President & Sister O'Riordan

The fiery Australian duo! I am so grateful that I was able to serve with the O'Riordans for the first half of my mission in the UPM.

President O'Riordan became like a best friend to me with his kindness and love, especially when I struggled at the start of my time in the mission. He always knew exactly what to say to lift my spirits and boost me to work hard. President's motto was "all in, all the time" and we saw so many miracles as a mission as we gave our all every day. I sure love President O'Riordan, his love, friendship, example, shiny bald head and of course the accent!! (the aussie accent..."Sister Dougall and her short sleeve tshirts!" the American accent..."are you TIRED??")

Sister O'Riordan was BOLD and showed us that women play a powerful role in the church. She always knew what was up and was ready to correct lovingly and inspire us to be the best version of ourselves. She taught us a lot of important lessons and this is what I remember best: 

-You are exactly where you need to be in order to learn the lessons you need to learn, to become who you need to become...if you choose. 

-There's power in shared experience. 

-Learn to love what the Lord loves. 

-Satan is all about hiding. 

-The real you is you at your best. 

-It's all about people. 

-The Lord loves you so much that He will give you what you want. You show Him what you want by what you do. 

-You own all of your choices and all of the consequences...be spirit led. 

-The Lord requires all of your efforts, but He doesn't require more than you can give. 

-When you choose Christ, you choose to change. 

-It will all be alright in the end, and if it's not alright it's not the end. 

-Search, analyze, apply, testify, questions

I love the O'Riordans and am one blessed missionary to have served with them!! I can't wait to visit Australia soon! ;)