Dear Family and Friends,
Happy 추속!!! Which was actually last Monday but all the missionaries celebrated on Tuesday at a big mission conference which was full of food, talents, and fun activities. 추속 is like our Thanksgiving and is a time where the Koreans honor the harvest as well as their ancestors. In Korea there are only two big holidays and they are both based on the Lunar Calender so we celebrate Thankgiving around September and then the New Year the beginning of February. It's super fun as they make traditional food and wear their traditional clothing. Everyone celebrates so the cities aren't quite as busy. For our mission conference we all just enjoyed some training from President Morrise's mission president President Han. He taught us about Chinese Characters and how they flow with Korean and really tell us who the Korean people are. The Asian culture is so interesting and I am so excited to be living amongst it and learning of it daily. I am so grateful that we had the big conference as I was able to see so many of the friends that I have made here who have made me a better person. I cannot thank my Heavenly Father enough for the examples He has put in my path to help me become who He wants and needs me to become. I love being apart of the Korea Seoul South Mission and serving the Lord in a very choice land.
This week Sister Hunter and I had lots of fun and learned a lot. Due to the fact that we don't have investiagtors we have spent a lot of time on the street talking with people. At our conference we has Presidnet MOrrise encouraged us all to be speaking more Korean and really diligently enhance our language abilities so Sister Hutner and I took on the challenge. While walking on the street if there is no one to talk to we are either memorizing scriptures or role playing a situation that we will have on the street. As we did that role playing different situations Heavenly Father saw our effrots and kindly putin our path people where the role play actually became real life. One particular role play we were talking about the Book of Mormon and it led to Sister Hunter asking for my number. After she asked for my number not even 15 second after we said hello to a sweet lady sitting on the side of the street and she quickly asked "Are you Church people?" We quickly said yes and she asked "Would it be okay if I gave you my number?" WHAT?? We stood in shock and were thinking well of course because that never happens. Our testimonies grew because when we are focused on our purpose God will put people in our paths to show us that He is watching us and is aware of our efforts. The next day we contacted the lady and she said that it was not a coincidence that we met so we offered our time to her and asked if we could meet. We haven't heard back from her though. I am sad about that but I will never forget that experience. I know that as I continue to role play and prepare myself for all types of situations Heavenly Father will allow them to happen in real life and I will continue to be able to see His hand in my life.
I was reading in Alma 8 this week when Alma and Amulek meet. Alma just finished being rejected, spit upon, scolded and persecuted in the land of Ammonihah but the Lord tells him to go back. I can't imagine going back to a place where no one is accepting you but Alma obeys and a great blessing was given to him which was Amulek who was prepared to recieve Alma a prophet of the Lord into his home to hear the gospel. Sure it is not easy to find those prepared people but they are around you and me everyday we just have to open our eyes and see what God sees. I know this is the Lord's work and He prepares people all of the world to hear and accept His gospel. I know like Alma if I am faithful, obedient, and diligently working I have every reason to rejoice. I am serving the Lord and life doesn't get much better then that. After reading about this Sister Hunter and I recieved as referral from the elders in our area! We made an appointment and were able to have a new investigator! Her name is 신나리. She is mainly interested in English but she has many questions about life and a lot of her questions are those questions of the soul listed in PMG Chapter 5: The Book Of Mormon. She told us that she knows she needs God in her life and that if she really let Him in and found the good that He would cause in her life she would change accordingly. She really opened up to us her concerns and it was really nice because now we know where to start teaching and really how to help her make these changes in her life that will lead her to the everlasting happiness that she is searching for. She definitely seems to be a person that will allow the gospel change her life. It's not going to be easy but I know the Lord will guide us and her to help her recognize His love for her. I am so grateful that we were able to meet her. It has been so long since we had taught a lesson so it was so great and amazing to have the experience and we are really seeking her needs and applying each of our studies how we can help her feel more peace and comfort about life in general. I know that as we focus on her needs we will be able to find them and the change will be able to happen as we apply the gospel to her life and help her find that love the God has for her.
This past month I have been studying the Christlide attribute of faith and learned so much. Faith is really the foundation of our lives but as our faith is centered on Jesus Christ we find peace, happiness, and hope. In Helaman 5:47 it says, " Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world." If we have true faith in our Savior Jesus Christ all we should ever feel is peace. Sometimes that is hard because as Elder Andersen stated in the April General Conference we all have our own spiritual whirlwinds that can cause our faith to tremble. Helaman 5:12 then states that the storms of life will come and that is why it is so imporatant for us to build upon the Rock, our Savior Jesus Christ. He is where our safety lies. "Challenges will come to us but as we trust in God they will strengthen our faith." (Elder Andersen). We can go forward with faith each day because we have a loving Father in Heaven who sent His Son Jesus Christ to this earth and bear all challenges, all afflictions, all pains, all disappointments, all sorrows. He knows us and knows our trials but as we have faith in Him we can find that peace and that through Jesus Christ we can meet our challenges, be strengthened and know that we cannot be overcome by the world because He is on our side. With faith we can always go on. Elder Russel M. Nelson then stated "There is only ONE in whom our faith is always safe, the Lord Jesus Christ." I know that as we continue to exercise our faith it will strengthen and we will have a bright hope for our future and have no need to fear. Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us and our faith. He is aware of our situations and loves each of us enough to help us strengthen our faith through different experiences that will help us grow. I know that as we acto on our faith in Jesus Christ we will be able to notice the Lord's hand in our lives and face this world with courage. Trusting in God is all that is needed. He knows us and knows what is best for us. I love this gospel. I know that as I continue to exercise faith in my Savior Jesus Christ my relationship with Him will grow stronger and I will be able to face anything with faith and trust becaue I know that He is on my side.
Thank you to all of you for the letters, emails, and packages. I feel so much love from each of you! Thank you for your support, prayers and love. I don't know what I would do without all of your strength and good examples. Each of you push me to be a better person and reach my full potential. I love being a missionary and the many experiences I am having that are teaching me to be strong and rely on the Lord. I love the Korean people and it is an honor to be serving here. I know that Heavenly Father is my Father and that He loves me. I know that Jesus Christ lives and He is my Savior. I know what I am doing is the Lord's work and each day He is making me a tool in His great and marvelous work. I love this time in my life and am cherishing all that Heavenly Father throws my way. I love each of you and miss you but I know that Heavenly Father is taking better care of you then I ever could. Have great week! Don't forget to smile! Don't forget the blessing of each day! Don't forget to go forth with Faith!
Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Heart Mind and Seoul Korea
I am 19 years old and called to serve in the Korea Seoul South Mission as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I would like to thank all who have shown their love and support throughout this life changing journey of mine.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Letter - 9/8/14
Dear Family and Friends,
Well I can't believe how the time has flown! This week I hit 9 months as a missionary which means I am half way done! WHAT? Is this real life I still have so much to learn from my Father in Heaven and apply to my life to become not only the missionary He needs me to be but also the person. This week Sister Hunter and I had a full schedule but when the appointments came after diligent preparation everything fell through. I don't know why but every single lesson we planned to have was cancelled. It was so sad because we just want to teach the gospel so badly but I learned that everyone has their agency and things don't always go as planned so that is when we have to trust in God and His timing.
This week we had a special conference from Elder and Sister Aoyagi who are a part of the area presidency and from Japan. They gave all of their training in English so that we could understand. I could really feel their love as they spoke in their second language, putting their faith in God, and doing the best they could. It made me really think about my efforts in Korean and how I need to improve to really put my faith in God and let Him put the words He wants me to speak to these people in my mouth. The training was so good and I was able to see so many of the friends I have made and influenced me and my missionary work. Elder Aoyagi trained us on the Joy of Missionary Work and the pattern of missionary work in the Book Of Mormon. Some of my greatest joys in missionary work is when I can help someone take their first step of faith, been guided by the spirit or even just felt the spirit, seeing the Korean people smiling, and just loving those around me. Elder Aoyagi said that the greatest joy a missionary can experience is the guidance from the Holy Ghost. I then thought of the times that I have been guided by the Holy Ghost or when I have felt the Holy Ghost and IT'S TRUE! When I have the Holy Ghost as my constant companion and I am worthy of His consistent presence that is when I am happiest because I then know that God is guiding my work. But I know that my joy first starts and comes with obedience to the Lord's counsel because as we are obedient that is when His promise applies and we can always have the Spirit to be with us. The Book Of Mormon missionary pattern is all the same. Trials and no success at first but after developing the Christlike attributes of faith, diligence, patience, love, obedience, humility, and hope they would rely on the Lord and be made tools in His Hands bringing about much success. I know that as we strive to develop the attirbutes of Christ we are qualified for the work. Because of my desire to serve I was called but it is only through Christ like attributes and applying them that I am qualified for this outstanding work. I love this gospel I love being a missionary. It is all I could ask for and I am grateful that the desire was planted in my heart to serve so that I could be here today.
Sister Aoyagi then trained and I cannot tell you how cute she was! Her sweet angel like voice just warmed my heart. How brave she was to stand up in front of all of us and speak in english. She told us a little parable about a person trying to push this boulder because the Lord asked him to so he did. He pushed and pushed and pushed but it wouldn't move so he was frustrated and asked "Why am I pushing this boulder if I can't move it?" The Lord then replied and said, "It's not your job to move the boulder. It's mine. All I asked you to do was push." All we are asked to do is push and put our faith on the line. Everyday we can push a little harder and give just one more push to show our love to our Father in Heaven. I know that as I apply this principle in my life I will not regret anything and know I gave my all to the Lord.
As I have reflected on the last 9 months of my mission I have learned a lot of important lessons and they have changed not only my outlook on life but changed me as a person.
First and foremost I learned that attitude is everything. The commitment I made to myself to always be happy and positive has made the difference since day 1 of this missionary experience. Because of this commitment I have truly just become a happy person that can always look at the bright side of things even when everything could possibly go wrong. I can't say everyday was easy or that I haven't had challenges because I have and missionary work isn't easy but as I continually remember my commitment to myself I look for the good and put the smile back on my face. Everyday truly is a happy day when you decide for yourself that you want it to be. I know that this little lesson and application of smiling and being positive has changed my experience and changed me to be the person I am meant to be.
Second, I learned that Heavenly Father is aware of me and my personal concerns. Everyday, actually multiple times a day, I pray for strength, comfort, peace, courage, anything I need to get through a day and without fail He gives it to me either through a feeling, through another person or through some type of beautiful creation He has given us. I can't mention how many times that I have just looked up at the sky at night after a hard day and longed to see a star and there I find one. I know it is a small and simple thing but it is just a reassurance for me that Heavenly Father knows what I need to see to make me end each day with a smile on my face. Or when He allows me to have a valuable conversation with someone on the street after I had been rejected 5 plus times. He is always there and He has not let me down. This Daddy-Daughter Time I have had with Him is by far the most valuable time in my life and I know it is preparing me for eternity. I love my Heavenly Father so much and look to Him for strength daily because He is where my true strength lies.
Third, I have learned to not only love others but to love myself. At the beginning of my mission I was extremely caught up in being this perfect missionary and I soon found out that I couldn't because a perfect missionary doesn't exist. That was my trial. I was afraid of letting Heavenly Father down with the efforts that I gave so I set higher expectations for myself then what even He has for me. I was so caught up in being perfect that I was blinded and couldn't enjoy or appreciate the little moments of each day. But as I stressed, failed, and worked harder than ever before and days, weeks, even months went on I wasn't that perfect missionary and I finally figured out that all Heavenly Father expects of me is to do my best. Once I figured that out my mission became happier, less stressful, peaceful and I became content with the person I was becoming because I knew God was accepting my efforts. I know that as I work each day diligently with a smile on my face even if all the appointments fall through or if I speak Korean and no one understands me Heavenly Father is smiling down on me because He sees me struggling, working hard, growing and trusting in Him. That is what it all comes down to having faith and trusting that Heavenly Father is really there for you to fall on and He is I can promise you that. He has never let me down and He never will.
I want to thank each of you for the support you have given me the last 9 months. It has been tremendous as letters, emails, and prayers come my way. You all have played a huge role in the growing experience I am having. I love this work with all my heart and even in the hard times I would not trade it for anything. I love Korea and the Korean people. They are so special and dear to my heart. I know the Heavenly Father has a special plan for this land and that He loves His children here. I know that this gospel is the straight path to happiness. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. They are my strength and I know that through them I can do all things. Thank you for everything! I love you all especially my family who weekly I can count on for support, encouragement and counsel! I miss you but I know this is my time to draw closer to God than ever before and bring His children back to them one step of faith at a time and that is what I am doing! Have a wonderful week! I love you! Keep smiling and always take time to thank Heavenly Father for the simple blessing of each day!
Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Well I can't believe how the time has flown! This week I hit 9 months as a missionary which means I am half way done! WHAT? Is this real life I still have so much to learn from my Father in Heaven and apply to my life to become not only the missionary He needs me to be but also the person. This week Sister Hunter and I had a full schedule but when the appointments came after diligent preparation everything fell through. I don't know why but every single lesson we planned to have was cancelled. It was so sad because we just want to teach the gospel so badly but I learned that everyone has their agency and things don't always go as planned so that is when we have to trust in God and His timing.
This week we had a special conference from Elder and Sister Aoyagi who are a part of the area presidency and from Japan. They gave all of their training in English so that we could understand. I could really feel their love as they spoke in their second language, putting their faith in God, and doing the best they could. It made me really think about my efforts in Korean and how I need to improve to really put my faith in God and let Him put the words He wants me to speak to these people in my mouth. The training was so good and I was able to see so many of the friends I have made and influenced me and my missionary work. Elder Aoyagi trained us on the Joy of Missionary Work and the pattern of missionary work in the Book Of Mormon. Some of my greatest joys in missionary work is when I can help someone take their first step of faith, been guided by the spirit or even just felt the spirit, seeing the Korean people smiling, and just loving those around me. Elder Aoyagi said that the greatest joy a missionary can experience is the guidance from the Holy Ghost. I then thought of the times that I have been guided by the Holy Ghost or when I have felt the Holy Ghost and IT'S TRUE! When I have the Holy Ghost as my constant companion and I am worthy of His consistent presence that is when I am happiest because I then know that God is guiding my work. But I know that my joy first starts and comes with obedience to the Lord's counsel because as we are obedient that is when His promise applies and we can always have the Spirit to be with us. The Book Of Mormon missionary pattern is all the same. Trials and no success at first but after developing the Christlike attributes of faith, diligence, patience, love, obedience, humility, and hope they would rely on the Lord and be made tools in His Hands bringing about much success. I know that as we strive to develop the attirbutes of Christ we are qualified for the work. Because of my desire to serve I was called but it is only through Christ like attributes and applying them that I am qualified for this outstanding work. I love this gospel I love being a missionary. It is all I could ask for and I am grateful that the desire was planted in my heart to serve so that I could be here today.
Sister Aoyagi then trained and I cannot tell you how cute she was! Her sweet angel like voice just warmed my heart. How brave she was to stand up in front of all of us and speak in english. She told us a little parable about a person trying to push this boulder because the Lord asked him to so he did. He pushed and pushed and pushed but it wouldn't move so he was frustrated and asked "Why am I pushing this boulder if I can't move it?" The Lord then replied and said, "It's not your job to move the boulder. It's mine. All I asked you to do was push." All we are asked to do is push and put our faith on the line. Everyday we can push a little harder and give just one more push to show our love to our Father in Heaven. I know that as I apply this principle in my life I will not regret anything and know I gave my all to the Lord.
As I have reflected on the last 9 months of my mission I have learned a lot of important lessons and they have changed not only my outlook on life but changed me as a person.
First and foremost I learned that attitude is everything. The commitment I made to myself to always be happy and positive has made the difference since day 1 of this missionary experience. Because of this commitment I have truly just become a happy person that can always look at the bright side of things even when everything could possibly go wrong. I can't say everyday was easy or that I haven't had challenges because I have and missionary work isn't easy but as I continually remember my commitment to myself I look for the good and put the smile back on my face. Everyday truly is a happy day when you decide for yourself that you want it to be. I know that this little lesson and application of smiling and being positive has changed my experience and changed me to be the person I am meant to be.
Second, I learned that Heavenly Father is aware of me and my personal concerns. Everyday, actually multiple times a day, I pray for strength, comfort, peace, courage, anything I need to get through a day and without fail He gives it to me either through a feeling, through another person or through some type of beautiful creation He has given us. I can't mention how many times that I have just looked up at the sky at night after a hard day and longed to see a star and there I find one. I know it is a small and simple thing but it is just a reassurance for me that Heavenly Father knows what I need to see to make me end each day with a smile on my face. Or when He allows me to have a valuable conversation with someone on the street after I had been rejected 5 plus times. He is always there and He has not let me down. This Daddy-Daughter Time I have had with Him is by far the most valuable time in my life and I know it is preparing me for eternity. I love my Heavenly Father so much and look to Him for strength daily because He is where my true strength lies.
Third, I have learned to not only love others but to love myself. At the beginning of my mission I was extremely caught up in being this perfect missionary and I soon found out that I couldn't because a perfect missionary doesn't exist. That was my trial. I was afraid of letting Heavenly Father down with the efforts that I gave so I set higher expectations for myself then what even He has for me. I was so caught up in being perfect that I was blinded and couldn't enjoy or appreciate the little moments of each day. But as I stressed, failed, and worked harder than ever before and days, weeks, even months went on I wasn't that perfect missionary and I finally figured out that all Heavenly Father expects of me is to do my best. Once I figured that out my mission became happier, less stressful, peaceful and I became content with the person I was becoming because I knew God was accepting my efforts. I know that as I work each day diligently with a smile on my face even if all the appointments fall through or if I speak Korean and no one understands me Heavenly Father is smiling down on me because He sees me struggling, working hard, growing and trusting in Him. That is what it all comes down to having faith and trusting that Heavenly Father is really there for you to fall on and He is I can promise you that. He has never let me down and He never will.
I want to thank each of you for the support you have given me the last 9 months. It has been tremendous as letters, emails, and prayers come my way. You all have played a huge role in the growing experience I am having. I love this work with all my heart and even in the hard times I would not trade it for anything. I love Korea and the Korean people. They are so special and dear to my heart. I know the Heavenly Father has a special plan for this land and that He loves His children here. I know that this gospel is the straight path to happiness. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. They are my strength and I know that through them I can do all things. Thank you for everything! I love you all especially my family who weekly I can count on for support, encouragement and counsel! I miss you but I know this is my time to draw closer to God than ever before and bring His children back to them one step of faith at a time and that is what I am doing! Have a wonderful week! I love you! Keep smiling and always take time to thank Heavenly Father for the simple blessing of each day!
Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Letter - 9/1/14
Dear Family and Friends,
Well I can't believe how the time has flown! This week I hit 9 months as a missionary which means I am half way done! WHAT? Is this real life I still have so much to learn from my Father In Heaven and apply to my life to become not only the missionary He needs me to be but also the person. This week Sister Hunter and I had a full schedule but when the appointments came after diligent preparation everything fell through. I don't know why but every single lesson we planned to have was cancelled. It was so sad because we just want to teach the gospel so badly but I learned that everyone has their agency and things don't always go as planned so that is when we have to trust in God and His timing.
This week we had a special conference from Elder and Sister Aoyagi who are a part of the area presidency and from Japan. They gave all of their training in English so that we could understand. I could really feel their love as they spoke in their second language, putting their faith in God, and doing the best they could. It made me really think about my efforts in Korean and how I need to improve to really put my faith in God and let Him put the words He wants me to speak to these people in my mouth. The training was so good and I was able to see so many of the friends I have made and influenced me and my missionary work. Elder Aoyagi trained us on the Joy of Missionary Work and the pattern of missionary work in the Book Of Mormon. Some of my greatest joys in missionary work is when I can help someone take their first step of faith, been guided by the spirit or even just felt the spirit, seeing the Korean people smiling, and just loving those around me. Elder Aoyagi said that the greatest joy a missionary can experience is that guidance from the Holy Ghost. I then thought of the times that I have been guided by the Holy Ghost or when I have felt the Holy Ghost and IT'S TRUE! When I have the Holy Ghost as my constant companion and I am worthy of His consistent presence that is when I am happiest because I then know that God is guiding my work. But I know that my joy first starts and comes with obedience to the Lord's counsel because as we are obedient that is when His promise applies and we can always have the Spirit to be with us. The Book Of Mormon missionary pattern is all the same. Trials and no success at first but after developing the Christlike attributes of faith, diligence, patience, love, obedience, humility, and hope they would rely on the Lord and be made tools in His Hands bringing about much success. I know that as we strive to develop the attirbutes of Christ we are qualified for the work. Because of my desire to serve I was called but it is only through Christ like attributes and applying them that I am qualified for this outstanding work. I love this gospel I love being a missionary. It is all I could ask for and I am grateful that the desire was planted in my heart to serve so that I could be here today.
Sister Aoyagi then trained and I cannot tell you how cute she was! Her sweet angel like voice just warmed my heart. How brave she was to stand up in front of all of us a speak in english. She told us a little parable about a person trying to push this bolder because the Lord asked him to so he did. He pushed and pushed and pushed but it wouldn't move so he was frustrated and asked "Why am I pushing this boulder if I can't move it?" The Lord then replied and said, "It's not your job to move the boulder. It's mine. All I asked you to do was push." All we are asked to do is push and put out faith on the line. Everyday we can push a little harder and give just one more push to show our love to our Father in Heaven. I know that as I apply this princple in my life I will not regret anything and know I gave my all to the Lord.
As I have reflected on the last 9 months of my mission I have learned a lot of important lessons and they have changed not only my outlook on life but changed me as a person.
First and foremost I learned that attitude is everything. The commmitment I made to myself to always be happy and positive has made the difference since day 1 of this missionary experience. Because of this commitment I have truly just become a happy person that can always look at the bright side of things even when everything could possible be going wrong. I can't say everyday was easy or that I haven't had challenges because I have and missionary work isn't easy but as I continually remember my commitment to myself I look for the good and put the smile back on my face. Everyday truly is a happy day when you decide for yourself that you want it to be. I know that this little lesson and application of smiling and being positive has change my experience and changed me to be the person I am meant to be.
Second, I learned that Heavenly Father is aware of me and my personal concerns. Everyday actually multiple times a day I pray for strength, comfort, peace, courage, anything I need to get through a day and without fail He gives it to me either through a feeling, through another person or through some type of beautiful creation He has given us. I can't mention how many times that I have just looked up at the sky at night after a hard day and longed to see a star and there I find one. I know it is a small and simple thing but it is just a reassurance for me that Heavenly Father knows what I need to see to make me end each day witha smile on my face. Or when He allows me to have a valuable conversation with some one on the street after I had been rejected 5 plus times. He is always there and He had not let me down. This Daddy-Daughter Time I have had with Him is by far the most valuable time in my life and I know it is preparing me for eternity. I love my Heavenly Father so much and look to HIm for strength daily because He is where my true strength lies.
Third, I have learned to not only love others but to love myself. At the beginning of my mission I was extremely caught up on being this perfect missionary and I soon found out that I couldn't because a perfect missionary doesn't exist. That was my trial. I was afraid of letting Heavenly Father down with the efforts that I gave so I set higher expections for myself then what even He has for me. I was so caught up in being perfect that I was blinded and couldn't enjoy or apprectiate the little moments of each day. But as I stresssed, failed, and worked harder then ever before and days, weeks, even months went on I wasn't that perfect missionary and I finally figured out that all Heavenly Father expects of me is to do my best. Once I figured that out my mission became happier, less stressful, peaceful and I became content with the person I was becoming because I knew God was accepting my efforts. I know that as I work each day diligently with a smile on my face even if all the appointments fall through or if I speak Korean and no one understands me Heavenly Father is smiling down on me because He sees me struggling, working hard, growing and trusting in Him. That is what it all comes down to having faith and trusting that Heavenly Father is really there for you to fall on and He is I can promise you that. He has never let me doown and He never will.
I want to thank each of you for the support you have given me the last 9 months. It has been tremendous as letters, emails, and prayers come my way. You all have played a huge role in the growing experience I am having. I love this work with all my heart and even in the hard times I would not trade it for anything. I love Korea and the Korean people. They are so special and dear to my heart. I know the Heavenly Father has a special plan for this land and that He loves His children here. I know that this gospel is the straight path to happiness. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. They are my strength and I know that through them I can do all things. Thank you for everything! I love you all especailly my family who weekly I can count on for support, encouragement and counsel! I miss you but I know this is my time to draw closer to God then ever before and bring His children back to them one step of faith at a time and that is what I am doing! Have a wonderful week! I love you! Keep smiling and always take time to thank Heavenly Father for the simple blessing of each day!
Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Well I can't believe how the time has flown! This week I hit 9 months as a missionary which means I am half way done! WHAT? Is this real life I still have so much to learn from my Father In Heaven and apply to my life to become not only the missionary He needs me to be but also the person. This week Sister Hunter and I had a full schedule but when the appointments came after diligent preparation everything fell through. I don't know why but every single lesson we planned to have was cancelled. It was so sad because we just want to teach the gospel so badly but I learned that everyone has their agency and things don't always go as planned so that is when we have to trust in God and His timing.
This week we had a special conference from Elder and Sister Aoyagi who are a part of the area presidency and from Japan. They gave all of their training in English so that we could understand. I could really feel their love as they spoke in their second language, putting their faith in God, and doing the best they could. It made me really think about my efforts in Korean and how I need to improve to really put my faith in God and let Him put the words He wants me to speak to these people in my mouth. The training was so good and I was able to see so many of the friends I have made and influenced me and my missionary work. Elder Aoyagi trained us on the Joy of Missionary Work and the pattern of missionary work in the Book Of Mormon. Some of my greatest joys in missionary work is when I can help someone take their first step of faith, been guided by the spirit or even just felt the spirit, seeing the Korean people smiling, and just loving those around me. Elder Aoyagi said that the greatest joy a missionary can experience is that guidance from the Holy Ghost. I then thought of the times that I have been guided by the Holy Ghost or when I have felt the Holy Ghost and IT'S TRUE! When I have the Holy Ghost as my constant companion and I am worthy of His consistent presence that is when I am happiest because I then know that God is guiding my work. But I know that my joy first starts and comes with obedience to the Lord's counsel because as we are obedient that is when His promise applies and we can always have the Spirit to be with us. The Book Of Mormon missionary pattern is all the same. Trials and no success at first but after developing the Christlike attributes of faith, diligence, patience, love, obedience, humility, and hope they would rely on the Lord and be made tools in His Hands bringing about much success. I know that as we strive to develop the attirbutes of Christ we are qualified for the work. Because of my desire to serve I was called but it is only through Christ like attributes and applying them that I am qualified for this outstanding work. I love this gospel I love being a missionary. It is all I could ask for and I am grateful that the desire was planted in my heart to serve so that I could be here today.
Sister Aoyagi then trained and I cannot tell you how cute she was! Her sweet angel like voice just warmed my heart. How brave she was to stand up in front of all of us a speak in english. She told us a little parable about a person trying to push this bolder because the Lord asked him to so he did. He pushed and pushed and pushed but it wouldn't move so he was frustrated and asked "Why am I pushing this boulder if I can't move it?" The Lord then replied and said, "It's not your job to move the boulder. It's mine. All I asked you to do was push." All we are asked to do is push and put out faith on the line. Everyday we can push a little harder and give just one more push to show our love to our Father in Heaven. I know that as I apply this princple in my life I will not regret anything and know I gave my all to the Lord.
As I have reflected on the last 9 months of my mission I have learned a lot of important lessons and they have changed not only my outlook on life but changed me as a person.
First and foremost I learned that attitude is everything. The commmitment I made to myself to always be happy and positive has made the difference since day 1 of this missionary experience. Because of this commitment I have truly just become a happy person that can always look at the bright side of things even when everything could possible be going wrong. I can't say everyday was easy or that I haven't had challenges because I have and missionary work isn't easy but as I continually remember my commitment to myself I look for the good and put the smile back on my face. Everyday truly is a happy day when you decide for yourself that you want it to be. I know that this little lesson and application of smiling and being positive has change my experience and changed me to be the person I am meant to be.
Second, I learned that Heavenly Father is aware of me and my personal concerns. Everyday actually multiple times a day I pray for strength, comfort, peace, courage, anything I need to get through a day and without fail He gives it to me either through a feeling, through another person or through some type of beautiful creation He has given us. I can't mention how many times that I have just looked up at the sky at night after a hard day and longed to see a star and there I find one. I know it is a small and simple thing but it is just a reassurance for me that Heavenly Father knows what I need to see to make me end each day witha smile on my face. Or when He allows me to have a valuable conversation with some one on the street after I had been rejected 5 plus times. He is always there and He had not let me down. This Daddy-Daughter Time I have had with Him is by far the most valuable time in my life and I know it is preparing me for eternity. I love my Heavenly Father so much and look to HIm for strength daily because He is where my true strength lies.
Third, I have learned to not only love others but to love myself. At the beginning of my mission I was extremely caught up on being this perfect missionary and I soon found out that I couldn't because a perfect missionary doesn't exist. That was my trial. I was afraid of letting Heavenly Father down with the efforts that I gave so I set higher expections for myself then what even He has for me. I was so caught up in being perfect that I was blinded and couldn't enjoy or apprectiate the little moments of each day. But as I stresssed, failed, and worked harder then ever before and days, weeks, even months went on I wasn't that perfect missionary and I finally figured out that all Heavenly Father expects of me is to do my best. Once I figured that out my mission became happier, less stressful, peaceful and I became content with the person I was becoming because I knew God was accepting my efforts. I know that as I work each day diligently with a smile on my face even if all the appointments fall through or if I speak Korean and no one understands me Heavenly Father is smiling down on me because He sees me struggling, working hard, growing and trusting in Him. That is what it all comes down to having faith and trusting that Heavenly Father is really there for you to fall on and He is I can promise you that. He has never let me doown and He never will.
I want to thank each of you for the support you have given me the last 9 months. It has been tremendous as letters, emails, and prayers come my way. You all have played a huge role in the growing experience I am having. I love this work with all my heart and even in the hard times I would not trade it for anything. I love Korea and the Korean people. They are so special and dear to my heart. I know the Heavenly Father has a special plan for this land and that He loves His children here. I know that this gospel is the straight path to happiness. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. They are my strength and I know that through them I can do all things. Thank you for everything! I love you all especailly my family who weekly I can count on for support, encouragement and counsel! I miss you but I know this is my time to draw closer to God then ever before and bring His children back to them one step of faith at a time and that is what I am doing! Have a wonderful week! I love you! Keep smiling and always take time to thank Heavenly Father for the simple blessing of each day!
Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Letter - 8/25/14
Dear Family and Friends,
Where to start, Where to start? Well this week was just another wonderful week in 금천. This transfer actually was cut a week short so we received our transfer calls Sunday morning and guess what!! Yes Sister Hunter and I are still companions AND our roommates are staying the same. When we got the call it was just too good to be true! This will be Sister Hunter and Sister Lyman's 5th transfer in this area! We thought for sure that one would be leaving but nope!! I am so excited and can't wait to spend the next 7 weeks with them continuing our memories together. Heavenly Father truly is guiding this work and I am so grateful that He has put these Sisters in my life. I needed them and they just continue to show me their good examples which pushes me to improve. I love being a missionary so much and representing our Savior Jesus Christ. I just cannot express how grateful I am to be serving the Lord in the country of Korea. The people are so generous and loving. Last Monday we had a dinner appointment with the cutest family in our ward. It was so fun as Sister Hunter and I made Missionary name badges with them as part of our message and activity. When we finished eating and making our name tags the mom, 서미선, said to me, "Today is your birthday right?! Because I prepared." She went into the other room bringing out a cake and candles. I couldn't believe it. I have been in this ward for only a couple of weeks, this family hardly knows me but they are still so kind and generous enough to do such a thoughtful deed. Her and her 4 kids turn out the lights, lighted the candles, and sang Happy Birthday to me. It was truly the cherry on top of a perfect day. I love this ward. I am truly so lucky to be serving here with Sister Hunter and learning from the amazing Korean people. I love them and am so grateful for their examples.
Also on Monday a really cute thing happened when we were at the Fortress. As we were getting ready to leave I saw a little store that had beautiful Korean fans and I have been wanting to buy one so I asked the Sisters if we could stop. We stopped and I was looking at the fans. I found one I liked and asked how much it was. Then one of the Sisters who was with us was Korean so she tried to bargain with the lady who was selling the fan she said "Since it’s her birthday can you lower the price?" Then a little maybe 3 year old girl came out and said "It's my birthday too." So the lady instead gave me a free case for the fan and the little girl and I got a picture together. It was so fun and she wished me a happy birthday in her cute little voice. It is such a great memory and I will never forget that I share a birthday with that little girl. It's amazing the people you meet just as we open our mouths for simple things and the memories you make through doing so.
Tuesday was the last time we met with our investigator 김미량. It was so sad. It went really well but I did not want to say good bye but I know that she is in the Lord's hands and let His will be done. Sister Hunter and I wrote a simple testimony in Korean inside of the Book of Mormon for her and gave it to her. She wants to read it as we applied the story of Lehi leaving Jerusalem to her situation going to Hong Kong, because like her it was scary for Lehi and his family to leave and not know where they would live but they did the Lord's will so we encouraged her to pray about her decision and seek God's counsel. We promised her that as she continues praying and if she reads this book she will find peace comfort and direction from her loving Heavenly Father. When we gave her the number for the mission office in Hong Kong she almost started crying. She was filled with so much comfort to know that she could contact the missionaries there and not be alone. I love her so much and hate to see her go but I know God has a plan for her and is preparing her more and more everyday. I am so grateful that I was able to take part in her preparation and feel of her love and spirit. I have had simple choice experiences throughout my mission that continue to manifest to me that this is the Lord's great and marvelous work. He is in charge and I am honored to witness Him fulfill His purpose.
Wednesday we had ZONE CONFERENCE! It was so great! I just love seeing President and Sister Morrise. I am so grateful to be serving under them and receive so much training and help from them. While spiritually preparing for the conference I read D&C Section 3. This section I learned so much. Heavenly Father is kind of chastening Joseph Smith which is never fun but He then reassures us that He is merciful and always gives us another chance to be faithful and obedient to Him. I am so grateful for this knowledge because everyday I fall short and make mistakes but I know that as I keep trying to improve myself and humble myself before my Father in Heaven He will show me more love then I can even comprehend. In fact verse 8 if we switch it to a positive outlook the blessings from God are clearly stated (verse switched to positive) "Yet IF YE ARE faithful; he WILL extend his arm and support you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he WILL BE with you in every time of trouble." This is our promise from our Heavenly Father as we stay faithful to His commandments and strive to live according to His will. We are protected as we seek to do His will. There is no greater promise then knowing that our Heavenly Father will be with us in every time of trouble. So go forth with faith and know that Heavenly Father has confidence in us so we can have confidence in ourselves.
I want you all to know how much I love this gospel. I know that is it true. I have witnessed so many miracles while serving my Heavenly Father and Savior that I will never be able to deny. I represent my Savior everyday as a missionary and even when I return home I will still represent Him. I may not have a black nametag with His name on it but His name will forever be engraven on my heart. I know that God loves you and has a plan for you. I know that we are never alone. I read the last chapter of Luke yesterday in my personal study about the road to Emmaus and want to share a poem with you "Too often we are like those two who walked along the road. We think that we are all alone with none to share the load. We do not see our loving friend beside us on our way carrying us through the darkest nights into a brighter day. So as we walk our own roads to Emmaus may we see that we will never be alone unless we choose to be." -Liz (can't remember her last name). As I remain with my eyes open always remembering that Christ is with me I can face this world and always remember that I am never alone. I will look at my life and realize He has always been there beside me. Christ is with us every step of the way as long as we accept HIs presence in our life. The choice is ours. It always is but know that Christ will always choose to be with you to face this life. We don't have to face it alone. Choose to recognize Christ by your side and go forth hand in hand with Him.
Thank you for all the prayers, love and support! I love each of you! Continue this week with smiles on your faces! Remember you are loved and are never alone! Have a fabulous week!
Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Where to start, Where to start? Well this week was just another wonderful week in 금천. This transfer actually was cut a week short so we received our transfer calls Sunday morning and guess what!! Yes Sister Hunter and I are still companions AND our roommates are staying the same. When we got the call it was just too good to be true! This will be Sister Hunter and Sister Lyman's 5th transfer in this area! We thought for sure that one would be leaving but nope!! I am so excited and can't wait to spend the next 7 weeks with them continuing our memories together. Heavenly Father truly is guiding this work and I am so grateful that He has put these Sisters in my life. I needed them and they just continue to show me their good examples which pushes me to improve. I love being a missionary so much and representing our Savior Jesus Christ. I just cannot express how grateful I am to be serving the Lord in the country of Korea. The people are so generous and loving. Last Monday we had a dinner appointment with the cutest family in our ward. It was so fun as Sister Hunter and I made Missionary name badges with them as part of our message and activity. When we finished eating and making our name tags the mom, 서미선, said to me, "Today is your birthday right?! Because I prepared." She went into the other room bringing out a cake and candles. I couldn't believe it. I have been in this ward for only a couple of weeks, this family hardly knows me but they are still so kind and generous enough to do such a thoughtful deed. Her and her 4 kids turn out the lights, lighted the candles, and sang Happy Birthday to me. It was truly the cherry on top of a perfect day. I love this ward. I am truly so lucky to be serving here with Sister Hunter and learning from the amazing Korean people. I love them and am so grateful for their examples.
Also on Monday a really cute thing happened when we were at the Fortress. As we were getting ready to leave I saw a little store that had beautiful Korean fans and I have been wanting to buy one so I asked the Sisters if we could stop. We stopped and I was looking at the fans. I found one I liked and asked how much it was. Then one of the Sisters who was with us was Korean so she tried to bargain with the lady who was selling the fan she said "Since it’s her birthday can you lower the price?" Then a little maybe 3 year old girl came out and said "It's my birthday too." So the lady instead gave me a free case for the fan and the little girl and I got a picture together. It was so fun and she wished me a happy birthday in her cute little voice. It is such a great memory and I will never forget that I share a birthday with that little girl. It's amazing the people you meet just as we open our mouths for simple things and the memories you make through doing so.
Tuesday was the last time we met with our investigator 김미량. It was so sad. It went really well but I did not want to say good bye but I know that she is in the Lord's hands and let His will be done. Sister Hunter and I wrote a simple testimony in Korean inside of the Book of Mormon for her and gave it to her. She wants to read it as we applied the story of Lehi leaving Jerusalem to her situation going to Hong Kong, because like her it was scary for Lehi and his family to leave and not know where they would live but they did the Lord's will so we encouraged her to pray about her decision and seek God's counsel. We promised her that as she continues praying and if she reads this book she will find peace comfort and direction from her loving Heavenly Father. When we gave her the number for the mission office in Hong Kong she almost started crying. She was filled with so much comfort to know that she could contact the missionaries there and not be alone. I love her so much and hate to see her go but I know God has a plan for her and is preparing her more and more everyday. I am so grateful that I was able to take part in her preparation and feel of her love and spirit. I have had simple choice experiences throughout my mission that continue to manifest to me that this is the Lord's great and marvelous work. He is in charge and I am honored to witness Him fulfill His purpose.
Wednesday we had ZONE CONFERENCE! It was so great! I just love seeing President and Sister Morrise. I am so grateful to be serving under them and receive so much training and help from them. While spiritually preparing for the conference I read D&C Section 3. This section I learned so much. Heavenly Father is kind of chastening Joseph Smith which is never fun but He then reassures us that He is merciful and always gives us another chance to be faithful and obedient to Him. I am so grateful for this knowledge because everyday I fall short and make mistakes but I know that as I keep trying to improve myself and humble myself before my Father in Heaven He will show me more love then I can even comprehend. In fact verse 8 if we switch it to a positive outlook the blessings from God are clearly stated (verse switched to positive) "Yet IF YE ARE faithful; he WILL extend his arm and support you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he WILL BE with you in every time of trouble." This is our promise from our Heavenly Father as we stay faithful to His commandments and strive to live according to His will. We are protected as we seek to do His will. There is no greater promise then knowing that our Heavenly Father will be with us in every time of trouble. So go forth with faith and know that Heavenly Father has confidence in us so we can have confidence in ourselves.
I want you all to know how much I love this gospel. I know that is it true. I have witnessed so many miracles while serving my Heavenly Father and Savior that I will never be able to deny. I represent my Savior everyday as a missionary and even when I return home I will still represent Him. I may not have a black nametag with His name on it but His name will forever be engraven on my heart. I know that God loves you and has a plan for you. I know that we are never alone. I read the last chapter of Luke yesterday in my personal study about the road to Emmaus and want to share a poem with you "Too often we are like those two who walked along the road. We think that we are all alone with none to share the load. We do not see our loving friend beside us on our way carrying us through the darkest nights into a brighter day. So as we walk our own roads to Emmaus may we see that we will never be alone unless we choose to be." -Liz (can't remember her last name). As I remain with my eyes open always remembering that Christ is with me I can face this world and always remember that I am never alone. I will look at my life and realize He has always been there beside me. Christ is with us every step of the way as long as we accept HIs presence in our life. The choice is ours. It always is but know that Christ will always choose to be with you to face this life. We don't have to face it alone. Choose to recognize Christ by your side and go forth hand in hand with Him.
Thank you for all the prayers, love and support! I love each of you! Continue this week with smiles on your faces! Remember you are loved and are never alone! Have a fabulous week!
Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Monday, August 18, 2014
Letter - 8/18/14
Dear Family and Friends,
Well I don't know how I seemed to get so lucky that my Birthday fell on a P-Day but it did and it's been a great day so far thanks to my awesome companion and roommates. Let me tell you what has happened. So the alarm went of at 6:30 I rolled over and stuffed my face in my pillow preparing to say my morning prayers. I then hear the Korean birthday song and Sister Hammerl is tackling me on my bed. Yes so then for some reason Sister Hunter was really determined to go outside this morning and exercise so I don't complain because I will take any opportunity to go outside and run. When we come back in I find the master chef Sister Lyman cooking my favorite breakfast, crepes. I just couldn't believe it. I was so happy and just reminded me of being home and eating my mom's crepes. Then during study time surprisingly texts from members and missionaries just flooded the phone. I didn't know how the members found out it was my Birthday until I thought about Sunday when Sister Hunter talked to the amazing Single Adult in our ward 황미주 and mentioned it was my birthday. Well sure enough I think still no sure she informed the whole ward on the Ward Facebook Page type thing. So its been wonderful and I am just so grateful for the time that I have had so far. For the rest of the day we are planning on going to a typer of Fortress with some other missionaries which should be fun! I can't believe I am 20 though..Kind of really strange for my last teenage night last night Sister Hunter and I had a chocolate mild chug competition since that is as crazy as you can get as a missionary on a Sunday. Yes it was fun! I am always making memories in this little area of mine with these wonderful Sisters. I am so grateful for them. I also want to thank you all for with Birthday wishes my Mom said that many came my way so thank you so much. I love you all!
As for the week. IT was just wonderful. I don't even know where to start. Last Monday all us Sisters went bowling at the local bowling alley which was so fun. Reminded me of memories going bowling with friends and family. I am definitely a poor bowler though compared to the Koreans. They are amazing! I need lessons from them. It was a party though even though we were all stuggling. We had a good time and that is was counts. After P-day ended Sister Hunter and I decided to go a try visiting past investigators from the area. We went focused on a particular apartment complex which is huge and I am sure all of American Falls, Aberdeen, and Rockland could live there, No one seemed to be home or they pretended not to be when they found out it was the missionaries waiting out their door. As it was getting late we decided to visit one last person. We punched in her apartment number and through the intercom type thing she talked but we couldn't hear each other so she hung up but then the door opened. We didn't know if she opened it or not but this was our chance to go in so we went for it. Come to find out she did open it and she warmly invited us into her house. Sister Hunter and I were so caught off guard. We weren't expecting this to happen but it did so it was time to fulfill our purpose. We met the women and found out that she has two kids and a husband. She talked about when she met with the missionaries in the past and said that the message was just different and her Father did not approve so she stopped. The whole time we were talking she was just so comfortable having us in her house and was really sincere. She listened to us as we taught about God being our Loving Heavenly Father and prayer. The Spirit was really special and she just seemed ready to listen to us. We weren't able to stay long because it was late but we closed with a prayer and as we were leaving I asked if it would be okay if we visited again. She said of course come again. It was a neat experience to watch her as we spoke to her. She was in the moment and so kind. I am grateful that Sister Hunter and I were able to meet her and I hope that we will continue to do so as we have kept in contact this last week and plan on visiting her again this week.
Tuesday we had a lunch appointment with a member of our ward. It was so fun. She told us of her conversion story and how she decided to serve a mission. As she told her story I just kept thinking Wow. The way God tries and prepares people is truly amazing. Her story of going on a mission I really enjoyed. She said she went on a mission because she is an obedient person. Well come to find out she said her Patriarchal Blessing mentioned a lot of things about missionary work so she knew she needed to go. So she went to her father to tell him she wanted to go on a mission. Her father is not a member and the minute she said that he said get out of my house. It scared her and at this point she was questioning it. She hadn't prayed about going yet though to she prayed asking Heavenly Father what she was to do. She got her answer and she was to serve a mission but how? For 4 years she worked to earn money, prepared through studying and going to the temple. By the time she had enough money she went to her father and said I will go on a mission. And she went. I just thought about her story and realized what a blessing it is to have a family that has supported me from day 1 and parents who have encouraged me each week. The Korean members here continue to amaze me as they are so strong in the faith and truly serve the Lord with all their might mind and strength. I love the Korean people because they are just full of love, kindness and want to serve and be obedient. I am learning so much from them and it is an honor to serve them.
Wednesday lots of great things happened as all 4 of us sisters started out the day running at the field behin our apartment. Well during the middle of exercise Sister Hunter thought it would be a good idea to start a game of tag and tagged Sister Lyman. So yes we played tag and Sister Lyman came after me next and pretty sure I haven't ran that fast in my life for a really really really long time. I thought I was going to die but luckily I got away. Then Sister Hunter became it again and I was just running my laps and she came and got me because as I was running away I went down the stairs and almost died so I had to slow down. I was it for probably 8 minutes and 8 minutes in tag time is eternity! I went after Sister Hammerl but gave up because I was dying but then saw Sister Lyman hiding being the cement pole working out so I got her instead and that was our game of tag. It was a great work out let me tell you!
Sister Hunter and I then met with our investigator, 김미량 that same day. I witnessed her take a huge step of faith that day that I will forever remember. The time we had with her was amazing although she told us that in 2 weeks she would be moving to Hong Kong...Yeah it was sad and I wanted to cry but she asked if she could still meet with the missionaries there and of course we said yes. Just knowing she still wants to learn about the gospel gave me so much joy. During our appointment we talked a lot about the purpose of life and what we hope for because she told us that her friend from the Philippines brother was killed and so she was really sad. We together just wondered why good things happend to good people. We turned to the scriptures and shared 1 Nephi 11:17. We don't understand all things but the most important thing we can know is that we have a Loving Father in Heaven who loves us and is watching over us. She was one who didn't have much of a belief in God but as we taught her she began wondering and wanted to know. The end of the lesson we invited her to pray. At first she said "I can't. I am too shy." But as Sister Hunter and I encouraged her and reassured her that she can she built up her confidence and took one of the biggest steps of faith she had ever taken. She tookd a step of faith praying to Heavenly Father who she still doesn't know if He is there but she say she hopes He is. Her prayer touched my heart and the Spirit was definitely present. It was the most sincere prayer I had ever heard as she prayed for her friend, her grandma and her journey to Hong Kong. She prayed for all the things she was currently concerned about and after she prayed she thanked us. I could tell she was at peace and calm in her heart. It was and amazing experience I am just so grateful that Heavenly Father allowed me to witness that special experience. We will meet with her for the last time this week but I am so grateful for her and I love her so much.
I just want to thank each of you for the influence you have made on my life. Each of you have palyed a special role in the person I have become and the person I am becoming. I recently read Mosiah 6 which is a short chapeter but it when King Benjamin dies and Mosiah reigns over he kingdom. He walks in the ways of the Lord and in verse 7 it says he does so because that is what his father did. God gives each of us examples in our lives to learn from and I am so grateful for all the amazing examples that have came into my life and helped me become a better person. I love each and every one of you. I hope you have a wonderful week! Keep smiling and this week thank Heavenly Father for the good examples He has set in your life. I love being a missionary. This work is all I could ever ask for. I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father. I know that they love me and they love you. Thank you for your love support and prayers. LOVE YOU ALL!!
Love ,
드리스콜자매
Sister Driscoll
Well I don't know how I seemed to get so lucky that my Birthday fell on a P-Day but it did and it's been a great day so far thanks to my awesome companion and roommates. Let me tell you what has happened. So the alarm went of at 6:30 I rolled over and stuffed my face in my pillow preparing to say my morning prayers. I then hear the Korean birthday song and Sister Hammerl is tackling me on my bed. Yes so then for some reason Sister Hunter was really determined to go outside this morning and exercise so I don't complain because I will take any opportunity to go outside and run. When we come back in I find the master chef Sister Lyman cooking my favorite breakfast, crepes. I just couldn't believe it. I was so happy and just reminded me of being home and eating my mom's crepes. Then during study time surprisingly texts from members and missionaries just flooded the phone. I didn't know how the members found out it was my Birthday until I thought about Sunday when Sister Hunter talked to the amazing Single Adult in our ward 황미주 and mentioned it was my birthday. Well sure enough I think still no sure she informed the whole ward on the Ward Facebook Page type thing. So its been wonderful and I am just so grateful for the time that I have had so far. For the rest of the day we are planning on going to a typer of Fortress with some other missionaries which should be fun! I can't believe I am 20 though..Kind of really strange for my last teenage night last night Sister Hunter and I had a chocolate mild chug competition since that is as crazy as you can get as a missionary on a Sunday. Yes it was fun! I am always making memories in this little area of mine with these wonderful Sisters. I am so grateful for them. I also want to thank you all for with Birthday wishes my Mom said that many came my way so thank you so much. I love you all!
As for the week. IT was just wonderful. I don't even know where to start. Last Monday all us Sisters went bowling at the local bowling alley which was so fun. Reminded me of memories going bowling with friends and family. I am definitely a poor bowler though compared to the Koreans. They are amazing! I need lessons from them. It was a party though even though we were all stuggling. We had a good time and that is was counts. After P-day ended Sister Hunter and I decided to go a try visiting past investigators from the area. We went focused on a particular apartment complex which is huge and I am sure all of American Falls, Aberdeen, and Rockland could live there, No one seemed to be home or they pretended not to be when they found out it was the missionaries waiting out their door. As it was getting late we decided to visit one last person. We punched in her apartment number and through the intercom type thing she talked but we couldn't hear each other so she hung up but then the door opened. We didn't know if she opened it or not but this was our chance to go in so we went for it. Come to find out she did open it and she warmly invited us into her house. Sister Hunter and I were so caught off guard. We weren't expecting this to happen but it did so it was time to fulfill our purpose. We met the women and found out that she has two kids and a husband. She talked about when she met with the missionaries in the past and said that the message was just different and her Father did not approve so she stopped. The whole time we were talking she was just so comfortable having us in her house and was really sincere. She listened to us as we taught about God being our Loving Heavenly Father and prayer. The Spirit was really special and she just seemed ready to listen to us. We weren't able to stay long because it was late but we closed with a prayer and as we were leaving I asked if it would be okay if we visited again. She said of course come again. It was a neat experience to watch her as we spoke to her. She was in the moment and so kind. I am grateful that Sister Hunter and I were able to meet her and I hope that we will continue to do so as we have kept in contact this last week and plan on visiting her again this week.
Tuesday we had a lunch appointment with a member of our ward. It was so fun. She told us of her conversion story and how she decided to serve a mission. As she told her story I just kept thinking Wow. The way God tries and prepares people is truly amazing. Her story of going on a mission I really enjoyed. She said she went on a mission because she is an obedient person. Well come to find out she said her Patriarchal Blessing mentioned a lot of things about missionary work so she knew she needed to go. So she went to her father to tell him she wanted to go on a mission. Her father is not a member and the minute she said that he said get out of my house. It scared her and at this point she was questioning it. She hadn't prayed about going yet though to she prayed asking Heavenly Father what she was to do. She got her answer and she was to serve a mission but how? For 4 years she worked to earn money, prepared through studying and going to the temple. By the time she had enough money she went to her father and said I will go on a mission. And she went. I just thought about her story and realized what a blessing it is to have a family that has supported me from day 1 and parents who have encouraged me each week. The Korean members here continue to amaze me as they are so strong in the faith and truly serve the Lord with all their might mind and strength. I love the Korean people because they are just full of love, kindness and want to serve and be obedient. I am learning so much from them and it is an honor to serve them.
Wednesday lots of great things happened as all 4 of us sisters started out the day running at the field behin our apartment. Well during the middle of exercise Sister Hunter thought it would be a good idea to start a game of tag and tagged Sister Lyman. So yes we played tag and Sister Lyman came after me next and pretty sure I haven't ran that fast in my life for a really really really long time. I thought I was going to die but luckily I got away. Then Sister Hunter became it again and I was just running my laps and she came and got me because as I was running away I went down the stairs and almost died so I had to slow down. I was it for probably 8 minutes and 8 minutes in tag time is eternity! I went after Sister Hammerl but gave up because I was dying but then saw Sister Lyman hiding being the cement pole working out so I got her instead and that was our game of tag. It was a great work out let me tell you!
Sister Hunter and I then met with our investigator, 김미량 that same day. I witnessed her take a huge step of faith that day that I will forever remember. The time we had with her was amazing although she told us that in 2 weeks she would be moving to Hong Kong...Yeah it was sad and I wanted to cry but she asked if she could still meet with the missionaries there and of course we said yes. Just knowing she still wants to learn about the gospel gave me so much joy. During our appointment we talked a lot about the purpose of life and what we hope for because she told us that her friend from the Philippines brother was killed and so she was really sad. We together just wondered why good things happend to good people. We turned to the scriptures and shared 1 Nephi 11:17. We don't understand all things but the most important thing we can know is that we have a Loving Father in Heaven who loves us and is watching over us. She was one who didn't have much of a belief in God but as we taught her she began wondering and wanted to know. The end of the lesson we invited her to pray. At first she said "I can't. I am too shy." But as Sister Hunter and I encouraged her and reassured her that she can she built up her confidence and took one of the biggest steps of faith she had ever taken. She tookd a step of faith praying to Heavenly Father who she still doesn't know if He is there but she say she hopes He is. Her prayer touched my heart and the Spirit was definitely present. It was the most sincere prayer I had ever heard as she prayed for her friend, her grandma and her journey to Hong Kong. She prayed for all the things she was currently concerned about and after she prayed she thanked us. I could tell she was at peace and calm in her heart. It was and amazing experience I am just so grateful that Heavenly Father allowed me to witness that special experience. We will meet with her for the last time this week but I am so grateful for her and I love her so much.
I just want to thank each of you for the influence you have made on my life. Each of you have palyed a special role in the person I have become and the person I am becoming. I recently read Mosiah 6 which is a short chapeter but it when King Benjamin dies and Mosiah reigns over he kingdom. He walks in the ways of the Lord and in verse 7 it says he does so because that is what his father did. God gives each of us examples in our lives to learn from and I am so grateful for all the amazing examples that have came into my life and helped me become a better person. I love each and every one of you. I hope you have a wonderful week! Keep smiling and this week thank Heavenly Father for the good examples He has set in your life. I love being a missionary. This work is all I could ever ask for. I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father. I know that they love me and they love you. Thank you for your love support and prayers. LOVE YOU ALL!!
Love ,
드리스콜자매
Sister Driscoll
Letter - 8/11/14
Dear Family and Friends,
Well I am not really sure where to start this week so many fun things happened! Time is really flying by though. Sister Hunter and I are emailing and just can't believe P-day is here again! I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve though. I truly have found what is means to be happy. Last night for companionship study all four of us in my apartment decided to study together. We talked about how happy we truly are but the question is "Why are we so happy?" We found that we are living in the world but we are not living of the world. In fact we have no idea what is even going on in the world and that is okay because we have the gospel and we are sharing it. We have the gospel which brings true happiness. Right now as a missionary I have all that brings true happiness and no distractions. I have the scriptures to read, service to give, God's love to share, friends and family's support and a solid relationship with my Savior and Father in Heaven. Life does not get much better then that. As I have learned what true happiness really is I encourage you all to reflect on what brings you true happiness and what you can do to find the true happiness that YOU desire.
This week was full of fun adventures. I think living here with these 3 amazing Sister's is almost too go to be true. We are having so much fun and I sometimes wonder if we are doing something wrong because we seriously are living the best life. We are making so many memories and I am so grateful for their wonderful examples. We had exchanges with Sister Hammerl and Sister Lyman because they are the Sister Training Leader. I just adore serving with those two and living with them. I went with Sister Hammerl and she is so great. She was there willing to help me improve anything I wanted so we focused on lessons on the street and making that transition from a friendly conversation to fulfilling our purpose as missionaries. We also talked a lot about joy and she asked me What I have done to strive to maintain a happy attitude. I told her it all started before my mission. Before I left I committed myself to be happy and positive. Of course there have been times that I could have been better in that area but I am improving and that is what has made all the difference. Choosing before hand to be happy and positive is what has made this mission experiene all I could ever ask for. I am so grateful that I decided to make that sacred commitment to myself before hand and for the blessing that have followed because of it.
Our stake this week held a big campout that the members were able to attend and the missionaries were not so that was sad but we decided to have our own campout on Wedensday night where we roasted marshmellows, ate Tim Tam Slams, and Sister Hammerl sernaded us on her guitar. It was Sister Hammerl's first s'more and Sister Lyman's first Tim Tam Slam so we made history in 금천 Wednesday night. The following day was Temple day. Oh how I love the Seoul Korea Temple. I thank Heavenly Father everyday for the opportunity I have to attend the temple once a transfer and this transfer it was special. As many of you may know since I was 16 my dad and I have gone to a temple on my birthday as a Daddy-Daughter Date. Well considering he was not able to come to Korea this month I brought him with me to the temple. I entered the temple with a picture of my dad and I to make the tradition go on. I was so grateful to have that picture with me and for the love that I could feel in the temple from my Heavenly Father. The temple is such a special place and it is truly the house of the Lord. I am so grateful for the sacrifces that have been made in order to allow us to attend temples today and through them recieve the promised blessings from Heavenly Father.
Sister Hunter and I this week had one lesson with our investigator 김미량. It was such a good experience too! We do 30/30 with her so for the first half hour just did free talking in English. When we followed up with our last commitment with her which was prayer she said she didn't do it but then she paused for a few second and said "Wait no I did for my Grandma." Last week she went to her Grandmother's becaushe she is currently suffering from cancer. She said "I did it in my heart." I thought that was so cool and knowing our investigator she doesn't have any religious background so I wondered well what made her all of the sudden decide to pray so I asked her the simple question of "Why did you decide to pray?" She tried first to explain why in English for some reason but she couldn't quite get her point across so she spoke to us in Korean. I first off did not understand a thing and was just praying that Sister Hunter understood. Sister Hunter then said "Are you saying that you decided to pray because it's all you could do?" 김미량 said "Yes because I can't cure cancer so all I could do was pray." How cool is that?! She is beginning to act and exercise her faith in God who she has never really known before. But the neates part was after our lesson Sister Hunter and I were talking and come to find out Sister Hunter said that she didn't understand a thing that 김미량 said but God put those word in my mouth. It was truly a miracle and I was able to witness God's promise of "take no thought beforehand what ye shall say" because He will put words into our mouths that are necessary for us to discern the person's needs. It is so great to be speaking another language because I truly experience the wonderful gift of tongues everyday. No I am not fluent in Korean but I can get by with the Lord's help and He will emphasize the things that I do need to understand or say. I am so grateful to know that with God my true strength come.
Along with our one official lesson we had some practice lessons with members. This week Sister Hunter and I recieved so much help with a single adult member of our ward 황미주. She used to teach at the Korea MTC which I didn't even know they had one but we asked her to do a practice lesson which is now turning into 2 practice lessons every week! I am so excited! Listening to her talk about her mission really helped me and gave me that much more desire to be the best I can. But the best part was while she was sharing all her stories they were in pure Korean because she can't speak English and I understood every story! It was amazing and I just thought was she just speaking really simple Korean or is this real life but it was real life! We are really lucky and this member has been wanting to be a good member missionary but hasn't known how but now she is so happy with the help she is giving us. She just glows everytime we meet with her and she is able to help us improve. It has been a wonderful experience and I can tell that she was the most amazing missionary. I love her so much and am so glad that Sister Hunter and I are able to work with her. She is seriously the coolest and I want to be like her.
Now to close my email. So yesterday it rained SO hard. But the best part was Sister Hunter and I did not have umbrellas because when we left the house it looked like a possibility but the ward members just had continue to tell us that rainy season just never came this year so don't expect rain anymore so we did not have our umbreallas with us. Well we walked pretty far to do some knocking on doors at apartments and well after the first buiilding it starts to downpour. We couldn't believe it but luckily all the building we wanted to knock the doors of were close but the real problem was getting home because we were at least a 30 minute walk away from our house. When it was time to go home the rain just came down harder and harder by the minute and we couldn't do anything besides walk through it. We were soaked! I mean it looked like we decided to take a shower with our clothes on. It is quite the memory. The best part was we were just hitting a stop light that if we hurried we would have been able to cross the road but the light change to quickly so we stood there these two white American foriegner missionaries in the rain watching the cars drive by splashing us on both sides. Yes so the lesson learned always have your umbrella even if rainy season isn't coming because it will.
I just want you all to know how great this experience is. I am so grateful for the many things that I am learning and for the growth that is taking place in my life. I love serving as a missionary under the Lord's direction. I could not impagine being anywhere else at the moment. I thank each of you for the love,support and prayers you have all sent my way. I love and miss each of you. I know that this gospel is true. I know that is bring true and everlasting happiness. I know that God is aware of all of His children and we are HIs children. He knows us. If we just turn to Him He can and will help us because He is our Father. I love being a missionary. I love this work. I love my Savior. Because of Him I can improve myself each day and strive to reach my full potential by following is perfect example. I hope you all have a wonderful week! Keep smiling! Make memories! Live life to the fullest by recognizing the blessings of each day!
Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Well I am not really sure where to start this week so many fun things happened! Time is really flying by though. Sister Hunter and I are emailing and just can't believe P-day is here again! I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve though. I truly have found what is means to be happy. Last night for companionship study all four of us in my apartment decided to study together. We talked about how happy we truly are but the question is "Why are we so happy?" We found that we are living in the world but we are not living of the world. In fact we have no idea what is even going on in the world and that is okay because we have the gospel and we are sharing it. We have the gospel which brings true happiness. Right now as a missionary I have all that brings true happiness and no distractions. I have the scriptures to read, service to give, God's love to share, friends and family's support and a solid relationship with my Savior and Father in Heaven. Life does not get much better then that. As I have learned what true happiness really is I encourage you all to reflect on what brings you true happiness and what you can do to find the true happiness that YOU desire.
This week was full of fun adventures. I think living here with these 3 amazing Sister's is almost too go to be true. We are having so much fun and I sometimes wonder if we are doing something wrong because we seriously are living the best life. We are making so many memories and I am so grateful for their wonderful examples. We had exchanges with Sister Hammerl and Sister Lyman because they are the Sister Training Leader. I just adore serving with those two and living with them. I went with Sister Hammerl and she is so great. She was there willing to help me improve anything I wanted so we focused on lessons on the street and making that transition from a friendly conversation to fulfilling our purpose as missionaries. We also talked a lot about joy and she asked me What I have done to strive to maintain a happy attitude. I told her it all started before my mission. Before I left I committed myself to be happy and positive. Of course there have been times that I could have been better in that area but I am improving and that is what has made all the difference. Choosing before hand to be happy and positive is what has made this mission experiene all I could ever ask for. I am so grateful that I decided to make that sacred commitment to myself before hand and for the blessing that have followed because of it.
Our stake this week held a big campout that the members were able to attend and the missionaries were not so that was sad but we decided to have our own campout on Wedensday night where we roasted marshmellows, ate Tim Tam Slams, and Sister Hammerl sernaded us on her guitar. It was Sister Hammerl's first s'more and Sister Lyman's first Tim Tam Slam so we made history in 금천 Wednesday night. The following day was Temple day. Oh how I love the Seoul Korea Temple. I thank Heavenly Father everyday for the opportunity I have to attend the temple once a transfer and this transfer it was special. As many of you may know since I was 16 my dad and I have gone to a temple on my birthday as a Daddy-Daughter Date. Well considering he was not able to come to Korea this month I brought him with me to the temple. I entered the temple with a picture of my dad and I to make the tradition go on. I was so grateful to have that picture with me and for the love that I could feel in the temple from my Heavenly Father. The temple is such a special place and it is truly the house of the Lord. I am so grateful for the sacrifces that have been made in order to allow us to attend temples today and through them recieve the promised blessings from Heavenly Father.
Sister Hunter and I this week had one lesson with our investigator 김미량. It was such a good experience too! We do 30/30 with her so for the first half hour just did free talking in English. When we followed up with our last commitment with her which was prayer she said she didn't do it but then she paused for a few second and said "Wait no I did for my Grandma." Last week she went to her Grandmother's becaushe she is currently suffering from cancer. She said "I did it in my heart." I thought that was so cool and knowing our investigator she doesn't have any religious background so I wondered well what made her all of the sudden decide to pray so I asked her the simple question of "Why did you decide to pray?" She tried first to explain why in English for some reason but she couldn't quite get her point across so she spoke to us in Korean. I first off did not understand a thing and was just praying that Sister Hunter understood. Sister Hunter then said "Are you saying that you decided to pray because it's all you could do?" 김미량 said "Yes because I can't cure cancer so all I could do was pray." How cool is that?! She is beginning to act and exercise her faith in God who she has never really known before. But the neates part was after our lesson Sister Hunter and I were talking and come to find out Sister Hunter said that she didn't understand a thing that 김미량 said but God put those word in my mouth. It was truly a miracle and I was able to witness God's promise of "take no thought beforehand what ye shall say" because He will put words into our mouths that are necessary for us to discern the person's needs. It is so great to be speaking another language because I truly experience the wonderful gift of tongues everyday. No I am not fluent in Korean but I can get by with the Lord's help and He will emphasize the things that I do need to understand or say. I am so grateful to know that with God my true strength come.
Along with our one official lesson we had some practice lessons with members. This week Sister Hunter and I recieved so much help with a single adult member of our ward 황미주. She used to teach at the Korea MTC which I didn't even know they had one but we asked her to do a practice lesson which is now turning into 2 practice lessons every week! I am so excited! Listening to her talk about her mission really helped me and gave me that much more desire to be the best I can. But the best part was while she was sharing all her stories they were in pure Korean because she can't speak English and I understood every story! It was amazing and I just thought was she just speaking really simple Korean or is this real life but it was real life! We are really lucky and this member has been wanting to be a good member missionary but hasn't known how but now she is so happy with the help she is giving us. She just glows everytime we meet with her and she is able to help us improve. It has been a wonderful experience and I can tell that she was the most amazing missionary. I love her so much and am so glad that Sister Hunter and I are able to work with her. She is seriously the coolest and I want to be like her.
Now to close my email. So yesterday it rained SO hard. But the best part was Sister Hunter and I did not have umbrellas because when we left the house it looked like a possibility but the ward members just had continue to tell us that rainy season just never came this year so don't expect rain anymore so we did not have our umbreallas with us. Well we walked pretty far to do some knocking on doors at apartments and well after the first buiilding it starts to downpour. We couldn't believe it but luckily all the building we wanted to knock the doors of were close but the real problem was getting home because we were at least a 30 minute walk away from our house. When it was time to go home the rain just came down harder and harder by the minute and we couldn't do anything besides walk through it. We were soaked! I mean it looked like we decided to take a shower with our clothes on. It is quite the memory. The best part was we were just hitting a stop light that if we hurried we would have been able to cross the road but the light change to quickly so we stood there these two white American foriegner missionaries in the rain watching the cars drive by splashing us on both sides. Yes so the lesson learned always have your umbrella even if rainy season isn't coming because it will.
I just want you all to know how great this experience is. I am so grateful for the many things that I am learning and for the growth that is taking place in my life. I love serving as a missionary under the Lord's direction. I could not impagine being anywhere else at the moment. I thank each of you for the love,support and prayers you have all sent my way. I love and miss each of you. I know that this gospel is true. I know that is bring true and everlasting happiness. I know that God is aware of all of His children and we are HIs children. He knows us. If we just turn to Him He can and will help us because He is our Father. I love being a missionary. I love this work. I love my Savior. Because of Him I can improve myself each day and strive to reach my full potential by following is perfect example. I hope you all have a wonderful week! Keep smiling! Make memories! Live life to the fullest by recognizing the blessings of each day!
Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Letter - 8/4/14
Dear Family and Friends,
Well I want to start off by wishing my wonderful parents a Happy 31st Anniversary! I just cannot express in words that love and gratitude I have for my loving parents. They have taught me everything I know through their own personal righteous examples. I am so grateful for them and their desire to surrender to God's will and love our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ with all their heart, might, mind and strength. I could say so much about my wonderful parents but all I would like to say now is I love you Mom and Dad. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed you. Thank you for the support you have given me my entire life. Most of all thank you for teaching me that I am a daughter of God and for teaching me how to love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It has changed my life and because of your righteous examples lives will continue to be change. Thank you and I love you.
Anyways now about the mission, yes that's what I am doing serving the Lord in South Korea and guess what!!! It has been 8 months today! I can't even believe how the time has gone. I continually ask myself everyday "Is this real life? Am I really in Korea? Am I really a missionary?" and everyday I come up with the same answers "Yes, Yes and Yes." What an amazing blessing that is. I truly just love being a missionary. Each day has it's own challenges, blessings and adventures. Each day continues to strengthen my love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Each day makes me realize the love They have for all of the people on this earth. Each day gives me a reason to rejoice and smile because I know that God loves me and I know there is hope to be found in this world through our Savior Jesus Christ.
This week as always was just amazing! First I want to tell you all how amazing my companion Sister Hunter is! I just don't even know where to start with her. We are having so much fun serving together. She is the most selfless person I have ever met and truly is a huge example to me of forgetting herself and going to work. She is always thinking of others and how she can help them.She starts of every companionship study saying who she thought about this morning and what she thinks we can do to help them. She truly just loves everyone and is just a joy to be around. I am so lucky to be serving with her as we both shared our goals of our mission which is to be happy and full of love because that is something we can control because it is up to us to be happy and love those around us. I am just so grateful for her example and the work we are doing together.
In fact I just have to share this story with you to prove how great our relationship is and how much we love each other. So yesterday we went to visit a potential investigator who was home and immediately let us in. She was in the middle of making dinner with her friend so we just sat and talked for a while. During that time her friend gave us corn on the cob but it wasn't cooked and she told us to eat it. I was extremely hesitant but in Korea you eat because food is a big thing in their culture. So we begin eating this raw corn that tastes like the plastic toy corn that would be in my family's playhouse back home. Sister Hunter and I are really struggling to finish it but I finally finish mine. I look over at Sister Hunter and she just does not look like she can eat anymore so I come up with the idea of breaking off the part she hasn't eaten. I hurry and grab the corn from her hand while the potential investigator isn't looking break it in half and put the not eaten part in Sister Hunter's bag. She was so thrilled and just said "You saved my life." We are still laughing about the experience. It was memorable.
I have so many other stories to tell about this fun area I am in but currently running out of time so I want to share with you what I studied this week. I studied a lot on obedience because I had to teach in Gosple Principles class in Korean on obedience. Yeah scary right?! Well I showed up to church yesterdayall prepared and ended up not having to teach. What a wonderful thing to study though. I love the scripture from King Benjamin in Mosiah 2:22 where it states that all God requires of us is obedience. As I have learned the principle of obeidence throughout my life I have noticed the blessings that God promises us such as joy, peace, happinessin this life. When I was younger I did what my parents asked but not super willingly or I woud wait until I was asked but after an incident that caught my intention my whole attitude changed and being obedient was easy. Obedience I learned personally is the easy way. Once I figured out that obedience is the best way to go with a smile on my face my life was just filled with blessings of joy and happiness. God wants to bless us and that why He gives us commandments because through them is how He blesses us.The things God commands us to do is truly a clear raod map back to His presence. Also while studying this topic I read Mosiah 15:7 where it talks about how Christ's will and God's will became one. As I thought about that scripture at first I thought nice that's a good scripture but the more I pondered I realized that as I am obedient like Christ my will will become God's will and our will's will knit together into one to create the life that I need. I just love the idea of my will and God's will becoming one and being one in purpose. That is what life is all about aligning our will with God's and as we do that He will bless us more then we coud ever imagine because He has to! If we are obeident His only option is to give us the blessings He has promised us. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father and for His desire to bless all of His children.
I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to be a missionary as I learned this week this mission time is preparing me for the rest of my life. I can't imagine going on with my life without this essential training that I am receiving personally from my Heavenly Father. This time is short but it determines so much. I love the work I am participating in and cannot thank my Heavenly Father enough for guiding me to this experience. I love representing Jesus Christ and striving to become more like Him everyday. I often think of Him roaming the streets of Korea with me and think what would He do. He would just love and smile. I want to share His love with these people so I must continue to be filled with HIs love and pray for it with all the energy of my heart. I am so grateful for this missionary experience. I love and miss each of you dearly but I can't imagine being anywhere else right now. Thank you for all of the letters, prayers, and love. I am so blessed to have such an amzing support system. I hope you all have a great week! Keep smiling and recongizing the little blessing of everyday because they are all around you!
Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Well I want to start off by wishing my wonderful parents a Happy 31st Anniversary! I just cannot express in words that love and gratitude I have for my loving parents. They have taught me everything I know through their own personal righteous examples. I am so grateful for them and their desire to surrender to God's will and love our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ with all their heart, might, mind and strength. I could say so much about my wonderful parents but all I would like to say now is I love you Mom and Dad. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed you. Thank you for the support you have given me my entire life. Most of all thank you for teaching me that I am a daughter of God and for teaching me how to love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It has changed my life and because of your righteous examples lives will continue to be change. Thank you and I love you.
Anyways now about the mission, yes that's what I am doing serving the Lord in South Korea and guess what!!! It has been 8 months today! I can't even believe how the time has gone. I continually ask myself everyday "Is this real life? Am I really in Korea? Am I really a missionary?" and everyday I come up with the same answers "Yes, Yes and Yes." What an amazing blessing that is. I truly just love being a missionary. Each day has it's own challenges, blessings and adventures. Each day continues to strengthen my love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Each day makes me realize the love They have for all of the people on this earth. Each day gives me a reason to rejoice and smile because I know that God loves me and I know there is hope to be found in this world through our Savior Jesus Christ.
This week as always was just amazing! First I want to tell you all how amazing my companion Sister Hunter is! I just don't even know where to start with her. We are having so much fun serving together. She is the most selfless person I have ever met and truly is a huge example to me of forgetting herself and going to work. She is always thinking of others and how she can help them.She starts of every companionship study saying who she thought about this morning and what she thinks we can do to help them. She truly just loves everyone and is just a joy to be around. I am so lucky to be serving with her as we both shared our goals of our mission which is to be happy and full of love because that is something we can control because it is up to us to be happy and love those around us. I am just so grateful for her example and the work we are doing together.
In fact I just have to share this story with you to prove how great our relationship is and how much we love each other. So yesterday we went to visit a potential investigator who was home and immediately let us in. She was in the middle of making dinner with her friend so we just sat and talked for a while. During that time her friend gave us corn on the cob but it wasn't cooked and she told us to eat it. I was extremely hesitant but in Korea you eat because food is a big thing in their culture. So we begin eating this raw corn that tastes like the plastic toy corn that would be in my family's playhouse back home. Sister Hunter and I are really struggling to finish it but I finally finish mine. I look over at Sister Hunter and she just does not look like she can eat anymore so I come up with the idea of breaking off the part she hasn't eaten. I hurry and grab the corn from her hand while the potential investigator isn't looking break it in half and put the not eaten part in Sister Hunter's bag. She was so thrilled and just said "You saved my life." We are still laughing about the experience. It was memorable.
I have so many other stories to tell about this fun area I am in but currently running out of time so I want to share with you what I studied this week. I studied a lot on obedience because I had to teach in Gosple Principles class in Korean on obedience. Yeah scary right?! Well I showed up to church yesterdayall prepared and ended up not having to teach. What a wonderful thing to study though. I love the scripture from King Benjamin in Mosiah 2:22 where it states that all God requires of us is obedience. As I have learned the principle of obeidence throughout my life I have noticed the blessings that God promises us such as joy, peace, happinessin this life. When I was younger I did what my parents asked but not super willingly or I woud wait until I was asked but after an incident that caught my intention my whole attitude changed and being obedient was easy. Obedience I learned personally is the easy way. Once I figured out that obedience is the best way to go with a smile on my face my life was just filled with blessings of joy and happiness. God wants to bless us and that why He gives us commandments because through them is how He blesses us.The things God commands us to do is truly a clear raod map back to His presence. Also while studying this topic I read Mosiah 15:7 where it talks about how Christ's will and God's will became one. As I thought about that scripture at first I thought nice that's a good scripture but the more I pondered I realized that as I am obedient like Christ my will will become God's will and our will's will knit together into one to create the life that I need. I just love the idea of my will and God's will becoming one and being one in purpose. That is what life is all about aligning our will with God's and as we do that He will bless us more then we coud ever imagine because He has to! If we are obeident His only option is to give us the blessings He has promised us. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father and for His desire to bless all of His children.
I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to be a missionary as I learned this week this mission time is preparing me for the rest of my life. I can't imagine going on with my life without this essential training that I am receiving personally from my Heavenly Father. This time is short but it determines so much. I love the work I am participating in and cannot thank my Heavenly Father enough for guiding me to this experience. I love representing Jesus Christ and striving to become more like Him everyday. I often think of Him roaming the streets of Korea with me and think what would He do. He would just love and smile. I want to share His love with these people so I must continue to be filled with HIs love and pray for it with all the energy of my heart. I am so grateful for this missionary experience. I love and miss each of you dearly but I can't imagine being anywhere else right now. Thank you for all of the letters, prayers, and love. I am so blessed to have such an amzing support system. I hope you all have a great week! Keep smiling and recongizing the little blessing of everyday because they are all around you!
Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
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