Elder Hodson and Elder Steinkuhler on their way to Benos Aires
Classic Tommy SmileWednesday, September 10, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
I no longer don't cry. Im basically a baby again.
First of all, Mother... sorry I forgot, but yes, I do have a sleeping bag. That other one is the one I bought years ago to take camping... I got a new one for Argentina. Thanks for the concern though.
Well, Im sick... It is actually a funny story. Everyone in our district was sick... EXCEPT me. But now Im sick. We HAD 12 elders in our district, but a few weeks ago 5 of them left. But when we had 12 we were packed in this small room. A elder that sat next to me would always caugh away from his companion... but that meant it was right at me. So basically every 30 minutes or so my hair would go flying and I wouldnt be able to hear out of my ear for a few minutes. Great times. But now... Im sick. BUT getting better, dont worry.
So, there should be pictures coming home this week. There are lots of pictures of food... please, dont send me any more food. The food that I have recieved has been wonderful... thank you all. But I doubt Ill be able to finish it all off in the next 3 weeks... and with the weight limit for traveling, I doubt Ill be able to bring it with me. Thank you though. It is wonderfully thoughtful of you all. Every elder could use with a new tie though ;)
Well, there were two big events this week. Ill talk about the scary one first. Last week was our last time teaching in english. Well, that means this weeks teaching appointment was totally in Spanish!!! OH MAN!!! Talk about scary! I literally almost had to "take out the trash" (for those of you who know what that is). But my companion and I studied as much and as fast as we could. So when we got to the appointment, the Spirit took over and helped us where we were lacking. So we got thought it, but not with nearly the same spirit as when we taught before. It is amazing how you can feel the difference when you know how to get the impressions in your mind across, and when you cant. My companion Elder Hodson and I teach powerfully and effectively with the Spirit in English. Now, we are almost at square one. But, were learning it. We speak more and more Spanish every day... it IS coming.
Well, the other thing was the coming of one... Quentin L Cook!!! Let me just say, AMAZING! Can you imagine going to a meeting where there is a apostle of God giving you direct revelation for your life?! Many times in the talk he would say, "I dont know why, but I feel like I should tell you..." It was amazing. And I must admit that Elder Cook is now definately one of my favorite speakers. I really dont remember what he said, I did write it down though. It doesnt matter though, just remembering the feelings is really what makes it worth listening to. The Spirit is already so strong here, even without someone who has dedicated his entire life to God's will. I will admit... I no longer don't cry. Im basically a baby again. It's great... not. But it is so wonderful feeling the Spirit working though your body. I know I really should pay attention when I cry. But that's always hard because Im too distracted.
Also, on that crying topic, we watch movies every Sunday night. This week was Legacy. Oh, everything means so much more when you are on a mission. Please, if you have a chance, go watch those spiritual church movies. Not movies like The RM, or Singlesward... but things like The Restoration, Legacy, Joseph Smith the Prophet, The Testaments... Those are powerful movies.
So, I need to put this in here. I know Im lame at remembering special events. So, A belated happy birthday to Zerr, Dad and anyone else I forgot. And a future happy birthday to Windy, Aaron and Jonathan! It's funny. Most of the time I remember to write them... but then I dont add in the "happy birthday" part... how lame am I? Also, happy anniversery Parents!
So, my studies of the scriptures are going really well. Last week I studies Virtue... if you get time. Study it. It's amazing.
Thank you all for the letters this week, unfortunately, Im kind of backed up. So Ill get to as many as I can, but if I dont get to you... know that one will come your way. Both to you and to those I havent written.
AH!!!! It's FLASHING!!! Seriously, you dont know how scary that is when the thing pops up and the numbers start flashing and you think of 50 more things to write!!!!
So, we have had a change up of teachers a few times... and now that there are only 7 missionaries in our district, we realized that we've had more teachers then missionaries. So far we've had 8 teachers... all of whom are beyond wonderful.
Well, I dont know what else to say. So, Ill finish this and say to all a good luck with your adventures this week. I plan on learning spanish again. So, that's what Ill be doing.
I love you all. Thanks for keeping up on me.
Love, Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
Well, Im sick... It is actually a funny story. Everyone in our district was sick... EXCEPT me. But now Im sick. We HAD 12 elders in our district, but a few weeks ago 5 of them left. But when we had 12 we were packed in this small room. A elder that sat next to me would always caugh away from his companion... but that meant it was right at me. So basically every 30 minutes or so my hair would go flying and I wouldnt be able to hear out of my ear for a few minutes. Great times. But now... Im sick. BUT getting better, dont worry.
So, there should be pictures coming home this week. There are lots of pictures of food... please, dont send me any more food. The food that I have recieved has been wonderful... thank you all. But I doubt Ill be able to finish it all off in the next 3 weeks... and with the weight limit for traveling, I doubt Ill be able to bring it with me. Thank you though. It is wonderfully thoughtful of you all. Every elder could use with a new tie though ;)
Well, there were two big events this week. Ill talk about the scary one first. Last week was our last time teaching in english. Well, that means this weeks teaching appointment was totally in Spanish!!! OH MAN!!! Talk about scary! I literally almost had to "take out the trash" (for those of you who know what that is). But my companion and I studied as much and as fast as we could. So when we got to the appointment, the Spirit took over and helped us where we were lacking. So we got thought it, but not with nearly the same spirit as when we taught before. It is amazing how you can feel the difference when you know how to get the impressions in your mind across, and when you cant. My companion Elder Hodson and I teach powerfully and effectively with the Spirit in English. Now, we are almost at square one. But, were learning it. We speak more and more Spanish every day... it IS coming.
Well, the other thing was the coming of one... Quentin L Cook!!! Let me just say, AMAZING! Can you imagine going to a meeting where there is a apostle of God giving you direct revelation for your life?! Many times in the talk he would say, "I dont know why, but I feel like I should tell you..." It was amazing. And I must admit that Elder Cook is now definately one of my favorite speakers. I really dont remember what he said, I did write it down though. It doesnt matter though, just remembering the feelings is really what makes it worth listening to. The Spirit is already so strong here, even without someone who has dedicated his entire life to God's will. I will admit... I no longer don't cry. Im basically a baby again. It's great... not. But it is so wonderful feeling the Spirit working though your body. I know I really should pay attention when I cry. But that's always hard because Im too distracted.
Also, on that crying topic, we watch movies every Sunday night. This week was Legacy. Oh, everything means so much more when you are on a mission. Please, if you have a chance, go watch those spiritual church movies. Not movies like The RM, or Singlesward... but things like The Restoration, Legacy, Joseph Smith the Prophet, The Testaments... Those are powerful movies.
So, I need to put this in here. I know Im lame at remembering special events. So, A belated happy birthday to Zerr, Dad and anyone else I forgot. And a future happy birthday to Windy, Aaron and Jonathan! It's funny. Most of the time I remember to write them... but then I dont add in the "happy birthday" part... how lame am I? Also, happy anniversery Parents!
So, my studies of the scriptures are going really well. Last week I studies Virtue... if you get time. Study it. It's amazing.
Thank you all for the letters this week, unfortunately, Im kind of backed up. So Ill get to as many as I can, but if I dont get to you... know that one will come your way. Both to you and to those I havent written.
AH!!!! It's FLASHING!!! Seriously, you dont know how scary that is when the thing pops up and the numbers start flashing and you think of 50 more things to write!!!!
So, we have had a change up of teachers a few times... and now that there are only 7 missionaries in our district, we realized that we've had more teachers then missionaries. So far we've had 8 teachers... all of whom are beyond wonderful.
Well, I dont know what else to say. So, Ill finish this and say to all a good luck with your adventures this week. I plan on learning spanish again. So, that's what Ill be doing.
I love you all. Thanks for keeping up on me.
Love, Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
Friday, August 29, 2008
Conjigating while talking is basically impossible if you want to NOT sound like a fool.
I THINK Ive answered all of everyones questions. I could quite possibly be wrong because I am sort of rushed. By the time I print off the e-mails and then get to writting it is only like 22 minutes of my 30!!! Can you believe that. Sorry, but all you people get is 22 minutes of my week. Stinketh to be yousa.
So, Familia and Amigos,
This week has been really amazing. There was a huge spiritual experience this week. But to understand... let me explain what we've been doing in class. There is one chapter in Preach My Gospel that talks about the Holy Ghost. It helps us understand how it comes and how to use it and what it is... All that good stuff. Well, it has been taught to us by at least one teacher ever day... since probably 2 weeks ago. So, we've decided it's imortant. Okay, we already knew that.
Well, on Sunday we had a great devotional by Steven Allen. He gave a great devotional about following the Spirit and how it works. My companion took that to heart and ended up having a long indept conversation about the Spirit. We concluded that to feel the Spirit more, we would give eachother a blessing of comfort the next night... So on Monday night after FHE, we went to our room and gave eachother blessings. For those of you who know what that is, you may understand how nervous my companion was because it was his first time. I was also anxious. But the blessings flew from our mouths. Both of us gave a blessing though the Spirit that was directed towards the needs of the other person. When we talked afterwards, we shared that we had both given the other person direction in exactly the way needed.
Okay, that said... Let me move onto something that will REALLY keep your attention. My life: Just kidding. Actually, I want to thank all of you who have sent me letters and/or packages. It is impossible to describe how much it means to us here in the MTC. And let me tell you how much weight my companion has gained... but not me. Actually almost everyone in our District has gained 15 pounds. BUT not me! :)
Well, my spanish is coming along. Im actually making headway this week. Which is good, because from now on we teach only in Spanish. We've been doing days where we speak only in Spanish and things like that. It's really hard. But since half our district left a week or two ago, we have become more focused and directed in out learning. It is sad that they left, but it has really helped me learn. I know my companion and I are really grateful because we feel we are so behind the rest of our district in Spanish. We can teach lessons 1 and 2 really well. Even parts of 3 and 4. But ONLY in English. The Spanish teaching is so hard. We just started. Although we know most of the words and concpets, putting them all together is really hard. Conjigating while talking is basically impossible if you want to NOT sound like a fool. But fortunately, Im use to that. So, it's all good.
Well, the sewing has continued. Ive fixed more ties, shirt pockets, buttons, ect. I actually have a friend who ripped his jeans down the crotch, so Ill be working on that this week. It's amazing how long people make things last out here. Everything has to last 2 years... even 4 year old jeans.
WOW, 5 minutes!!! At 5 minutes it starts flashing every second. And this warning comes up on the monitor that makes you take time to get rid of. Who ever thought up that was brilliant. THINK THINK THINK! So, I hear that the blog is popular and that someone in Denver is checking it out... who are you?! Actually, I think that is way cool. I love how so many people support us missionaries.
I dont know what else to say. I think I look more and more like a missionary every day. Meaning more and more tired and more and more worn in. But happier by the second.
Well, sorry to all of you who I dont get to write today. We learned this week that we are suppose to only write on Fridays, which are our p-days. So... sorry if I dont have time.
Also, we are not suppose to meet people when we go to the temple... but someone asked... so because of James 1:5... I go to the temple on Fridays at about 8 30, eat breakfast and leave about 11 30. But, dont meet me there or God will strick us with lightning.
Well, I love you all and miss you all terribly. But I am really so happy here and love doing what I am doing. There is nothing else like it in the world. 30 seconds....
I love you all again... see ya soon.
Tommy Steinkuhler
So, Familia and Amigos,
This week has been really amazing. There was a huge spiritual experience this week. But to understand... let me explain what we've been doing in class. There is one chapter in Preach My Gospel that talks about the Holy Ghost. It helps us understand how it comes and how to use it and what it is... All that good stuff. Well, it has been taught to us by at least one teacher ever day... since probably 2 weeks ago. So, we've decided it's imortant. Okay, we already knew that.
Well, on Sunday we had a great devotional by Steven Allen. He gave a great devotional about following the Spirit and how it works. My companion took that to heart and ended up having a long indept conversation about the Spirit. We concluded that to feel the Spirit more, we would give eachother a blessing of comfort the next night... So on Monday night after FHE, we went to our room and gave eachother blessings. For those of you who know what that is, you may understand how nervous my companion was because it was his first time. I was also anxious. But the blessings flew from our mouths. Both of us gave a blessing though the Spirit that was directed towards the needs of the other person. When we talked afterwards, we shared that we had both given the other person direction in exactly the way needed.
Okay, that said... Let me move onto something that will REALLY keep your attention. My life: Just kidding. Actually, I want to thank all of you who have sent me letters and/or packages. It is impossible to describe how much it means to us here in the MTC. And let me tell you how much weight my companion has gained... but not me. Actually almost everyone in our District has gained 15 pounds. BUT not me! :)
Well, my spanish is coming along. Im actually making headway this week. Which is good, because from now on we teach only in Spanish. We've been doing days where we speak only in Spanish and things like that. It's really hard. But since half our district left a week or two ago, we have become more focused and directed in out learning. It is sad that they left, but it has really helped me learn. I know my companion and I are really grateful because we feel we are so behind the rest of our district in Spanish. We can teach lessons 1 and 2 really well. Even parts of 3 and 4. But ONLY in English. The Spanish teaching is so hard. We just started. Although we know most of the words and concpets, putting them all together is really hard. Conjigating while talking is basically impossible if you want to NOT sound like a fool. But fortunately, Im use to that. So, it's all good.
Well, the sewing has continued. Ive fixed more ties, shirt pockets, buttons, ect. I actually have a friend who ripped his jeans down the crotch, so Ill be working on that this week. It's amazing how long people make things last out here. Everything has to last 2 years... even 4 year old jeans.
WOW, 5 minutes!!! At 5 minutes it starts flashing every second. And this warning comes up on the monitor that makes you take time to get rid of. Who ever thought up that was brilliant. THINK THINK THINK! So, I hear that the blog is popular and that someone in Denver is checking it out... who are you?! Actually, I think that is way cool. I love how so many people support us missionaries.
I dont know what else to say. I think I look more and more like a missionary every day. Meaning more and more tired and more and more worn in. But happier by the second.
Well, sorry to all of you who I dont get to write today. We learned this week that we are suppose to only write on Fridays, which are our p-days. So... sorry if I dont have time.
Also, we are not suppose to meet people when we go to the temple... but someone asked... so because of James 1:5... I go to the temple on Fridays at about 8 30, eat breakfast and leave about 11 30. But, dont meet me there or God will strick us with lightning.
Well, I love you all and miss you all terribly. But I am really so happy here and love doing what I am doing. There is nothing else like it in the world. 30 seconds....
I love you all again... see ya soon.
Tommy Steinkuhler
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Ninja's with Scriptcha's
Elder Steinkuhler with his companion Elder Hodson. 
Elder Steinkuhler with Spencer Salmon, a friend from home who now teaches at the MTC.
Elder Greg Pavone, Elder Bryce Packer, and Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
grew up together in New Hampshire.
Elder Pavone and Elder Steinkuhler
Friday, August 22, 2008
"WHAT?! You can sew?"
So, this week has been seriously great. Not only did we get to hear from Elder Dallin H. Oaks. But things have just been going so well. And thank you for all the letters. I think I went through a dry spell and now that Im getting things regularly... life is really a lot better. I did get Dad's letter and package last Saturday... and my friend Elder Jones and I broke into the IBC Rootbeer on Tuesday after Elder Oaks came AND I got a letter with packages from Carly. That was probably the best day this week. And it was so perfect because earlier that day I had a sort of Bible Bash with this man on the phone who really did not like us. But I hope my testimony will touch his heart one day. I try to keep him in my prayers because I know he is a wonderful person trying to do what is right.
PS, feel free to edit any of my miss-spelled words. Im in a hurry... and will be every week.
My companion Elder Hodson and I have started teaching Lesson 2. It is amazing how well we work together. So far we have not really had any problems and a whole lot of fun. We teach with power and conviction. It is really great to be with such wonderful people.
Im sending my memory card home today... to Carly actually. Im not sure who else Ill be able to get to today, and since her letter is finished... it's going to her. So by next week you should all have pictures and videos of me, my companions and teachers. If you dont understand some... dont worry... I do.
Merry, yes... those are my shorts. I realized I forgot them on our first gym period... but thankfully not only could I borrow my friend jone's shorts, but they sell them here. So I have a pair now. If you send those Ill have two. So... I dont know... Ill leave it up to you. Save on postage by holding them for randsome so Ill come over in 2 years... or send them to me. The choice is yours.
David, THANK YOU SOO much for your letters. It is so wonderful to get your letters. I really do need letters more then I thought. So thank you for keeping up with that.
Windy, thank you for that also. It has been so wonderful. And seriously, just keep hanging out with my friends, because they are really the coolest. No matter what their ages are. Especially if your playing Rockband. Oh, and tell Nik... "Heck yes Im a Nerd!!!" Por favor.
So, funny story to all. My room mate got his tie dry cleaned and they ended up unstitching the back. So he was really bummed out thinking he'd have to throw it away. So I told him I'd fix it. He was all like "WHAT?! You can sew?" So I took it with us to lunch and fixed it in the cafeteria. Well, someone in our district blabbed about me being able to sew and the next thing I knew I was spending every night sewing. Two Hermanas needed their skirts lengthened... that was funny. Everyone on our floor was like, "Why do you have skirts?"... Good times. So far Ive fixed 3 ties, 2 skirts, 1 pair of pants and like 2-3 buttons. Oh my goodness... God does prepare us for his work early.
Half our district left this week for the Dominican Republic MTC. So we went from 12 to 7. But it is great. We are even closer now that we only have 6 others to really upon.
AH!!! The thing is flashing at me... I hate being timed when e-mailing. It is scary!
So, I am doing great. My scriptures look like a clowns hair right now. Im marking them up like crazy. Oh, and colors are actually helping me for once in my life. So, Im doing that... there is a picture. Im learning Spanish quickly, but definately not fast enough. My companion and I really want to focus on learning spanish. We feel like we are way behind everyone else. But we are the best at teaching... so I guess it all balences out.
Im healthy... my foot is all better. Im still as fat as ever, which in the MTC is a good thing. And I miss home. I'd love to see some pictures of Melanie and Aaron's non-born baby... as well as Mindy's and Merry's.
Well, Im about to be booted. So Ill chat it up with ya'll later... fyi. I say ya'll now. But not because my companion. Its the Spanish.
Love you all.
Tommy
PS, feel free to edit any of my miss-spelled words. Im in a hurry... and will be every week.
My companion Elder Hodson and I have started teaching Lesson 2. It is amazing how well we work together. So far we have not really had any problems and a whole lot of fun. We teach with power and conviction. It is really great to be with such wonderful people.
Im sending my memory card home today... to Carly actually. Im not sure who else Ill be able to get to today, and since her letter is finished... it's going to her. So by next week you should all have pictures and videos of me, my companions and teachers. If you dont understand some... dont worry... I do.
Merry, yes... those are my shorts. I realized I forgot them on our first gym period... but thankfully not only could I borrow my friend jone's shorts, but they sell them here. So I have a pair now. If you send those Ill have two. So... I dont know... Ill leave it up to you. Save on postage by holding them for randsome so Ill come over in 2 years... or send them to me. The choice is yours.
David, THANK YOU SOO much for your letters. It is so wonderful to get your letters. I really do need letters more then I thought. So thank you for keeping up with that.
Windy, thank you for that also. It has been so wonderful. And seriously, just keep hanging out with my friends, because they are really the coolest. No matter what their ages are. Especially if your playing Rockband. Oh, and tell Nik... "Heck yes Im a Nerd!!!" Por favor.
So, funny story to all. My room mate got his tie dry cleaned and they ended up unstitching the back. So he was really bummed out thinking he'd have to throw it away. So I told him I'd fix it. He was all like "WHAT?! You can sew?" So I took it with us to lunch and fixed it in the cafeteria. Well, someone in our district blabbed about me being able to sew and the next thing I knew I was spending every night sewing. Two Hermanas needed their skirts lengthened... that was funny. Everyone on our floor was like, "Why do you have skirts?"... Good times. So far Ive fixed 3 ties, 2 skirts, 1 pair of pants and like 2-3 buttons. Oh my goodness... God does prepare us for his work early.
Half our district left this week for the Dominican Republic MTC. So we went from 12 to 7. But it is great. We are even closer now that we only have 6 others to really upon.
AH!!! The thing is flashing at me... I hate being timed when e-mailing. It is scary!
So, I am doing great. My scriptures look like a clowns hair right now. Im marking them up like crazy. Oh, and colors are actually helping me for once in my life. So, Im doing that... there is a picture. Im learning Spanish quickly, but definately not fast enough. My companion and I really want to focus on learning spanish. We feel like we are way behind everyone else. But we are the best at teaching... so I guess it all balences out.
Im healthy... my foot is all better. Im still as fat as ever, which in the MTC is a good thing. And I miss home. I'd love to see some pictures of Melanie and Aaron's non-born baby... as well as Mindy's and Merry's.
Well, Im about to be booted. So Ill chat it up with ya'll later... fyi. I say ya'll now. But not because my companion. Its the Spanish.
Love you all.
Tommy
Friday, August 15, 2008
Friday is Email Day
Tommy sent a couple brief emails today, sounds like he just got it set up and is figuring out how this works.
A note on email from Tommy:
So, anyone or anything can e-mail me. But I am only suppose to e-mail people in my family. So that means I can only SEND e-mails to people in my family. They make it sound like anyone can read them. But I can only send it to say you. So I can recieve e-mails from anyone... but that doesnt always mean I'll be able to reply. And I only have 30 minutes a weeks. So, from today on Ill probably be sending only one mass e-mail so that I can update as long as possible and not leave only "Im good, bye" messages. And I will be sending the memory card soon. I just need to get more pictures. I have pictures with Spencer Salmon, Greg Pavone and even Bryce Packer... go figure. As well as my companions and stuff. I absolutely love the camera. Thanks again.
Anyway, Ive got some other things to get to, so there you go. And thanks for everything Windy. Im glad that I can rely on you.
All my love,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
Then a few minutes later he added:
Okay, Ive got 3 minutes... So, could you just post to everyone that Im doing great and all that usual Missionary letter stuff. And let them know that I love them and my love for them grows daily as my love for the Lord grows. And my testimony is growing daily. I simply love this place and dont want to go home. Perhaps you could also put on the blog that I think it is fine if people post my letters to them on the site. I really dont mind... and I think that some others might like to see what I've said. Thank you again for all your love and support. 30 seconds... UM!!!! Um!!!!! Peace be unto you my friends. Love Tommy
A note on email from Tommy:
So, anyone or anything can e-mail me. But I am only suppose to e-mail people in my family. So that means I can only SEND e-mails to people in my family. They make it sound like anyone can read them. But I can only send it to say you. So I can recieve e-mails from anyone... but that doesnt always mean I'll be able to reply. And I only have 30 minutes a weeks. So, from today on Ill probably be sending only one mass e-mail so that I can update as long as possible and not leave only "Im good, bye" messages. And I will be sending the memory card soon. I just need to get more pictures. I have pictures with Spencer Salmon, Greg Pavone and even Bryce Packer... go figure. As well as my companions and stuff. I absolutely love the camera. Thanks again.
Anyway, Ive got some other things to get to, so there you go. And thanks for everything Windy. Im glad that I can rely on you.
All my love,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler
Then a few minutes later he added:
Okay, Ive got 3 minutes... So, could you just post to everyone that Im doing great and all that usual Missionary letter stuff. And let them know that I love them and my love for them grows daily as my love for the Lord grows. And my testimony is growing daily. I simply love this place and dont want to go home. Perhaps you could also put on the blog that I think it is fine if people post my letters to them on the site. I really dont mind... and I think that some others might like to see what I've said. Thank you again for all your love and support. 30 seconds... UM!!!! Um!!!!! Peace be unto you my friends. Love Tommy
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
First Letter Home
Click on the pages of his letter to enlarge the images. This will help you read Tommy's lovely handwritting. ;)
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