Letter - 1/18/15

Dear Family and Friends, 

Wow what has happened to time! I believe that it just continues to go faster and faster. I know I mention this almost every week but oh my goodness how is it already Monday again?! As I have pondered my mission this week I have noticed how as time has gotten faster my mission has just gotten better and it continues to get better. Just as I think that it couldn't get better Heavenly Father throws another wonderful blessing at me that I just don't deserve but yet willfully receive them because I can't deny what He wants to give. He is always sending us blessings because we are His children and He loves us. But it is our responisibilty to accept them and run with them.

This week was just another amazing week in 곡반정 (Gokbanjeong). Monday we spent all of P-day with our investigator 정수 and her sister 미수 at the Korean Folk village in Suwon. It was full of pictures, laughs, food and adventure. WE invited her to the Stake Youth Activity we had this weekend and she came! IT was so fun she was able to meet lots of friends and the Young Women Leaders really welcomed her in so well. It was so amazing to see all the youth here in Korea have a fun time together playing with each other and strengthening each other in the gospel. It is always great to see them do that because it's a reminder to them that they are not alone and they always have each other. But then after there was a slight downfall. Our investigator told us that since school is starting back up again and she will be a senior this year that she won't have time to meet anymore because she has to study. I wanted to cry but she said to continue contacting her and when she has time we can meet. It was so hard but Heavenly Father has a plan and bigger picture that I just cannot see but I must trust in Him.  

 Tuesday were filled with appointments from teaching englsih to investigator lessons to practice lessons which was just great. Being busy is the greatest, although sometimes Sister Johnson and I forget to schedule time to eat. But no worries our sweet stomachs remind us everyday that they need food. Sister Johnson is the cook of the house and if it weren't for her I would be starving. Wednesday was similar to Tuesday as we had two lessons with members which is just the greatest. We just got a new Relief Society President and oh my goodness what a miracle she is! She is an answer to every missionary's prayer as she tells us exactly who she wants us to visit and willingly goes with us to visit certain people. I am so grateful for her and to be working with her. 

Thursday we had Zone Conference which was so great and amazing! We trained on stewardship. A steward is a person who takes care of the affairs and property of another. We are stewards to the Lord. Everything belongs to Him but the Lord has entrusted each of us with special things right now. The Lord has entrusted me with his dear children in Korea, with his land, his gospel, and his love. "And now remember my son that God has entrusted you with these things which are sacred, which he has kept sacred, and also which he will keep and preserve for a wise purpose in him that he may show forth his power unto future generations" Alma 37:14. God trusts us.  We must seek his will and do his will. He has a plan and He has called us to help Him fulfill it. This is not my life or my mission. It never will be because no matter what I need the Savior and His atonement and that gift belong to my Father in Heaven. "I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants." Mosiah 2:21. I cannot waste the breath the Lord has given me so now is the time to surrender to Him and live the life He has prepared which is better then I can ever imagine.

 OH and Sunday was the best! We had 3 less actives at church, 3 recent converts and 장미정 the referral from my last area came to church again this week! So great! Miracles are everywhere!  

Missionary life is truly just as great as I could have ever imagined. This week I have thought a lot about companionships. I wondered what has made these two transfers with Sister Johnson so amazing. My brother gave me the answer last week in his email. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." (African Proverb). When I read that quote I immediately thought of my companioship with Sister Johnson and the growth we have seen not only in our area but ourselves. Why have we been able to get so far together? Because since day 1 it just happened to be that we did everything together. We were in the same area of the Book of Mormon. Our companionship studies have been learning times and revelation times. Language study we study together for 30 minutes. Then throughout the day and in all our teaching appointments I have never taught so unified with a companion. Because of this unity we have seen all these miracles and watched the Lord do the work He wants done. He is completing the big picture He sees through us together! Not individually. We can't see His big picture very well but we are doing our best at completing our part and surrendering to His will so we can go far in His eyes and fulfill all that He has prepared for us.

Along with this quote we can think of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Savior is our best friend. We need Him. He is walking with us every step of the way as long as we let Him. The Savior never leaves us unless we walk away but in order to experience the greatest blessings of peace, joy, happiness, love and humility we must go together. The Savior helps me reach the full potential that God sees in me. In order to go far I must have the Savior by my side. I know that my Savior lives. I know that He loves me. I know as I follow in His footsteps that I can reach that farthest point that God has prepared for me. But I know I cannot do it alone. I must go hand in hand with the Savior relying on Him and His atonement so I can change, progress and become better. I am so grateful for this knowledge and for the gospel. The gospel truly encourages change and we can change because of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Thank you to each of you for your prayers, love, support, counsel, oh just EVERYTHING! My heart is drawn in gratitude and I just want you all to know that I love each of you and miss each of you dearly! Thank you so much for your wonderful examples! I love this work! I love being a missionary and I know this gospel is true! Remember to go far this week hand in hand with the Lord and you will never regret it!

Love 

드리스콜자매

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll

Letter - 1/11/15

Family and Friends,

Well I am still not use to the New Year! I cannot tell you how many times that I have continued to write 2014 everytime I write the date. I didn't realize the transition it takes to write 2015 on a piece of paper but sure enough 2015 has come and another week has flown by. Sister Johnson and I have truly been so busy and just continue to get busier. I don't know how we are able to do all the things we do but the Lord always provides the way for us each day to fulfill our purpose to the fullest.

After email last pday I got a call from Sister Hunter, who is serving in my first area, telling me that one of the women I taught there got baptized last week. It was super special and great to know that the efforts we put in everywhere we go never go wasted. Heavenly Father uses each of our effrot to fulffill his purpose and bring His children back to him. I know the Lord has a perfect plan for that woman, and I am so grateful to know that I was a part of it. The Lord's work will always go forth in His way and I am so grateful to have that testimony.

This past week we successfully hit 10 lessons again and what a joy it is when you reach your goals and help others come unto Christ. One lesson we had was with a member who wants us to teach her son English before he goes to America this summer. We talked about faith and we shared a quote from Elder Russel M. Nelson's talk "Let your Faith Show." At the end of the quote it says show your faith, and the member immediately said she wasn't good at that, but she invites people to meet with missionaries so people can have good impressions and facts about us and the Church because there is so much bad stuff that people believe. As she was talking a thought came to my mind that was in the book True to the Faith about how the best way we can share the message of the gospel is through our example. I don't usually bring that book with me but for some reason that day I did. I couldn't remember where the quote was so as I was searching I said a little prayer and there I opened to the topic of missionary work and found exactly what I was looking for. The minute I found it Sister Johnson said she was thinking that same thing. We had the member read it and she was just amazed because it was exactly what she needed. It was really neat to see because I saw her testimony strengthened because she realized how well it applied to her and I once again had a testimony building experience that the Lord does and always will bring things to our rememberance when they are needed to help others.

We had another lesson with a less active which was so great. We talked about the spirit and she recently has been able to recognize the spirit a lot in her life showing her and teaching her the things she should be doing through her kids' examples, missionary messages, and the prophets words. She told us of an experience she had just recently that since her kids are on break she sees them always praying before bed and after they wake up every morning. She is learning so much through their examples and then the elders went and visited her and taught her again on prayer. Then as we talked about the spirit she said she now recognizes what the Lord is wanting of her. Through the missionarie and her children's example the Lord is influencing her to again get on her knees and build that relationship with God again. It was a really powerful experince to watch her receive this revelation for herself. I know that often the Lord sends others into our lives to help up learn and grow. I have been influenced so much by others and I cannot thank Heavenly Father enough for the people He has brought into my life.

Friday we met with an investigator who is 15 and we haven't been able to meet for a while due to other things coming up but wow meeting with her was just the greatest. We had such a good lesson and Sister Johnson and I just walked away smiling away because of the spirit of unity we felt as we taught. We taught about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon which she really enjoyed. When we asked her if she understood and the significance of the restoration she just retaught us everything and was full of gratitude that she came to know of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. She is just the greatest to teach because she is so patient with us and our Korean but also listens intently to what we are saying and understands the importance of our message. She listens well, answers our questions better then any investigator I have ever taught, understands, and is praying for help all the time. Teaching her is just a tender mercy that the Lord has given us.

Sister Johnson and I have a new best friend who is our investigator named 김정수 and we go do fun things with her all the time. She was a referral from a member and this week we went to a Korean palace and last week we went to the Buddhist temple. We haven't been able to teach the lessons to her yet but we invited her to come to church and she said she wanted to come. We are spending P-day with her and her sister today so that will be lots of fun. She is truly so sweet and has so much potential so we have high hopes for her but right now we are just building a solid relationship of trust and letting the Lord work His miracles within her.

Sunday was one of the greatest Sundays I have had in Korea. So many great things happened and life as a missionary is just great. Two of the youth of our ward gave their farewell talks in sacrament meeting. They left for their missions today. I truly am amazed with the strength of the youth here in Korea. Their testimonies truly are unshakable. For the musical number both families of the missionaries sang "I Will Go Where You Want Me To Go" and how the power that was felt as they sang. The spirit was so strong that the entire congregation had tears running down their faces and yes I was one with tears. Listening to it took me back to when I was preparing to go on my mission and how hard it was to gain the courage to actually go. To leave everything behind and give your whole self to the Lord. But wow once you experience the miracle of giving yourself to the Lord you cannot experience greater joy. This decision I have made has been the best decision. I love being a missionary and am so grateful the Lord has guided me to this point in my life and led me here.

To conitnue the story from last week with the lady we met at the bus stop. We met with her Sunday night and the whole time Sister Johnson and I couldn't tell if she had been baptized or if she was just well educated on our church. She truly was the nicest lady ever and was telling us all these places that we shoud try to do missionary work. We finally got her to tell her story and 25 years ago she met missionaries and met with them often. She has them over with her family and come to find out SHE WAS BAPTIZED! After 2 years of going to church in the ward she was baptized in she moved away and got married. She never could find the church and said she never even saw missionaries until 23 years later when last week Sister Johnson and I stopped at the bus stop where she was. WHAT? I would have to say miracle, right? She now wants her son to learn about the gospel and is just the sweetest person on the planet. She told us she wants to be our mom and is going to care for us like her own children. It's just so amazing to see how the Lord works. I am grateful to witness it everyday. He truly does have perfect timing and sometimes I don't understand His timing but I have learned to trust it. I know we were meant to meet this woman for a reason and I know it will be a miraculous experience.

I just want you all to know how much I love each of you. Thank you so much for your prayers in my behalf. I truly am having the most wonderful experince as a missionary because of the prayers you offer in my behalf everyday. I am so grateful to be apart of this great work. Sister Johnson and I were talking this morning about how happy we are and all the blessings we have seen. We have truly been blessed with the ability and power to conquer Satan these past weeks and I know it is because of our surrendering to the will of the Lord and fulfilling our purpose everyday by finding and helping others to come unto Christ. I know that Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. He is inviting me and you to come unto Him and partake of His infinite goodness. I love my Savior and I am humbled everyday to wear His name on my chest and represent  Him. I love this gospel. I know it is true. Have a wonderful week! Remember the miracles of Christ this week and pray for the eyes to see the tender mercies God gives you each day! LOVE YOU MISS YOU!

Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll

Letter - 1/4/15

Family and Friends,

새해 복 많이 받으십시요! Or in other words HAPPY NEW YEAR! And now I am 22 years old in Korean age?! What how did that happen? I don't know how that works because I left for my mission at 19. Oh well.  Can you believe it is already 2015? I can't? What happened to 2014? I am so sad to see it go in all honesty but so honored to say that the year of 2014 for me was spent entirely in the service of my God.  But it also means that coming home is getting closer and I don't want that to happen! I just love being a missionary so much I never want it to end! It's the time that in rodeo terms my sister Mallory would be saying to me "Push and Kick Gus all the way through the eye" so that is exactly what I will do, run hard through the eye.  But I know that this is the time where I wear the black name tag so I can engrave Christ's name on my heart forever and represent Him not only now but for the rest of my life.

This past year has been the most shaping defining and strengthening year of my entire life. I don't even know where to start. The Lord truly has put me through some hard times, some great times and some beautiful miracles. I have loved every minute of it. This experience has made me who I am and helped me begin reaching my full potential that God sees in me. I am just full of so much gratitude toward my Heavenly Father and Savior. This past year They really beat me and refined me and it was hard but oh the miracle and blessing it is to be who I am today. I would not trade this experience for anything. It is the strongest and surest foundation for me to build upon especially because it is centered around my Savior Jesus Christ.

This week was just great as Sister Johnson and I found out on Sunday morning that we will be staying together for one more transfer! YAY!! All week we were pleading and praying to God that we would stay and that President Morrise would also hear our cries and they did so here is to another amazing transfer in the "Miracle Area".

We met with one of our newer investigators this week and she took us to a Buddhist temple called 영주사 which was really fun to spend that time with her. The traditional Korean Culture is just so beautiful. Sister Johnson and I have a really good feeling about her but we shall see. When we went to the temple we went inside one and she wanted show respect to the temple so  we followed her in the manner of prayer but as we said our own silent prayer inside of the Buddhist temple I just prayed to Heavenly Father. Kind of funny to think about but it was a neat experience and I know He heard my prayer.

We met with our recent converts twice this week with their family and I don't know what to say other then this truly has been a complete miracle and the workings of the Lord. When they came into the hospital where we meet each one of them were just glowing with joy and there was so much unity among the family. Sister Johnson and I couldn't help but smile and listen to them talk with each other about the gift of the Holy Ghost because they would be getting confirmed. It  was so special as everyone bore their testimonies of the Holy Ghost and 김영숙 and 이근배 were just glowing. I loved it. I felt so much love and the spirit was so strong. This whole experience is the beauty of the gospel and missionary work. I truly have left my family for a short amount of time so others can be with theirs forever. On Sunday the granddaughter bore her testimony and just testified of eternal families and was filled with gratitude that her family could now be more complete and eternal with her grandparents. When she said that the spirit hit me really strong and testifed to me that it was true. Her family will be eternal and they will receive all the promised blessings God has to offer us. This experience has been wondeful and I have never felt so much joy or love and I thank my Heavenly Father for filling my heart with those feelings.

So for a fun story and another miracle yesterday after church Sister Johnson and I had planned on visiting members but the members we wanted to visit we had just barely seen and talked a lot with them at church so we needed to change our plans and weren't sure what to do. We haven't had extra time like this for a long time because we have been so busy that we forgot that we could have time for strictly proselyting so thats what we decided to do. I asked Sister Johnson where she wanted to go and we chose a random area that either one of us don't know very well.  After about 45 minutes to an hour of walking around and having no luck and feeling it was a waste of time we decided to head home because Sister Johnson was feeling really sick so we went back to the bus stop. We sat at the bus stop and a lady sat down next to us. I was going to talk to her but before I knew it she had read Sister Johnson's name tag and freaked out! I didn't know what was going on but she was so happy! She then later said that she met with missionaries 20 years ago and had attended our church. She immediately gave us her number, address, and set her own appointment with us this week. We were shocked. I am sure our faces were priceless because our jaws really just dropped to the floor. IT all just happened to perfectly as far as timing and I know that we were truly guided by the spirit to find that lady. We are actually still in shock about it but a really cool experience to testify of being in the right place and the right time. I know it was all Heavenly Father's timing and it was just perfect.

I am so grateful to be a missionary at this time and have my eyes opened to the Lord's hand in my life every single day. I love being a missionary and seeing the miracles and tender mercies of the Lord all around me. I know this gospel is true. I know Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us no matter who we are. I know that Christ lives and He is my Savior. I know this is the Lords' work and I am so grateful to be a part of it. Thank you for all of your love support and prayers. I love each of you. I pray for each of you. Have a very Happy New year! Love you and Miss you! Here is to 2015!!!!

Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll

Letter - 12/29/14

Dear Family and Friends,

Wow what an exciting week it was full of Christmas seeing friends, family, and remembering our Savior Jesus Christ. This Christmas was truly the best Christmas I could have ever asked for in Korea and as a missionary. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father who watched over me and my companion this Christmas and sent us the best Christmas present ever. Our sweet couple that we met three weeks ago had the opportunity to enter the waters of baptism yesterday December 28th. I cannot tell you the peace and comfort I felt all day yesterday just knowing this was the will of the Lord. It has been quite the adventure with them but Sister Johnson and I did all that we could so that this dear family can begin the steps of being together forever because after all, missionaries leave their families for a short amount of time so others can be with theirs forever.

I want to share a little bit about the process of this amazing miracle and refresh your memory on what an amazing miracle it truly is. So exactly 4 weeks ago we received a call from a member of the ward telling us he had a referral for us and they were his in-laws. We had already experienced so many miracles we couldn't believe that one but sure enough we received it and met with them that night. The following Wednesday we received a phone call from the son-in-law telling us they wanted to be baptized December 28th because their grandchildren were going to be home for Christmas break. Sister Johnson and I were in shock and frantically figured out what needed to be done to see this family's dream come true. We worked day and night seeking for the Lord's guidance and help. We met with them 2 to 3 times a week until December 28th. We studied harder than ever before. We prayed more earnestly, pleading for the guidance of the Lord. We fasted, we sacrificed and we showed the Lord we were willing to do what it takes. Although, the entire time it felt like we did a lot of work and carried a lot of unneeded stress I finally realized that I truly did nothing. The Lord did all the work. He made this happen. He made this possible.

We held the baptismal interview Saturday night with President Morrise and at that time I was really nervous.  I wasn't sure if this was the right time or the Lord's will.  I have to be honest I was really nervous about the baptism and was afraid that we were not making the right decision as we continued to push for the 28th but last Sunday I had a strong confirmation during sacrament meeting as I pondered my patriarchal blessing that the 28th was the day. I felt only peace and just knew it was right but yet I was still questioning the day of the interview if this was the right thing.

 After President Morrise left from the interview Sister Johnson and I had one more personal companionship prayer which was so powerful. We then talked about how we were feeling and she just continued to feel peace. She had felt peace the entire time since we had fasted about 3 weeks ago but I still had such a strange feeling in my heart like a knot and I explained that to her. It was quite interesting because I would feel peace and then  I would feel this knot and I just couldn't understand or explain my feelings. Sister Johnson had the idea that maybe it was Satan trying to confuse me so that these two beloved children of God couldn't be baptized and the minute she said that I was at complete peace. I cast Satan's thoughts out and was reminded of a scripture that Sister Ward shared with me when we were companions. The scripture was D&C 6:23 saying "Did I not speak peace to your soul concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?" Heavenly Father had already spoke peace to my soul a week ago during that special sacrament meeting as I pondered my patriarchal blessing but yet I was still asking but now it was time to act. Sister Johnson and I felt that this was the time. It was either now or never! We had to act because the couple was willing to act! Another scripture then came to my mind D&C 9:11 "Behold it was expedient when you commenced; but you feared and the time is past and it is not expedient now." If we wouldn't have acted and followed the Lord's will the expedient time for this couple would be past.

I am so grateful to feel at complete peace now. I know this was the Lord's will. The baptism was beautiful and very special. They both were just glowing as they stood in white. This was a choice experience in which I learned a lot and I truly learned how to seek the Lord's will and courageously follow it. I know that the Lord had a special plan for each one of His children and as we follow it and seek it we can receive the fullness of the blessings He is offering us. I know this was a true miracle and I am humbled that I had the opportunity to witness it.
My Christmas in Korea is truly unforgettable.  I cannot forget to mention what a joy it was to skype my sweet family! What a beautiful and loving family I have! It was so great to see their faces and hear their voices! I also was able to meet my sweet niece Ember over the computer screen. It was so special and brought so much joy but yet it felt as if skyping them was a weekly thing but we all know it is not. I just love being a missionary so much and am learning to enjoy the moment and accept that this doesn't last forever so I have to live it up to the end.

 I am so grateful to be a missionary to be representing my Savior Jesus Christ in the country of Korea. I love this work. I know it is the Lord's work and everyone plays an important role. That was the theme of our Christmas Conference on Tuesday "Everyone Plays A Part." President Morrise talked about how our missionary is like a tapestry and we are all our own individual thread but as we are woven together we create God's masterpiece. He needs all of us in order to do so. We need every piece of the thread to complete the tapestry. We all have an important role to play in the Lord's work and that's why we were called to be a part of it. We all have an individual part and the Lord is taking each one of us and making a masterpiece. He is making us instruments in His hands. I am being made an instrument everday and I cannot be more grateful.

Thank you to each of you for all of your love support and prayers. Also thank you for your sweet testimony's you sent me. I cannot tell you the strength I received from each one of you. I love each of you. I miss each of you but time is flying so live it up! Remember you play a part and Heavenly Father needs you to accomplish His great and marvelous work! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Love,
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll

Letter - 12/22/14

Family and Friends,

Guess what it is finally Christmas Time!! How has the time gone by so fast? I am not sure but Sister Johnson and I ask ourselves that each day. I am just shocked with the events that have happened this past transfer and all the miracles we have seen and they just continue to come. My family's Christmas letter was all about miracles and I want to add my testimony to theirs that I know there are miracles everywhere we look and right now is the time to celebrate the greatest miracle of all, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that He lives and I know that as we make room for Him in our lives we will only experince the everlasting joy that He promises to each of us. I love my Savior and so grateful for the gift He is to me.

This week was just as eventful as all the other weeks prior. Sister Johnson and I are being worn out but somehow keep going. We both have agreed that this transfer has just been a miracle in itself as we have been able to invite so many people to come closer to Christ including ourselves. We have a baptism interview set up for this Wednesday with the referral we received 2 weeks ago so pray for them that they will be able to make those baptismal covenants with God in celebration of this Christmas season. I have truly been in awe as I have seen the Lord work through me to help this wonderful couple come and find the truth of the gospel. My testimony has been strengthened as I think of the people that the Lord has sent into my life. I know there are people here in Korea that I am supposed to meet and learn from. I am so grateful the Lord has given me this opportunity to be affected by so many of the Korean people. I love the Korean people so much and it is an honor to be serving them.

We had a practice lesson with a member this week and I was just strengthened by her testimony of relying on the Lord for everything. She is a woman in the Relief Society who has so many talents and she gives all credit to the Lord. As we spoke to her she said that she prays for help in everything from cooking to making flower arrangements to playing the piano to making huge life decisions. She is just always turning to the Lord and acting upon that invitation He gives "Look unto me in every thought, doubt not fear not." As she said those things I thought about my reliance on the Lord and realized that I have so much room for improvement  and that the Lord truly does care about everything we do. Like my brother and father have told me many time "Whatever is important to you is important to Heavenly Father." He wants to help us and watch us succeed so as we ask for His guidance and seek for His help He will assure that we will become our best in whatever we choose to be the trick is just choosing and going for it. I know though that as we rely on the Lord our lives will be guided by Him and we will find the joy that Heavenly Father has in store for each of His children.

Our ward had the Christmas Party this Saturday and it was such a great and spiritual experience. In the ward's past parties they have had talent shows and really loud fun parties but this year they wanted to change it to a more spiritual experience where we could learn the true meaning of Christmas. We watched the new “He is the Gift” video and had a wonderful feast after. I just love Chirstmas time. We had an amazing turn out and the referral I received from my last area (biggest miracle of mission story) came and had a wonderful time.  I was so happy to see her and her two boys. She has been super busy lately so we haven't been able to meet but she attended church again and I feel the time is coming that we can begin teaching her the message of this restored gospel. It just brings me so much joy to see all the teaching opportunities that the Lord has been giving me.

I love teaching and I love this gospel. I know it is true. I am so grateful once again to be a missionary and to be representing Jesus Christ during this Christmas season. I recently read this quote by Thomas S. Monson "Finding the real joy of Christmas comes not in the hurrying and the scurrying to get more done, nor is it found in the purchasing of gifts. We find real joy when we make the Savior the focus of the season." I know through experience that the more I think about Christ during Christmas the more special the season is. The more Christlike gifts I give the more memorable they are to others. "When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning." Let us all remember the spirit of Christmas and keep the Spirit of Christ throughout the year. I know the Jesus is the Christ. He is the Son of God and was born in humble circumstances in a manger in the town of Bethlehem. I know He came into this world because He loves us and His Father in Heaven. I know it is through Him we can have hope and go forward with faith in all that we do. I love my Savior and now is the time during this Christmas season to rededicate ourselves to His gospel, and walk the path He has walked.

Thank you for all your love support and prayers. I am sending all my love and wishing each of you a very Merry Christmas! Love You!

Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll

Letter - 12/15/14

December 15, 2014
Dear Family and Friends,

I once again am just humbled by the miracles that I have experienced in the amazing area that I am serving in. I don't know what is going on but Sister Johnson and I must be doing something right because we have truly been made instruments in the Lord's hands. The weather is getting colder but we have been lucky enough to have packed days full of teaching opportunities to strengthen members, investigators, recent converts, and less actives. I love this gospel so much and know that it is true. It brings so much happiness and joy and I am grateful everyday that I grew up with the knowledge that I am a child of God and I have a purpose.

Last week I mentioned that we received a referral from a member and ended up teaching them the day we received the referral which was last Sunday. Well after the meeting it was great and we planned to meet again the following week but randomly Wednesday night at 10:20 pm we received a call from the member saying the her parents, who we taught, want to be baptized! WHAT?! Sister Johnson and I were literally in shock. We couldn't believe it. We had only met once and now they have that desire. It was amazing. The kick is though they want to be baptized December 28th which is in 2 weeks because their grandchildren will be back from America then and they want them to be there to see their grandparents be baptized. It's just one huge curve ball that we were not expecting but a huge blessing. We met with them the following day Thursday and again Saturday to teach and things are looking up and we have a lot of hope. They also came to church on Sunday and what a sacrifice that was especially since the father just experienced a stroke last April so he is still staying in the hospital but they exercised their faith and are doing what it takes to become a part of the Lord's true church.

This past week Sister Johnson and I have truly come to know what it meant when Nephi said "I will‍ go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments‍ unto the children of men, save he shall prepare‍ a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." This wonderful miracle has been given to us and the Lord has provided the way from the beginning. I had only been in the area for not even two weeks and failed to introduce myself to the members who gave us the referral but they called Sister Johnson and I to teach their parents. We both don't have fluent Korean or have a ton of teaching experience but the lessons we have taught with them have been the most spiritual lessons I have ever experienced. I cannot even explain the strength of the Spirit that has been in my heart during these teaching opportunities. Things were coming out of my mouth that I didn't even know how to say and everything has just been clear and simple to the understanding of both of them. The Lord is truly doing all of the work. I have done nothing. He has humbled me and shown me that He can do His work and He will do His work. I have been made an instrument in the hands of the Lord and I could not be more grateful.

It's been a humbling experience for us both to learn to rely on the Lord and trust in Him no matter what. I don't know what has happened this past transfer but huge changes have taken place in myself and the way I do the Lord's work with Him. That is the key to being linked to the Lord because it truly is His work. It has truly been a miracle. This past week I am humbled to say that I know exactly what it means to watch the Lord do His work and just be a small tool. This whole experience has showed me that the Lord knows how to do His work and He will do it His way we just have to be ready to respond when He calls. This I know is truly the Lord's work and right now Sister Johnson and I are learning to have faith in Him and trust whatever His will is. I know that as we stay worthy of the Spirit He will guide us and tell us the needs of these two wonderful people and what we have to do to allow them to enter the waters of baptism and receive the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost.

After this amazing miracle we also met with another investigator who we just picked up last week. She is a 14 year old girl named 김지혜. We met with her on Saturday and it was the best ever! We taught her a little English and then were on to the gospel. Our follow up was prayer so we asked her if she prayed this past week. She said "Yes! 3 times!" What?! That was all  I could have ever asked for. We continued teaching about prayer and she just nodded, answered all of our questions accepting it like nothing! We then began talking about church which led us to invite her to church and she said that she would come if she can so we shall see but to close our appointment we invited her to say the closing prayer and that is when the Spirit hit. As she prayed it was so sincere and from the heart. The words she spoke were completely humble before the Lord and her sincere desires. She thanked Heavenly Father for allowing her to have the belief in Him, asked Him to help her go to church every week, and thanked Him that we can meet every week. I was touched by her prayer. Never have I thanked my Heavenly Father for giving me the faith to believe in Him but I quickly repented of that and humbled myself in gratitude before Him. One of my favorite things of missionary work is witnessing and hearing my investigators pray for the first time out loud. Each time I have witnessed it the Spirit enters my heart so strongly and I just know that it was a huge faith building experience for them.

President Morrise came to our zone this week to do interviews and something we had to do to prepare was study about the Savior and His atonement and be prepared to share a testimony of that so this past week for a couple days I focused my study on my Savior Jesus Christ and His atonement. I learned so much and my love for Him just continues to grow. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that He is my Savior. He is the Son of God and His way is the path that leads to happiness. I know He is inviting us to all come unto Him. "The only way to be saved is for someone else to rescue us." Jesus Christ is our rescuer and is bearing everything with us. He wants us to partake of His atonement and rely on Him so that He can welcome us back into His arms. My favorite scripture verse regarding the atonement and our Savior Jesus Christ's love for us is 1 John 4:19 "We love Him because He first loved us."  That is what Jesus Christ's life and atonement was, perfect and unconditional love. In order to partake of this unconditional love we just have to act and follow Him. He is calling for us and has 100% hope in us and we can have that same hope in ourselves because we trust Him. I love my Savior and I am grateful that I have the opportunity to represent Him this Christmas season.

I just want to thank each of you for your prayers in my behalf. Last night as I was praying I had the confirmation that the prayers that you offer for me are being answered. I want you to know that Heavenly Father is answering your prayers, each and every one of them. Thank you for praying for me and for allowing me to witness the answers to your prayers.

I love each of you so much and could not do this work without your love, support or prayers. Remember that the Lord is aware of you. He knows your heart and your circumstances. He is working for you and sacrificing for you. "He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him.... he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him" (2 Nephi 26:24, 33) LOVE YOU MISS YOU!

Love
드리스콜자매
Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll

Letter - 12/8/14

Family and Friends,

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

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

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

BLESSING #1

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

BLESSING #2

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

BLESSING #3

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

BLESSING #4

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

BLESSING #5

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

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

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

Love 

드리스콜자매

Sister Ciarra Jean Driscoll