Elder Thomas Gregory Steinkuhler is serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He has been called to serve in the Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission.
I wanted to share something I realized with you all. This week I realized how much I’ve changed. I was walking home and looked across a field. I’m not un-colorblind or anything now, but I couldn’t help but notice the sunset. Sunsets here are amazing. If you ever want to see some good sunsets, come here. Anyway, for those of you who know me well... you should know I get rather irritated with the whole sunset thing because I really have never understood colors (no matter how much I’ve tried). But my outlook on life has changed these past 6 months. I didn’t see the colors, but I saw something more. Have you ever taken the time to stop and revel in what God has given/created for us? Look around, what do you see? Yeah... but what is that? God`s creations are really everywhere. I understood that before the mission... but now I see it. Take a moment this week and look around.
That is all I wanted to share really. I love you all and want to send my love out one more time this week. I think of you all often. Especially those of you I’ve never thanked for helping me. All my high school friends and college buddies, thanks for helping me get here. I’ll write again soon. Take care till then.
Love Tommy
PS When I asked for people to send pictures: email is great... but I can’t really print them out... so can you print them please? Sorry to make things harder... but hey, what can you do?
I realized something this week. The mission is exactly like life. Like this life that we are living. I'm confusing myself. Let me explain:
When we lived with our Heavenly Father before this life, he proposed a plan for us. We either decided to go, or not. We knew that there would be problems and difficulties, but we also knew that the blessings where much greater than the problems. So we all decided to go. So God sent us to this life... into families and around groups of people we call friends. Now that we are here on the Earth, we have one huge desire... get back home. We all want to have fun in this life, but really... we want to return home. Home being defined as a set place, with people you know and love. You know these people love you more than anything and you feel safe there. Eventually we all will return to this "home", but how we are received really all depends on our conduct here.
The mission is just like that. We missionaries volunteer to come on an adventure that is both hard and rewarding. We are sent into "families" or zones where we get to know other missionaries like us (SOME elders even use terms like "Papi" or "father" for a missionary´s trainer). We are tempted with "worldly" things. And eventually we all come home to our families and friends. But really, we are only received well if we act well.
I never really understood that until this week. All the sudden my desire to return to my Father in Heaven became so real. I have such a longing for home, for family and friends. I admit I miss people and activities terribly. But when I look at it, I would not trade this experience for anything. Just like with our Heavenly Father`s plan. I would never have had this opportunity to grow and receive a body if it was not for the "opposition" we go though here in our lives on the Earth. I can now compare the longing for my Earthly home... to that of my Heavenly one. That has really given me all the desire I need to act my best here and forever. I believe that if you think about it, there is something you can relate to in your life that is like this. How do you miss your Heavenly Father`s presence? I cannot wait to see him again.
Well, I just thought I`d share that with you all... my little revelation of the day. It is amazing what God teaches you when you are listening. But it is hilarious what God makes you find out when you are looking for it. For example, does anyone understand the Biblical meaning of Honey/bees/Deseret? What about Dragons/magic? Or how about hair... especially the length of it (see Samson)? I’ve been paying attention to these things as I’ve studied and can’t figure them out. Anyone have a little help? I can send some great scripture references if anyone wants to look into it... just ask.
That reminds me, my scripture reference this week is: Moroni 7:40-44 and 33. This is really where it all starts. I taught a less active family with these scriptures this week. The Spirit was strong and we all felt the need to increase our "esperanza"... All good comes from that one thing. Por que Dios es esperanza. Sin Dios... somos nada. Entonces... ¿Vas a ingresar tu esperanza? ¡Yo sí!
Last week I got a few rebukes because I explained my Spanish as being fairly low. Well, it is. But I can communicate. So although I will not change what I said... please know that I am doing well with the language. I'm learning a lot every day. Don't worry.
I’ve got a lot of time... so, sad story time. On Wednesday of this week, we returned to a contact we did and she welcomed us in. She and her husband had taken the lessons before, but were dropped by the other missionaries for no reason. They have 4 daughters and are really intelligent. We taught the mother all of lesson 1 and she was GOLDEN! Right as we were finishing up, the husband walks in. We invite him to listen also and he sits down. We testify and close the lesson with a challenge to read the Book of Mormon and Pray. The husband downright tells us we are wrong and won’t read. The wife then tells us that if her husband isn't going to do it, she better not. After a few minutes of clarifying things, we leave without Book of Mormon with no hopes of returning. We basically find an entire family just to see them reject God "because of the traditions of their fathers". You may all be wondering why I am telling you all this really sad story and asking yourselves if I’ve gone crazy by now. The truth is I am crazy, but that`s another subject. If you are an abide reader of mine, you might remember that I often challenge people to go out and do something new. Perhaps it`s to go tell someone you love them, or compliment that person who looks down today. I do that and I challenge you all because if we only stick to what we are comfortable with, all of us will turn into hard hearted, tradition following people. So I challenge you all again... today. Go out and do that little something extra for that person... you know the one. Yeah, them. The one the Spirit has been telling you that they need help. Please, go out of your way to apologize and make amends. Today is a wonderful time to do it. So why not go to it. Don't worry, I'm right behind you.
I don't want to end on a low note... so here is a fun story. Today we worked about 95% of the day. We found a really cool guy and his family. That is why I'm doing everything so late today. I’ll also be finishing up a little more tomorrow because we didn't actually take our Preparation Day yesterday. So everyone who didn't get replied to, don't worry... I still have 30 minutes tomorrow to reply to you all. Sorry I'm so slow. ANYWAY, we found this guy. My companion knew him before I got here because he owns a local gym here that the other Elders would get their Protein Powder from. We found out he lives in our area and ran into him one day. He told us to swing by the gym and we would talk. We did and he invited us to come over for lunch... Elders never turn down food, so today we went. They already had a Book of Mormon and he told us he was looking for something spiritual in his life. After teaching lesson one he told us to come by the gym tonight and he would teach us some workouts. I am about dead right now and can barely lift my arms. He`s going to continue to help us until we are as good looking as he is. Oh, one thing you have to understand is that he is basically a cover boy for a muscle magazine. He and his family are the most fit people I’ve probably ever seen, and the kindest. What a wonderful day if you ask me.
Anyway, I’m off and MIGHT send something tomorrow... pray for it. Until then, don’t fall into a ditch.
All my love,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
PS I’ve got some requests... like always. I think that I just never run out of things I miss. Can people send me some pictures of themselves to put in my photos? Mine are somewhat old and I'm always looking for good photos.
PPS I know this isn't really a letter, but I love PSs
PPPS As an update, I’ve been in 80º weather since about June of last year. So as of today, I will complete about 8 months of straight heat... on the average of 80º every day. We`re ALMOST into Fall... I can`t wait!
This is a HUGE Catholic capilla in La Plata that we pass by on our way to Zone meetings. I took this foto while driving by on the bus... sorry it sucks. Ill try to get better ones soon.
So, I’ve got some stuff written down because I always forget. So this might sound random... but I thought I’d send you some random information.
-My new area has sea shells EVERYWHERE! They are basically used like gravel. The little tiny ones. There are actually trails made out of sea shells. And they do that because it is like cheep or something. I don't get it.
-Last week I ate cow tongue and yesterday I ate cow intestines. The tongue wasn't so bad... but the intestines tasted like... intestines. Well, at least they felt like it in my mouth. Okay, I'm done.
-Favor! Can Brother Bush send me those songs of his... well, at least the lyrics. That way I can sing them here. His "worldly songs" with church lyrics... please.
-There is a song that Aaron my brother-in-law showed me. When you receive it they call it being "Rick Rolled". That song is REALLY popular down here. People sing it all the time. "Never gonna let you go... never gonna..." Yes, in English.
OKAY: Now onto the very boring week I had. There was one really exciting thing about this week. I got to take out a baptismal date for someone. I did it all by myself again. It feels so good doing that. We also did divisions. That feels good to. It is so wonderful getting the members involved. Our branch is really weird. There are about 16 regulars to church. The Branch President is active in his calling, but can’t come to church because of work. His second councilor is also inactive. So we spend a lot of time going by their houses and trying to help them feel the same spirit they felt when they were converted. One of the biggest factors is the Book of Mormon. If they at one point knew the Book of Mormon is true. All they need to know is that it STILL IS TRUE! Therefore they STILL need to come to church. I admit I don`t like calling people to repentance, but we`ve got to do it.
My companion took off to another area yesterday with another Elder. So I am with that other Elder`s companion. He came to the mission with me, but is from Chili. So he and I have fun getting along and communicating. It really isn't that hard... but my brain starts to turn off after about 12 hours of only Spanish. I believe I’ll be put with another Latin soon, but this time, they won’t speak English (my trainer is Latin). He`ll be coming back today. So even though it wasn't a very long time with a Latin, it still was a good training experience.
Oh, hey... our Fecha. Oh, I don't remember if I told you this... but our area is kind of dead. So having a fecha is HUGE! She is a daughter of a very lovely member. The mother is faithful, and the daughter is strong minded. She likes to swear and is learning English. So she likes to swear in English. I don't know why but she has respect for me. So I asked her to stop and she basically did. Later I told her she needed to be baptized and she listened to me. It is WONDERFUL! We`ll see.
Funny thing:
Yesterday we came back to the pinch and saw the other two elders standing outside. We soon found out that the lock didn't work... so the owner of the apartment helped us break in by climbing over his wall... This morning we got out the same way. I hope things will be fixed by the time we get home.
Well, I’d better go. I hope all is well and all feel the love of the gospel. I miss you all and would really like some photos if anyone has them. The ones I have are getting old. We show them to basically every family we meet. So, some new ones would be SUPERB! Anyway... Ill write again next week. Take care everyone.
All my love,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
PS I hope Valentine’s Day was wonderful as well as Friday the 13th.
Well, lots to say! Here goes... first with the questions. Which I am very grateful for:
How was your week?Hard... but good. I’ll let you know more later.
How is your day going?Good, but I'm tired. We played Frisbee (it`s been a long time) and soccer... then we watched part of Harry Potter 5. Good times!
Are you happy? Tired?Both. But everyone knows that this is how I like it. If I'm ever tired, I'm happy. And the only time I'm not tired but happy is when all is done.... so like never.
What have you been eating?Mainly with my hands. Really good food though. Here people feed us like once or twice a day. That is like once or twice a day better then my last area. So I like that... A LOT!
Do you always have to carbonate your own root beer?If we have root beer, yes. It doesn't exist down here.... so if anyone wants to send me extract, I’d love you! It is about the only thing I miss.
How are you shoes?They are good. A lot of people have asked me this... they are wearing down where I walk, but doing pretty good. Re-soling a shoe isn't that hard around here. So I'm good. I take REALLY good care of them. I actually only wear my black ones anyway, so I still have a new pair that is already broken in.
pj's?Um, good? I just wear bottoms... so, they`re holding up. I have 2 pairs of shorts and my scrubs. I like em.
Do you need new sweats? Presents? Anything?I always love packages... letters too. Really anything that gets to me makes me ecstatic! But I'm good.
How's your health?Great. I’ve got exactly 0 problems.
Your spirit?Bumbling around inside me somewhere. I try to keep my ears closed so it doesn't escape, but sometimes little bits fly out and somehow people say they can feel it. That is about when I start stuffing my fingers in my ears again... both for better hearing and to make sure my spirit doesn't get out.
Do you know how much we love you?Thankfully yes. Without that, things are a lot harder.
How are the people you visit/teach?I’ll explain this later. It changes every day.
How is the weather?Hot and humid.
How's the language going, you haven't mentioned it in a while? On a scale of 1 to fluent, how are you?I’d say like 22Piso. I’ve still got a LONG way to go, but things are getting up there a lot faster. My new companion lets me teach a lot more... actually, just about all the lessons. And with all the new people that I get the opportunity to know... things are progressing fast. Also, the new elder in the pinch likes to talk a lot in Spanish. So we practice together some. Overall, I can communicate and anything I don`t understand can be explained to me in Spanish until I understand it. It is all going along great. I'm foreseeing about 40 years more till I'm fluent. Not TOO much!
How are you sleeping?"On mi back Mush"- Newsies. I end up falling asleep really fast. It´s the waking up part that is hard. But don't worry, it happens.
How's your companion doing?Um, good... a bit anxious, but good.
Do you have any scriptures for me?Proverbs... the entire book! I love it. Especially in Spanish. But I’ll look into that. Perhaps I’ll add a good scripture every blog.
Ones that you love/I should read?If anyone can understand honey/Deseret for me... that would be great! I don't understand why it is so important! It`s killing me.
Have you wheeze-laughed in a while?I’ve pretty much stopped it all together. The whole "loud laughter" thing, we try to keep things low key.
FIN!
Well, that said... let`s get back to business.
Villa Zula is really interesting. I love it already. There are about 30 active members. The Branch President and his 2nd councilor are kind of inactive. But we have visited both and they both just have problems coming to church at our church time. They are active in their callings though. I thought that was kind of funny though. The members love us and want to feed us all the time. In return we do service and spiritually enrich their lives. A lot of members are "incomplete families" or the only members in their families. So we work the hardest with these members. We teach them AND their kids/parents at the same time. It is really the best way to invite others into the church. When you have someone close to you... and you love them... and they love God... it kind of rubs off. On that note:
We are teaching a girl named Natalia. She is 17 and just started college TODAY! So every day last week we helped teach her English. She loves the language and wanted to learn it better before her classes started. When I got there she wasn't really interested in us in any other way then language tutors. That doesn't fly with me, so I started bringing up the church every discussion. We`d normally spent 2 hours with her every day. We would go over, teach English... eat lunch... and talk about the gospel. Basically 3 lessons in one house. Her mother got baptized about 2 months ago and needs all the help she can get still. ANYWAY, we left her house one day and I asked why my companion kept on getting mad at her. I didn't understand why. It turns out she had the biggest potty mouth in the world and I don't know any of those words still (and trying hard not to learn them). On the next visit the same thing happened and I asked her to stop. She did. That day we talked about the Book of Mormon again. She had read it and prayed about it and said she hadn't received an answer. We explained how it takes time and reviewed Moroni 10:4 with her. I then challenged her to open up the book. She did and I put a pamphlet in the spot. I then promised her that she could receive her answer from reading that chapter (as the Spirit directed me). It turns out the chapter was PERFECT! After that we talked about how she use to believe in God but now doesn't. The chapter was Alma 30... In that chapter Alma basically drops the hammer on Korihor (an anti-Christ) and he ends up telling Alma that he always knew God existed. Talk about perfect! We`ll see if she agrees with it. She still has a long way to go, but loves us and is still interested in our message. So we will find out this next week.
We have a few other people we are going by, but not many. The area was basically at a full stop when I got there. Records were about 4 months out of date and we had no promising investigators... only acquaintances. Things have really come a long way in one week. I really can’t wait till I can see what is going to happen next.
Well, I`m out of time... I’ll write more later, in like a week or whatever. I hope everyone has a happy Friday the 13th and Valentine’s Day. Hearts and kisses Argentina style. Also, congrats to everyone who has had a baby recently or has had something huge happen. I really am happy for you all. I’m working on letters. But to be honest... it is easier to write you when I receive a letter first. That way I have a reminder. If I don’t get a letter... you’ll have to wait.
