Letter - 6/22/15

Dear Family and Friends, 

I want to start off by wishing my Dad and Brother HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! It's been an interesting experience being on a mission and communicating with my family through email and letters but in the process I believe I have drawn closer to them this way. The relationship I have been able to gain with my Dad and Brother while serving this mission is something that I will forever be grateful for as they shared with me their wisdom and experiences that have forever changed me. I am so grateful for worthy priesthood holders in my home and for their example of loving service. Thank you Dad and Tyler for all the support you gave me, all the encouragement, prayers and hope! I LOVE YOU! 

I don't know what to say in this last email but I just want to tell you everything that I have learned but it is nearly impossible to sum up 18 months in a few paragraphs but what I can tell you firmly is there was no pulling up at the eye this week. Sister Hwang, at the beginning of our transfer told me a cool fact about the Bible. I guess in the bible the words "Fear Not" appear exactly 365 times which reminds us that each day we have no reason to fear and have every reason to go forth in faith.  What a great feeling it has been to remember this last transfer that the Lord is with me everyday all day. 

We didn't eat at our home once this week because we were so busy with members and investigators! It was so wonderful! When the transfer call came Sister Hwang found out that her new companion is going to be Sister 최은영 so this area that I have spent 7 months in will be ran by the Lord with two wonderful Korean sister missionaries! I am so excited and I just know miracles are going to continue to happen. I feel at peace leaving this area and I know each one of our members, investigators, and less actives are going to be well taken care of. 

As my last Sunday though I received that greatest present that the Lord could have ever given me. I don't know if you all remember the long lost less active I met in December. Well her name is 윤희정. I have fairly consistently met with her since December and due to family reasons she has never been able to come to church. She actually lives in another area and I was trying to figure out how to refer her smoothly over before I left to America. Well this week we had a Stake conference because Elder Ringwood was released so we invited her. She didn't come so Sister Hwang and I just sat down and listened to the talks. Then one of the missionaries come and say "Sister Driscoll, you have an investigator here. She has a Book Of Mormon with your name number and testimony in it." I was so confused. Who could it be? So Sister Hwang and I walk to the back of the chapel and there sitting in the back is 윤희정. We were both so excited and so was she. She hasn't been to church for over 25 years so listening to the words of our church leaders was so great for her. She was soaking it all in. In fact while listening she stopped and told us how great it was and then asked why everyone else was sleeping. As she did that she grabbed her fan and pretended to hit everyone across the head to wake them up. It was the best moment ever but it also reminded me of how lucky I have been to have the gospel consistently in my life. I have taken it for granted but as I have lived this mission life I have truly come to realize the joy of this gospel and that it truly is the best way to go. In result of her coming to church though she was able to meet a member from the ward that she would attend. This member just moved into the same apartment complex one week ago! Coincidence? I think not! And best part is they are the same age and in Korea that is a big deal! She was so happy and the whole time I could just feel that Spirit testifying to me that this is the Lord's plan and I was meant to find her that one day in December. I know God is aware. He knows all and He truly is watching over each of us at all times! 

I am not sure what to think or feel at this time but last week my dad gave me advice that I lived by for this week. He said "Enjoy your next week. Try not to burden yourself by saying did I do enough, because you did. Do not second guess yourself or over do but rather SLOW down and take it all in, the spirit, the members, the culture, the people, your companion, take it in with gratitude and bask in the spirit of joy." Nearing the end of your mission is an interesting experience because you can't help but wonder if you did do enough and you did do all that the Lord had planned for you but I guess in reality there is always more to be done. Just because my time as a full time missionary is ending doesn't mean that the work in Korea ends. No matter what the work will go on. The work was already started when I entered Korea and the work will continue as I leave Korea. But I found comfort in the scriptures one day studying. Doctrine Covenants 38:10 "Verily I say unto you, ye are clean, but not all; and there is none else with whom I am well pleased;"  Through that scripture I found exactly what I had been searching for.  The fact that yes there is still more work to be done and I still have so much to learn but that Heavenly Father is pleased with the sacrifice that I have been able to put forth to bring forth His gospel.

 I have been reading President Uchtdorf's talk "On Being Genuine" and this is what he said " if Jesus Christ were to sit down with us and ask for an accounting of our stewardship, I am not sure He would focus much on programs and statistics. What the Savior would want to know is the condition of our heart. He would want to know how we love and minister to those in our care, how we show our love to our spouse and family, and how we lighten their daily load. And the Savior would want to know how you and I grow closer to Him and to our Heavenly Father.”

This has been applied to my service as a missionary and as I reflect over the last 18 months. I ask myself these two questions: Has your heart changed?  Have you grown closer to Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ? I can stand and tell you firmly YES! If anything the mission has done exactly that and that makes it all worth it. I know that I through this mission experience I have deepened my conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ and found out that conversion is possible. I am converted and it's been a quiet miracle and a quest which will continue forever but this mission has started me off on the right foot drawing closer to my Savior. But most of all what I want you each to know is that Conversion is Possible. The change of heart is possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I know it. I have experienced it and continue to experience it. 

I have a testimony of the restored gospel. I testify it is true. Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He knows us perfectly which is why he is able to help us and invites us to Come Unto Him! I love this gospel and I am full of gratitude. I believe that the words of Alma 26 explain my heart the best. 

2 And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed upon us? Can ye tell?

3 ...And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.

35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.

36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land.

37 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.

LOVE YOU ALL! 

드리스콜자매

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll 

Letter - 6/15/15

Dear Family and Friends, 

Well I don't really know what to think. Yesterday in church I gave my last testimony to my ward and I didn't even know what to say or think, I had tried all week to prepare a talk for this but was just stuck. Luckily the Lord was with me and helped be bare the testimony I gained on my mission and express the love and gratitude that I felt in my heart. As I stood at the pulpit yesterday staring into the audience it was so overwhelming because honestly the hardest thing to do is stand in front of the people you have grown to love and tell them you are leaving and you don't know when you will see them again. It's a heart breaker but I have been overwhelmed in gratitude. Then a member asked me "What is it like to be at 18 months?" and I still didn't have any words. I guess I am maybe in shock or mainly just not trying to think about it so I don't let the idea of leaving cross my mind. 

This week the virus still hasn't let up and Sister Hwang and I had a lot of cancelled appointments but luckily the members love us and we were able to visit and meet with lots of members this week. I just love the members of Korea. Meeting members has been one of my favorite parts of missionary work as I learn from their testimonies and examples. One member we called after Distirict meeting asking if we could visit and she told us to immediately come. When we arrived at her home she was just a ray of sunshine when she saw us. She turned to us and asked "How did you know I was home? I am never home at this time! How did you know?" We sure didn't know but we know who did know and that was our Heavenly Father proving to us that He is aware of each of us. This sister had told us that she had a hard day and when we called she was just shocked and having us come she knew that it was a tender mercy from the Lord. We were able to enjoy a nice dinner with her and then she went her way to finish her day at the temple. I think of my missionary scripture Alma 26:37 "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..."  On my mission I have truly come to know that to be true and because I know this to be true "this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen"

Sister Hwang and I had the great opportunity to go on exchanges this week with Sister Bagley and her companion. I was able to go with Sister Bagley and we had a grand time! Our entire mission we have just been set that we were going to become companions and actually would pray for it but as we were on exchange we figured out why we never did. It would have been way too good to be true. We talked and talked about so many different things and it was comforting for the both of us as we think very similarly and battle with some of the same problems. One thing she told me was from President Morrise though. When Sister Bagley returned to the mission after being sick she was really worried about Korean and she expressed that concern to President Morrise. She told him that she couldn't speak Korean and then a few days later he heard her speak Korean and he stopped her and told her this analogy.

 "You know Sister Bagley when I was back in Utah my pride and joy was my lawn. I would do all I can to get my lawn as green as can be but no matter what there were always the dry spots. (Dad this reminded me of you). And all I ever saw was the dry spots and it was so irritating. But then one day I crossed the street to deliver something at my neighbor’s house and as I walked home I saw this beautiful green lawn." Who's lawn was it? It was President Morrise's. I feel  this can apply to everyone because no matter what whenever we see ourselves we only see those dry spots but I promise you if you step back and look at yourself the way others see you the green will appear. I encourage you this week to look for the green areas in yourself rather then the dry one's and promise that life will be happier. It's all about perspective and instead of focusing on the dry focus on the green and you will find that after some time that the dry won't be so dry anymore. 

Also while being on exchange with Sister Bagley we talked a lot about prayer. My whole mission I have wanted to be good at praying and know that each prayer I give really is a conversation and a true prayer where both parties speak and both parties listen but it has been a struggle. Sister Bagley reminded me of something Sister Bednar told us in the MTC at a devotional. She said, "My prayers work because they are for other people." I thought about me prayers and realized that often it was for me but I then remembered that I don't need to pray for myself. Why? Because I have all of you praying for me so many more people praying for me that there really is no reason to be praying for myself because what you pray for in my behalf is probably the same thing that I am praying for. Since that discussion I have become more aware of what I say who I pray for and my prayers have changed. I know that as I continue to do so the conversation with God will take place and He will do more speaking and I will do more listening. 

As I go in to this last week I remember a friendly reminder that President Morrise gave me on Wednesday when I saw  him. He looked at me straight in the eyes and said "Don't pull up at the eye." Which I told him about rodeo in our last interview and how I am going to do my last part of my mission is push all the way through the eye. Having him tell me that was just an answer to prayers for that day though because for that one moment I had pulled up and it was a terrible feeling and I didn't know how to get out of it, but when he gave me those words of encouragement I remembered the Atonement and my Savior Jesus Christ. I returned home after hearing those words knelt down in prayer and pleaded with my Father in Heaven. During that prayer I really understood the purpose of this life, the Atonement and developed an overwhelming grateful heart for the ability to repent and rely on our Savior Jesus Christ. I had a similar prayer as Nephi in 2 Nephi 4 and what a powerful experience it was. That prayer gave me enough strength gratitude and love to continue moving forward remembering the mercy and grace of my Savior and Heavenly Father. I came to realize that no matter what Christ and His Atonement will always remain. As we continue to remember Him and build upon Him I know that we can get through any stumbling blocks and have the endurance to go all the way home without pulling up at the eye.  

I want you to know that I love each of you so much! I miss you and I am so grateful for all the support you have given me!  I just want you to know I WILL NOT PULL UP AT THE EYE for my Savior for my Heavenly Father for the Korean people for you for myself and for everyone!!  Have a wonderful week and remember that you have more green spots  than dry! 

Love, 

드리스콜자매

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll 

Letter - 6/8/15

Dear Family and Friends, 

Well this week was quite interesting. There has been an outbreak of the MERS virus which stands for Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome in Korean which has made it a little difficult to do missionary work because no one wants to meet. In fact as Sister Hwang and I were talking to people on the bus one lady told Sister Hwang "Because of MERS if you wouldn't talk to me I would be very grateful." Yeah so it's been fun. Some missionaries in other areas have actually been told to not go anywhere aside from their own home or the church because it is highly contagious. So who knows maybe I will be stranded in Korea! As of now there are 1200 people isolated in their homes or other places so that it will stop spreading but it has spread very quick so we are taking precautions and just being smart but that's some exciting news for the week! 

I can't believe that on June 4 I actually hit exactly 18 months as a missionary! Time truly has flown and I can't believe it! On that day I had the wonderful opportunity to give a last testimony at Zone training and it was so weird to stand on front of my zone and realize I only had 20 days. The only thing I could say is a lot of what I said last week and then my motto for my mission. GO and DO, GO and BE, GO and LOVE. Those simple words have changed my mission and I have my father to thank. He sent that to me while I was in the MTC and it has changed me and caused me to focus on what is really important. What is important is to go and do the will of the Lord by being obedient and diligent in the work of the Lord. What is important is to go and be. Be yourself while doing anything the Lord calls you to. The Lord has called me and He has called you. He is using our different talents and qualities to progress his work and all He wants is you and me. He requires all of us as who we are and He will make us instruments in His hands as we allow Him to. What is most important though is to go and love. I have had this amazing opportunity to work completely in a labor of love. I have found that love truly does pave the way and it always will. The Lord does everything out of love and in order for us to become like Him so should we! Love is what changes people and each of us has an amount of love that someone needs so share it! I love this work! I have never learned so much and grown so much! It has been an honor to focus on the will of the Lord, to focus on learning who I am and to focus on loving as the Lord has loved. I know as we DO, BE and LOVE nothing can stop us and in the end the Lord will be smiling upon us and we will receive His light in our countenance. 

I don't know if I have mentioned how wonderful it is to be working with Sister Hwang! Each day I get to hear her powerful testimony of this restored gospel and watch her express her love and gratitude through her actions. She truly is so in tune with the spirit and it is an honor to actually sit and watch the spirit work through her! We had a great week filled with teaching opportunities one that was completely unplanned. We went searching for a less active and when we rang the door bell the lady asked who it was so of course we told them. The lady wasn't the person we were looking for but it was her sister and the sister let us in! Her name is 박명기. She isn't a member but just recently had a baby and she asked all these questions about our church, we were able to teach the Plan of Salvation to her. She had heard about our church from her sister but it was when she was in middle school so as we taught her the spirit was so strong. We then asked if we could visit her again and she gave us her number and address because the place we were at was actually her mother's. It was truly a miracle because searching for less actives is difficult especially to catch them at home. Although we didn't find the less active the Lord led us to someone who just experienced one of the greatest miracles in life, the birth of her very own child. We will be visiting her again this week and I cannot wait.

We met with members and many investigators this week even though the MERS virus made it difficult we still were able to help so many people come unto Christ. One specific member whom I just love fed us dinner on Wednesday night her name is 김원경 and I can tell you I have never ever met someone so aware of God in their life. Listening to her speak is like listening to a prayer all day long. She is so amazing and recognized God in all aspects of her life. I truly have learned so much from her and hope to become like her someday. She is full of humility and truly fits the description that Elder Ringwood gave in his talk at General Conference "Truly Good Without Guile". I love her and will forever remember her love for God and His Son Jesus Christ. 

After that dinner we met our 15 year old investigator with one of our young woman in the ward. We talked about keeping the Sabbath day holy and so that led to a lot of study this week on the Sabbath day. I thought a lot about the Sabbath day and what I have done or observed throughout my life. I have come to understand that the Sabbath day truly is the Lord's day. It is kind of like our birthday! You know August 18th is my birthday so it's my day and I expect certain things on my Birthday. Well each Sunday is the Lord's days and He expects certain things too. He desires of us to sacrifice our time to have one out of seven days completely focused on Him. Most importantly that one hour of sacrament meeting. I thought about that one hour and how I have spent it in the past and during my mission. I think about the Savior and all that He has done for me and the least I could do is remember it all during that one hour but observing others and myself I find us fall into the trap like the Christ's apostles did when Christ went to atone for each one of us. Christ goes for one hour to atone for our sins and comes back seeing his apostles have fallen asleep."And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep , and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?. (Matthew 26:40) But then we find in 3 Nephi 19:24-25  when the Resurrected Savior has visited the Americas and goes to pray. When He finishes he find his chosen apostles praying with him unceasingly and what blessing do they receive? "And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus prayed unto the Father, he came unto his disciples, and behold,

they did still continue, without ceasing, to pray unto him;and they did not multiply many words, for it was given unto

them what they should pray, and they were filled with desire. 25 And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto him; 

and his countenance did smile upon them,and the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance

 and also the garments of Jesus; and behold the whiteness thereof did 

exceed all the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof."

Who are we? Are we the ones sleeping or are we unceasingly praying being filled with Christ's light and feeling His smile upon us? I know as we pray with the Savior we can experience the true delight of the Sabbath day and we will receive His smile and countenance upon us.  As I have come to understand the Savior's atonement more and I have come to understand that the Sabbath is a delight and I desire to pray with the Savior each week. What an honor it is to do. I have been blessed with the ability to truly remember Him and have a stronger desire to go to church BECAUSE OF HIM. 

I love each of you and so grateful for all that you have done for me! Have a great week and keep smiling!  Pray for me as I go into these last few weeks. Pray that I can give my all and truly show my Savior and God that I love them these last 3 weeks. Pray that I won't let the fear of man stop me and that I can stand boldly for this gospel and continue to bless the lives of the Korean people. Pray that I can be happy with the efforts I have put forward each day and Pray that I can feel the Lord's approval at the end. I LOVE YOU! thanks you for your prayers love support and everything!  

Love, 

드리스콜자매

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll 

Letter - 6/1/15

Family and Friends, 

You know you have been in Korea a long time when you wake up a 6:30 and during exercise time your companion tells you that you were sleep talking in Korean the night before. Yep this week marks exactly 18 months as a missionary and learning Korean so I guess it is pretty well drilled into my head if I can do it as I sleep. Not really though still have a lot to learn but funny to think about! Another evidence of being a missionary for too long is when your companion and you decide you want to go shopping and you come home with a whole new wardrobe because you are tired of the clothes you have been wearing for 18 months! Yes life is great! 

As I near the end of my mission I remember some words that were told to me a couple of weeks ago actually by one of my great friends that I met on my mission, Sister Berry. She said "The number one greatest thing that helped me through the last part of my mission was something very simple, something that I’ve heard about and I knew about but then realized is like the magical wand that helps every hard situation—it was GRATITUDE.  For me it helped because instead of thinking of how sad I was that my mission was over or almost over, I could just be Grateful that it ever happened, that ANYTHING in my mission ever happened.  Because every single day, every single moment, every single action was a day, a moment, and an action that added to God’s work.  Any of it, and all of it."  This is the way I have been living this last transfer  and can I just say what a joy it is to be a part of this work. We had a mission conference this week and Elder Ringwood's wife spoke to us. She just mentioned how great it is to be a part of this work. What a blessing it is to be a part of the work of salvation. I am living in gratitude each day as I look back and see that each moment and action truly has taken a role in the Lord's great and marvelous work! What a privelage it is to know that I am apart of this work now and forever will be. 

This week Sister Hwang and I enjoyed may meeting with members, investigators, and missionaries! We were so exhausted by the end of this crazy week that we had one night where we were so tire that we couldn't stop laughing! We went to close our daily planning session and during the prayer I don't even remember but something caused us to laugh and then we coudn't stop! We repented and told Heavenly Father it was due to our lack of sleep even though we get a full 8 hours every day! We are having fun and living happily and gratefully! 

We had the wonderful opportunity to attend the beautiful Seoul Korea temple and the best part of was my companion is Korean so we went to the Korean session. For my last visit before I go again with my parents I was able to listen to everything in Korean. It was so cool and just amazed with the Spirit it brought into my heart. As I sat in the temple once again I was just overwhelmed in gratitude. Gratitude that I have been able to participate in this labor of love among the Korean people and gratitude for the relationship I have been able to build with my Savior and Heavenly Father. 

As a missionary you truly do not understand the affect you will have on those you come in contact with. I will never be able to know but what I do know is in the end we have all played a role in changing live no matter how simple the act. At the temple I was talking with Sister Glauser who came to Korea with me and she tole me about how in her first area she ended up meeting a relative of hers who had a bunch of her family history work done. As she talked with her she found out her family's conversion story and how it was simply through one missionary who went to a store opened his mouth and got rejected but her great grandma overheard the conversation and found that missionary asking him to teach her. Because of that one missionary everyone in her family's life changed. Then on Sunday I met the first counselor of our stake presidency and found out that when President Morrise was a missionary in Busan the first counselor was taught by him and few years later converted into the church. We truly do not understand the power of our influence and I think it has taken me a while to realize that. As I listened to the talks give at our joint mission conference with the Seoul Mission Elder Ringwood reassured us that this mission isn't just 18 months or 2 years because it has built a foundation in our lives personally, in Korea, in the lives of the members here, in our companions lives, in our wards, stakes, family for the present and for the future. Isn't it amazing! I just love this work so much! The Lord works in mysterious ways!

 In fact speaking of the Lord working in mysterious ways. When I came to this area in November Sister Johnson and I met a girl in our ward. She was here with other BYU students for a semester attending school! One of the first few nights we had met her, she told us that she had made the decision that night to go on a mission because of our examples! I became really close with her and was able to help her with a lot of the mission preparation process and she finally got her call! She is coming to OUR mission in October! What are the chances that she made the decision to serve a mission in our mission and ended up getting her call here! When I found out the news, I couldn't believe it. I was just jumping for joy realizing that Sister Johnson and I had that influence on her! Of course we made the joke that she would come serve in our mission. Haha, but never thought it was actually going to happen. The Lord truly does work in mysterious ways.  

So many good things are happening in our area. We are still working hard and a man who has been an investigator the whole time I have been here was baptized yesterday! It was such a joyful day watching one of God's children begin the journey back to Him. Sister Hwang and I have invited our 15 year old investigator, 김지혜 to be baptized and she said yes! I have taught her for the last 6 months and she is just amazing! We are planning on the end of June! It was such a joy when we invited her! She has the pure desire to follow the example of the Savior. Our only obstacle will be getting her parents permission but I know that the Lord will provide the way for His daughter to start on the path back to Him. It was just so amazing as we have taught her the last few weeks she has mentioned how she wants to be a missionary like us and how she loves Jesus Christ. When she prays it is so sincere and full of gratitude to the Lord for sending us to her so that she can come to know the Christ's gospel. When we extended the invitation she didn't even hesitate. I just know the Lord is working through Sister Hwang and I as we seek His will and replace our fear with love and faith. I love this work! I love being a missionary! I love my Savior and I love my Heavenly Father! 

I just want to thank you all for your love support and prayers! I truly would not be who I am today without your examples and counsel. I want you all to know that I know God loves His children. Each and every one of them and He is an optimist. He never sees us as inadequate or weak. He loves us for who we are and He has sent His Son Jesus Christ for us to turn to so we can progress and become more like Him. I know Jesus Christ is my Savior and He is my friend. I know that He has restored His gospel and that the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints is the true church being led by a prophet called of God. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God and as we live by it's teachings we will indeed find the peace and joy we all hope for. I know this gospel of Jesus Christ is the way to happiness and everything that we do inside of this gospel and how we live is only meant to bless us! I love you and miss you all but I will see you sooner then I think I would like...Have a wonderful week and join with me in a living of gratitude! 

love, 

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll  

Letter - 5/25/15

Dear Family and Friends,

Well another week has come and gone! My family I assume celebrated a birthday this week too! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE GREATEST AND BEST SISTER-IN-LAW IN THE WORLD! JOELLE! I really hope Tyler spoiled you because I know you deserve it. Thanks for being a part of my family and adding so much joy and happiness! I read your letter about "when I need to laugh" and it works! I truly laugh every time! Thanks for the fun memories and the many more to come! 

 Sister Hwang and I are beginning to melt over here in Korea! Summer has come and the sun is beating down on us pretty good! We have some interesting tan lines on our feet and have I mentioned that my hair is going blonde. That may be exaggerated but the sun really is bleaching it out!  

This week we were quite busy and at times I felt like I was running around like a chicken with my head chopped off. It was just one of those crazy weeks where there was so much to do and we didn't know where to start but we got through happily with smiles on our faces! Luckily Sister Hwang is just super patient and positive all the time! Even when our plans fell completely apart we were still able to fulfill our purpose and end with a smile on our faces! 

We met with the girl I talked about last week and she is now our new investigator! I still can't believe I ran into her again on the bus but I am so glad I did! Her name is 염시은 and is preparing to go to Australia in August so wants to study English with us. We will be meeting with her every Monday! She doesn't have a religious background and usually they are my favorite to teach because I can help someone first come to know and understand that they have a Heavenly Father who LOVES them. If everyone in the world just knew that one fact oh how great would be my joy! I am just so grateful that I have the opportunity now to help others understand that and that the Lord is using me as His instrument to be able to deliver His love to His children. 

The Lord truly is aware of His children and their simple prayers they offer to Him each day. This last Saturday we had english class and we usually leave right after but for some reason we stayed and the next thing we knew we were helping our relief society president clean the church. We didn't think much of it because it was just something we were to do because she was the only one who came to clean. At the end of cleaning she turned to us and said I told my husband that the sisters of the ward were probably not going to come today because last week was stake conference so we weren't able to announce that it was our time to clean the church. He told me to say a prayer to Heavenly Father to provide some helpers for me. When I came to the church and you started helping me I knew that you were the answer. Her husband was right. Hearing her tell the story just brought so much joy in my heart seeing once again the Lord working in His own ways to answer His children's prayers and prove to them that He is aware and He is watching over each one of us. 

We had the great pleasure to do missionary work for 3 hours with Sister Morrise Wednesday night after interviews with President Morrise and it was so much fun! We had English class so she helped us prepare and teach our basic english class. We made up a song because Sister Morrise is very musically talented and taught it to the class! It was very enjoyable. I used to not enjoy teaching English that much but now I really enjoy it and like helping the Korean people learn and also just feel good about themselves because they truly are all really good at English! After English class Sister Morrise, Sister Hwang and I went and had a practice lesson with one of our members. It was so fun and our member was so cute. She was so nervous to have the Mission Presidents wife over to her home but it turned into an enjoyable time where we talked about Sister Neil F. Marriots talk from October general conference about sharing our light. Sister Morrise shared an experience while being in Korea that I want to share it with all of you so that you can understand the simplicity of sharing your light. 

When Sister Morrise first got to Korea she was riding on the busy subway and noticed an old man huddled up in the corner. He was gloomy and she knew he wasn't happy. She told herself "I need to help that man smile." So she started with giving a gentle smile at him. He noticed and kind of gave a smile back but then she kept smiling brighter and brighter. By the time she got off the subway the old man was standing up and twirling is cane and glowing. There was a complete change in a matter of minutes. Through her telling this story I just realized how simple it truly is to share the light of Christ to those around you. I thought of the many people I have smiled at and could see there countenance change. That is truly the Lord working through us to bring the joy He wants to give to His children. Never forget the power of your positive influence or your bright smile! So SMILE ON!!! 

As we finished the night we were all smiles because we were able to help Sister Morrise fulfill one of her bucket list goals while being in Korean. In our area we have this big circle bridge and it's been Sister Morrise's dream to walk around it at night, so after our lesson she immediately asked "Do we have time to walk around the bridge?" Of course we did! She had told me about that goal of hers back in December and I was just hoping to be the one to do it with her so when I found out that we had the opportunity to be with her that night Sister Hwang and I set aside special time just for that. It was like giving a child a piece of candy but such a wonderful happy memory that Sister Hwang, Sister Morrise, and I will be able to cherish forever! 

I love being a missionary. Having one of my last interviews with President Morrise was one of the craziest things to think about but as I talked to him all I could feel was peace. As I spoke to him about the different feelings I had been having and different challenges I had faced he stopped me in the middle of my sentence and said "Sister Driscoll I am so proud of you. I just felt like I needed to say that to you." At that moment hearing those words come from his mouth was so unbelievable. It was as if my Heavenly Father was speaking to me and it felt so real. I of course just cried because that simple phrase was all I needed to hear. It was as if I had received the Lord's approval for all that I had done in just a small simple phrase and He used His worthy servant President Morrise to tell me. I felt so much peace about going into this last month and am just going to continue enjoying this opportunity and taking advantage of every moment. I know it is not the end and that this mission will continue for the rest of my life. I love this work. I love serving in Korea as a representative of the Savior Jesus Christ. I love Korea. I love my Heavenly Father and I love my Savior Jesus Christ. Have a great week! Remember to SMILE ON! 

Love, 

드리스콜자매

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll  

P.S.  Always remember that the Lord is proud of you! He loves you and will always be smiling down upon you because He is an optimist. He sees who you are and who you are striving to become! 

Letter - 5/17/15

Dear Family and Friends, 

6 WEEKS?! That is all! Can you believe it because I sure can't but at the same time I feel at complete peace. Peace knowing that I have this amazing opportunity to represent my Savior in Korea a place that I have grown to love. I can't imagine being anywhere else to serve the mission the Lord prepared for me.  I do remember though a year ago thinking the day would never come and now here it is. Time truly has flown and I am just living in complete gratitude at this time in my mission. Gratitude that any of this mission even happened because each moment I have been able to be apart of the Lord's work in some way and what joy that brings to my heart. 

The last two days spent with Sister Matamata were crazy as we bounced from member to member just eating ourselves away! We visited so many members and in the process were a part of a little bus accident! The driving in Korea is a little crazy but all was well just a fender bender but it was funny! I have to say though that the training experience was something I will never forget! I truly learned so much. It was the perfect opportunity for me to learn to become more like my Savior and in the end I truly did. I remember when I received the call to be trainer I looked up in the white handbook under leadership and remember reading that a leadership calling is the opportunity to develop greater love, serve others, and learn. That is the perfect description of the last 12 weeks and I look back in gratitude seeing the Savior influencing me for the better each and everyday.  I know that the Lord was truly teaching me this whole time and He put me in a situation to grow which was exactly what I needed. He saw that I was ready to grow more in ways that I didn't know I could and made it happen. 

Wednesday was the start of the new transfer! I had to say good bye to all the sisters that were in the MTC with me when I first arrived which meant Sister Hunter, my companion in 금천. I can't even describe the heart break I felt by saying good bye to her. It was the worst. As we talked she told me that as she looks back at her mission one of her fondest memories was us walking the streets of 금천and I couldn't agree more! What did we do during that time, not really sure, we were both super young missionaries but we just went forth joyfully and with the right intent in our hearts. 

The Lord truly has blessed me and taken such great care of me. My new companion 황지원 or Sister Hwang is a tender mercy for not only me but also the area of 곡반정. She is originally from Seoul and has been in the mission for 2 transfers now. She was born into the church and is just so humble, sweet, focused and ready to work. Her parents both served missions in Busan and are converts to the church. She doesn't speak much English but she understands everything! But we just speak Korean to each other which is so great for me as I can continue to develop this language! I am so glad to be serving with her at this time and I am so glad that President Morrise received the revelation to send her here to this area because I can just see that 곡반정 is in need of her and us as a companionship! We are ready to go and work hard to the end! I told her the other day that she needs to work me to death! She laughed because in the mission world when you go home all the missionaries just say that you died so she seriously is going to work me to death.  

Our first full day together was great! We went about visiting members and delivering invitations to our Stake Conference! We didn't have much luck with catching members home but we walked and walked in the heat and by the end we were exhausted.  Then Friday we had our first lessons together which we were both so nervous for because one was with an American and the other was with a Korean. So I was nervous for both and Sister Hwang was nervous for the American one because it was English speaking.

 We met the American, Brandi a week ago and were able to make an appointment with her. She is from Wisconsin but has been living in Korea for 5 years teaching English. The weirdest thing was teaching a missionary lesson in English to an american. My whole mission I have yet to give a lesson in English and can I just say how grateful I am to be speaking Korean. It was hard because I wasn't limited. In Korean my only choice is to teach simply. At the end of the lesson I turned Sister Hwang and just asked her how she is able to teach in her native tongue? She said it's hard and now I totally understand. But the Lord guided our lessons and we will be meeting with Brandi again next Friday. 

Then our lesson with 김지헤 who I have been meeting with for a long time was just perfect. I have never had such spirit-filled lesson! Sister Hwang and I were just very united and we were able to answer a lot of her questions about the Book of Mormon, missionary work and why we chose to come on a mission. Then near the end she asked us how she could be a missionary too! It was the best question ever! We were just able to testify and invite her to get closer to Christ. We walked away from that lesson filled with so much joy and hope. Sister Hwang is an amazing teacher, because as I spoke she filled in the gaps and then our testimonies just blended! We will be meeting with 김지헤this week on Wednesday with a member and Sister Morrise will actually be with us too so that's going to be fun! Things are continually looking up as we go forth faithfully fulfilling our purpose. 

Crazy thing on Sunday though! So as we were going about visiting Less Actives that day I ran into a girl that I met on the bus 3 weeks ago! I was riding the bus and then felt a tap on my shoulder turned around and I was just shocked to see a familiar face! She said that she had tried calling us but then come to find out she had typed in the wrong number so she got the right number and we are actually meeting with her tonight! It was just cool so see the Lord put her back in our path. 

Anyways time is running short I have so much more to say but have to go! I love you all and miss you all! I am so grateful to be a missionary and to be serving here in Korea! I love this gospel and all the joy it has brought into my life! I love my Savior and am so grateful to know that I can have Him by my side everyday with every step I take! Hope you all have a great week! Remember that each experience you go through is an opportunity to become more like Christ! 

Love, 

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll 

Letter - 5/10/15

Dear Family and Friends, 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Yes about 2 hours ago I had the grand opportunity to skype my wonderful family! It was all I could ask for! It was also weird to think that next month I will be seeing them! Time sure has flown! I just want to start off by thanking all the wonderful women in my life! There are way too many in order to name off every one but you know who you are! Thank you for your wonderful examples and for truly teaching me how to walk uprightly before the Lord and keep His commandments faithfully! I have been made into the woman I am today through each of you and am full of gratitude. I have been so blessed all my life to be influenced by so many righteous examples! I will never be able to give enough thanks to my Father in Heaven!

This week was the last week Sister Matamata and I had together because we received transfer calls this week and she will be moving to a new area. Training truly has been an experience never to forget but the greatest opportunity for me to learn to develop greater love and learn to serve others more valiantly. Never with all my companions have I learned this lesson so much greater! I truly learned that you serve those you love but you also grow to love those you serve. These last 12 weeks Sister Matamata and I have rejoiced together, hurt together, laughed together, and cried together. It was an adventure that I am pleased to say I was able to walk with the Lord on my side. It wasn't easy but looking back now I see that it was all worth it only to make me a little better and more like my Savior, Jesus Christ. Watching her grow has been the most humbling experience. I could not be more proud of all the work she has put in during her training. She has progressed so much and become a wonderful missionary and will only continue to be better. I am grateful to the Lord for allowing me to help her start her foundation as a missionary. I knew it was an important role when I was called as a trainer and I can only hope I accomplished for her what the Lord had planned. We have definitely built each other up and supported each other through thick and thin. 

I will receive my new companion on Wednesday! Her name is Sister 황지원. Yep so she is Korean and I am so excited! I have met her a couple times and she is just ready to be happy and work hard! We will just continue moving forward in this wonderful area of 곡반정 and seek and do as the Lord has planned. He has suffered so much in this area to help it become what it is today and so I am just honored to be able to assist Him in His work. The Lord's work will only continue to go forward so we will not back down! 

This last week was great we visited a lot of members! Sister Matatmata and I have been on this marathon of buying all these pretty flowers that are cheap for the Relief Society to just express our thanks and gratitude to them. The Relief Society in the ward truly are just amazing and I think that has been one of my favorite parts of being a missionary! Learning and growing through the examples of the women here in Korea. Hearing their testimonies, most of them are first generation members, is the most spiritual and uplifting experience for me. I am continually grateful that the Lord has helped me enough so that I can understand their testimonies and be strengthened by them.

Speaking of understanding through the spirit. This Saturday we had a Family History Meeting where all the youth of the stake got together and listened to Elder Anderson's challenge for the Youth to prepare as many names for the temple and help someone else do the same.  Well during it I couldn't understand everything because the translation went over Elder Anderson's speaking but one part I knew that he was sharing an experience from a girl who had found her grandparents throughfamilysearch.org. Like I said I couldn't understand every word but the Spirit I felt in my heart was indescribable and only seemed to plant a desire in my heart to also do family history work when I get home. That is what the Spirit does. It touches us and then plants a desire in our hearts to do something better. As the Spirit does that you then know that it is of God and influenced by His Son Jesus Christ! I just found it so amazing how we can truly feel the Spirit of God when we don't understand what completely is going on! The Spirit of God truly has no boundaries. 

Saturday night we also had the wonderful opportunity to meet with 김영숙 and 이근배 who are our recent converts from December. Meeting with them truly is just the highlight of my week. 김영숙 is just the most generous and loving person I know. I can't help but only feel love for her and from her everytime I am around her. And that love truly is Christ working inside of her and it is humbling to see. As we met with her she was expressing some of her struggles because since her husbands stroke it has just been hard because he has changed so much but as she spoke she continued to talk about turning to God in gratitude because that was what was talked about in church last week. She said that gratitude and turning to God has helped her through this hard time and all I could think is YES she is exactly right! Gratitude is all we need in our hearts to get through even the hardest times which reminds me of lady that I met while traveling on the subway. I sat next to this sweet lady who was just glowing. I said hello and she cheerfully talked back. I told her that she looked really happy and she said yes. I asked her why and she said because of all my blessings and I am just so grateful. I learned through that woman's example that it is truly impossible to be unhappy if you only remember the simple blessings of each day. I know that to be true because I have tried it! I have lived in gratitude and all I could feel was happiness and I will continue to live in a spirit of gratitude so that happiness will never leave my heart. 

Thank you for all of your love and support though! I love and miss you all but time is flying and next thing you know  I will be back in good old Idaho! But as for now I just want you all to know that I love this work! I love serving in  Korea! I could not imagine serving anywhere else! I love the Korean people! I love this gospel and I love my Savior and Heavenly Father! Remember I may have already said this but Live in a Heart of gratitude and all you will find is true happiness! 

Love, 

드리스콜자매

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll 

Letter - 5/4/15

Dear Family and Friends, 

Well I don't know what to say exactly right now but I only have 2 months left! That fact hit me the other day as I turned my calendar over to May. How is it possible? That is what I have been asking myself almost all week. But as I think about it my heart is overwhelmed in gratitude to my Savior, Heavenly Father, family, friends, the Korean people, missionary friends and everyone that I have met while serving this mission. I know that this mission is the mission the Lord planned for me. 

Today as I was studying I was seeking just for some comfort to know that the course I have taken while serving my mission has been according to the Lord's will and I found this verse in 3 Nephi 27:30 "And now, behold, my joy is great, even unto fulness, because of you..." Reading those words immediately brought the spirit into my heart and I know that the Lord is smiling down on me because He is an Optimist. God is cheering each of us on as we battle this life. He sees who we are and who we are trying to become. He has commanded us to become as He is which sounds unreachable because He is perfect. But when the Lord gives a commandment He always provides the way and we can achieve that goal of perfection through the atonement of Jesus Christ. He is rejoicing over us as we strive to be better each day and that's what matters to Him. GOD IS AN OPTIMIST! So smile be happy and keep trying with the Savior at your side!   

This week was kind of hard as our appointments cancelled and our investigators stopped progressing. During this time I couldn't help but wonder if I was doing something wrong. If the cancellations and non progression was happening because of me but I was reminded that everyone has their agency and my only responsibility is to continue to help these people make the choice to step a little closer to Christ even if it is as simple as looking and seeing the light that I am trying to share as I walk smiling down the street. I know that no effort is wasted and the Lord has a greater plan. I know He uses each thing that I do to help progress His work.  

 I don't know exactly what is going on in the work here in 곡반정 right now but it is turning a little upside down.  All I can do right now is have trust in the Lord because I know He truly does have it under control. During this time I thought of a quote that Tyler shared with me "Try not to resist the changes that come, let life live through you and do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?"  The Lord has a better plan always and He will reveal it to me day by day. I am praying and seeking the Lord's will and I know it will come. This is His work and it will never cease. It is in His hands and through continually taking the steps of faith forward the Lord will only continue to provide the way even if I can't see the big picture. 

What's important is to take things one day at a time because I have figured out that is all I can handle. I have truly been pushing through with the strength I needed for each day individually! Not the strength for 1 month but simply turning to God and telling Him what I need that day and what I will do to receive that need. Faith to endure to the end must first be built on Faith in the Savior to endure today! I found that faith often is praying with action in mind. I know that as we pray with the action in mind that answers to our prayers come because we seek them and we make them happen. I have a strong testimony of that as I went on exchange this week with Sister Bagley who was in the MTC with me and I just expressed to her my thoughts and how I just needed peace. She told me what she does when she feels she needs something and she gives herself a commitment after telling the Lord the blessings she is seeking for. I tried it. I woke up Tuesday morning asking the Lord just for peace in my heart and I told Him what I was going to do to receive that peace. Do you want to know what happened the rest of that day? I received that peace all day long and continued receiving it throughout this week through my studies and temple attendance. I know God answers our prayers and sends us the assurance we need to continue pressing forward.

Lately Sister Matamata and I have been writing notes and delivering flowers to certain member just because. We didn't really have a reason but one specific member came up to us on Sunday gave us the biggest hug and just cried. We visited her house Friday night and dropped off a note just thanking her for her testimony and love. Well on Sunday she told us the note we left her brought tears to her eyes and was exactly what she needed. It was so rewarding to see the Lord use us as His instruments to help one of His children be reminded of His love for her. Often, like I said I don't know why we visit certain people at certain times or see or talk to certain people but I do find out in the end that it is merely the Lord working through me to deliver His love to His children. It is the best feeling ever to receive and I know that He causes everything to happen for a reason. He is aware of His children and send His children to each other to support, strengthen, reassure, and remind each other of His love for them. I know this to be true as I have received so many answers to my prayers this week through others, my companion, members, the scriptures, the prophets, friends, and all of the above. He answered and I am a witness of that. 

Thank you to each of you for your love and for the counsel you give me each week! You have all answered my prayers in numerous ways just by being yourselves. I love and miss each of you! I know that this experience is the foundation for the rest of my life and it give me so much peace to see the things I have learned that will help me forever. I know that God is our loving Heavenly Father. I know that His Son Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. I know that They called Joseph Smith as a prophet to restore the fulness of Christ's gospel. I know that through the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ we can go through the challenges of life with hope and return to our Heavenly Father and live with Him again. I know this message to be true. I love this work. I love being a missionary. I love representing my Savior and becoming like Him more each day! I love each of you and Remember God is an Optimist! 

Love,

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll  

Letter - 4/26/15

Family and Friends, 

First off HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAREST LITTLE SISTER, who is not so little anymore! Hailey I hope you had a wonderful birthday! I just want you to know how much I love you and how proud I am of you! You have truly grown into a beautiful young woman. I still remember when we were little and we would play dolls, horses, dress-up and pretty much anything that we could think of! Thanks for being my play buddy and singing in the car with me! You have taught me so much and I truly admire your willingness to try new things and just be YOU! I LOVE YOU! 

This week was just a wonderful week! Last Monday for p-day we made our way to my last area 금천to meet with Sister Lyman, Sister Hunter and my most favorite person on the entire planet 황미주! If you don't remember she is the member Sister Hunter and I would do practice lessons with weekly and she helped us progress so much! She is like family and seeing her was the highlight of my week. The minute we exited the subway station I saw 황미주, ran to her, gave her a hug and we just cried together! That moment was the time that I have felt the most purest love run through my body. That entire day all I could do was thank the Lord for this missionary opportunity because just that relationship I have gained with her has made every moment worth it. She is planning on taking my family to Seoul when they come and pick me up so mom, dad and Hailey be prepared to meet a new member of the family:) She is the coolest ever! As I spent that day with her she was telling me of a hard time she had maybe 2 months ago. She was overwhelmed with work and hadn't had any time for herself for like a month and it was really hard. One morning she said that she got up and prayed to Heavenly Father expressing the feelings of her heart and then just hoping to find peace for that day. Well that day she ended up meeting with Sister Stout who gave her a letter from Sister Hunter and then the next day she woke up looked in the mail and found a letter from me. She said that Heavenly Father answered her prayers through us and that we have been her angels ever since we were together in 금천. It was a testimony strengthener for her and listening to her tell the story strengthened my testimony that Heavenly Father truly is aware of us at all times, answers our prayers and sends people into our lives only to bless and strengthen us. 

As I reflected on the love I felt that day we went and had Zone Conference the next day. It was amazing and I truly received so much comfort and assurance through the amazing training I received from the leaders in my mission. Our Zone leaders gave tips on how to study Korean and pretty much what it came down to was that learning Korean is not about us and that Korean is just a tool. As they trained I found myself asking these questions "Why do I speak Korean? Why do I study it? Why do I continue to try? Why have I studied my brains out, cried, and hurt over Korean?" As I answered those questions honestly in my heart it all came down to love. Love for the people, love for my Savior, love for this gospel and love for my Heavenly Father. I have no plans after my mission to study Korean and in Idaho the Korean population is very low but because of the love that I have developed for these people I will continue to try and communicate with them in their own tongue and remind them of the love their Father in Heaven has for them. I found so much comfort knowing this and that my heart has been in the right place as I have sought to serve these people and bring them to the knowledge of God's love. I know that the love is what paves the way and if that is all we can do then it is always enough. After all the greatest commandment that Lord has given us is to LOVE. 

After that conference I just wanted to continue to show my love to my Lord through my actions. While doing so Sister Matamata and I were led to a lady name Angela, or 차기숙. About 3 weeks ago we ran in to this lady who was super nice gave us the warmest hello as we walked our way to an appointment. The lady and us were both in a hurry so all we could do was exchange hellos. About a week later we saw her again and it was the same situation. We tried to stop and talk to her but she had to go. Well just this last Friday as we were walking home for dinner this same lady happened to cross our path again and this time we both had time! She recognized us first and said "Wow this is the 3rd time we have met in this same exact spot!" Coincidence?! I think not. As we explained who we were and what we are doing in Korea well come to find out that Angela went to America and visited not only Yellowstone but had the entire tour of Temple Square! She said that missionaries like us showed her around! She immediately invited us over for dinner next week and we will be meeting with her on Tuesday! I know that Heavenly Father put her in our path not just once but 3 times for a reason and now is the time for Him to use us as His instruments to help His Child return back to Him. I have a strong testimony that everything happens for a reason and no matter what happens it is all part of God's perfect plan. 

Doing missionary work in Korea truly has been the best experience I could have ever asked for. I have learned to truly wait on the Lord's time table. I got a letter from 황미주 this week as I had expressed to her some of my feelings on our investigators that aren't progressing. She gave me a comparison with different flowers and how each flower is different and they all bloom in their own time no matter how well you take care of them and give them the exact amount of water, sunlight, and soil that they need. We just cannot get down on ourselves because if they don't bloom after doing all that you can it is not a reflection of you not taking care of them or giving them what they need. It's all on the Lord's timing as well as theirs. All we can do is our best and I know that as we do so the Lord will make up the rest. 

I truly have been so blessed by the lessons I have learned each day on my mission and I know they will continue to strengthen me for the rest of my life. Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with each of you! Thank you for your prayers and love. I love being a missionary. I love serving my Savior and representing Him amongst His children in Korea. I know with all my heart that the Lord accepts our efforts no matter how big or small. He is always smiling down on us as He sees us where we are and where we desire to be. He knows our hearts, He knows my heart. How grateful I am for this knowledge because after all the only opinion that matter is His. He is the person I strive to please each day through my actions. I am here to please my Father in Heaven and live my life for Him. Remember every flower blooms in its own time! 

Love, 

드리스콜자매

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll 

Letter - 4/20/15

Family and Friends, 

Well the last few days it has been raining non-stop! Sister Matamata and I have gone through our own fair share of umbrellas with the combination of wind and downpours! I think in the last week Sister Matamata destroyed three and ended up having to buy 4! Poor girl! Umbrellas haven't been our friends but we do what we can but when our umbrellas do break it gives us a great opportunity to talk to the beautiful Korean people because they fill bad for us and let us stand under their umbrellas with them. So I guess we could say the rainy weather is a blessing and a great way to share the gospel! 

This week was busy with lots of different appointments and adventures in our area of 곡반정. We had an interesting experience while we went talking to people at a specific park in our area. We were talking to this sweet old lady and her grandchildren just having a nice conversation when another older lady came up to us and started yelling at us calling us a cult and that we shouldn't be involved with such a religion. I was shocked and didn't know what to do. I at first was so sad that someone would say that out in public and just thought how did the Savior take on such persecution. Then I was afraid for the people we were actually speaking with because the grandchildren I could tell were afraid. We remained talking to the grandma and grandchildren and ended up finishing the conversation okay before we needed to go. As we left Sister Matamata wanted so badly to talk to that lady who called us a cult and understand why she thought that. I personally did not want to because I felt that she wouldn't want to listen to what we had to say and through experience on my mission I have found those type of situations to do me no good but regardless I let Sister Matamata go. Well we went together. WE walked toward where the lady was and she was actually talking to another group of people so Sister Matamata decided to walk by and play with a little boy and his grandmother. It turned out to be a tender mercy we didn't talk to the lady who called us a cult but we had a wonderful conversation with the mother of the little boy named Lou Lou who later came by. We exchanged numbers and will be meeting with her this week. It was a humbling experience for me and immediately after I turned to Sister Matamata and thanked her for wanting to talk to that lady because if she wouldn't have wanted to we would have never spoken to Lou Lou. The Lord truly is humbling me everyday and showing me the mysterious ways that He works. 

I continue learning so much as a missionary and I know that it will never stop as I continually humble myself before the Lord each day and allow Him to teach me. This week I studied a lot about service because a member asked me to teach her Sunday school class on Sunday and it was on service. I thought about the Savior who of course is our perfect example of service and just thought how amazing He is to truly have lived His life for us out of complete service and the least I could do is the same by living my life for Him. I received this email from a return missionary that just explains perfectly what I mean by living my life for the Savior. 

"John 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

I always thought of this scripture as Christ telling us that He loves us with the greatest amount of love that is possible -- because He suffered and died for our sins, our peace, our weakness, and all of the times we would need comfort from Him.

But this morning as I was driving to church this scripture popped into my head and I realized that not only did Christ lay down his life for us when He died for us, but He lived every day for us. Showing us the example of how to treat others, how to withstand temptation, how to develop a relationship with our Father in Heaven. Everything He did during His life, for 33 years, was for us. Not just the last few days.

This realization changed my perspective again and reminded me to be living every day for the Savior. That is one of the ways that I can show my love for Him -- by laying down my life, my selfish desires, bad habits, etc., and devoting each day more to the Savior.

I'm super grateful for the Holy Ghost and the knowledge that we have of the gospel -- and I'm grateful that the Lord is compassionate with us in our weakness, and that He is content with us making progress and steps in the right direction" 

Through service I know that we truly find our own happiness. Through experience I know this too be true. These last two transfers I have learned to love and serve more than ever. I have learned that you serve those you love and it's easy to do that but when it's hard to love someone I have found that through service you grow to love them. We truly grow to love those that we serve more than we could ever imagine regardless of the differences. Nothing stops us from loving them and as we truly and sincerely serve them. How grateful I am for the Savior's example of selfless and loving service toward me. I know that as each of us commit daily to be a little better for our Savior we will find ourselves right where He wants us to be. As we live our life for Him we will find that happiness because it will be selfless because we are living for Him, not for us. Teaching this lesson was really fun and everyone agreed with President Uchtdorf's comment "As we lose ourselves in the service of others we find our own lives and our own happiness."

Anyways time is running short on email as well as the mission! Thank you for your countless prayers, letters, love and service in my behalf. Still loving with all my heart the opportunity that I have been given to serve my God and Savior and I know it will never end. This calling as a full-time a missionary is also a calling as a life long missionary. I know this gospel is true and it teaches the way of Christ. I know the Jesus is the Christ and He is my Savior. I know that Heavenly Father loves each of us and know each of us personally. I love being a missionary and watching the Korean people come to know these things for themselves. What joy it brings to my heart. LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU ALL! Remember "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God!"

Love, 

드리스콜자매

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll