Elder Wardle's Mission Letter

  This past week has been an adventure. Language study has kicked into full gear, and what seemed like simple grammar structure up front was hiding a deadly poison around the back:  exceptions!  Still miles better than English, though, so I won't complain too loudly. In fact, in many ways it's quite fun! Or at least it was until I had to teach my first lesson in Korean. Me and my companion managed to survive, and the person we taught actually left a very positive review! I think she was just being nice. We floundered pretty hard whenever she asked a question. But we did eventually understand what she was asking, which was encouraging! My district is as goofy and as fun as always. I'm really glad I got stuck with a bunch of awesome people. I actually met up with Elder Patterson, Sister Erksine, and Sister McGhie to do a service project in Alpine on Saturday! Someone in Elder Patterson and Sister McGhie's ward needed some yard work done, and some bruised ribs...

  Well I'm a week and a half in and nobody has died yet, so I think I'll consider it a success. More than that, everyone seems to be doing quite well! However, I think that is in large part due to our classes still being in English. Full Korean classes begin Tuesday afternoon and I don't think any of us are ready. Well, Elder Harmer might be, but I know I'm not! The extent of my Korean vocabulary consists of having memorized the missionary purpose: 다른 사람들이 예수 그리스도와 그분의 속죄에 대한 신앙, 회개, 침례, 성신의 은사 및 끝까지 견딤을 통해 회복된 복음을 받아들이도록 도움으로써 그리스도에게 나아오도록 권유한다. That may be a bigger block of text than I included last time, but don't be fooled; I still don't know what half those words mean. Looks like I'm gonna be spending this P-Day grinding korean vocabulary! I've included a second picture of my district Zoom class. We decided to celebrate "Floral Friday" and everyone wore floral ties. The Sister missionaries even got in on the fun! Unfortunately, they decide...

 First week of the MTC has gone very well! My district is full of outstanding people. There are 8 of us: six Elders and two Sisters. Most of us are from Utah, but one Elder is from Florida and one is from Arizona. One of the sisters spent most of her life in Russia! My companion, Elder Patterson, is really insightful and thoughtful. We taught our first lesson together this morning, and it went turned out better than I thought it might! I'm sure it will be a different beast when we have to do it in Korean, but its working well so far. I'm excited to work with these people for the rest of these 8 weeks at the MTC. Both my teachers are great. Brother de la Bruere has extreme ADHD, and it's actually worked to the district's benefit so far. His high energy level keeps everyone engaged, and he is more than competent with teaching Korean and missionary skills. Sister Cho is much more relaxed and confident, so the contrast between the two helps my classes feel different whil...