations that we have weekly we count our lessons which we did before but now have a specific section for these practice lessons because President Morrise wants us teaching as much as possible and then just talking to everyone. I truly enjoy the new change because it focuses us on working with the members more and helps us become master teachers of the gospel. IT was so fun spending time with members and being able to strengthen them. Sister Stout and I in order to show our gratitude and love made a bunch of brownies and delivered them to everyone. The joy that is brought to my heart to see how the member and their children reacted is so hard to explain but it made me realize that I love these people and they love me.

 I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to be a missionary and for the refining that is taking place within myself. This work is amazing and I know that it is the Lord's. As I read in 1 Nephi 18:1 I realized something about Nephi when he was commanded to build the ship. In verse one it said, "... And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work..." The Lord didn't tell Nephi perfectly how to do everything. We have to learn and grow and trust in not only God but ourselves that we are doing His will. When we do that we find that we really are doing it "..after the manner which the Lord had shown unto..." us. I know that this is the Lord's work and He will accomplish His purpose. I know that this gospel is true and blesses lives all around the world. I know that Heavenly Father loves His children and wants them all to return back to Him and that is why He has provided the way. I know that Jesus Christ and His gospel is the way and that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I am grateful for this knowledge and for this time that my only purpose is to share it. I love being a missionary. Thank you for all you love support and prayers. I hope you all continue to be well and have a great week! Remember to smile and to trust in God! Love you and Miss you all!

Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll

P.S I ate octopus this week:) It's good stuff just super chewy:)

Letter - 11/10/14

Family and Friends,

Another week has come and gone and I can hardly believe it! Sister Stout and I are in shock with how much faster time is going by now that we are getting older in the mission. We are just going everday diligently striving to fulfill our purpose as fully as possible because we are realizing that it does come to an end. Our roommate Sister Hammerl from Australia goes home in 2 weeks so it's really hitting us that the time really does come so we have to work our hardest until the end and do what it takes to reach the full potential that God sees in us. I just love Sister Stout too! She is such an amazing missionary and is always improving herself and trusting in the Lord. I am so grateful for her example and love.

As I have served my mission I have been asked many times what my favorite part about my mission is and I want to tell you all that now. As I have been a missionary I have met so many wonderful people and built so many strong friendships and I love it. I love knowing that although I only serve here in Korea for 18 months and only with certain companions for a few months that these relationships are forever. The relationships I am gaining and the examples that are influencing my life are my favorite parts about my mission. As I reflect on my past companions I have realized that each of them have taught me a Christlike attribute so through each of my companions example and influence I am developing those attributes that I work so hard to have. As I reflect on the members and people on the street I think of the joy and love I feel when I see them smile and just take part or see the little light of the gospel that I want to give to them. I am learning so much through other people and being greatly influenced through each person I come in contact with. I know that the Lord has me meet each person for a reason and from each person I meet I have something to learn from. I need each person in my life to help me reach that full potential. The role that these people have played in my life is so great that I personally can't even comprehend it but I am forever grateful. I love being a part of this work and serving this mission that is causing me to stretch grow and become more like Christ.

Last Monday Sister Stout and I had Family Home Evening with a lady in our ward who has a daughter on a mission. She is so fun and just loves the missionaries and knows the scriptures and the gospel like the back of her hand. She truly has put the time and effort into not only knowing the gospel but living it. Her testimony continues to amaze me. While we were preparing for her we reflected on what she said during gospel doctrine class and when she bore her testimony that Fast Sunday. We both didn't understand everything that she said but both agreed that she needed peace in her heart so we planned accordingly. As we started the lesson she said that it was exactly what she needed. I shared with her the scripture that has brought me the most peace while on my mission and that is D&C 50:40-45.
 "40 Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.41 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; 42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost. 43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you. 44 Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall. 45 And the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that I am."
It brought peace to my soul knowing that Christ understands and knows how we feel but He reminds us that He has overcome the world and  we are always remembered by Him. He is always with us and as long as we are built upon His rock we shall never fall. This scripture has brought me so much hope, comfort and peace through hard times and good times and I know it is true. I have witnessed the Lord with me at all times guiding me and comforting me along the rocky road and the smooth road. I know as I endure patiently, lovingly and hopefully with Him by my side I will receive that great reward of everlasting happiness. We have no need to fear because we always have Christ with us as we invite Him into our lives.

As Sister Stout and I have been serving together we have done a service project at a nursing home type place and well in Korea that grandmas and grandpas are extremely hard to understand so we try talking to them but it's just difficult so since Sister Stout came and since I have started the dance for the Relief Society we have been practicing on the grandmas and grandpas. This was Sister Stout's idea and at first  I thought she was crazy but then I remembered that's what I grew up doing and what joy it brought those people to see all the dance performances I did when I was little so we showed them. It was so fun and one lady started crying while the others just clapped and smiled bigger then I had ever seen. It was so precious and as we danced I couldn't help but smile bigger then ever. One lady said that it was our smiles and the light that made it great. This experience brought satisfaction to my soul and reminded me of my talent of dance and how we truly can bear our testimonies through our talents and bring the light and joy of the gospel into other's lives as we share them.

This week was full of member visits and practice lessons and it was just the greatest. Sister Stout and I had so many member practice lessons that went to so well and helped us with not only our Korean but teaching skills. I don't know if I mentioned this but starting this month our mission has a made a change as far as our goals go and now instead of counting our conversations that we have weekly we count our lessons which we did before but now have a specific section for these practice lessons because President Morrise wants us teaching as much as possible and then just talking to everyone. I truly enjoy the new change because it focuses us on working with the members more and helps us become master teachers of the gospel. IT was so fun spending time with members and being able to strengthen them. Sister Stout and I in order to show our gratitude and love made a bunch of brownies and delivered them to everyone. The joy that is brought to my heart to see how the member and their children reacted is so hard to explain but it made me realize that I love these people and they love me.

 I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to be a missionary and for the refining that is taking place within myself. This work is amazing and I know that it is the Lord's. As I read in 1 Nephi 18:1 I realized something about Nephi when he was commanded to build the ship. In verse one it said, "... And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work..." The Lord didn't tell Nephi perfectly how to do everything. We have to learn and grow and trust in not only God but ourselves that we are doing His will. When we do that we find that we really are doing it "..after the manner which the Lord had shown unto..." us. I know that this is the Lord's work and He will accomplish His purpose. I know that this gospel is true and blesses lives all around the world. I know that Heavenly Father loves His children and wants them all to return back to Him and that is why He has provided the way. I know that Jesus Christ and His gospel is the way and that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I am grateful for this knowledge and for this time that my only purpose is to share it. I love being a missionary. Thank you for all you love support and prayers. I hope you all continue to be well and have a great week! Remember to smile and to trust in God! Love you and Miss you all!

Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll

P.S I ate octopus this week:) It's good stuff just super chewy:)