January 10, 2021 - Gimje

 Wow this has been a busy week, particularly in the last few days! I started off the week with a transfer with Elder Bagley. It was actually a transfer between the 김제 Elders, the 익산/군산 Elders, and the APs, so we split the 익산/군산 area in two and had Bagley and me in 군산, and it was awesome! It was the first transfer I have been on where I was the senior companion which was kind of crazy. It was comforting to see other missionaries struggle with their language in the same ways I do, and also a warning sign of what can happen in an area if nobody in the area can speak good Korean.


We also had several meetings with members this week which was a blessing. The members of this branch are all very unique and I enjoy getting to serve them and get to know them. We made cookies to share with the members on Sunday, and it was kind of a mess. We had to mix shortening without a hand mixer, we didn't have a bowl big enough for the dough, etc etc etc. BUT the cookies turned out really tasty! In the process, I learned that the concept of eating cookie dough is a gross, foreign concept to Koreans, and my comp could not believe that we have cookie dough flavored ice cream in America. It sounds as weird as pizza dough flavored ice cream to him. 

Sunday was busy busy busy! I had the opportunity to bless the sacrament for the first time which was amazing! I was nervous, and I still read slowly and with terrible pronunciation and intonation, but the spirit transcends language barriers. I had to focus more though, which really made me appreciate the sacrament as a way to edify our souls and remember the covenants we have made with Christ. We also had a followup meeting from earlier in the week where we worked on the GIMJE REJUVENATION PLAN (patent pending). 

Sunday night was transfer calls, and WOW did things get mixed around. Both me and my companion are going to different districts, which means this area is being whitewashed for the second time in 3 months. Not only that, but at least 4 other areas are also being whitewashed! Zones are being split into 2 districts (they were 1 before), which means Elder Bagley will be the only not new missionary in this district, which is crazy. I will be headed to Daejeon 1 Ward with Elder Zito and I am excited! I'm really going to miss this branch, and I'm going to miss my companion, but most of all I am just so grateful for the opportunities I have had to learn and to grow here. 

It is absolutely crazy to think I have been a missionary for 6 months already. I have learned so much so fast, but it still feels like I've just finished learning everything I need to simply get started. There is so much for me to still do and learn and become, and I am thrilled to get to work on the Lord's work here in Korea. I love you all and you are always in my thoughts and prayers!

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Elder Wardle






Location: Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea

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