Well, I got some questions... so let me answer those first. They were admittedly from two weeks ago. But I dont normally get around to reading everything until the next week. Sorry... but they questions...
What is the food like?
They food is amazing! I love it. They eat a lot of bread and often meats. They also basically never drink water. It´s always soda... which I try to avoid. I really dont like soda and it´s not good for you. But the food is really good. Actually a lot like American.
And the bugs?
The bugs are normal. Nothing different that Ive seen... Oh, except this hug fly/bee thing. I sounded like a helicopter. It was maybe the size of a peanut shell. I was suprised it was in the air. It reminded me of A Bug´s Life... how the fat catipiler got wings at the end... something like that.
The clothing?
The clothes are exactly the same. Most women are wearing basically nothing because of the heat and the men are kind of the same. Oh, but EVERYONE wears converse. Ive never seen so many in my life. I almost felt like I was in Heaven when I showed up.
The grocery stores?
Ah, grocery stores... there are some that are Americanish. But most of the time there are smaller stores on the streets that are specific food groups... like bread stores. Or Fruit and Vegetable stores. Or meat stores. But we have an American one that we go to the most. Alst, people often have a mini store built into their house. They are randomly placed throughout the streets.. and normally sell soda and other common things people buy.
How are your shoes holding up? Do they still sqwoosh with air?
My shoes are doing pretty good. The souls are thinner then most other missionaries, so I can control myself better... but it also means I need to control myself so I dont wear out my shoes. I shine them whenever I get 5 minutes... so they are looking good. And thanks Ryan, I tried the black shoe polish on my brown shoes and they actually look really good. Thanks.
Are the houses there structured in the same way as ours?
The houses are all stone. None have carpet and are normally unfinished in our area. They all have bars on the windows and these cool curtain things on the outside... made of wood for protection I think. Most people have cement floors, but sometimes they have tile. Some of the richer people have normal looking houses, but only with tile instead of carpet.
Everything seems to be bigger in America than in Europe, is it the same way in Argentina?
Things are rather small here for the most part. Ive hit my head a few times because Im tall and need to look down so I dont hit anyone. Sometimes Im a giant with people... other times Im the same as them. It depend on the crowd.
What do people do with their days there?
I have no clue what people do with their days. A lot of people work here or there... but for the most part I think they just chill at home. People have large families here and everyone watches TV normally.
What do the kids do for fun?
The kids play in the street. Often soccer or a type of tennis without a net. But they have school right now...it´s almost finals for them... so Im not sure what they´ll do in their time off.
Is everyone fairly amazing at soccer? Or is that just a stereotype?
A lot of people are really good at soccer... but if you call it soccer here people will not know what you are talking about. Here it is either Fútball or Pelota. Pelota means ball. And everyone knows a lot about it even if they cant play well. The kids certainly are good.
What kinds of pets do they generally have?
Everyone has dogs. Most of the time they just live on the streets though. A few people have cats. And even fewer amounts of people have birds. They put the birds in individual cages and bring them outside when they are sitting in their yard. It´s definately different. Oh, some people have chickens too. And Ive seen ONE pig.
What are their birds like? And hahaha do they fly north when it gets cold?
The birds dont really go anywhere. I think they just stay here... It doesnt get that cold in the winter. And the birds look normal to me. Not much to them.
How's your head, wheezing laugh, companion, eating habits, sunburned self?
My head still kind of hurts from the spanish... but overall good.
My laugh? I dont know. I dont really do it much anymore. Sorry. I guess people just arnt that funny when you have to translate their words.
My companion is a beast. He works like there is no tomorrow. He´s great. I love him. We get along really well.
My eating habits are not set. We have random times we eat... if we do. People really only have one set meal... which is lunch. So we normally have lunch. But not always. It´s always random.
My sunburn is no more. It went away really fast. I didnt even peal that much. Just a little on my nose. My companion who is native is currently peeling like an onion... its kind of nasty. But Im great. No one problem. My neck just kind of itched for about 2 days. I guess I over exaggerated.
Send me more questions please... I like them.
Okay, Ive got some things I keep on forgetting to say... so here they are...
There is an Elder in my mission who is huge... so naturally I wanted to talk to him. I asked him where he had lived and he was like, "Oregon... and a little in WA. A small town called Sammamish". I just about freaked! It turns out he worked for the McOmbers some time ago. His name is Elder J. Coombs. So that was pretty cool.
Also, one of our zone leaders is from New Hampshire. But I think I already told everyone that.
So, I know how to do mail now. I should be sending some today. And I now know how to get them home faster. And I need to ask for your pardons... I kind of need American Stamps. The funny thing is I send a whole bunch home. But if I have American Stamps I can mail letters home though pouch. So, if you want me to write you... send me some. Otherwise I wont write much. To send a letter from here home it is like $3.50 US dollars. Also, if anyone ever sends me a package... please send me some good music. We actually listen to music a lot... and I´d like some new stuff. Anything that is soft is okay here. Enya, EFY... thank kind of thing. Thanks if you can.
Well, this week not much happened. We had to push another baptism back because the person did not feel ready. Also, we had cambios again. So I was with another Elder for a day. He is from Chile and speaks very little english. So that was actually really cool. I learned a lot. Um... yeah. Oh, it rained like crazy on Tuesday. I wore my long trench coat for the first time. That was awesome! I felt like I was back home.
Well, I dont got much left to say and I really need to get off. I dont have anytime left. So Ill say good bye for now. I really hope all is well with everyone. Ill try to send some pictures home soon. I might be able to e-mail them. I dont take much because not only am I busy, but I dont want to carry around my camera. We are not suppose to look like tourists taking pictures. But Ive got some good ones Ill try to send home soon.
Also, know that Im great! Safe and healthy and ready for more. Thanks for all your e-mails. They keep me going. Ill reply as soon as I can.
All my love,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
PS I do the ... because I can never find the right key, so sorry. I guess Im just lazy.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
I'll be fine, I heal quick
Hey everyone! Sorry, this one will be really short. I only have 10 minutes... or less. They dont have the giant flashing time on these computers. You know... the thing I use to not like, but now really want. Well, in any case. Im sorry, I had a lot of things to do this week. But enough of that... onto the week:
First of all, Im great. Ive got some problems that I know Im not suppose to write home about... but I am going to anyway because you all know Im as tough as nails... or something like that. First of all... it is HOT here. The sun is super bright and we are under it almost all day. So Ive been getting tanner and tanner... until today. We had an all mission soccer (or fútball) competition. And... well, I got burned. I play goalie. Im not too bad as a goalie. Im not to bad as a player... in the US. But here people are crazy good. Im learning a lot about soccer. I love it. But anyway, Im roaster. But dont worry mother. Ive been taught well. And there are natural aloe plants on like ever corner. Ill be fine, I heal quick... just ask Merry and Ryan.
The other thing that is bothering me is my feet. They are so tired! I have calaces (spelling?) the size of about 4 quarters stacked up. I havent had any blisters or anything like that. Im a pretty good walker (and getting better all the time. Trust me, it´s an art to walk all day). I think the real reason is because we´ve been taking longer and longer walks recently to get the people in the corners of the mission that are ready for us. Check this out: We had "divisions" on Thursday. Divisions are sort of like one day transfers with the leaders in the Zone ... So I was with Elder Good (Who I need to talk about) in his area. We ended up walking over an hour to get to this appointment we had. And then an hour back, without stopping. It´s things like that which are giving me tougher feet.
So, the division... Elder Good is from New Hampshire! The same Stake we were in. He moved in about 6 months after we left. So he knows some of the same people and places. And he goes home in 3 weeks. He is really great though. Anyway, on the division... after the huge walk, we walked by these kids who yelled "your beautiful" in English. So we said¨"thanks" and walked on to another appointment. When we were returning we stopped and talked to them because they were calling us over. There were 5 in all. 2 girls and 3 boys... about 16-18 years old. The girl who spoke english greeted us with a kiss (ANOTHER ONE!!! I´ve stopped counting) and during the conversation she asked us out in Spanish. So... Ive been here 3 weeks and already been asked out. It´s weird. She was blond though... you´ve got to be weary of the blonds here... I tell ya!
So that was fun. And the week had been pretty fun. All except we had a few bautismos (I cant spell it in english anymore) fall through. One was Belén. She got a bad grade in school, so her mother said her grades need to get up before she can be baptized... or have lessons from us. But I have faith in her and know all will be good. And a few other people that just need time but will pull through also. Overall things are okay in that area. You cant get my hopes down when we are having so much success. But this week we should be having a bautismo also.
Um, ¿que más? Oh!!! We´ve had two drunk guys talk to us. One was yelling about how we needed to have energy... and that was really all that made since. Not because I couldnt understand him... but because that was really about all that made since. Also another guy who was telling us we were going to hell and he wasnt... even though he knew he was a terrible person. It was because his father was a preacher in the Evenjelical Church (I think that´s Evangalist in English). After both of those my companion told me we need to be recording things like that. Those sorts of things are really hilarious to us.
Actually, a side note: People like to yell at us here. We stick out a lot because of our dress, but especially because of my blond hair that is getting blonder by the day. Also because we are both 6 foot 1 inch and husky. People yell all sorts of things at us. It is really funny. People here really dont get violent much. Im sure Im safe here, especially because no one wants to go up agains us because they only come up to our name badges. But seriously, Im only joking and you really should not worry. Anyway, the things they say are normally what little english they know, or something derogitory in Spanish. Elder Sagripanti hates it when they call us "Shankis" which is how they say Yankee, because the "y" is a "sh" here. Anyway, he hates it because he is from Argentina... full blooded. Someone called us spies from Bush the other day... and he was fuming. It was hilarious. Ever time that happens he talks to them, tells them he´s from Cordoba and as we walk away tells me that he won. I love it. He´s got spirit.
Also, we got to see Elder Nielson this week. He came and talked to our mission. My area is not far from the mission headquarters... so I could go. We all got to shake his hand and say hi. It was pretty sweet, Im not going to lie. I loved his talk too. He has such power when he teaches. All of it was mission stuff though, otherwise Id share it. I doubt any of you would be very interested. But those of you who read this and are members... just help the missionaries... please. Missionary work has changed. It isnt just missionaries now. It is the church as a whole. We really cant do our work without help from the members and especially without referals. So, help out if you can.
Ive got to go. But I hope you all know my love goes with you all. Take care and youll hear from me in another week.
All my love,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
PS I could still use letters ;)
First of all, Im great. Ive got some problems that I know Im not suppose to write home about... but I am going to anyway because you all know Im as tough as nails... or something like that. First of all... it is HOT here. The sun is super bright and we are under it almost all day. So Ive been getting tanner and tanner... until today. We had an all mission soccer (or fútball) competition. And... well, I got burned. I play goalie. Im not too bad as a goalie. Im not to bad as a player... in the US. But here people are crazy good. Im learning a lot about soccer. I love it. But anyway, Im roaster. But dont worry mother. Ive been taught well. And there are natural aloe plants on like ever corner. Ill be fine, I heal quick... just ask Merry and Ryan.
The other thing that is bothering me is my feet. They are so tired! I have calaces (spelling?) the size of about 4 quarters stacked up. I havent had any blisters or anything like that. Im a pretty good walker (and getting better all the time. Trust me, it´s an art to walk all day). I think the real reason is because we´ve been taking longer and longer walks recently to get the people in the corners of the mission that are ready for us. Check this out: We had "divisions" on Thursday. Divisions are sort of like one day transfers with the leaders in the Zone ... So I was with Elder Good (Who I need to talk about) in his area. We ended up walking over an hour to get to this appointment we had. And then an hour back, without stopping. It´s things like that which are giving me tougher feet.
So, the division... Elder Good is from New Hampshire! The same Stake we were in. He moved in about 6 months after we left. So he knows some of the same people and places. And he goes home in 3 weeks. He is really great though. Anyway, on the division... after the huge walk, we walked by these kids who yelled "your beautiful" in English. So we said¨"thanks" and walked on to another appointment. When we were returning we stopped and talked to them because they were calling us over. There were 5 in all. 2 girls and 3 boys... about 16-18 years old. The girl who spoke english greeted us with a kiss (ANOTHER ONE!!! I´ve stopped counting) and during the conversation she asked us out in Spanish. So... Ive been here 3 weeks and already been asked out. It´s weird. She was blond though... you´ve got to be weary of the blonds here... I tell ya!
So that was fun. And the week had been pretty fun. All except we had a few bautismos (I cant spell it in english anymore) fall through. One was Belén. She got a bad grade in school, so her mother said her grades need to get up before she can be baptized... or have lessons from us. But I have faith in her and know all will be good. And a few other people that just need time but will pull through also. Overall things are okay in that area. You cant get my hopes down when we are having so much success. But this week we should be having a bautismo also.
Um, ¿que más? Oh!!! We´ve had two drunk guys talk to us. One was yelling about how we needed to have energy... and that was really all that made since. Not because I couldnt understand him... but because that was really about all that made since. Also another guy who was telling us we were going to hell and he wasnt... even though he knew he was a terrible person. It was because his father was a preacher in the Evenjelical Church (I think that´s Evangalist in English). After both of those my companion told me we need to be recording things like that. Those sorts of things are really hilarious to us.
Actually, a side note: People like to yell at us here. We stick out a lot because of our dress, but especially because of my blond hair that is getting blonder by the day. Also because we are both 6 foot 1 inch and husky. People yell all sorts of things at us. It is really funny. People here really dont get violent much. Im sure Im safe here, especially because no one wants to go up agains us because they only come up to our name badges. But seriously, Im only joking and you really should not worry. Anyway, the things they say are normally what little english they know, or something derogitory in Spanish. Elder Sagripanti hates it when they call us "Shankis" which is how they say Yankee, because the "y" is a "sh" here. Anyway, he hates it because he is from Argentina... full blooded. Someone called us spies from Bush the other day... and he was fuming. It was hilarious. Ever time that happens he talks to them, tells them he´s from Cordoba and as we walk away tells me that he won. I love it. He´s got spirit.
Also, we got to see Elder Nielson this week. He came and talked to our mission. My area is not far from the mission headquarters... so I could go. We all got to shake his hand and say hi. It was pretty sweet, Im not going to lie. I loved his talk too. He has such power when he teaches. All of it was mission stuff though, otherwise Id share it. I doubt any of you would be very interested. But those of you who read this and are members... just help the missionaries... please. Missionary work has changed. It isnt just missionaries now. It is the church as a whole. We really cant do our work without help from the members and especially without referals. So, help out if you can.
Ive got to go. But I hope you all know my love goes with you all. Take care and youll hear from me in another week.
All my love,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
PS I could still use letters ;)
Monday, October 13, 2008
So I got up there and shared my testimony.
Hello World!
So, I finally got a chance to check out my blog. It´s funny to me that there is a blog up that is devoted to me and I only NOW got a chance to see it. It looks great! I dont know how all has been doing it... Im assuming my sister Windy, but whoever is on top of that is doing a great job. Thanks.
Well, I think I neglected a few facts from last week. I dont think I mention that last week was conference. I did get to watch most of it. But 2 sessions were in Spanish... so I didnt understand all of it. The other sessions I watched in English. So that was cool. I missed Priesthood though. So for once in my life Im actually excited for getting the magazine with the conference talks in them. Oh, and I guess I lied... I didnt really "miss" the Priesthood session... it was in Spanish. Because of this weird thing called time zones. When they were starting confence I was probably asleep for an hour and a half or so. So they recorded it... but only in Spanish. Funny, eh?
So, I learned this week that pouch is the way to go. I get letters though pouch just fine... it takes a while, but at least I get them. The only problem is sending letters back home. There really isnt much oppertunity to do that around here. But Ill try to figure something out.
Well, this week was amazing. And by amazing I mean really great but hard. If you put a baseball hat on your head... the area that that hat covers is the part of my brain that hurts. Castillano is killing me... but only the inside of my brain. The rest of me is doing great. We had a lot planned this week, but a lot of people called a few hours before our appointment and cancelled on us. So we ended up doing a lot of walking. On Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday we spent probably 2/3 of the day walking. We still got in a lot of teaching... but we walked more then normal. We still have 6 investigators with baptisimal dates... possibly 7 (We havent actually talked to him yet, but he told his brother he wanted to be baptized). We got another 6 investigators this week. And all 13 of those people are capos. Really, the Lord has been preparing people for us like crazy. It´s especially impressive because my companion is basically doing it by himself. I am still lost all the time. But I get more and more. I teach some now. Here and there I get in a principle or two. It´s coming though.
Well, it was funny because I fasted the week before I came down here... knowing that the following week was conference. But the ward down here did fast Sunday yesterday. And during our weekly meeting with the Bishop, he asked me to share my testimony. So I got up there and shared my testimony. It was pretty funny. A lot of people were smiling at me from the moment I got up there, and I was very nervous... but it turned out good. I felt the Spirit and all went well. It´s kind of funny here. For fast and testimony meetings in my ward back at home... people get up and testify for at least like 2-3 minutes. Sometimes as long as 10. I was almost the longest testimony at like 3 minutes. It a wonderful change. People here simply get up, say what they know is true, and sit down. It´s interesting. The Spirit is strong and wonderful in both meetings, so I cant say one is better then the other, but it was cool to see a change.
Well, the last two weeks have been very different. They changed up preporation day... and they changed up district meeting and all sorts of stuff. Im still confused as to when everything is. But Im pretty sure that Mondays are my p-day. So Ill be sending out my updates on Monday... I hope. And Ill be trying to write letters on Monday too... we´ll see how that goes. This week we´ve been working like crazy, so we dont get home till late. So Mondays are basically the only days I have to write.
So, people wanted to know the differences from the US and here... well here are a few: Milk comes in bags, no one has carpet, the keyboards are different, the moon always seems to be visable, the water drains clockwise (I dont know what it was in the US), everyone takes buses, and that´s about it. Things are not THAT different. And dont worry, Im doing great. Ill try to tell you more next week. But it would really help if you would send me questions.
I love you all,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
So, I finally got a chance to check out my blog. It´s funny to me that there is a blog up that is devoted to me and I only NOW got a chance to see it. It looks great! I dont know how all has been doing it... Im assuming my sister Windy, but whoever is on top of that is doing a great job. Thanks.
Well, I think I neglected a few facts from last week. I dont think I mention that last week was conference. I did get to watch most of it. But 2 sessions were in Spanish... so I didnt understand all of it. The other sessions I watched in English. So that was cool. I missed Priesthood though. So for once in my life Im actually excited for getting the magazine with the conference talks in them. Oh, and I guess I lied... I didnt really "miss" the Priesthood session... it was in Spanish. Because of this weird thing called time zones. When they were starting confence I was probably asleep for an hour and a half or so. So they recorded it... but only in Spanish. Funny, eh?
So, I learned this week that pouch is the way to go. I get letters though pouch just fine... it takes a while, but at least I get them. The only problem is sending letters back home. There really isnt much oppertunity to do that around here. But Ill try to figure something out.
Well, this week was amazing. And by amazing I mean really great but hard. If you put a baseball hat on your head... the area that that hat covers is the part of my brain that hurts. Castillano is killing me... but only the inside of my brain. The rest of me is doing great. We had a lot planned this week, but a lot of people called a few hours before our appointment and cancelled on us. So we ended up doing a lot of walking. On Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday we spent probably 2/3 of the day walking. We still got in a lot of teaching... but we walked more then normal. We still have 6 investigators with baptisimal dates... possibly 7 (We havent actually talked to him yet, but he told his brother he wanted to be baptized). We got another 6 investigators this week. And all 13 of those people are capos. Really, the Lord has been preparing people for us like crazy. It´s especially impressive because my companion is basically doing it by himself. I am still lost all the time. But I get more and more. I teach some now. Here and there I get in a principle or two. It´s coming though.
Well, it was funny because I fasted the week before I came down here... knowing that the following week was conference. But the ward down here did fast Sunday yesterday. And during our weekly meeting with the Bishop, he asked me to share my testimony. So I got up there and shared my testimony. It was pretty funny. A lot of people were smiling at me from the moment I got up there, and I was very nervous... but it turned out good. I felt the Spirit and all went well. It´s kind of funny here. For fast and testimony meetings in my ward back at home... people get up and testify for at least like 2-3 minutes. Sometimes as long as 10. I was almost the longest testimony at like 3 minutes. It a wonderful change. People here simply get up, say what they know is true, and sit down. It´s interesting. The Spirit is strong and wonderful in both meetings, so I cant say one is better then the other, but it was cool to see a change.
Well, the last two weeks have been very different. They changed up preporation day... and they changed up district meeting and all sorts of stuff. Im still confused as to when everything is. But Im pretty sure that Mondays are my p-day. So Ill be sending out my updates on Monday... I hope. And Ill be trying to write letters on Monday too... we´ll see how that goes. This week we´ve been working like crazy, so we dont get home till late. So Mondays are basically the only days I have to write.
So, people wanted to know the differences from the US and here... well here are a few: Milk comes in bags, no one has carpet, the keyboards are different, the moon always seems to be visable, the water drains clockwise (I dont know what it was in the US), everyone takes buses, and that´s about it. Things are not THAT different. And dont worry, Im doing great. Ill try to tell you more next week. But it would really help if you would send me questions.
I love you all,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Mi testimonio en Español
Tommy sent this a few weeks ago from the MTC, but it took me some time to find out how to post large videos on the blog. I'm still new at this... Enjoy it!
Wow, what a trip.
First things first. My address-
Mission...
Misión Argentina Buesnos Aires Sur
Italia 26, 4(NOTE... little degree sign in the corner... so 4degree) Piso Lomas De Zamora 1832 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pouch...
Argentina, BS. AS. South
Pouch Mail
P.O.B. 30150
Saltlake City, Utah 84130
Okay, now onto the week....
First of all, I hate this keyboard. It has a million non-english keys. But it´ll work. Okay, my companion. His name is Elder Sagripanti and he is a native of Argentina... Cordoba actually. And if you watch conference this week you`d know that Cordoba Argentina is getting a new temple. He is pretty stoked. He speaks almost perfect English and is an amazing Elder. We currently have 6 ready and with baptismal dates. And lots more getting ready. He tries to break me in easy... but really I dont think anything could slow him down. I hope my sister is getting the picture of the two of us. He´s about my size and height. Which is weird for Argentina. We tower over everyone.
Well, Im in the area of Cruze. It turns out that not one of our areas are actually in the city of Buenos Aires. We are more the suburbs. But believe you me, I love it here. The air is great, the weather is nice, the area is flat and the people are humbled enough to recieve us. We walk everywhere all day. I looked at myself in a mirror last night... I guess I havent been looking in the mirror lately. I totally look different. My companion even says that I look different. And he´s seen me every day. I guess Ive lost a lot more weight then I thought. My face is slimmer and my pants dont exactly hang right anymore. We walk all day when we arn´t teaching. It´s doing me good. Either that or the fact that Im drinking the water and have already got a tapeworm. JUST KIDDING!!! Actually, the place we are staying has great water that is totally fine to drink... even though we use a filter. And actually, because our area is so large... we take a bus a lot. The buses here are AWESOME! I basically never sit down. It´s just boring that way. The bus takes off as soon as everyone is inside. Even if their butts are still hanging out the door. Trust me, that is exciting! Same with the trains. We got on a train our first day and for about 20 minutes I had my toosh hanging out in the breeze. Good times.
Well, as for other things... I dont understand Castillano. Here they dont speak Spanish... it´s Castillano. And trust me.... there is a difference. They dont really finish thier words... and their sentences all get dragged into one long word. And the y and ll sound like and English sh. That´s confusing. But Im learning. I get more every day. And we are actually finding a lot of members that know English. So that is sweet. My companion has me do small things at certain points because I can talk just fine... I just dont understand what they say back. I can repeat words exactly they way they are said... so my companion says I have a great accent and in time will mast the language... Fat chance if you ask me. But I have hope in God to make it work.
The people we are teaching are what my companion calls capos. Capo or Capa basically means stud it english. So, basically we have some goldens here. Ive got a tender spot for one in particular because she was the first one I ever taught. Her name is Belén. Which means Bethlahem in Enlish. She is just about 13 and acts about 40. She is intelligent, kind and mature. I love teaching here... it is so much fun. She gets the concept quickly and always follows though on her commitements. We were going to baptize here on Saturday, but we had conference... then this Saturday... but the chapel will be in use. So the next Saturday... the 25th we will be baptizing her and a whole lot of others. I cant wait. Another capo is Martin. He is so cool. He is funny and interesting. He is about 30ish and works at a nightclub. He looks like a performer, but I think he just does admissions. He is really getting into the subjects and tries his best at everything we ask. He really is coming a long way. Im so happy for him.
Well, there are more... but I wont bore you.
Um, lets see... Oh, the trip! Wow, what a trip. On the way from Utah to Dallas, I sat next to one of the Sisters going down with us.... Hermana Strasser. And on my left was a women from Boston area. We started talking and I eventually asked her to read the Book of Mormon. She agreed and promised to read one as soon as she got home. I trust her and was so excited to do that... and terrified.
Once in Dallas I called my family... that was kind of odd. Seriously people... perhaps you should write down what you want to say to me for Christmas and Mother´s day. Just kidding. Um, and then we got on the plane that would take us from Dallas to Buenos Aires... a total of 10 hours... which ended up to be like 11. Believe you me, not the coolest trip, but perhaps the funniest. I was in the middle column with Elder Jones and Schupple. That´s right. Take the 3 biggest guys on the plane and put them all together. Brilliant. It was fun though. Elder Shupple and I slept a total of about 3 hours here and there. While the rest slept for about... 10! Haha, longest night of my life. And once we got to Argentina we went to get the other missionaries who were in the Argentina MTC... all of whom are native Spanish speakers. I think there were about 14-18 if them and 6 of us. Good odds Id say. We It would take about 3 of them to equal Elder Jones, Schupple or I. JOKING!!! But seriously... it was fun. The MTC here is right next the the temple... I mean RIGHT next to it. So we took a picture there and went to get our companions. Then we traveled to our area and went to work. Wow, shocker... But in a good way. I understood about 5% of what was said... if that. But we taugth Belèn that night. So that was a booster. Oh, and on the way home we heard someone running up on us from behind. We spun around thinking we were going to get robbed... but it was just a friend of Elder Sagripanti trying to scare us. It worked. I later learned that seldom do Elder´s ever get mugged here. So that´s my first day.
And I just found out that I need to e-mial the president. So, Ive got to go. Wow. Well, words of advice... stay calm, say what you know and be friendly. That seems to work here. I love you all and am sorry this was so long. Take care everyone.
Love Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
PS um, letters are great... go for it if you want to.
Mission...
Misión Argentina Buesnos Aires Sur
Italia 26, 4(NOTE... little degree sign in the corner... so 4degree) Piso Lomas De Zamora 1832 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Pouch...
Argentina, BS. AS. South
Pouch Mail
P.O.B. 30150
Saltlake City, Utah 84130
Okay, now onto the week....
First of all, I hate this keyboard. It has a million non-english keys. But it´ll work. Okay, my companion. His name is Elder Sagripanti and he is a native of Argentina... Cordoba actually. And if you watch conference this week you`d know that Cordoba Argentina is getting a new temple. He is pretty stoked. He speaks almost perfect English and is an amazing Elder. We currently have 6 ready and with baptismal dates. And lots more getting ready. He tries to break me in easy... but really I dont think anything could slow him down. I hope my sister is getting the picture of the two of us. He´s about my size and height. Which is weird for Argentina. We tower over everyone.
Well, Im in the area of Cruze. It turns out that not one of our areas are actually in the city of Buenos Aires. We are more the suburbs. But believe you me, I love it here. The air is great, the weather is nice, the area is flat and the people are humbled enough to recieve us. We walk everywhere all day. I looked at myself in a mirror last night... I guess I havent been looking in the mirror lately. I totally look different. My companion even says that I look different. And he´s seen me every day. I guess Ive lost a lot more weight then I thought. My face is slimmer and my pants dont exactly hang right anymore. We walk all day when we arn´t teaching. It´s doing me good. Either that or the fact that Im drinking the water and have already got a tapeworm. JUST KIDDING!!! Actually, the place we are staying has great water that is totally fine to drink... even though we use a filter. And actually, because our area is so large... we take a bus a lot. The buses here are AWESOME! I basically never sit down. It´s just boring that way. The bus takes off as soon as everyone is inside. Even if their butts are still hanging out the door. Trust me, that is exciting! Same with the trains. We got on a train our first day and for about 20 minutes I had my toosh hanging out in the breeze. Good times.
Well, as for other things... I dont understand Castillano. Here they dont speak Spanish... it´s Castillano. And trust me.... there is a difference. They dont really finish thier words... and their sentences all get dragged into one long word. And the y and ll sound like and English sh. That´s confusing. But Im learning. I get more every day. And we are actually finding a lot of members that know English. So that is sweet. My companion has me do small things at certain points because I can talk just fine... I just dont understand what they say back. I can repeat words exactly they way they are said... so my companion says I have a great accent and in time will mast the language... Fat chance if you ask me. But I have hope in God to make it work.
The people we are teaching are what my companion calls capos. Capo or Capa basically means stud it english. So, basically we have some goldens here. Ive got a tender spot for one in particular because she was the first one I ever taught. Her name is Belén. Which means Bethlahem in Enlish. She is just about 13 and acts about 40. She is intelligent, kind and mature. I love teaching here... it is so much fun. She gets the concept quickly and always follows though on her commitements. We were going to baptize here on Saturday, but we had conference... then this Saturday... but the chapel will be in use. So the next Saturday... the 25th we will be baptizing her and a whole lot of others. I cant wait. Another capo is Martin. He is so cool. He is funny and interesting. He is about 30ish and works at a nightclub. He looks like a performer, but I think he just does admissions. He is really getting into the subjects and tries his best at everything we ask. He really is coming a long way. Im so happy for him.
Well, there are more... but I wont bore you.
Um, lets see... Oh, the trip! Wow, what a trip. On the way from Utah to Dallas, I sat next to one of the Sisters going down with us.... Hermana Strasser. And on my left was a women from Boston area. We started talking and I eventually asked her to read the Book of Mormon. She agreed and promised to read one as soon as she got home. I trust her and was so excited to do that... and terrified.
Once in Dallas I called my family... that was kind of odd. Seriously people... perhaps you should write down what you want to say to me for Christmas and Mother´s day. Just kidding. Um, and then we got on the plane that would take us from Dallas to Buenos Aires... a total of 10 hours... which ended up to be like 11. Believe you me, not the coolest trip, but perhaps the funniest. I was in the middle column with Elder Jones and Schupple. That´s right. Take the 3 biggest guys on the plane and put them all together. Brilliant. It was fun though. Elder Shupple and I slept a total of about 3 hours here and there. While the rest slept for about... 10! Haha, longest night of my life. And once we got to Argentina we went to get the other missionaries who were in the Argentina MTC... all of whom are native Spanish speakers. I think there were about 14-18 if them and 6 of us. Good odds Id say. We It would take about 3 of them to equal Elder Jones, Schupple or I. JOKING!!! But seriously... it was fun. The MTC here is right next the the temple... I mean RIGHT next to it. So we took a picture there and went to get our companions. Then we traveled to our area and went to work. Wow, shocker... But in a good way. I understood about 5% of what was said... if that. But we taugth Belèn that night. So that was a booster. Oh, and on the way home we heard someone running up on us from behind. We spun around thinking we were going to get robbed... but it was just a friend of Elder Sagripanti trying to scare us. It worked. I later learned that seldom do Elder´s ever get mugged here. So that´s my first day.
And I just found out that I need to e-mial the president. So, Ive got to go. Wow. Well, words of advice... stay calm, say what you know and be friendly. That seems to work here. I love you all and am sorry this was so long. Take care everyone.
Love Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
PS um, letters are great... go for it if you want to.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Elder Steinkuhler arrives in Argentina!
On Monday of this week Tommy had the chance to call home while at the airport. It was a brief conversation, but still great to hear his voice. He's very excited, and a little nervous too.
Just this morning (Friday) we received some pictures from his mission president by email. Here is Tomm-- err, Elder Steinkuhler as he just arrived in Argentina.
President and Sister Asay also sent the next picture with a brief comment:
In this picture: Elder Sagripanti (trainer), Elder Steinkuhler, President and Sister Asay
Just this morning (Friday) we received some pictures from his mission president by email. Here is Tomm-- err, Elder Steinkuhler as he just arrived in Argentina.
President and Sister Asay also sent the next picture with a brief comment:
We are excited to have your son with us, and he seems to be doing very well. He has a great trainer (speaks pretty good English but is native Argentine) and is a very hard worker
All the best
Los Asay
In this picture: Elder Sagripanti (trainer), Elder Steinkuhler, President and Sister Asay
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