Family and Friends,
Well I don't even know where to start other than in gratitude. I don't know what has happened these last few days but the Lord has just poured blessings upon me and it’s so humbling and overwhelming. I just don't know what I ever did to deserve such wonderful blessings but I am grateful and as a missionary there is so much to be grateful for. MY heart is full of gratitude as I look back on my mission thus far and see all the wonderful miracles, experiences, trials, people, and steps of faith that I have encountered.
Today we experienced the first snow of the year on December 1. Perfect timing right. It's getting cold outside and I don't know if I am ready to bear the biting cold but here we go! At least I have Sister Johnson to do it with me. Sister Johnson is my new companion and she is who I spent Thanksgiving with. It was the best and we even made some delicious mashed potatoes which we almost died over they were so good. She is Korean but from Utah and is learning Korean like me so it’s super fun. It's a little stressful because we still have so much learning to do but oh my goodness have I experienced the gift of tongues this week like no other. I don't know what has happened but all of the sudden I can speak and understand Korean better than ever before and I know it is all the Lord. We are working together well in unity to accomplish our purpose and we are truly experiencing the after blessing for doing so. I can see us both progressing so much these next few months. It's weird living in just a two man house because I have never done that in my entire LIFE but its fun and we have lots of new adventures coming ahead of us. I love this new area. It is so big in comparison to my last but a lot more country like so I am super happy! I just feel so blessed to be apart of this great work that the Lord is putting on in Korea.
This week I probably experienced the biggest miracle of my entire mission.
Monday night I went to say goodbye to a less active who Sister Stout and I reactivated. She told me that her sister lived in Suwon which was where I was being transferred to but wasn't sure where. She gave me her number and asked me to contact her and help her boys with English. That was amazing. I was in shock and so touched to know that this member was trusting me with her sister and felt like I really needed to seek the Lord for this time because we all know referrals are not as common as we hope.
Well the following day, Tuesday night, I contacted the sister and I had no idea what to say but the Lord put words into my mouth and opened my ears to understand as I was able to have a great conversation with her and find out exactly where she lived. I broke down into tears after the call because the woman was so kind and I just realized what a miracle it was that I had the words to speak that were necessary for that time. With that information I then sent it to the office elders so they could send the referral to the area she lived in. I was so excited and so curious to where this referral was going to end up. I was hoping and praying that it would be in my new area and if it were what a crazy miracle that would be.
When I arrived at transfers on Wednesday Sister Carter (a sister whose place I was taking) came up to me and said "Did you know you sent a referral to us?" I then realized that the referral that I received lives in 곡반정 area where I was being transferred to. The minute I heard that news I just cried because it was truly such a blessing and miracle and confirmation that where I was being transferred to is exactly where I needed to be. I was overwhelmed with the Spirit and just couldn't believe that it was real life. Wednesday night Sister Johnson and I contacted this lady again and I told her that I am actually serving in her area and we were able to set up an appointment on Friday. It was just miracle after miracle but I had no idea what else was coming at the time.
As we prepared to meet with the referral I contacted the referral’s sister from my last area and told her all that was going on she told me to take it slow and not invite her to church yet. I thought of course I will take it slow and see how the Lord wants this to work out. I can't mess up this perfect plan that the Lord has so I must pray for guidance and help in knowing what to do. So when we met on Friday we got to know her really well and talked about our purpose as missionaries and how we begin teaching from Preach My Gospel. She then asked when our worship service was. She doesn't have much of a religious background so it caught me off guard especially because of what her sister said about not inviting her to church too quick so we softly told her when our church was. She said that she may come because she had heard from her son that he wanted to go to church. She told us she had to think about if she wanted to continue meeting and needed to ask her kids so we kindly said okay not to pressure her or anything. This was all very fragile ground for me and we just went with our hearts trusting in the Lord throughout this whole experience.
Well Sunday morning Sister Johnson and I decided that we would send her the times of Church and english class through text so that she could have them in her phone. When we walked up into the chapel her and her two boys were sitting in the chairs ready for church. I was completely surprised! I literally couldn't gather myself it caught me so off guard. I couldn't sit with her because the bishop called me up to the stand for my introduction to the ward but the whole time I watched her and it was so special. The spirit was so strong in my heart and everything just felt right. The members welcomed her into the ward so well and I think it may have overwhelmed her a little bit. She and her boys stayed for all 3 hours which by the end I could tell they were tired and they rushed fairly quickly out which made me nervous and we weren't able to make another appointment but I know that Heavenly Father wouldn't have provided such amazing miracles for it to end there. I truly believe that He is answering my prayers and I know as Sister Johnson and I continue to pray diligently for this family that more miracles will continue to happen. I have been so blessed as a missionary and the miracles that I have seen thus far. I don't know what the Lord has planned but I do know that it is perfect no matter what happens. I am just so grateful that He is trusting Sister Johnson and I with the precious family and I know as we seek His will and guidance we will be able to touch this family's life forever.
I just want you all to know how happy I am to be a missionary and how much I love this gospel. I know it is true and it is the way to eternal happiness. I feel so blessed that I have had this knowledge my whole life and that now I have the time to share it. I am grateful that I have come unto Christ and that my purpose now is to help others to do the same. I have truly experienced the joy of this gospel and the joy of knowing that I am a child of God. I know that God loves us and knows us each individually. I know that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to this earth because of His love for us. If anything has grown on my mission is it my testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ. My last dance practice with the Relief Society members in 금천 I shared with them my testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ and I truly know that He is my Savior, Redeemer, and my Brother. He loves us and because of that we love Him. I know of His sacrifice and atonement and know that it was all out of love for each one of us. If only we could truly comprehend His complete perfect and unconditional love for us but because I know there is that love I know that I can always trust in Him and have faith in Him. I love my Savior and know that He has overcome all things and through Him I can too.
Thank you for all you love, prayers, and support. I truly am so grateful and humbled to know of all the support and prayers I am receiving. I love and miss each and every one of you. Please have a wonderful week and don't let the spirit of thanksgiving die in your heart. We always have so much to be grateful for so let us live in an attitude of gratitude. Remember that miracles do happen when you believe and that our Father in Heaven is always aware of our needs. He know us perfectly. I love you!!! Have fun! Keep smiling! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
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, December 2, 2014
Letter - 11/23/14
Dear Family and Friends,
Well this week was a great last week to spend in my good old area of 금천. Yes that is correct we received transfer calls Sunday morning and I got news that I would be transferred to a new area called 곡반정. They closed one of the sister areas in this area due to the lack of sisters coming so Sister Hoffman my roommate and Sister Stout will becoming new companions and take over both wards. I am so sad to leave and feel that I wasn't here for very long but in the amount of time I was here the love I grew for the members and the people of Korea just sky rocketed. I really learned to serve and love the members quicker then ever before. It has been an honor to serve here and I kind of expressed this in one of my prior letters but it is what I learned while serving here in 금천. While serving here we haven't been booming with investigators so my focus was my members and what a difference that made in my daily life and missionary work. As I learned to work with members, love them, serve them and build relationships with them I began feeling more effective and successful. I realized that the members are my focus and they are the ones that I needed in my life to progress and become better. I was only here for 4 months but in those 4 months I made everlasting friendships that I will never forget.
As I talked of this last week being great let me tell you why. With the new change of the mission of focusing on lessons Sister Stout and I the last few weeks had just barely fallen short of our goal but this week we succesfullly made it and each of our lessons were meaningful and guided by the spirit. One happened Sunday night as we met with a member and talked about the prayer of faith. Sister Stout and I have been studying a lot about prayer of faith and really just wanted to learn not only from the Spirit but our member. It was a really special experience as we were talking things were brought to my rememberance and there was no fear inside me to speak Korean. Everything just flowed and it was a miracle. One thing she said that touched me was something my dad had just emailed me last week. She said "We are miracles. I am a miracle. Sister Stout is a miracle. Sister Driscoll is a miracle. Us meeting right now is a miracle." It is so true. As we look around in life we begin to realize that everything truly is a miracle from God and what joy that brings me. It manifests His love to us His children. Knowing that fills me with so much gratitude toward my Heavenly Father and His mercy towards each of His children especially me.
Another great event that happened is the 8 year old boy we were teaching the lessons to had his baptism on Wednesday. Monday we finished the lessons with him by doing Family Home Evening with his family and it was so great. It was the family I spent my birthday with. I love that family so much and am so grateful for all the sacrifice, love and service they have showed me. It filled me with so much joy to watch him make those covenants with our Heavenly Father and light up as he entered the waters of baptism and later recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am grateful that his mother asked Sister Stout and I to teach him and be apart of his conversion process. It was so neat to be a part of that special time with him even though while teaching him it was like pulling teeth because his attention span is very short haha but it was great for us to learn how to teach simply, clearly, effectively and adjust to his needs as an 8 year old. I love this gospel so much and so grateful that like this little boy that I was able to learn it at a young age and see how it has blessed and changed my life. I never realized how lucky I was to have the gospel my entire life until I came on my mission and listened to so many conversion stories. This gospel is truly amazing and I love it. I am so grateful that I have this opportunity to preach it to God's children and invite all people to come unto Christ.
Due to me leaving all the Relief Society Sisters are super worried about the dance for the Christmas party but luckily Sister Stout has been amazing and knows the dance better then I do. She will be continuing the teaching and will perform with them at the Christmas party but this Tuesday we will have our last practice with me where we will learn the finale and have a big party. I am grateful that I get to say goodbye to everyone that night instead of earlier. I just love this ward so much and they have helped me grow so much by teaching me dedication, obedience, sacrifice, and love. Each of the members bent over backwars to fulfill their callings and be obedient to the Lord's commands. They sacrificed so much time for Sister Stout and I so we could do practice lessons with them and learn from them. They also just unconditionally loved me and filled me with joy the more time I spent with them. I am so grateful for each one of them and I am grateful that my last Sunday was the Primary Program so I was able to hear the kids sing and bear their testimonies of the Plan of Salvation that our Heavenly Father has given to us.
Thursday was then temple day and what joy and peace the temple brings into my heart. I am so blessed to be able to go every transfer and communicate with my Heavenly Father directly with no distractions inside. The temple truly is the HOuse of the Lord and the blessings of the temple are numerous. I am grateful everytime I walk through the city of Seoul and can see Angel Moroni gleaming in the sunlight. What a blessing that is and I am grateful for the hope it fills my soul. After that temple day Sister Stout and I spent the whole day (P-day) with 황미주, our member, my best friend. It was the best day ever and I just love her so much. We went to an ancient Korean palace and saw the beautiful fall leaves. We had so much fun together and it is a day that I will forever remember. 황미주 has truly been an answer to my prayers and has become my eternal friend. We always say that in heaven we are going to live right next to each other but in order to do that we have to work hard here on earth so that we can meet there. Once again so grateful for the relationships I have made and the person I have become while serving in the wonderful ward.
I love being a missionary so much and thank my Father in Heaven everyday for guiding me to this point in my life. Each day I feel His guidance and each day I am grateful. I read in 2 Nephi 8 verse 16 the other day and just love the line that said "And I have put my words in thy mouth and have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand." As I thought about that I realized that we are in Christ's shadow. That is where we started and we can always remain there as we follow Him. In order to stay inside a shadow you must follow it which means we must follow our Savior Jesus Christ and as we do so perfectly we will be led back to where we belong. Christ is truly the way and we must follow him so we can remain in His shadow and become like Him. we are always safe walking in His path. I know that as we rely on the Savior we will always be comforted and safe. He is our Savior and I love Him. Thank you for your prayers in my behalf. Everything good that happens in my life is due to the prayers offered by each of you. Your prayers are being answered I can testify that to you. I love you and miss each of you! Have a wonderful week and remember that "You truly are a miracle!"
Love
SIster Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Well this week was a great last week to spend in my good old area of 금천. Yes that is correct we received transfer calls Sunday morning and I got news that I would be transferred to a new area called 곡반정. They closed one of the sister areas in this area due to the lack of sisters coming so Sister Hoffman my roommate and Sister Stout will becoming new companions and take over both wards. I am so sad to leave and feel that I wasn't here for very long but in the amount of time I was here the love I grew for the members and the people of Korea just sky rocketed. I really learned to serve and love the members quicker then ever before. It has been an honor to serve here and I kind of expressed this in one of my prior letters but it is what I learned while serving here in 금천. While serving here we haven't been booming with investigators so my focus was my members and what a difference that made in my daily life and missionary work. As I learned to work with members, love them, serve them and build relationships with them I began feeling more effective and successful. I realized that the members are my focus and they are the ones that I needed in my life to progress and become better. I was only here for 4 months but in those 4 months I made everlasting friendships that I will never forget.
As I talked of this last week being great let me tell you why. With the new change of the mission of focusing on lessons Sister Stout and I the last few weeks had just barely fallen short of our goal but this week we succesfullly made it and each of our lessons were meaningful and guided by the spirit. One happened Sunday night as we met with a member and talked about the prayer of faith. Sister Stout and I have been studying a lot about prayer of faith and really just wanted to learn not only from the Spirit but our member. It was a really special experience as we were talking things were brought to my rememberance and there was no fear inside me to speak Korean. Everything just flowed and it was a miracle. One thing she said that touched me was something my dad had just emailed me last week. She said "We are miracles. I am a miracle. Sister Stout is a miracle. Sister Driscoll is a miracle. Us meeting right now is a miracle." It is so true. As we look around in life we begin to realize that everything truly is a miracle from God and what joy that brings me. It manifests His love to us His children. Knowing that fills me with so much gratitude toward my Heavenly Father and His mercy towards each of His children especially me.
Another great event that happened is the 8 year old boy we were teaching the lessons to had his baptism on Wednesday. Monday we finished the lessons with him by doing Family Home Evening with his family and it was so great. It was the family I spent my birthday with. I love that family so much and am so grateful for all the sacrifice, love and service they have showed me. It filled me with so much joy to watch him make those covenants with our Heavenly Father and light up as he entered the waters of baptism and later recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost. I am grateful that his mother asked Sister Stout and I to teach him and be apart of his conversion process. It was so neat to be a part of that special time with him even though while teaching him it was like pulling teeth because his attention span is very short haha but it was great for us to learn how to teach simply, clearly, effectively and adjust to his needs as an 8 year old. I love this gospel so much and so grateful that like this little boy that I was able to learn it at a young age and see how it has blessed and changed my life. I never realized how lucky I was to have the gospel my entire life until I came on my mission and listened to so many conversion stories. This gospel is truly amazing and I love it. I am so grateful that I have this opportunity to preach it to God's children and invite all people to come unto Christ.
Due to me leaving all the Relief Society Sisters are super worried about the dance for the Christmas party but luckily Sister Stout has been amazing and knows the dance better then I do. She will be continuing the teaching and will perform with them at the Christmas party but this Tuesday we will have our last practice with me where we will learn the finale and have a big party. I am grateful that I get to say goodbye to everyone that night instead of earlier. I just love this ward so much and they have helped me grow so much by teaching me dedication, obedience, sacrifice, and love. Each of the members bent over backwars to fulfill their callings and be obedient to the Lord's commands. They sacrificed so much time for Sister Stout and I so we could do practice lessons with them and learn from them. They also just unconditionally loved me and filled me with joy the more time I spent with them. I am so grateful for each one of them and I am grateful that my last Sunday was the Primary Program so I was able to hear the kids sing and bear their testimonies of the Plan of Salvation that our Heavenly Father has given to us.
Thursday was then temple day and what joy and peace the temple brings into my heart. I am so blessed to be able to go every transfer and communicate with my Heavenly Father directly with no distractions inside. The temple truly is the HOuse of the Lord and the blessings of the temple are numerous. I am grateful everytime I walk through the city of Seoul and can see Angel Moroni gleaming in the sunlight. What a blessing that is and I am grateful for the hope it fills my soul. After that temple day Sister Stout and I spent the whole day (P-day) with 황미주, our member, my best friend. It was the best day ever and I just love her so much. We went to an ancient Korean palace and saw the beautiful fall leaves. We had so much fun together and it is a day that I will forever remember. 황미주 has truly been an answer to my prayers and has become my eternal friend. We always say that in heaven we are going to live right next to each other but in order to do that we have to work hard here on earth so that we can meet there. Once again so grateful for the relationships I have made and the person I have become while serving in the wonderful ward.
I love being a missionary so much and thank my Father in Heaven everyday for guiding me to this point in my life. Each day I feel His guidance and each day I am grateful. I read in 2 Nephi 8 verse 16 the other day and just love the line that said "And I have put my words in thy mouth and have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand." As I thought about that I realized that we are in Christ's shadow. That is where we started and we can always remain there as we follow Him. In order to stay inside a shadow you must follow it which means we must follow our Savior Jesus Christ and as we do so perfectly we will be led back to where we belong. Christ is truly the way and we must follow him so we can remain in His shadow and become like Him. we are always safe walking in His path. I know that as we rely on the Savior we will always be comforted and safe. He is our Savior and I love Him. Thank you for your prayers in my behalf. Everything good that happens in my life is due to the prayers offered by each of you. Your prayers are being answered I can testify that to you. I love you and miss each of you! Have a wonderful week and remember that "You truly are a miracle!"
Love
SIster Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Letter - 11/17/14
Family and Friends,
Another week has come and gone and I can hardly believe it! Sister Stout and I are in shock with how much faster time is going by now that we are getting older in the mission. We are just going everday diligently striving to fulfill our purpose as fully as possible because we are realizing that it does come to an end. Our roommate Sister Hammerl from Australia goes home in 2 weeks so it's really hitting us that the time really does come so we have to work our hardest until the end and do what it takes to reach the full potential that God sees in us. I just love Sister Stout too! She is such an amazing missionary and is always improving herself and trusting in the Lord. I am so grateful for her example and love.
As I have served my mission I have been asked many times what my favorite part about my mission is and I want to tell you all that now. As I have been a missionary I have met so many wonderful people and built so many strong friendships and I love it. I love knowing that although I only serve here in Korea for 18 months and only with certain companions for a few months that these relationships are forever. The relationships I am gaining and the examples that are influencing my life are my favorite parts about my mission. As I reflect on my past companions I have realized that each of them have taught me a Christlike attribute so through each of my companions example and influence I am developing those attributes that I work so hard to have. As I reflect on the members and people on the street I think of the joy and love I feel when I see them smile and just take part or see the little light of the gospel that I want to give to them. I am learning so much through other people and being greatly influenced through each person I come in contact with. I know that the Lord has me meet each person for a reason and from each person I meet I have something to learn from. I need each person in my life to help me reach that full potential. The role that these people have played in my life is so great that I personally can't even comprehend it but I am forever grateful. I love being a part of this work and serving this mission that is causing me to stretch grow and become more like Christ.
Last Monday Sister Stout and I had Family Home Evening with a lady in our ward who has a daughter on a mission. She is so fun and just loves the missionaries and knows the scriptures and the gospel like the back of her hand. She truly has put the time and effort into not only knowing the gospel but living it. Her testimony continues to amaze me. While we were preparing for her we reflected on what she said during gospel doctrine class and when she bore her testimony that Fast Sunday. We both didn't understand everything that she said but both agreed that she needed peace in her heart so we planned accordingly. As we started the lesson she said that it was exactly what she needed. I shared with her the scripture that has brought me the most peace while on my mission and that is D&C 50:40-45.
"40 Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.41 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; 42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost. 43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you. 44 Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall. 45 And the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that I am."
It brought peace to my soul knowing that Christ understands and knows how we feel but He reminds us that He has overcome the world and we are always remembered by Him. He is always with us and as long as we are built upon His rock we shall never fall. This scripture has brought me so much hope, comfort and peace through hard times and good times and I know it is true. I have witnessed the Lord with me at all times guiding me and comforting me along the rocky road and the smooth road. I know as I endure patiently, lovingly and hopefully with Him by my side I will receive that great reward of everlasting happiness. We have no need to fear because we always have Christ with us as we invite Him into our lives.
As Sister Stout and I have been serving together we have done a service project at a nursing home type place and well in Korea that grandmas and grandpas are extremely hard to understand so we try talking to them but it's just difficult so since Sister Stout came and since I have started the dance for the Relief Society we have been practicing on the grandmas and grandpas. This was Sister Stout's idea and at first I thought she was crazy but then I remembered that's what I grew up doing and what joy it brought those people to see all the dance performances I did when I was little so we showed them. It was so fun and one lady started crying while the others just clapped and smiled bigger then I had ever seen. It was so precious and as we danced I couldn't help but smile bigger then ever. One lady said that it was our smiles and the light that made it great. This experience brought satisfaction to my soul and reminded me of my talent of dance and how we truly can bear our testimonies through our talents and bring the light and joy of the gospel into other's lives as we share them.
This week was full of member visits and practice lessons and it was just the greatest. Sister Stout and I had so many member practice lessons that went to so well and helped us with not only our Korean but teaching skills. I don't know if I mentioned this but starting this month our mission has a made a change as far as our goals go and now instead of counting our conversations that we have weekly we count our lessons which we did before but now have a specific section for these practice lessons because President Morrise wants us teaching as much as possible and then just talking to everyone. I truly enjoy the new change because it focuses us on working with the members more and helps us become master teachers of the gospel. IT was so fun spending time with members and being able to strengthen them. Sister Stout and I in order to show our gratitude and love made a bunch of brownies and delivered them to everyone. The joy that is brought to my heart to see how the member and their children reacted is so hard to explain but it made me realize that I love these people and they love me.
I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to be a missionary and for the refining that is taking place within myself. This work is amazing and I know that it is the Lord's. As I read in 1 Nephi 18:1 I realized something about Nephi when he was commanded to build the ship. In verse one it said, "... And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work..." The Lord didn't tell Nephi perfectly how to do everything. We have to learn and grow and trust in not only God but ourselves that we are doing His will. When we do that we find that we really are doing it "..after the manner which the Lord had shown unto..." us. I know that this is the Lord's work and He will accomplish His purpose. I know that this gospel is true and blesses lives all around the world. I know that Heavenly Father loves His children and wants them all to return back to Him and that is why He has provided the way. I know that Jesus Christ and His gospel is the way and that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I am grateful for this knowledge and for this time that my only purpose is to share it. I love being a missionary. Thank you for all you love support and prayers. I hope you all continue to be well and have a great week! Remember to smile and to trust in God! Love you and Miss you all!
Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
P.S I ate octopus this week:) It's good stuff just super chewy:)
Another week has come and gone and I can hardly believe it! Sister Stout and I are in shock with how much faster time is going by now that we are getting older in the mission. We are just going everday diligently striving to fulfill our purpose as fully as possible because we are realizing that it does come to an end. Our roommate Sister Hammerl from Australia goes home in 2 weeks so it's really hitting us that the time really does come so we have to work our hardest until the end and do what it takes to reach the full potential that God sees in us. I just love Sister Stout too! She is such an amazing missionary and is always improving herself and trusting in the Lord. I am so grateful for her example and love.
As I have served my mission I have been asked many times what my favorite part about my mission is and I want to tell you all that now. As I have been a missionary I have met so many wonderful people and built so many strong friendships and I love it. I love knowing that although I only serve here in Korea for 18 months and only with certain companions for a few months that these relationships are forever. The relationships I am gaining and the examples that are influencing my life are my favorite parts about my mission. As I reflect on my past companions I have realized that each of them have taught me a Christlike attribute so through each of my companions example and influence I am developing those attributes that I work so hard to have. As I reflect on the members and people on the street I think of the joy and love I feel when I see them smile and just take part or see the little light of the gospel that I want to give to them. I am learning so much through other people and being greatly influenced through each person I come in contact with. I know that the Lord has me meet each person for a reason and from each person I meet I have something to learn from. I need each person in my life to help me reach that full potential. The role that these people have played in my life is so great that I personally can't even comprehend it but I am forever grateful. I love being a part of this work and serving this mission that is causing me to stretch grow and become more like Christ.
Last Monday Sister Stout and I had Family Home Evening with a lady in our ward who has a daughter on a mission. She is so fun and just loves the missionaries and knows the scriptures and the gospel like the back of her hand. She truly has put the time and effort into not only knowing the gospel but living it. Her testimony continues to amaze me. While we were preparing for her we reflected on what she said during gospel doctrine class and when she bore her testimony that Fast Sunday. We both didn't understand everything that she said but both agreed that she needed peace in her heart so we planned accordingly. As we started the lesson she said that it was exactly what she needed. I shared with her the scripture that has brought me the most peace while on my mission and that is D&C 50:40-45.
"40 Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.41 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; 42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost. 43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you. 44 Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall. 45 And the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that I am."
It brought peace to my soul knowing that Christ understands and knows how we feel but He reminds us that He has overcome the world and we are always remembered by Him. He is always with us and as long as we are built upon His rock we shall never fall. This scripture has brought me so much hope, comfort and peace through hard times and good times and I know it is true. I have witnessed the Lord with me at all times guiding me and comforting me along the rocky road and the smooth road. I know as I endure patiently, lovingly and hopefully with Him by my side I will receive that great reward of everlasting happiness. We have no need to fear because we always have Christ with us as we invite Him into our lives.
As Sister Stout and I have been serving together we have done a service project at a nursing home type place and well in Korea that grandmas and grandpas are extremely hard to understand so we try talking to them but it's just difficult so since Sister Stout came and since I have started the dance for the Relief Society we have been practicing on the grandmas and grandpas. This was Sister Stout's idea and at first I thought she was crazy but then I remembered that's what I grew up doing and what joy it brought those people to see all the dance performances I did when I was little so we showed them. It was so fun and one lady started crying while the others just clapped and smiled bigger then I had ever seen. It was so precious and as we danced I couldn't help but smile bigger then ever. One lady said that it was our smiles and the light that made it great. This experience brought satisfaction to my soul and reminded me of my talent of dance and how we truly can bear our testimonies through our talents and bring the light and joy of the gospel into other's lives as we share them.
This week was full of member visits and practice lessons and it was just the greatest. Sister Stout and I had so many member practice lessons that went to so well and helped us with not only our Korean but teaching skills. I don't know if I mentioned this but starting this month our mission has a made a change as far as our goals go and now instead of counting our conversations that we have weekly we count our lessons which we did before but now have a specific section for these practice lessons because President Morrise wants us teaching as much as possible and then just talking to everyone. I truly enjoy the new change because it focuses us on working with the members more and helps us become master teachers of the gospel. IT was so fun spending time with members and being able to strengthen them. Sister Stout and I in order to show our gratitude and love made a bunch of brownies and delivered them to everyone. The joy that is brought to my heart to see how the member and their children reacted is so hard to explain but it made me realize that I love these people and they love me.
I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to be a missionary and for the refining that is taking place within myself. This work is amazing and I know that it is the Lord's. As I read in 1 Nephi 18:1 I realized something about Nephi when he was commanded to build the ship. In verse one it said, "... And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work..." The Lord didn't tell Nephi perfectly how to do everything. We have to learn and grow and trust in not only God but ourselves that we are doing His will. When we do that we find that we really are doing it "..after the manner which the Lord had shown unto..." us. I know that this is the Lord's work and He will accomplish His purpose. I know that this gospel is true and blesses lives all around the world. I know that Heavenly Father loves His children and wants them all to return back to Him and that is why He has provided the way. I know that Jesus Christ and His gospel is the way and that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I am grateful for this knowledge and for this time that my only purpose is to share it. I love being a missionary. Thank you for all you love support and prayers. I hope you all continue to be well and have a great week! Remember to smile and to trust in God! Love you and Miss you all!
Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
P.S I ate octopus this week:) It's good stuff just super chewy:)
Letter - 11/10/14
Family and Friends,
Another week has come and gone and I can hardly believe it! Sister Stout and I are in shock with how much faster time is going by now that we are getting older in the mission. We are just going everday diligently striving to fulfill our purpose as fully as possible because we are realizing that it does come to an end. Our roommate Sister Hammerl from Australia goes home in 2 weeks so it's really hitting us that the time really does come so we have to work our hardest until the end and do what it takes to reach the full potential that God sees in us. I just love Sister Stout too! She is such an amazing missionary and is always improving herself and trusting in the Lord. I am so grateful for her example and love.
As I have served my mission I have been asked many times what my favorite part about my mission is and I want to tell you all that now. As I have been a missionary I have met so many wonderful people and built so many strong friendships and I love it. I love knowing that although I only serve here in Korea for 18 months and only with certain companions for a few months that these relationships are forever. The relationships I am gaining and the examples that are influencing my life are my favorite parts about my mission. As I reflect on my past companions I have realized that each of them have taught me a Christlike attribute so through each of my companions example and influence I am developing those attributes that I work so hard to have. As I reflect on the members and people on the street I think of the joy and love I feel when I see them smile and just take part or see the little light of the gospel that I want to give to them. I am learning so much through other people and being greatly influenced through each person I come in contact with. I know that the Lord has me meet each person for a reason and from each person I meet I have something to learn from. I need each person in my life to help me reach that full potential. The role that these people have played in my life is so great that I personally can't even comprehend it but I am forever grateful. I love being a part of this work and serving this mission that is causing me to stretch grow and become more like Christ.
Last Monday Sister Stout and I had Family Home Evening with a lady in our ward who has a daughter on a mission. She is so fun and just loves the missionaries and knows the scriptures and the gospel like the back of her hand. She truly has put the time and effort into not only knowing the gospel but living it. Her testimony continues to amaze me. While we were preparing for her we reflected on what she said during gospel doctrine class and when she bore her testimony that Fast Sunday. We both didn't understand everything that she said but both agreed that she needed peace in her heart so we planned accordingly. As we started the lesson she said that it was exactly what she needed. I shared with her the scripture that has brought me the most peace while on my mission and that is D&C 50:40-45.
"40 Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.41 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; 42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost. 43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you. 44 Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall. 45 And the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that I am."
It brought peace to my soul knowing that Christ understands and knows how we feel but He reminds us that He has overcome the world and we are always remembered by Him. He is always with us and as long as we are built upon His rock we shall never fall. This scripture has brought me so much hope, comfort and peace through hard times and good times and I know it is true. I have witnessed the Lord with me at all times guiding me and comforting me along the rocky road and the smooth road. I know as I endure patiently, lovingly and hopefully with Him by my side I will receive that great reward of everlasting happiness. We have no need to fear because we always have Christ with us as we invite Him into our lives.
As Sister Stout and I have been serving together we have done a service project at a nursing home type place and well in Korea that grandmas and grandpas are extremely hard to understand so we try talking to them but it's just difficult so since Sister Stout came and since I have started the dance for the Relief Society we have been practicing on the grandmas and grandpas. This was Sister Stout's idea and at first I thought she was crazy but then I remembered that's what I grew up doing and what joy it brought those people to see all the dance performances I did when I was little so we showed them. It was so fun and one lady started crying while the others just clapped and smiled bigger then I had ever seen. It was so precious and as we danced I couldn't help but smile bigger then ever. One lady said that it was our smiles and the light that made it great. This experience brought satisfaction to my soul and reminded me of my talent of dance and how we truly can bear our testimonies through our talents and bring the light and joy of the gospel into other's lives as we share them.
This week was full of member visits and practice lessons and it was just the greatest. Sister Stout and I had so many member practice lessons that went to so well and helped us with not only our Korean but teaching skills. I don't know if I mentioned this but starting this month our mission has a made a change as far as our goals go and now instead of counting our conversations that we have weekly we count our lessons which we did before but now have a specific section for these practice lessons because President Morrise wants us teaching as much as possible and then just talking to everyone. I truly enjoy the new change because it focuses us on working with the members more and helps us become master teachers of the gospel. IT was so fun spending time with members and being able to strengthen them. Sister Stout and I in order to show our gratitude and love made a bunch of brownies and delivered them to everyone. The joy that is brought to my heart to see how the member and their children reacted is so hard to explain but it made me realize that I love these people and they love me.
I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to be a missionary and for the refining that is taking place within myself. This work is amazing and I know that it is the Lord's. As I read in 1 Nephi 18:1 I realized something about Nephi when he was commanded to build the ship. In verse one it said, "... And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work..." The Lord didn't tell Nephi perfectly how to do everything. We have to learn and grow and trust in not only God but ourselves that we are doing His will. When we do that we find that we really are doing it "..after the manner which the Lord had shown unto..." us. I know that this is the Lord's work and He will accomplish His purpose. I know that this gospel is true and blesses lives all around the world. I know that Heavenly Father loves His children and wants them all to return back to Him and that is why He has provided the way. I know that Jesus Christ and His gospel is the way and that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I am grateful for this knowledge and for this time that my only purpose is to share it. I love being a missionary. Thank you for all you love support and prayers. I hope you all continue to be well and have a great week! Remember to smile and to trust in God! Love you and Miss you all!
Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
P.S I ate octopus this week:) It's good stuff just super chewy:)
Another week has come and gone and I can hardly believe it! Sister Stout and I are in shock with how much faster time is going by now that we are getting older in the mission. We are just going everday diligently striving to fulfill our purpose as fully as possible because we are realizing that it does come to an end. Our roommate Sister Hammerl from Australia goes home in 2 weeks so it's really hitting us that the time really does come so we have to work our hardest until the end and do what it takes to reach the full potential that God sees in us. I just love Sister Stout too! She is such an amazing missionary and is always improving herself and trusting in the Lord. I am so grateful for her example and love.
As I have served my mission I have been asked many times what my favorite part about my mission is and I want to tell you all that now. As I have been a missionary I have met so many wonderful people and built so many strong friendships and I love it. I love knowing that although I only serve here in Korea for 18 months and only with certain companions for a few months that these relationships are forever. The relationships I am gaining and the examples that are influencing my life are my favorite parts about my mission. As I reflect on my past companions I have realized that each of them have taught me a Christlike attribute so through each of my companions example and influence I am developing those attributes that I work so hard to have. As I reflect on the members and people on the street I think of the joy and love I feel when I see them smile and just take part or see the little light of the gospel that I want to give to them. I am learning so much through other people and being greatly influenced through each person I come in contact with. I know that the Lord has me meet each person for a reason and from each person I meet I have something to learn from. I need each person in my life to help me reach that full potential. The role that these people have played in my life is so great that I personally can't even comprehend it but I am forever grateful. I love being a part of this work and serving this mission that is causing me to stretch grow and become more like Christ.
Last Monday Sister Stout and I had Family Home Evening with a lady in our ward who has a daughter on a mission. She is so fun and just loves the missionaries and knows the scriptures and the gospel like the back of her hand. She truly has put the time and effort into not only knowing the gospel but living it. Her testimony continues to amaze me. While we were preparing for her we reflected on what she said during gospel doctrine class and when she bore her testimony that Fast Sunday. We both didn't understand everything that she said but both agreed that she needed peace in her heart so we planned accordingly. As we started the lesson she said that it was exactly what she needed. I shared with her the scripture that has brought me the most peace while on my mission and that is D&C 50:40-45.
"40 Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.41 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; 42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost. 43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you. 44 Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall. 45 And the day cometh that you shall hear my voice and see me, and know that I am."
It brought peace to my soul knowing that Christ understands and knows how we feel but He reminds us that He has overcome the world and we are always remembered by Him. He is always with us and as long as we are built upon His rock we shall never fall. This scripture has brought me so much hope, comfort and peace through hard times and good times and I know it is true. I have witnessed the Lord with me at all times guiding me and comforting me along the rocky road and the smooth road. I know as I endure patiently, lovingly and hopefully with Him by my side I will receive that great reward of everlasting happiness. We have no need to fear because we always have Christ with us as we invite Him into our lives.
As Sister Stout and I have been serving together we have done a service project at a nursing home type place and well in Korea that grandmas and grandpas are extremely hard to understand so we try talking to them but it's just difficult so since Sister Stout came and since I have started the dance for the Relief Society we have been practicing on the grandmas and grandpas. This was Sister Stout's idea and at first I thought she was crazy but then I remembered that's what I grew up doing and what joy it brought those people to see all the dance performances I did when I was little so we showed them. It was so fun and one lady started crying while the others just clapped and smiled bigger then I had ever seen. It was so precious and as we danced I couldn't help but smile bigger then ever. One lady said that it was our smiles and the light that made it great. This experience brought satisfaction to my soul and reminded me of my talent of dance and how we truly can bear our testimonies through our talents and bring the light and joy of the gospel into other's lives as we share them.
This week was full of member visits and practice lessons and it was just the greatest. Sister Stout and I had so many member practice lessons that went to so well and helped us with not only our Korean but teaching skills. I don't know if I mentioned this but starting this month our mission has a made a change as far as our goals go and now instead of counting our conversations that we have weekly we count our lessons which we did before but now have a specific section for these practice lessons because President Morrise wants us teaching as much as possible and then just talking to everyone. I truly enjoy the new change because it focuses us on working with the members more and helps us become master teachers of the gospel. IT was so fun spending time with members and being able to strengthen them. Sister Stout and I in order to show our gratitude and love made a bunch of brownies and delivered them to everyone. The joy that is brought to my heart to see how the member and their children reacted is so hard to explain but it made me realize that I love these people and they love me.
I am so grateful for this opportunity I have to be a missionary and for the refining that is taking place within myself. This work is amazing and I know that it is the Lord's. As I read in 1 Nephi 18:1 I realized something about Nephi when he was commanded to build the ship. In verse one it said, "... And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work..." The Lord didn't tell Nephi perfectly how to do everything. We have to learn and grow and trust in not only God but ourselves that we are doing His will. When we do that we find that we really are doing it "..after the manner which the Lord had shown unto..." us. I know that this is the Lord's work and He will accomplish His purpose. I know that this gospel is true and blesses lives all around the world. I know that Heavenly Father loves His children and wants them all to return back to Him and that is why He has provided the way. I know that Jesus Christ and His gospel is the way and that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I am grateful for this knowledge and for this time that my only purpose is to share it. I love being a missionary. Thank you for all you love support and prayers. I hope you all continue to be well and have a great week! Remember to smile and to trust in God! Love you and Miss you all!
Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
P.S I ate octopus this week:) It's good stuff just super chewy:)
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Letter - 11/2/14
Family and Friends,
First off HAPPY HALLOWEEN! This week here in good old 금천 we had a great Halloween party and so many people came out. Korea doesn't really celebrate Halloween but since all the missionaries in our ward are from America we had to hold a Halloween party! It was so great and we were able to have such a great turn out of members, members friends, investigators, people who we just handed fliers to and English class members. We had been planning this since the beginning of September and it just really fell together well because of how we worked with the members and the youth. The youth helped us make decoration and decorate the night before which made it even more fun for them to bring their friends to because they could say they were apart of it. We had games and food and just had a good time talking amongst everyone! I just conintue to think how lucky I am to have such wonderful memories as a missionary and how grateful I am to be here in Korea as a missionary. I have so much to be grateful for and have every reason to put a smile on my face everyday and serve my Savior.
Second off...I can't believe I hit 11 months tommorrow?? Where has the time gone? How does time continue to go by faster and faster? I don't know but I am doing my best to live it up every day being in the moment and fulfilling my purpose as a misisonary so the Lord can fulfill His purpose. I realized last week my letter was not a joyful and cheery as they usually are because of the trial and due to the start of November I have been thinking a lot about gratitude. I read President Uchtdorf's talk "Grateful In Any Circumstances" and I have been changed for the better. What an inspirng talk it is and makes me want to work at being more full of gratitude toward my Savior, Heavenly Father and all those who I associate with. I learned so much from this wonderful talk but I think what I loved the most is he said, "The choice is ours." We have been given our free agency and through that we can choose to be grateful, happy, sad, frustrated, we can choose to be anything we want to be! We can choose to feel however we want to feel! We always have our choice! How great is that! Who do you want to be? As for me I want to be grateful, happy, loving, patient, obedient, faithful, diligent, and above all I just want to be more like our Savior Jesus Christ and each day I live I have that choice to make to be more like Christ and follow His example more valiently and in the process I will be full of gratitude and develop His attributes because after all "Gratitude is the catalyst to all Christlike Attributes." I just want you to know that I am so grateful for this opportunity that I have to be a missionary and to be apart of the Lord's great and marvelous work. I am grateful for each one of you for your support and prayers in my behalf. I am grateful for Korea and for the people here who I have grown to love so much. I am grateful for this gospel and the joy it continues to bring me each and everyday. I am grateful for my Savior and Heavenly Father who have never let me down and are always by my side each and everyday. I am grateful and I will give gratitude to my Savior and Heavenly Father forever.
Sister Stout and I this week still didn't have a lot of luck long the lines of people accepting the gospel but we had a lot of experiences that manifested to us that everything happens for a reason and no matter what our efforts are never going to waste. We went and visited a lady at her shop who we buy some stuff from and she isn't technically interested in the gospel but while we were there she had some customers and the fact that we taught free English got brought up and the customer just about fell out of her chair and wanted her daughter to do it so badly! We were so excited! We were like finally everything is paying off so we set up the appointment and planned to meet with th mom and daughter and Saturday. Well Saturday came around we arrived at their home and they inform us they don't want to do it. What? Did we understand her correctly? Yes our litte glimmer of hope for a teaching opportunity went down hill fast but I realized that it's okay because Heavenly Father is aware of the family and He is preparing them at His pace and according to His timing. That event was just part of their preparation process to accept this wonderful gospel. Next Sister Stout and I had some extra time before a dinner appointment with a member so we decided to go to a certain park where there were some ladies and try talking to them. We talked to them but they quickly got up and left but we decided to wait for 10 minutes and just see what would happen. We just sat and talked enjoying the fall weather when a lady walked up and said hello. She was immediately interested in what we were doing and who we were. We told her and she though it was neat and said she was Buddihst but she then asked us if she should continue being Buddhist or if she should believe in God. Sister Stout and I were like yes this is what we were waiting for! We asked her what she knew about God and she said not much and seemed to want to learn more. Then she got a phone call which then interupted our conversation. After she got off the phone we tried to tell her that we could meet with her and teach her about God but she quickly said Oh no I don't do that. We were quite confused but once again realized that it is all apart of God's plan and that we must just trust in His timing. I know that I am apart of the Lord's work and that each person I meet I am meant to meet. I love this work and I love being a missionary so much. It has been a life changing opportuinty and I will forever be grateful for the great foundation it is building for my life.
I just want you to know how great the members of Korea are. Due to our lack of investigators we have been spending a lot of time with our members doing practice lessons and so on. They are helping us so much to improve our Korean and build up the church in Korea little by little. I am full of gratitude that I have this opportunity to work with the Relief Society Sisters and teach them this dance. The relationships that I am gaining is just better then I could ever ask for. Because of this we are able to see members almost everday and they are just bending over backwards to help us as we do the same for them. Sister Stout and I are currently teaching a members son who will be getting baptized November 19 and I am just so grateful that his mother trusted us enough to teach him and loved him enough to have the missionary's teach him the lessons. They are just full of so much patience, love and work so hard to be the best they can be. They continue to inspire me and I am touched by their examples.
I love the people of Korea and I love serving here. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. I need these people to help me become who the Lord needs me to become. I am so grateful to be in their service and to be touched by their love. I love being a missionary and know with all my heart that this church is true. I love this gospel and know as we continually seek to know of it's truths we will grow stronger and stronger. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ loves you. They are who I represent and I know through them I am able to do this work and be who I am. I love them and I love serving them. Thank you for all your love, support and prayers. I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween! I love you and MIss you! Remember that the choice is ours and we have so much to be grateful for! Look for the Lord's hand in your life and simply thank Him for His goodness, love, mercy, patience, and blessings. Develop the attitude of gratitude! LOVE YOU ALL!
Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
First off HAPPY HALLOWEEN! This week here in good old 금천 we had a great Halloween party and so many people came out. Korea doesn't really celebrate Halloween but since all the missionaries in our ward are from America we had to hold a Halloween party! It was so great and we were able to have such a great turn out of members, members friends, investigators, people who we just handed fliers to and English class members. We had been planning this since the beginning of September and it just really fell together well because of how we worked with the members and the youth. The youth helped us make decoration and decorate the night before which made it even more fun for them to bring their friends to because they could say they were apart of it. We had games and food and just had a good time talking amongst everyone! I just conintue to think how lucky I am to have such wonderful memories as a missionary and how grateful I am to be here in Korea as a missionary. I have so much to be grateful for and have every reason to put a smile on my face everyday and serve my Savior.
Second off...I can't believe I hit 11 months tommorrow?? Where has the time gone? How does time continue to go by faster and faster? I don't know but I am doing my best to live it up every day being in the moment and fulfilling my purpose as a misisonary so the Lord can fulfill His purpose. I realized last week my letter was not a joyful and cheery as they usually are because of the trial and due to the start of November I have been thinking a lot about gratitude. I read President Uchtdorf's talk "Grateful In Any Circumstances" and I have been changed for the better. What an inspirng talk it is and makes me want to work at being more full of gratitude toward my Savior, Heavenly Father and all those who I associate with. I learned so much from this wonderful talk but I think what I loved the most is he said, "The choice is ours." We have been given our free agency and through that we can choose to be grateful, happy, sad, frustrated, we can choose to be anything we want to be! We can choose to feel however we want to feel! We always have our choice! How great is that! Who do you want to be? As for me I want to be grateful, happy, loving, patient, obedient, faithful, diligent, and above all I just want to be more like our Savior Jesus Christ and each day I live I have that choice to make to be more like Christ and follow His example more valiently and in the process I will be full of gratitude and develop His attributes because after all "Gratitude is the catalyst to all Christlike Attributes." I just want you to know that I am so grateful for this opportunity that I have to be a missionary and to be apart of the Lord's great and marvelous work. I am grateful for each one of you for your support and prayers in my behalf. I am grateful for Korea and for the people here who I have grown to love so much. I am grateful for this gospel and the joy it continues to bring me each and everyday. I am grateful for my Savior and Heavenly Father who have never let me down and are always by my side each and everyday. I am grateful and I will give gratitude to my Savior and Heavenly Father forever.
Sister Stout and I this week still didn't have a lot of luck long the lines of people accepting the gospel but we had a lot of experiences that manifested to us that everything happens for a reason and no matter what our efforts are never going to waste. We went and visited a lady at her shop who we buy some stuff from and she isn't technically interested in the gospel but while we were there she had some customers and the fact that we taught free English got brought up and the customer just about fell out of her chair and wanted her daughter to do it so badly! We were so excited! We were like finally everything is paying off so we set up the appointment and planned to meet with th mom and daughter and Saturday. Well Saturday came around we arrived at their home and they inform us they don't want to do it. What? Did we understand her correctly? Yes our litte glimmer of hope for a teaching opportunity went down hill fast but I realized that it's okay because Heavenly Father is aware of the family and He is preparing them at His pace and according to His timing. That event was just part of their preparation process to accept this wonderful gospel. Next Sister Stout and I had some extra time before a dinner appointment with a member so we decided to go to a certain park where there were some ladies and try talking to them. We talked to them but they quickly got up and left but we decided to wait for 10 minutes and just see what would happen. We just sat and talked enjoying the fall weather when a lady walked up and said hello. She was immediately interested in what we were doing and who we were. We told her and she though it was neat and said she was Buddihst but she then asked us if she should continue being Buddhist or if she should believe in God. Sister Stout and I were like yes this is what we were waiting for! We asked her what she knew about God and she said not much and seemed to want to learn more. Then she got a phone call which then interupted our conversation. After she got off the phone we tried to tell her that we could meet with her and teach her about God but she quickly said Oh no I don't do that. We were quite confused but once again realized that it is all apart of God's plan and that we must just trust in His timing. I know that I am apart of the Lord's work and that each person I meet I am meant to meet. I love this work and I love being a missionary so much. It has been a life changing opportuinty and I will forever be grateful for the great foundation it is building for my life.
I just want you to know how great the members of Korea are. Due to our lack of investigators we have been spending a lot of time with our members doing practice lessons and so on. They are helping us so much to improve our Korean and build up the church in Korea little by little. I am full of gratitude that I have this opportunity to work with the Relief Society Sisters and teach them this dance. The relationships that I am gaining is just better then I could ever ask for. Because of this we are able to see members almost everday and they are just bending over backwards to help us as we do the same for them. Sister Stout and I are currently teaching a members son who will be getting baptized November 19 and I am just so grateful that his mother trusted us enough to teach him and loved him enough to have the missionary's teach him the lessons. They are just full of so much patience, love and work so hard to be the best they can be. They continue to inspire me and I am touched by their examples.
I love the people of Korea and I love serving here. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. I need these people to help me become who the Lord needs me to become. I am so grateful to be in their service and to be touched by their love. I love being a missionary and know with all my heart that this church is true. I love this gospel and know as we continually seek to know of it's truths we will grow stronger and stronger. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ loves you. They are who I represent and I know through them I am able to do this work and be who I am. I love them and I love serving them. Thank you for all your love, support and prayers. I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween! I love you and MIss you! Remember that the choice is ours and we have so much to be grateful for! Look for the Lord's hand in your life and simply thank Him for His goodness, love, mercy, patience, and blessings. Develop the attitude of gratitude! LOVE YOU ALL!
Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Letter - 10/26/14
Family and Friends,
Well another week has come and gone and I don't even know where to start. Let me first start off by telling you how much I truly love being a missionary and how lucky I am to be a part of the Lord's great work even during the hard times which I love because they cause me to grow and draw closer to God each and everyday! This past week we had Zone Conference and the theme was "Live By the Spirit". We focused on 4 aspects of missionary work that the Spirit is absolutely without a doubt needed. The Holy Ghost is first of all one of the greatest gifts that our Heavenly Father has given us and sometimes we all need to be reminded that we have the gift of the Holy Ghost and that it can be with us at all times as long as we are living worthy of it's companionship. It brings peace, happiness, comfort, confirmation, and just a wonderful sense of belonging within your soul. But it speaks in a still small voice so small that if we are preoccupied with things of the world that we could miss it's wonderful promptings or companionship. In my father's words we must slow down and just listen. As we do that we can be more aware of the Spirit around us and block out those things of the world. The Holy Ghost changes our hearts and fills us with the desire to do what is right. We must be living everyday by the Spirit so we can qualify for all of its promised blessings. The Holy Ghost is the coach! As we gain confidence in the Holy Ghost and follow it's guidance we know that through it we cannot fail. I know that through the Holy Ghost we can do God's will and fulfill His purpose for us. As we live continually worthy of the Holy Ghost we can receive God's divine guidance for us personally and become what God truly sees in us.
This week Sister Stout and I worked so diligently but yet not a lot of success happened. I learned to internalize the wonderful scripture Alma 26:27. I didn't understand why so many people rejected us when we went out to proclaim this wonderful gospel or why out of all the people we talked to there were maybe 5 people who would listen just a little longer than the others. I still don't understand but I came to realize that all though people were turning us down and didn't want to listen to our message nothing could stop us from opening our mouths to the wonderful people in Korea no matter how many rejections we received. I know that our efforts every day this week were not wasted! The Lord uses all our efforts to hasten His work and bring His children closer to Him even if we cannot see the immediate results. I know that each day is for a reason and God is stretching and growing me to my maximum to the person He sees in me. I am so grateful to be serving here in Korea even if I haven't seen the success of many investigators or fluently speaking the languge because I have seen the success within myself with a solid testimony of this gospel and a firm love for my Savior, my Heavenly Father and the Korean people. I love this work and love serving my Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. They never have and never will let me down as long as I rely on them. They receive all the credit for what I am doing and who I am becoming. I will thank them forever.
I must say though despite the rejections this last Tuesday the Relief Society Sisters began learning their dance for the Christmast party and wow I am very impressed with how quickly they are learning the dance that I am preparing for them. I made it super simple and as I was showing it to them I was just filled with so much joy because I realized that I am sharing my talent and helping others make fun memories that they can always remember. It's going to be so fun and I am so grateful for this opportunity! I will be sure to video it and send it sometime!!! It is a lot different teaching dance in Korean but it's working out pretty good!
Well that's it for today! Sorry if I am a little scattered but I just want you all to know that I love you and miss you! Thank you for your love support and prayers in my behalf! You have no idea the affect each of you have on my day and the strength you give me. I am humbled to reflect and think about all the people who are supporting me through this life changing experience! I love you all! Thank you and remember In the strength of the Lord we can do hard things. Look for the Lord's blessings each day and they will always give us a reason to smile! Have a wonderful week!
Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Well another week has come and gone and I don't even know where to start. Let me first start off by telling you how much I truly love being a missionary and how lucky I am to be a part of the Lord's great work even during the hard times which I love because they cause me to grow and draw closer to God each and everyday! This past week we had Zone Conference and the theme was "Live By the Spirit". We focused on 4 aspects of missionary work that the Spirit is absolutely without a doubt needed. The Holy Ghost is first of all one of the greatest gifts that our Heavenly Father has given us and sometimes we all need to be reminded that we have the gift of the Holy Ghost and that it can be with us at all times as long as we are living worthy of it's companionship. It brings peace, happiness, comfort, confirmation, and just a wonderful sense of belonging within your soul. But it speaks in a still small voice so small that if we are preoccupied with things of the world that we could miss it's wonderful promptings or companionship. In my father's words we must slow down and just listen. As we do that we can be more aware of the Spirit around us and block out those things of the world. The Holy Ghost changes our hearts and fills us with the desire to do what is right. We must be living everyday by the Spirit so we can qualify for all of its promised blessings. The Holy Ghost is the coach! As we gain confidence in the Holy Ghost and follow it's guidance we know that through it we cannot fail. I know that through the Holy Ghost we can do God's will and fulfill His purpose for us. As we live continually worthy of the Holy Ghost we can receive God's divine guidance for us personally and become what God truly sees in us.
This week Sister Stout and I worked so diligently but yet not a lot of success happened. I learned to internalize the wonderful scripture Alma 26:27. I didn't understand why so many people rejected us when we went out to proclaim this wonderful gospel or why out of all the people we talked to there were maybe 5 people who would listen just a little longer than the others. I still don't understand but I came to realize that all though people were turning us down and didn't want to listen to our message nothing could stop us from opening our mouths to the wonderful people in Korea no matter how many rejections we received. I know that our efforts every day this week were not wasted! The Lord uses all our efforts to hasten His work and bring His children closer to Him even if we cannot see the immediate results. I know that each day is for a reason and God is stretching and growing me to my maximum to the person He sees in me. I am so grateful to be serving here in Korea even if I haven't seen the success of many investigators or fluently speaking the languge because I have seen the success within myself with a solid testimony of this gospel and a firm love for my Savior, my Heavenly Father and the Korean people. I love this work and love serving my Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. They never have and never will let me down as long as I rely on them. They receive all the credit for what I am doing and who I am becoming. I will thank them forever.
I must say though despite the rejections this last Tuesday the Relief Society Sisters began learning their dance for the Christmast party and wow I am very impressed with how quickly they are learning the dance that I am preparing for them. I made it super simple and as I was showing it to them I was just filled with so much joy because I realized that I am sharing my talent and helping others make fun memories that they can always remember. It's going to be so fun and I am so grateful for this opportunity! I will be sure to video it and send it sometime!!! It is a lot different teaching dance in Korean but it's working out pretty good!
Well that's it for today! Sorry if I am a little scattered but I just want you all to know that I love you and miss you! Thank you for your love support and prayers in my behalf! You have no idea the affect each of you have on my day and the strength you give me. I am humbled to reflect and think about all the people who are supporting me through this life changing experience! I love you all! Thank you and remember In the strength of the Lord we can do hard things. Look for the Lord's blessings each day and they will always give us a reason to smile! Have a wonderful week!
Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
Letter - 10/19/14
Family and Friends,
First I have to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE #1 DAD AND TO THE BEST BROTHER IN THE WORLD! Wow I can't believe it has already been your birthday! What a fun time that you had so I have heard through many emails. I just first want to acknowledge my dad. If many of you didn't know I am kind of a daddy's girl. Dad I am so grateful for you and for all the counsel you have given me throughout my life. Thank you for the memorie and the numerous Dadday-Daughter Dates. You are such an amazing man who has sacrificed so much for me and our family just to make sure we are happy. Dad thank you for always listening to me and for empathizing with my situations. I love you! Now, Tyler..Where to start. Yes since I can remember you teased me and tickled me but what good memories those are even though I was never really happy when it was occuring. I just want to say thank you for being the most amazing big brother and for always leading by example. I have looked up to you my whole life and admire your desire to always follow our Savior Jesus Christ. I hope you both had a wonderful birthday and that you have grown a little wiser this past year! I love you both so much! Thanks for being the #1 men in my life!!
Now for my life as a missionary. Well where to start. So I have new companion and her name is Sister Stout. She is absolutely amazing! Like I mentioned last week we lived together for three transfers in my first area and I am just so thrilled to be serving with her. She is from Illinois but grew up in Japan for 12 years and speaks fluent Japanese. She is the coolest and currently her dad took a job offer her in Korea so her family is living in the Daejon mission. Isn't that so cool. I just love her to death already! We have had quite the adventures since she has come and just by being herself she is pushing me to continually improve not only my Korean but just my way of missionary work. She truly is one who leads by example and I am honored to be serving along side her. We both are just ready to go and conquer this little city of 금천. We had a practice lesson with our sweet 황미주 and we taught the Plan of Salvation. The way we taught was just in so much unity and it was the best lesson I have ever taught as a missionary. This companionship truly has been an answer to my prayers and a tender mercy from the Lord. I truly don't know why but everday the Lord continues to bless me and my happiness just continues to increase. Just when I think I can't be happier I am showered with blessings and I am so grateful that I have been given the eyes to recognize them and receive them with so much joy.
One specific blessing that I really noticed this week was when we decided to go visit a particular Less Active family in which I have visited a lot before but I wanted Sister Stout to meet them so Thursday came along and we decided to go visit this family. The parents are less active while the kids come to church weekly. When we met with the parents it was actually the first time that I understood everything he was saying but at the time I wish I wasn't understanding because of the things he was saying and just continued to twist our words around. He was extremely hard hearted and the whole time and I was just praying that his heart would be softened. We shared a scripture with him to invite the Spirit and help him understand why the Lord requires us to be obedient so we can receive blessings and how we can show our love to God which is also through obedience. He then explained that he doesn't want those blessings and just told us that we couldn't talk to him and began criticizing us. It was hard because all he really wanted to do was fight and Sister Stout and I didn't know what to do. He then began telling us that we can't communicate with him because we don't know Korean so we should just leave. It was hard and it was frustrating because he was right our Korean isn't perfect but we were able to rub it off our shoulders pretty well and just realized that we did what we could to help them.
So you may question why I consider this a blessing. Well its a blessing in disguise as I look back at the experience I can see what I have really learned as a missionary. I have learned how to be strong and not let anybody else's opinion affect what I think of myself. I use to worry alot about what others thought of me so I thought I had to be perfect in everyone's eyes and so if I would have been my old self that situation would have brought me to tears and I wouldn't have been able to handle it but the Lord has truly taught me the principle about accepting me and I am just happy to be me. I have learned to rely on the Savior and look to Him for strength through hard times and allow Him in so I can be perfected through Him. Like Moroni 10:32 says "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God" It's amazing to me how I can think back on different experiences I have had, see the lessons I learned, and see how the mission has changed me.
I just love this work so much and each day I cannot express enough gratitude to my Heavenly Father. He loves me and I have been shown so many signs of His love throughout my life. How merciful, patient and loving He is to me. I love Him and am so grateful for His love. I love being a missionary and sharing this love that is filled in my heart each day. I may just be like the Brother of Jared in Ether when he prepares the stones for the Lord to touch them. In a missionary point of view the stones are people and each day I am just going out preparing people little by little so the Lord can touch them one by one and light their lives with His love. I am a tool in His work and that is all I desire to be.
Thank you for all your love, support and prayers. I will never be able to thank you each enough but know that I love each of you and look to each of your examples so improve myself and become the person God wants me to be. I hope you are all doing well and continue to remember the Lord in your lives. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU! Have a wondrful week full of smiles and memories!
Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
First I have to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE #1 DAD AND TO THE BEST BROTHER IN THE WORLD! Wow I can't believe it has already been your birthday! What a fun time that you had so I have heard through many emails. I just first want to acknowledge my dad. If many of you didn't know I am kind of a daddy's girl. Dad I am so grateful for you and for all the counsel you have given me throughout my life. Thank you for the memorie and the numerous Dadday-Daughter Dates. You are such an amazing man who has sacrificed so much for me and our family just to make sure we are happy. Dad thank you for always listening to me and for empathizing with my situations. I love you! Now, Tyler..Where to start. Yes since I can remember you teased me and tickled me but what good memories those are even though I was never really happy when it was occuring. I just want to say thank you for being the most amazing big brother and for always leading by example. I have looked up to you my whole life and admire your desire to always follow our Savior Jesus Christ. I hope you both had a wonderful birthday and that you have grown a little wiser this past year! I love you both so much! Thanks for being the #1 men in my life!!
Now for my life as a missionary. Well where to start. So I have new companion and her name is Sister Stout. She is absolutely amazing! Like I mentioned last week we lived together for three transfers in my first area and I am just so thrilled to be serving with her. She is from Illinois but grew up in Japan for 12 years and speaks fluent Japanese. She is the coolest and currently her dad took a job offer her in Korea so her family is living in the Daejon mission. Isn't that so cool. I just love her to death already! We have had quite the adventures since she has come and just by being herself she is pushing me to continually improve not only my Korean but just my way of missionary work. She truly is one who leads by example and I am honored to be serving along side her. We both are just ready to go and conquer this little city of 금천. We had a practice lesson with our sweet 황미주 and we taught the Plan of Salvation. The way we taught was just in so much unity and it was the best lesson I have ever taught as a missionary. This companionship truly has been an answer to my prayers and a tender mercy from the Lord. I truly don't know why but everday the Lord continues to bless me and my happiness just continues to increase. Just when I think I can't be happier I am showered with blessings and I am so grateful that I have been given the eyes to recognize them and receive them with so much joy.
One specific blessing that I really noticed this week was when we decided to go visit a particular Less Active family in which I have visited a lot before but I wanted Sister Stout to meet them so Thursday came along and we decided to go visit this family. The parents are less active while the kids come to church weekly. When we met with the parents it was actually the first time that I understood everything he was saying but at the time I wish I wasn't understanding because of the things he was saying and just continued to twist our words around. He was extremely hard hearted and the whole time and I was just praying that his heart would be softened. We shared a scripture with him to invite the Spirit and help him understand why the Lord requires us to be obedient so we can receive blessings and how we can show our love to God which is also through obedience. He then explained that he doesn't want those blessings and just told us that we couldn't talk to him and began criticizing us. It was hard because all he really wanted to do was fight and Sister Stout and I didn't know what to do. He then began telling us that we can't communicate with him because we don't know Korean so we should just leave. It was hard and it was frustrating because he was right our Korean isn't perfect but we were able to rub it off our shoulders pretty well and just realized that we did what we could to help them.
So you may question why I consider this a blessing. Well its a blessing in disguise as I look back at the experience I can see what I have really learned as a missionary. I have learned how to be strong and not let anybody else's opinion affect what I think of myself. I use to worry alot about what others thought of me so I thought I had to be perfect in everyone's eyes and so if I would have been my old self that situation would have brought me to tears and I wouldn't have been able to handle it but the Lord has truly taught me the principle about accepting me and I am just happy to be me. I have learned to rely on the Savior and look to Him for strength through hard times and allow Him in so I can be perfected through Him. Like Moroni 10:32 says "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God" It's amazing to me how I can think back on different experiences I have had, see the lessons I learned, and see how the mission has changed me.
I just love this work so much and each day I cannot express enough gratitude to my Heavenly Father. He loves me and I have been shown so many signs of His love throughout my life. How merciful, patient and loving He is to me. I love Him and am so grateful for His love. I love being a missionary and sharing this love that is filled in my heart each day. I may just be like the Brother of Jared in Ether when he prepares the stones for the Lord to touch them. In a missionary point of view the stones are people and each day I am just going out preparing people little by little so the Lord can touch them one by one and light their lives with His love. I am a tool in His work and that is all I desire to be.
Thank you for all your love, support and prayers. I will never be able to thank you each enough but know that I love each of you and look to each of your examples so improve myself and become the person God wants me to be. I hope you are all doing well and continue to remember the Lord in your lives. I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU! Have a wondrful week full of smiles and memories!
Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll
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