led all day by the hand of God

I officially hate computers in Argentina!!! I just wrote something for like 30 minutes... and now... all gone. Right before I was about to send it. BOOM! My computer froze. The lady came over... and was all like... oh, that sucks. Then turned it off. ARG Argentina! Now I’m in a dilemma... It is a rule to use the computer for only 1 hour... but also to write your family every week. Since I’m over an hour with this problem, I hope God will forgive me. I’m just going to answer these questions again.... sorry guys.

- how’s the toilet paper?

It is the same. But really thin

- is there country vs. city the way it is here with the hicks vs. the suits? And if so, do they like each other? Do they have jokes about each other? Does everyone run around half naked no matter what station they are? Are there as diverse stations there as there are here? Is there more middle class?

Everyone here is just about the same. There are people who are more rich then others. But basically every city or town has rich and poor. For the most part everyone is poor. I hate to say it. But it´s true. Everyone looks the same... yeah, half naked... in the summer at least. And for the most part, no matter what situation they are in... people have pride for their area. Kind of like how people have pride for their football teams back home.

- do they have trampolines and hot tubs there?

no, but everyone has a small pool.

- what are some cultural characteristics? holidays? traditions? beliefs?

Sorta. I’m not really familiar with it yet. People are all basically Catholic... so they all have their saints. And they all have their own thing. But overall, it`s not too different then home. No, wait... it is. I hear Christmas is like the 4 of July here... only bigger and better.

- What is their standing on tattoos and body piercings? how young is it acceptable to get that sort of thing?

People get tattoos at any age and I think they are born with piercings. Everyone has them. Members, old people, babies. Well, okay... not many babies have tattoos. But a lot of people have them. And even more have piercings. Normally all over their ears and around their lips. Not many nose ones and some around the eyes. Sometimes people have those bar ones and sometimes they have buttons. It`s kind of cool if they do it right. A button stuck to their eyebrow... YEAH MAN!

- do they have the same condiments? if not what do they have?

Salt... end of story. Oh, and mayonnaise with ketchup sometimes.

- what kinds of board games/any games do they have?

None. Only what missionaries bring. So if anyone has anything they want to send me... please do.

- are you allowed to watch TV.? I would guess not, but I never asked before...

No, but you see some every once and awhile anyway. Most people watch Simpsons, Fútbol, soap operas and scary movies.

- do they like coffee?

Not much. But everyone drinks mate. It is kind of like a tea... but grosser. Sorry, I’m not going to explain it again, but look it up... it`s weird.

- where do you find the drunks and druggies that you teach? are they just on the streets?

They are everywhere. Buses, trains, streets, in the houses. Normally you`ll just be going on with life and one will pop up from nowhere. Normally they just want to talk in English or tell us we are wrong and they are holy people. Really, it is funny when a drunk guy is telling you how he is terrible but going to heaven because his father was a minister. But what can you do?

- do they have a good library there?

I honestly haven’t seen any

- we have 'English' as in literature...what do they call it?

Herr they call it Castillano... of their form of Spanish. They also all take English.

Well Family. Know that all is well here in Argentina. I’m doing great. We have our ups and downs. But overall things are on the ups. We have our successes and our failures. But when they day is over, all seems at peace as we pray and remember all the Lord has done for us that day. I’m just going to share one story from this week...

When doing house clapping, not every missionary likes to do it. But if we don’t have references... we need to. The worst part is picking the house, because we don’t clap every house on a street. We strive to be lead by the Spirit and only go to those who will accept us. This one day this week my companion said, "Man, I don’t want to pick any today. It`s all you." So I said a prayer in my heart and off we went. Every once and awhile a house would catch my eye and I`d feel like going to them. We ended up talking to 10-11 people with 10-11 return visits planned. I’m sure that not all... if any will be baptized. But at least we can get in and bring them that much closer to God. Every little bit helps... of that I’m sure. Just ask my Dad. He has a story he loves telling about how he was contacted. It is funny how often that happens. We go to a reference who is really not interested... but because we went we found someone golden. And trust me, there is nothing better than finishing a day knowing you were led all day by the hand of God... and that the Spirit is thriving in the companionship.

Well family, at least you’ve got some photos this week. I’ve learned that my videos won’t work on that site. So I’ll look for another way to send it. I’ll talk to you all soon... and you had better be ready. I don’t want another boring conversation like last time. Just kidding. Really I’m looking forward to talking to Merry and Ryan in Spanish for a bit. I want to see how much I understand of them. I know mine is horrible, but I still want to try. Well, take care. Keep your spirits up. I know you all miss me more then you can handle, but I’ll be home soon. And I’m expecting everyone to be happy when I get there... so go do something fun this week. Naw, seriously... take care.

All my love,

Elder Tommy Steinkuhler

After all, I can take on the world! In Spanish too.

WOW!!! What craziness. So, I don’t have long and it is like really late already. So, sorry... I was going to send a special video this week... but my camera is dead and it won’t work. So you’ll have to wait for the Thanksgiving video until next week. But enough of that... I’ve got a lot to say.

Official business... Music: YES, I can have basically anything that is smooth and not romantic. Enya, movie soundtracks, MoTab, ext. Actually, if anyone has the soundtrack to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon... I would love it! Also... you can send them to me in any format you want. My companion right now has something I can play anything with. And I’m probably going to buy one soon also... because they are cheap here and really good... so soon.

Christmas is coming up, so I need to know when and where to call.

Clothes... I’m losing weight, but don’t need new clothes... I’m good, thanks anyway :) People have asked for deeper e-mails... so I’ll be sending those. If you have a problem with that, let me know. Especially if you are my friend and not religious, please let me know. I want everyone to enjoy my e-mails... so let me know and Ill figure something out. Trust me, I’ll take care of it... after all, I can take on the world! In Spanish too.

Okay, so this week was HUGE!!! Today I actually did some e-mails and then went bowling at WALMART!!! It was weird! But they totally have some around here. That was fun, so I’ll send pictures when I have batteries again.

Weather: It has been SUPER hot around here... like in the 90s, but it feels like 110 with the humidity. But about two days ago it rained and hasn’t stopped. So it is cold enough we wore sweaters today. Good times. That also means we have Water in our Pinch again... so that was cool... I explain it in next weeks video though... have patience.

I am doing really good. I’m healthy and liking the weather and happy. All is good in life.

This week was crazy!!! Big things... we took out two more baptismal dates with amazing people. So that is 3 now. Two might be after I leave though. They are in next transfer, so I hope I’ll be around for them.

Now, some stories because I don’t have time to chit chat... There is a man in our ward with only one leg. His name is Hermano Jeras. He is a kind and loving man. His wife is just as wonderful. We have been looking around for an opportunity to serve and his name came up. So we headed over there and ended up giving him a blessing, my companion offered it. We actually end up doing that a lot in our area for some reason. During this transfer my companion doubled his number of total blessings in the mission. They are poor and don’t have much. But they love us so much that they invited us back EVERY Thursday for lunch (which is basically dinner here). We went back a few days later and cut down some small trees and cleaned up their yard. It was wonderful to do service for him. He told us later that one of the big problems he had was almost gone. A health problem he had was healing... wow!

On Tuesday we went on companionship exchanges again. I went with Elder Bowler again to his area this time. He doesn’t speak Spanish so I ended up doing a lot. It is times like that where I really realize how much I know. Anyway, we ended up doing a lot of contacts and finding a bunch of people. In the end of the day we went by a family that hadn’t been to church in 9 months. We started talking about why and the husband said it was because he was sick. He started going off on medical stuff that I really didn’t understand... but I understood that it wasn’t good. So I said (in Spanish) "Wow, well... we are not doctors, but we do have the power of God and can offer you a blessing if you would like". He agreed and put on a shirt (I was happy for that). I was asked to do the blessing and stated (In Spanish) "God knows of your worries and problems, but as you do what is right, you will receive strength, and then your family will too". That week he was healed! He and his family received two huge blessing in their life that can only be explained as miracles. Then they all went to church this Sunday... after 9 months of inactivity. The ward welcomed them back with opened arms and all were uplifted by his story.

Those are just some of the blessings we see out here as people give into what is right. As people change from their state of doubt to faith... we see blessings poured out from Heaven for these faithful people. If I do no more good on my mission... these stories will keep me strong. I hope you can feel the Spirit of these stories.

Well, I’m off... I hope that I’ll be able to write more next week. I love you all though. Take care my family and dearest friends.

All my love,

Elder Tommy Steinkuhler

PS I put some more just for fun/funny pictures up this week.

The group I entered with


A final night in the MTC


Our altered water filter

Mariposo nocturnal

All of my time is taken up with work in the Lord´s service

I HAVE A NEW NEPHEW!!! It´s amazing how family is so much more important when your life is centered on the gospel. Wow… Thanks for the photos and updates. I love to find out what is going on up at home. Truly, thank you. And thank you for all the letters you've sent. I actually got a CD this week, so thanks Mom. And to answer your question… we have a lot of freedom in the music area. My companion right now has a CD with a lot of soundtrack music that we listen to. And my last companion had Enya´s greatest hits. Things like that are great. And if anyone has it… I´d love Christmas music too.

On that note… Christmas is coming!!! But it is about 90-95 degrees here. So it really doesn't feel like it. And we have transfers right before Christmas… the 23rd. So I might not be in my pinch for Christmas. I might actually be in another area… actually it is very likely. So although we have a Christmas tree in my pinch… (2 feet tall and gold) I might not even have one for Christmas… sad, I know. But I am looking forward to calling home. That´ll be fun. Especially if Merry is there. I might now be able to understand her Spanish!!!

Also, it is almost Thanksgiving. What am I to do? Someone said that I should eat a lot of ice cream. But I just don't know about that. We have a lot of lessons set up for that day too. All well. Ill decide later and tell you all about it. If we do anything that is.

So this week was really crazy. We had a million set appointments with investigators… but almost all of them failed. So we ended up walking almost all week again. We did get a lot of work done, but not enough. It´s a good thing I got the shoes I did because if I got something else, I´d be dying right now. They are holding up really good… Especailly the outside. The insides could use some help though. Ill send a Picture next week… becuase I can now!!! PS I put some more just for fun/funny pictures up this week.

So, it´s funny how I don't really know what to talk about. All of my time is taken up with work in the Lord´s service. I wake up at 7 and leave the pinch at 10:30. From 10:30 till about 10 at night I'm in the streets talking to people or in their houses teaching them. It´s really not that exciting. I walk a lot. And I do a lot of sweating. I'm not going to lie. It is hot here and everyone sweats. The only difference is that we actually wear clothes… whereas others don't. That is probably why my hair is so blond and my skin is getting so tan. Now, I know that probably sounds lame and boring. But it really is a good life. We talk to all sorts of people. People drinking, people smoking, people doing drugs, people drinking and smoking while high… those are the fun ones. It really is good though. There are a lot of really good people down here who are just led the wrong way.

There are a lot of hardships down here that people face. People have physical, financial and/or spiritual problems. It feels so good going to help them. This transfer I really made it a goal to do service for people, because we are capable and willing. This Thursday we are going over to a man who has one leg and multiple other physical problems. He and his wife fight depression every day and the burden of financial needs. But faithfully this man has stayed true to the teachings of the gospel. He and his wife have been stricken and fight daily just to live… yet they have high hopes. Hopes that can only come through Jesus Christ. It is amazing to see that kind of power in the people here. And the wonderful thing is that the people here really are looking for the answers to life´s questions. And it just so happens that we not only have the answers… but we have the way to receive joy in this life and the next.

Believe you me, there is no better feeling then smiling at someone and seeing the hope that lies in their eyes as they smile back. We are just working on bringing that Light and hope out for them to see… so they know their true potential as children of God.

Time to change the subject back to the week.

Well, I cooked some cookies this week. It´s funny how 350° F does not exist here. But Burnt does… Needless to say, I ate a lot of cookie dough. So, for all of your information on recipes… I don't really have a lot of spices. And not a whole lot of mixes. And no shortening. So if you have alternatives that would be SUPERB!!! Súber bien. For shortening Ive basically been using butter… and it´s funny how I'm not really worried about getting fat anymore. I like this knowledge that Ill be walking it all of in the next few hours anyway. But yeah, anything simple you´ve got would be good. Like that tomato soup thing over rice… or taco soup… from my Mother.

What kind of pictures do people want? I have a lot of pictures of food that Ive cooked… because my camera is always on the kitchen table. Ive also got some pictures of things I think are interesting… but what would you all like?

So, I think I'm going to spend a little bit more time here talking about Argentina. Actually, Ill start with the first things you´d run into if you came here… the travel. Cars here don't exactly have rules. Cops don't pull people over often. But no one seems to get in any accidents. But the truth is that no one really drives much. Normally you hop on a bus and travel that way… which is fun. Drivers here drive fast, then just stop. So riding the bus is great every time. And if you are going anywhere far you take a train. Trains are still in high use here. They don't really have rules either. Any normally I like to sit with in the little area where you get onto the train. It´s great to feel the rush of the wind in the heat. AND DON'T WORRY... it´s safe. Well, as safe as anywhere else on the train. My only worry is that the ice cream man is going to hit me with his giant cooler and break my arm or something. It´s crazy. Everywhere there are people selling something. Cards, ice cream, music, cook books (I have some), power cords, EVERYTHING. If you cant find something in the store, I´d bet you´d find someone selling it on the train if you wait long enough.

Okay, my time is up. But I hope that you enjoyed this little letter to you all. And I hope that you all have lots of questions for me next week. I miss you all and hope you are all doing great... especially Melanie and Aaron and Little M. Thomas. Take my love with you this week... Ill see you soon,

All my love,

Elder Tommy Steinkuhler

PS Sorry... I couldn't send letters last week. That´s like a two week gap. But Im sending some this week. I did get a lot this week... so THANK YOU!!! It´s great getting letters from people, especially people I didn't expect. Gracias.

A Few Pictures from Tommy

For my mother

Futball is everywhere



MTC Group

Zone de Quilmes

Elder Steinkuhler and Elder Hakes

Marta

Martin

Give Someone a Hug Tomorrow

So this week has been crazy. It feels like forever. And I know that last week was basically the lamest thing in history. So, sorry about that. You see, I wrote the longest update in history, but when I sent it… things spazed. It said I needed to sign in again, then it lost it. So, needless to say, I couldn't make it work. We don't have time to fix things like that. Sorry again. But to make up for it I'm going to try and never do that again. Also, I'm going to try and send pictures home today!!! YEAH!!!

Well, I think I should go over some stuff from last week. My new companion is Elder Hakes from Delawhere? Or Delaware…. Anyway, he´s great. Most of my loyal listeners know Zerr. Well, Elder Hakes is kind of like Zerr. He´s tall, skinny and hilarious (same sense of humor too). We get along pretty great. He just got back from an all bike area. So, it´s been fun walking him to death. The other funny thing about Elder Hakes is that his first name is Matthew… and when you put our names together… you get my new nephew!!!

My last companion… Elder Sagripanti is now the Zone Leader in our area. He´s enjoying himself I believe. He is with one of the old Zone Leaders. The other was Elder Good… who went back to New Hampshire this week… sad to be all alone in the World.

Funny side note… I'm typing on Word to make sure that this doesn't get lost… and it thinks I'm spelling EVERY work wrong. I hope not. If I am then my English is worse then I thought.

So, this week was amazingly slow. Ill be honest with you all because I am no longer able to lie… But you must promise not to be worried, and you'll just have to trust me. You see, I kind of got sick this week. It passed! Don't worry. But I did sleep a lot on Saturday. So, that was kind of a bummer. We had a lot of success this week though. We found a new family (Families are really what we look for. They stay active longer… hopefully forever). And we also found a few new golden people. It really makes all the hours walking worth it when you are talking to someone about the Book of Mormon and they say they read. And you ask how they felt and they said good. Then you throw in that golden question. This is the question that makes the difference… did you pray? When they say yes and you can see the spark in their eyes… oh you want to jump!!! Especially if after another question they tell you they know the Book of Mormon is true and therefore the church is true. Especially if you´ve only visit with them once. That happened this week!!! Micaela is her name. We thought she was a snake (or girl that is only interested in the missionaries… there are lots of them). But she READ!!! And this week we are going to talk to the family and maybe find another family. At the very least we will get a fecha (of bautismal date) with her!!! YEAH!!!

So, this Friday we didn't have water in the apartment… actually, we call the apartment a pinch. So if I use that Word… now you know what it is. So, the pinch was without water. That was kind of weird. We had a full tank of water in the shower, so we showered… but that was an interesting day. It´s amazing when you are trying to find something to eat and realize that you cant even make pasta. And so you turn into the lazy teenager you are and order something… I love that part. But sometime before we woke up on Saturday we had water!!! YEAH!!! AGAIN!!!

So, Ive had some questions lately. You see… I do want recipes. But the problem is that I don't know how to get them. You can mail me them… or e-mail me them. My brother David set up a recipe thing for me the other year… but I really cant use it now. So if you could either e-mail or mail me them, that would be GREAT!!! ¡¿Like CAPS?!

So, um… I don't remember what else people asked… so I'm going back to life here. Sorry this update is so random. I'm trying to figure out a million things like pictures and stuff while I'm writing. By the way, thanks for all the e-mails. I love getting them. And I print them out and take them with me EVERYWHERE… or something like that.

Oh, I got some mail today too! The reason is because I went to the misión offices this morning to get some stuff done. I should officially be legal here in Argentina now. Before I kind of wasn't.. and didn't know until the end of last transfer. OOPS. But now its all good. My fingers are still black from the ink too. We also picked up some “new member packets”. We have a lot of new members in our ward without the needed stuff. So that was fun to carry around like 100 pounds of stuff around Argentina trains this morning. Oh gosh, I'm so tired. I doubt Ill ever be able to catch up on rest. And I know my companion feels the same way. All well, welcome to the work! But anyway, THANKS!!! And Ill try to send some letters tomorrow. Today we don't have time. All this morning we did paper stuff… so we need to go work in the pinch now and then go to some appointments.

On the personal Basic… I'm finally at a firm still large state. I'm not too skinny. But my shirt does not fit right anymore. Ill try to send a Picture. I'm pretty sure my neck is like a 16 now and I have size 18.5 shirts… I look like I'm swimming in my shirts.


So, I'm lost as to what more to say. My Spanish is coming along. I understand a lot now… but don't talk much. That is one of our goals this transfer. Elder Hakes has 13 months and just finished a transfer with a Latin companion… so he hasn't talked English for a while… so we´ll try that soon.

I also attacked the freezer this week. It was full of ice and I chipped it all out. Ill try to send pictures… it was sweet. And we also found a I giant moth that flew in while we were planning one night. We trapped it and tried to kill it be freezing it, smoking it out, sufficating it… but eventually we just drownd it and froze it at the same time. It finally worked… and now hangs on our door. I feel somewhat bad for killing such a beautiful creature of God… but he was “dive bombing me” as Alex would say. So he was asking for it.

Well, I need to get going. But take care all. I love you and think of you often. Especially you beloved pregnant ladies. Take care of your little ones. You husbands… take care of your wives. Friends, call your friends… stay in contact. Even if you don't know them well… some day that will be your best friend. Children… have fun! Brothers of the gospel, preach the good Word some time tomorrow. It´ll feel good. Sisters, give someone a hug tomorrow… you have that power that none other have. Go use it. Those of you who don't heed my words… At least read the Book of Mormon tomorrow. Try Mosiah… Maybe chapter 4 or 18. You´ll enjoy it. And those who don't do any of that, because I know there will be some… then you HAVE to write me. Because you've got to show you love me somehow… right?! Well, there are my words of Tommy wisdom for the day. Use it, trash it, ignore it, pass it on… at least you read it. Thanks.

I love you all. You really have no clue how much it means to me knowing I have others out there with me. Take care my dear friends. I'll be home soon and give you a real hug then. Until then: *HUGS*!

All my care and love,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler

PS you can never write me too much.
PPS The moth will be next week… look for it.

Google Maps caught Tommy on camera

Google Maps has now added Street Views of our town. They managed to catch Tommy outside our house standing next to Aaron (Carly is in her Jeep, but you can't see her). For those of you who have our address you can look it up yourself. Otherwise here's a picture of Tommy from this summer. Cool. :)

Working Our Tails Off

Unfortunately Tommy had a problem with email this week, he wrote a long email that got erased and did not have time to write it all again. He sent some 'highlights' instead:


Um, highlights... Marta´s baptism this last Sunday.
We are teaching two families and working our tails off.
The weather is HOT!
My new companion is named Elder Hakes, from Denver. He has one year and a little. Well be working a lot on improving Spanish and teaching.
Ive been asked out a lot... odd... and flirted with... fun times.
We have a new baptism soon. His name is Adrian and he is 14. He played soccer a lot, but the games were on Sunday. So, he couldn't come to church. Then he almost broke his arm in the same spot he had already broke it... so no more soccer. God really has helped him know what is right.
I got letters... lots of them. Thank you.
I still need music because my new comp doesn't have much.
I'm still in Cruce.
I'm still loosing weight and walking about 50 miles a week.
I'm tired but excited at the same time.
I love you and hope all is still going well. And that Melanie has her kid soon. I don't want her to explode. Funny comment on that. My companions first name is Matthew... and mine is Thomas.

All my love, Tommy