Did you realize Im a Zone Leader? I went to my first Jedi Council EVER! It was fun.

This was a way long week. We did so many things that I don't know where to start. Hmm... let me explain some more about my companion and the pinch (apartment). Elder Chatwin is one of my favorite people ever... he is fun and crazy all at the same time. He teaches and testifies powerfully and has a strong desire to share the gospel. But at the same time he is totally wak! We laugh almost all day. Our personalities blend perfectly together. In our pinch there are four elders. One of them is brand new and on his second day in the country (my third day as companions with Elder Chatwin) he asked me how long we had been companions. He was shocked beyond words to hear that we had only been together for 3 days. The truth is that it feels like a month ago that I last wrote you... but in that monthly-week, Elder Chatwin and I have become great friends. I respect and love him until the end.

Our pinch is a huge old dirty house. It has two levels. They are separate and the only way to get from upstairs to down is by the stairs on the side. The upstairs hosts 2 elders: Elder Day and his new companion Elder Taylor. Downstairs we find the Zone Leaders and a mess of old objects left by all the missionaries who went home. The Zone Leaders have lived in this pinch for about 5 years straight... and never have time to clean or anything. Elder Chatwin has lived in the pinch multiple times and said that he has never seen the place cleaned. Needless to say I’ve spent long hours scrubbing and washing EVERYTHING. I thought about taking pictures to send you all but then realized that I don't want to scare you... nor do I want memories. The place is fairly clean now though. We have a couch too!!! I would not call it sanitary though, but there is a couch. OH, and a dog! She belongs to the owner of the house. My first question was who feeds her... and my companion told me that he has wondered that for over a year. She is cute and small and deaf. She reminds me of an uglier Violet.

This week we really started to pump up our work. The elder that I replaced just went home. And his last transfer he wasn't able to baptize. Elder Chatwin said that he didn't want to go home like that... so we have been working our tails off to baptize every week. We couldn't do it this week because of conference, but next week yes and the week after also. I love the ward. Our area is TINY. It is about 10 square blocks. It is so small, but full of humble people. WONDERFUL and humble people. There are no large buildings or restaurants or anything. We can’t live in our area because there is no place to rent. There is also this huge field that is technically our area... but there are only cows. The members are great and want to help us. It is obvious that they all have their problems as well... but they all want to help. I love righteous people!!! (not to say that I don’t love the non-righteous people).

Conference was amazing also. It was the first one I could watch all 4 sessions of during the mission. I loved it terribly. Elder Holland was wonderfully blunt again. Elder Bednar spoke to my soul again. And all the other talks were perfect. A lot of hidden talent. I was surprised at the family theme that was apparently not planned for according to Elder Anderson. I was able to watch most of it in English too. In Spanish it just isn’t the same. Some of the speakers do their talks in Spanish beforehand and we can hear their voice... but it isn’t the same. I love to hear the expressions and feelings of the people.

I had someone kind of give me bit of grief about not being straight up with you all. I am not only with the Zone Leader... but I am one too. For some crazy reason the President has asked me to be a Zone Leader... It is craziness... but I’ve accepted and am working hard to be the zone leader I always wanted. So I’ve been somewhat scatter brained recently. I apologize if I’m a little out of it from now till the end of the mission. I’ve got a lot on my mind.

In any case... I know that I love you all. I miss you and pray for you. Have fun this week.

Elder Tommy Steinkuhler

PS It is getting cold.

I am now in El Triangulo (The triangle)

So, this week was fun. We did a lot of things in preparation for a talent show we held on Friday. But before I talk about that... you should all know that I got transferred again. I’m no longer in Villa Zula. I am now in El Triangulo (The triangle). I’m really excited about this transfer, but terribly scared. The President kept me as junior companion... so I guess I don’t have to be District Leader anymore. And I know I will learn a lot this transfer because my companion is about to finish the mission. This is his last transfer and he is Zone Leader... so I’m sure I’ll learn a lot with him. His name is Elder Chatwin. I don’t have a picture of him because my camera is still packed up. But he was in The RM... so if you want to see what he looked like like 5 years ago... watch the movie. He is one of the twin brothers of the main character. The twin of my companion is in the Buenos Aires North mission. He is really cool. He was in my first zone. So I already know him a bit. The truth is that I’m super excited. I hear that our area is all villa... or ghetto. So we will be teaching humble people. That is a cool idea for me. No more city-ish areas. I’ll probably finish my mission here in this area.

In other news... I am changing my e-mail. The rules in the mission have changed. I can no longer use gmail. So please e-mail me at thomas.steinkuhler@myldsmail.net from now on. I’m not sure if that is the real address. So just to be safe, e-mail me at both from now on... please.

This last week we had a lot of success. We taught a lot with the members and took out a wonderful fecha. It feels so good leaving an area in good conditions. And the talent show we did was a blast. It was like going out with a bang. I did some magic and my companion read minds. We were the magicians. Others sang, some danced or drew. The truth is that I really enjoyed it. The saddest part about the week was saying goodbye to everyone again. But it was good because I said goodbye once and could see them again... perhaps God will grant me another chance.

I’m doing fantastic and will send more information next week. But right now I need to go and find my new pinch. Sorry this is a short one again.

Love you all,
Elder Steinkuhler

PS I’ve visited my new pinch before... it is HUGE!!!! :)

amazingly I don’t have anything to say

Well, this week was basically lame. It was a great experience, but no good stories. I don't want you all to get me wrong. Because I am not bummed at all, I just had a weird week. You see, we are trying to become a ward... and not just a branch. But there are so few members that we need everything to be exact. There needs to be so many Melchizedek (FYI that word is known by the spell checker) Priesthood holders for every member. It is complicated... but here is the deal: It just so happens that I know almost all the members here because I was here for so long. So the Branch, Stake and Mission Presidents asked me to go by every member on the list within the week. We had Stake Conference last week, and they needed to know who was still within the ward boundaries before the conference. So my companion and I went around like crazy men trying to contact every member and teach them a short little message. It was CRAZINESS!!! It was also hilarious seeing people again and them looking at me dumbfounded-ly and asking, "Your still here?" It was fun, but a lot of walking and little teaching. We worked really hard, even though we were (past-tense) both sick and through with the rain. I’m proud of what we did this week, but it is little to report on.

Anyway, amazingly I don’t have anything to say about this week. I’m happy to be a missionary and I’m working hard. I am reading like crazy in the Book of Mormon. I decided to just read as fast as possible. I’ve read from Alma 20 to 3 Nephi 8 this week and I love it so much. We also did some great invitations to a FHE we will be having this week with the ward. We will be doing a talent show and my companion got into the invitations a little too much. They look good though. I can’t really think of anything else to say. Sorry... this is a super short/lame update for you all. But, um... I’m good. ☺ :)

I hope everyone at home is doing good too. Oh, this is like a good time for you all to e-mail me about things you want from Argentina before I come home. I need to go looking for things, so tell me what you want and I’ll see what I can do.

I love you all,
Tommy

PS I’m happy. I’d like to sing you all a song: "I feel pretty, I feel witty, I feel gay!!!" I’m in a good mood.

we didn’t break any rules

I’ve got like 0 time today. We went to an island as a zone and we just got home. We all got on the boat and then realized that the schedule said that he wouldn’t be returning until 4 hours later. So... we had a lot of time to play soccer and Frisbee on the beach... and have a picnic. It was GREAT!!! But, our p-day time has been sucked away. It was super fun running around without shoes on and getting our feet wet on the walk in. Don’t worry... we didn’t break any rules. It was our zone activity... so we had a great attendance and time. I might have burnt my legs because they NEVER get sun... but I’m kind of happy about that.


We baptized this week!!!! His name is Aureliano Sànchez. He is a wonderful old man of 75. He is the youngest 75 year old man I’ve seen. He reminds me a lot of Patrick Stewart. He looks old, but acts young. He jumps from buses and runs after motorcycles to get on. He is really cool. His baptism was amazing too. We had dirty/cold water again (It is a Villa Zula thing), but he didn’t even notice. We were able to visit him with a member, so they became great friends. It worked out perfectly! So the member was able to baptize him. For all of you who served missions... you’ll understand that it is way better that way. Anyway... in his baptism... 6 of his 15 kids came. When he came out of the water he raised his hands into the air in praise and bowed his head in prayer. It reminded me a lot of the Alma father story... and Joseph Smith’s baptism. Then during the confirmation he raised his hands up and said "Yes" after we told him "receive the Holy Ghost". It was amazing see someone so close to God receive such amazing ordinances. Elder Villarroel and I found and taught him together. He loves us and the gospel... and his family has seen him change and his desires to do good. Saturday and Sunday were GREAT days.


I also went on intercamios with the Zone Leaders. I traveled really far to the Berisso apartment... a whole 5 blocks away. Our areas share the same church building. They are both branches and the Stake President wants to make them one ward. If that happens (this transfer) there is a high possibility that they will shut down Villa Zula as an area and make it one with Berisso... That might mean that next transfer I go to Berisso... and finish there. Our Zone Leader thinks that it will happen. If that does happen... I’ll have a total of about a year and a quarter in the same area. HAHA, how funny and wonderful would that be.

Anyway... I’m off... I don’t have much time... but know that I’m happy. I’m working hard and doubling the work that we’re doing here. The mission has a goal to double the baptisms... so we are doubling our work... and we have already doubled it this transfer... and are still going up. I’m excited to see so much success.

Love you all,
Tommy

PS I know some are asking.. I’m not trunky. I admit that I think of home often... but I am not stopping to breathe. My feet are killing me and my body hurts a lot. But my joy is full.

my brother from another mother

Lots to say, no time.

I have a picture or two to send, but the USB doesn't work here... I’ll send it next week. So, on Wednesday we had interviews with the president. I went with my paper informing me of my return day home. I placed all the needed information and told him I was certain... I wanted to extend. I knew it was something I had to do... so I did it. But as I did it, I felt this feeling like, it didn't matter. I don't know why. So I explained everything to the president and told him that if this one elder would not be able to extend with me, I wouldn't be able to extend. He said it was okay and that he would talk to that elder the next day. He signed my paper and everything. All I needed to do was send it in. I held onto it and thought I’ll just see what happens. Then I get a grand notice... Alex, my brother from another mother is getting married! And on the 7th of August! WHAT!!! My paper says I'm going home the 31st. Well, I pray and think about it again... and feel like I need to call this one elder. So I call him and ask him if it was all okay that we were going to stick around together the extra month. In a very sad shameful voice he says he can’t. Well, I’ve given in the towel. I won’t fight it anymore. I’m coming home like planned on the 2nd of August.

That said... I’ll return to my week, which was wonderful! The best part was the end of the week. Right before I left this area, I helped to reactivate a wonderful member by the name of Americo. He went inactive about 10 years ago. When we got to church, the branch president asked he and I to bless the sacrament. It had been 10 years since he had done it. It was a pleasure to break and bless the sacrament with him by my side. I would never have had that experience if I were to have stayed in my other area. I love this member and he has changed so much. He gave his testimony as well and it was amazing to look at who he was when I found him... to the worthy priesthood holder that he is now.

Another wonderful note. Someone in my last area will be getting baptized this week... well, married too. I won’t be able to go, but I’ll be here baptizing a wonderful old man that we’ve been teaching. He literally throws his arms in the air for excitement at some things we teach him. It reminds me of the Book of Mormon stories. He is about 80 and has more energy than I do. I love him to death.

We are teaching a lot of people who are just wonderful. I am growing in joy with them daily. Most of them were friends from long ago who have accepted the offer to learn more. One thing I love is that all the work I did here before, although it did not spit out baptisms... it was well worth the efforts. There are lots of people here ready for baptism, because of what we’ve brought to them. I love this work!

Quick explanation: that photo of us in the water is when it rained really hard here and we were on our way home walking in this river/street when we came upon this area of deep deep water. So we took a photo and carried on. It was fun. There was a lot of water that day.

Well, I love you all... take care this week,

E. Tommy Steinkuhler

PS Don’t forget to smile and have fun.

I felt like I jumped into Mission Impossible

Elder Steinkuhler with his new companion Elder Villarroel

So, I have some bad news... well, kind of. I got emergency transferred out of my area. But before you all get excited and start thinking that I'm a bad elder... let me explain what happened.

On Monday I'm working with my companion to get our daily goals. It was raining and dark and we were in a rather obscure part of town. My phone rings and I pick it up. It said that the president was calling me... I didn't understand why, so I answered somewhat hesitantly, "Hola?" (If I had known what he was going to say... I might have reversed that salutation). I heard President Asay answer back, "Hello Elder Steinkuhler, are you in a secure location, can you talk?" I felt like I jumped into Mission Impossible. I replied, "Yes president. It is raining, I'm in the middle of the street and there is absolutely no one around... what do you need?" He continued to explain to me that an elder had broken his leg playing soccer that day. So he needed my help. There was a rather crazy mix up of everything. Here goes... An elder in Villa Zula had been doing some things that he shouldn't. So he got emergency transferred out 3 weeks ago and Elder Villarroel came in. Then a week later a new elder went in to replace his companion named Elder Pulgar. A week later the old companion of Elder Pulgar broke his leg... so Elder Pulgar had to go back to his old area... which left Elder Villarroel in Villa Zula alone with 2 weeks of experience in the area. So the president called me up and said, "Who knows Villa Zula better then Elder Steinkuhler?" So, I’M BACK!!!! I’m going on my 8th month here in Villa Zula.

Cool and just funny

We did planning like this one day... it has a long story... but I dont want to explain it all

It is weird being back in an old area. Everything is new... but different. The apartment is new and the area is still the same. But all the investigators have been left behind... without reason. So this week we have been going around activating all the old investigators who still wanted to hear about the gospel. It is weird! I can really see the changes that I’ve left with the people. A few members still have the goals we set together up on the wall. The strength of the members has doubled. Everyone was really really happy to see me again. It feels like coming home again... but not. The President said that I’m here to teach my companion the ropes of the area and then I’m out. Elder Villarroel is great, he already knows a lot. He is a stud! He has about 6 months in the mission and speaks really well. He is from Mendoza Argentina, so I'd hope he'd speak well. He is really into the work and excited to get things done. I’m excited to be with him. I’ll send you all more about him when I can... if I don't get emergency transferred out again. Elder Gubler and I got along great for a week... we were both really sad when we got the call. We were looking forward to working hard together for a time. But then he found out that one of the assistants was going to be his companion and he calmed down.

So, earthquakes... I’ve heard a lot about them. My companion Elder Villarroel lives near Chile and was worried about his family... but I believe they are fine. I also heard that California was falling into the sea again.... true or not? Here in La Plata everything is chill. I didn’t feel a thing, I didn’t even know it happened till Sunday when everyone was talking about it at church. As far as I heard, everyone in the mission is fine and didn’t feel a thing.

I don’t really have anything else to say. This computer is running slow... so I can’t send the audio file I made for you all. It'll have to wait for next week. We had some cool experiences this week... but most of them were experiences with people seeing me again and freaking out. I was really surprised at how many people remembered my name. The most spiritual encounters this week were with this family I found about 3 weeks before leaving... I loved them and found out that they got married and everything... then the elders dropped them??????? We taught a great lesson with them and the spirit was so strong. We taught about Christ's importance with us. I asked if they could feel the Spirit that was with us and the wife said, "You two are not going to make me cry, but yes." I loved it!!! I love seeing the changes in people. I love seeing people who were once sad be happy. I am terribly sad to have to leave the people I was teaching in Mayol. But I could talk with a few and it was hard leaving. After getting the call we RAN over to Adrean and Veronica to say goodbye. It was SO sad. I will miss them terribly. She gave me a drawing she did a long time ago of a father holding his son. On the back she wrote, "For Tomy (she can't say my last name), thank you so much for teaching us what the family really means and how to have true love within our home. You arrived at just the right time, and we will never forget what you've done to help us". I look forward to seeing their progress.

Well, I’m off. I love you all and hope to hear from you all soon... If anyone wants something... like a letter or what have you. Let me know.

Take care,

Elder Tomy Steinkuhler

PS Villa Zula says hi

I get called Elder Burke a lot.

So this week was really rainy. I sent some photos home so that you`ll all be able to enjoy the fun I had in the rain.

So let`s start with some fun stuff... from the photos. This horse was wandering around our apartment when we got home one day for lunch. We had some apples that none of use wanted to eat, so I went out and fed the horse because he looked hungry. Then I gave him some water and he fell in love with me. He wouldn't leave me alone. Everywhere I went, he followed. So we took care of it for a bit and then we mounted it. So there is a photo of me on the horse. It was fun. We took a stroll around the street and my companion followed me around with my camera. Then we went inside and he went home to his owner. We see him every once in awhile.


Another little note. That tie I`m wearing is a tie that I made. I had this blue bathrobe I found in the MTC and it got old/torn. So I cut it up and made a tie. It is actually pretty good, if I may say so myself. I love it. It is now one of my favorites.


There is also a photo of me and my companion... with another elder. The elder on the left is Elder Burke. EVERYONE confuses us here. All the people in the stake think we are the same. So I get called Elder Burke a lot. Elder Gubler is the one on the right. He is really cool. We have spent hours getting to know each other. We’ve had to run home in the rain a few times and change. With all that "free time" we have come to know each other. He actually knows a lot of people I do, here in the mission and out of it. One the teachers that taught him in the MTC was Spencer Salmon! I yelled when I saw the photo. It was cool.


The work here is amazing. That couple who went to church last week came again. They are really progressing well. I’m happy about their success. As well as many others. One of my goals has been to baptize a family. I’ve never been able to baptize an entire family. So I’ve got high hopes for all the couples I teach. We are teaching a lot right now and I’m excited to continue teaching them. I don’t have a wonderful story this week. I wish I did. But I don’t really have time anyway. I’ll keep this short because I sent home photos. I don’t know if Windy will put them up, but I sent some home of the skies here. I will miss Argentine skies. Ever since I started taking photos of the skies here I can’t stop. All of my companions think it is weird because I’m colorblind... but they never knew my mother.

I have some saddening news. I told everyone I was going to extend. It is not for sure anymore. I need to stay with an elder, and I found one. But he recently told me that he might not be able to do it. So if he can’t, neither can I. We’ll see... but I’ll keep you all posted.

Love ya,
Tommy

PS Send me some photos sometime. I would love to see home and how everyone is doing.
PPS Write me too... A REAL Letter. I’ll reply if you ask me to.

my onset of baldness

I'm late as usual. I changed companions again... and when we got home we only had 45 minutes before an appointment and so we ran to the cyber only to find out that they had one computer... So I let my companion write his family and we took off. It is a good thing too... because although the appointment failed on us... we found a family of 5. So I'm happy, but that means I'm writing you all late. A little funny side note... there are always accidents with the trains when all the missionaries of the mission need to be in one place. So everyone always gets there late.

Well, this week has been an interesting one. A lot of things happened and I have no time to explain all of it. But here is a basic run through... I'm going bald. My companion left. We saw miracles and I'm dying from lack of rest. Let`s go through and explain those somewhat.

I cut my hair this week. I decided to just whack it all off because it is REALLY hot. Little did I know it was going to get colder later on. Anyway, I get my hair cut and run my fingers through my hair... I hate to say it, but I'm basically bald already. My hair is SO thin. I always wanted to be a white haired old man. Well, that might still happen, but only in the back. The top of my head will soon be a shinny white spot. I talked to some people down here and all of them told me the same thing... I'm stressed. I’ve put myself through too much in too little amount of time. Whatever the cause, I'm coming to grasps with the reality of my onset of baldness. I guess we need at least ONE in the family. YEAH YEAH... REPRESENT!

Side note, lots of people wrote me this week. About 3 times more than normal and this is the only week I have literally 0 time. So I’ll reply better next week.

The president told me that I still have things to do here in Mayol. He seems to be confident that I’m the elder for the job. So he left me in Mayol and took out Elder Roy. Now I’m with Elder Bugler from Saint George (like Elder Mortensen). He is really cool. A little too like me. I’ll send photos next week. I love him already. He was actually taught by Spencer Salmon in the MTC!!!

Some of the miracles that we saw this week were from the changes in the hearts of the people. We are teaching this wonderful couple who are just awesome. Some of the weirdest people I’ve ever known. But I know that I was sent to find them because they and I fit together perfectly. I love them so much. They came to church this week and liked it. They went home early because they were worried about their kids, but they came! Afterwards she was asking me questions about whether her son would be able to be a missionary like us if they were baptized and all that stuff. I was so happy when we talked about that. They understand things so well. Their only problem is that they are really intelligent, so the answers come slowly to the heart. They are a strange folk. She is super intelligent and first grade teacher looking. While he has piercings and tattoos and always wears Slipknot shirts. Haha. I don’t think anyone will understand me. But it is for people like them that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go home.

I’m tired.

I guess that about explains it all. I have some wonderful questions that I’ll try to answer for all.

I have a few questions, Tommy….I always want to know about everyday life. So I can picture you in your proper surroundings. Like, what kind of apartment are you in now? Windows? Shower? Private door? Kitchen?
The apartment is smallish. We have 5 rooms. 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, and study room. We have changed things up a million times because we get tired of things they way they are. Currently things are separated, but they use to be all together. There is one window per room, a shower and basically no working doors. The bathroom door is the only one that closes all the way. Oh, and the front door. But basically none of them are closed ever. Imagine it.

Where do you study? Kitchen table? Bed?
We have a desk for the two of us. We don’t have a kitchen table really. There is a small table in the kitchen, but it is about 2X3 feet wide. So we study at a desk full of books and papers and whatnot.

Where do you sleep?
In a bed.

Hot, hot…do you have fans?
Very hot. Air doesn’t come in... and when it does, it is dirty. So we keep 2 fans running all the time. When we move rooms, so do the fans.

What do you eat for breakfast?
I know you all will tell me I’ll die of the scurvy, but chocolate milk...... nothing else.

Lunch on the road, so to speak? Or at home?
Lunch is normally with members or in the apartment. We normally don’t have time/supplies to cook... so we order out a few sandwiches or something.

Dinner?
We don’t eat dinner. If we are hungry when we get home we snack on something. But people here don’t eat dinner, so neither do we. Just a large lunch.

What are you studying now, during study time? Surely now Spanish!
I don’t study Spanish... shame on me. But I’m reading the Book of Mormon more than anything. I crack open Jesus the Christ every once and awhile.

I’m not sure how the southern hemisphere goes…are you up before the sun, or after?
We get up right about when the sun comes over the house tops. We’re gonna try running soon, so I’ll be able to tell you better later on, if you remind me.

And are you in the city or the country? Actually, have you ever been in the country?
Kind of yes/no to both. Country COUNTRY no. But there are fields and stuff. I’m not in the city though. More like the suburbs bordering the country.... in all my areas.

How far do you think you walk in an average day?
Probably about 5-7 miles. More or less.

Love you all,
Elder Tommy

I’ve felt very much like a father

I'm super tired. We woke up at 5 this morning to get into the city early and get in line to take out the marriage papers for a few investigators. On the 12th of March they will be married and the 13th they will be baptized!!!! I hope I'm still around. Yesterday their youngest son came up to me in sacrament meeting and asked me if I would accompany him. I asked him where he was going and he pointed at the pulpit to give his testimony. This young, precious child is 6 years old and has never borne his testimony. So I smiled and went with him. He said the church was true and then talked about his parents a bit. It was cute. I then gave my testimony and felt like a father figure. I shared a testimony of the pure in heart and the blessings that come from them, especially children. This week and last I’ve felt very much like a father. All of the young children I know act as if I'm their father. Hmm... let me explain.

Most families here are not very organized and/or separated. So when we teach, we act a lot like a caring father... or uncle or whatever. So a lot of the kids look up to us like that. It also helps that everyone thinks I'm like 30 (My baby face is not working for me anymore). Last week at church one of the girls I baptized came to church with a lip piercing. She couldn't even look at me. When we went over to her house she was so ashamed that she took it out. She even said I was acting like a father. Life is weird as a missionary. The weirdest things happen and the weirdest thoughts go through your mind.

I’d say that my major joys from this week are that this girl took her piercing out, the couple took out all the paperwork to get married, another couple stopped smoking and one of our investigators stopped gambling to be more like Christ. That certainly makes the week great! I’ve been thinking that I should put my highlights of the week in every e-mail so that you all know that I'm happy and feeling joy. I don't know if you can imagine all of these things happening to you in one week, but it is great!

In other news, I bought one of those super noisy and annoying alarm clocks to wake me up. You know the one with the hammer and two bells on top. It actually wakes me up. I don't need to rely on my companion anymore. I bought it in a flea market last week. It works great and is a stylish fire truck red.

I’ve been taking more photos of the skies here and of people. I’ll try to send them next week because I forgot my cable today. I’m planning on making a tie today too... so I’ll let you all know how that goes. If there are any requests... PLEASE send me them. I don’t hear anything from anyone. What do my faithful listeners want?

Love ya’ll (for the Momas)
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler

I write in books

teaching a family

Question: How’s your weight? Are you fat from being fed well, or skinny from starving and walking everywhere?

Answer: I'm getting skinnier. I've walked a lot more and the members have basically stopped feeding us... and I don't cook much anymore. I also drink a lot of water, so I'm not very hungry. So I kind of just drink milk and eat bread/empenadas. Don't worry... I'm healthy. I won’t die of the scurvy.

Well, this week was long. I managed to stay away from all kinds of metal trashcans and bawling fits. However, I did almost die in the heat and my pants don't fit me very well. I also managed to re-sew my shoes and take some fun pictures. I’ve been taking more photos recently. Especially photos of the sunsets. I’ll try to send some home today.



Bad news... people have been getting mad at me. I know that NORMALLY we shouldn't write in books. But when we give away books of The Book of Mormon, I write in them. I write how to pray and where to read. Well, until a few weeks ago... no one has got mad. For the first time ever, this lady blew up at me. And ever since then my companion likes to bring it up when I write in other people`s books. So people have been making it known to me that I should not write in books. And when they see my scriptures, they almost faint. I think it has to be the people I'm teaching right now... not all people. Most people here don't care about books... they are normally dirty and shredded. So a few arrows and words should be okay, no? All well...

teaching a family

Funny little story. Last Sunday we went to a member’s house to eat. They were watching Harry Potter 6 the movie. It killed me a little, but I asked them to turn it off. They saw the sadness in my face and asked me why. I explained how much I love Harry Potter and how much I have been waiting for all the movies and books. They were all excited that I knew what was going to happen in the 7th movie. They asked me what happens, and I explained it... sort of. After doing that the youngest wanted to read the book, but didn't have it. I happen to have a copy in Spanish... that I can’t/don’t use. He wanted to borrow it, so I told him he could... but only after he finished the Book of Mormon. So he grabbed his book and started reading. He is 9 years old. I expected it would be a joke and he’d give up. He said he’d read the book in one week, so that the next Sunday when we ate with them again, I would bring Harry Potter 7. Well, I brought it by but he hadn't finished the book. He was in Heleman 11!!!!! For those of you who know the Book of Mormon, Heleman is REALLY FAR! He said he didn't understand it all, but he will finish it to read Harry Potter 7. BUT WAIT, it doesn't end there. We were telling another family about it and their son (12 years old) got jealous and said... and what about me? I asked what he wanted and he told me a dollar. Well... 1 dollar is nothing, even here. Not to mention I have no 1 dollar bills. So I told him I’d give him 10 dollars if he read the Book of Mormon in one week, and 5 if it took him 2 weeks. I know I'm kind of paying people to read the scriptures, but I don't feel bad at all.

This week was especially hot. I am no fan of the heat, but we will make it through. I need to cut my hair, but I'm afraid that when I do I will burn my scalp with the heat.

Other than that, I don't have anything to say. Because I need to go. Sorry this is short.

I love you all,
Elder Steinkuhler

PS could someone please do me a favor? I would like to write President Richardson, but I don't know what mission he is in. Can someone find his address for me?

PPS No one asked me to write them a real letter... so I'm not going to write anything. Don't complain if I don't send you anything.