Family and Friends,
Hello everyone! I can't believe I am here on the computer again! What happened to this week? Why do they keep on going by faster and faster? I know it's because I am loving this work and loving being a missionary. Time always goes by fast if you are having fun and if you are happy!
This week Sister Johnson and I had the perfect week planned and we were going to be so busy but then everyone we scheduled appointments with ended up cancelling. And I mean EVERYONE! I really learned the importance of back up plans no matter how reliable an appointment it. It was quite sad and we also we dropped two investigators but we didn't let that get us down as we continued to work hard and diligent we were able to pick up FOUR new investigators! Two of them being member referrals! I still can't believe what a miracle area this is and I am so grateful to be serving here.
We met with one investigator this week who was going to come to church because we asked her daughter to play the violin for us for a musical number but they ended up cancelling because they were going out of town. But the good news is they still want to do that so hopefully next month we will be able to. I don't know if I have talked much about this investigator but her name is 임진아. She met the missionaries 3 years ago and wanted her two girls to learn English. Since then she has consistently met with the missionaries weekly. And I mean CONSISTENTLY! Her teaching record goes on for days and it has been really hard because we don't know what to do to help her but we don't want to give up either because we know the Lord has a plan and is preparing her. We decided that this week we are going to start teaching the girls the primary songs and teach through those to not only just teach the mom but them to. I noticed that being in primary I truly learned everything I needed to know and through the songs I was taught the simple truth of the gospel. I feel this is inspiration from God to help the progress of this family speed up a little bit. I love them so much and I can just see the sincerity in her eyes when she tells us that she wants to know. It is such a wonderful experience to help those here in Korea find truth and know that they can. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of the Holy Ghost and of prayer. I know that through prayer we can find our answers and God gives us those answers through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Friday was our busiest day as we were able to meet with a member and do a practice lessons and also meet with a referral from a member.Our practice lesson with the member was really good. She is a sweet woman in the ward who is a young mom and is really in need of comfort and love. She always invites us over and cares for us so well. This time we met with her she was a little down on herself though and feeling insufficient. As Sister Johnson and I listened I kept praying in my heart to be given the correct words of what to say that would comfort her heart. Nothing was coming to me though. I couldn't understand why and still don't. I truly was pleading but not a thought or scripture came to me. I could tell that she was just reaching out her hand to us so that we could grab on and help her up but I couldn't grab on and I don't understand why. I walked away from that appointment sad because I wasn't able to assist her to the best of my ability. I then thought of the Savior. That is exactly how the Savior is too us but a little switched around. He is consistently holding is hand out to us to grab on and when we grab on those feeling of insufficiency can disappear peace and comfort can enter our bodies and we can know with surety that we are safe in His hands. As a missionary I am the Lord's hands and the Lord is placing people into my hands all the time. I must be like the Savior so that when these people enter my hands they can feel that peace and comfort that the Savior gives. I learned a lot through that experience and sometimes the Lord holds our tongue so that we can just listen and not speak. Or He holds our tongue because He has a better plan and at the moment it is hard to see but we have to just trust Him.
That night we met with another member and the referral that we received. It was a dinner appointment so we were able to just build a really good relationship. It was a great time. The now new investigator is amazing! Her English name is Nanan. She has English interest but she is totally ready for the gospel I feel! We are going to meet her weekly at the members house and things are really looking up.
Then Sunday the referral that I received from my last area 금천, 장미정 and her boys came to church again! She is not even an investigator yet because we haven't been able to meet with her but she has consistently come to church since I got here and finally we were able to grab an appointment with her! I have loved seeing the Lord do His work with her though. I knew that He wouldn't let her go and if I just continued to trust in Him and His timing things will work out and boy have they ever! We will being meeting with her today and I can't wait! I can see her interest just burning and she is ready to hear the joyful message of the Gospel. I keep feeling so strongly in my heart that she is truly a miracle and she has been prepared by the Lord.
This week I had read in the Book of Mormon about Alma and Amulek. Amulek was prepared by the Lord for Alma to find and teach. This week we may have had lots of cancelled appointment but we definitely found people that the Lord has prepared to hear the gospel. I know that the Lord is aware of all His children and that each event in our lives is preparing us to more fully accept His gospel and return to Him. I love this gospel and know it is true.
Now for a funny story though on Saturday we went sticker boarding with the district by the entrance/exit of a subway. We had these nicely made flyers made by one of the elders and we put them to use! It was super busy and we were pretty popular, Sister Johnson and I talked afterward and said that had been the most successful sticker boarding we had ever done! I had even had a great conversation with a lady about our English program and a little bit about our church. She was pretty interested so I gave her a flyer.. By the end, some people in dog costumes took over our area.. they were advertising their dog cafe (a cafe with dogs you can play with). So we called it quits but still felt pretty successful! Then on Sunday we were in Ward Mission Council and the elders brought up one small piece of information that was shocking. THE PHONE NUMBER ON THE FLYER WAS WRONG. The elder who had made it accidentally switched two of the numbers.. They called that number that was on the flyer and a lady answered telling them that she had received a lot of phone calls.. ALL THE INVESTIGATORS WE COULD HAVE HAD! Haha when we found out, I was in shock for ten minutes. I couldn't believe it! Our best sticker boarding ever. Wrong number. All those potential investigators.. WHY?!?! Haha we were all pretty upset/mad/frustrated/confused, but in the end we'll all laugh about this, right? That just means we have to try harder the next time we do sticker boarding! And continually apologize to the person whose number is on our free English flyers..
Thanks for all your love support and prayers.! I love each of you and miss you! Remember to keep going forth with faith! I relief society we reviewed Sister Linda K. Burton's talk about being prepared for the temple and as I listened to the sisters comments I realize that the best way to be prepared for anything is to be consistent and diligent. I know that as we consistently strive to live the gospel and be faithful to it we can and will be prepared. It is truly the best way to prepare for all the promised blessings of the Lord. Live the gospel. Love the gospel and Trust in the Lord! He knows what is best for each of us and He is guiding us each day to that we can be prepared. I love being a missionary. I love this gospel. I love this work. I love Korea. I love the Korean people. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior!
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.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
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
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
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
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
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
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
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
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
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
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
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