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

We Had a Baptism!!!

Hey all... Ive got like 5 minutes... but Ive got a lot to say. Pray that God blesses my fingers with lightning speed again... and that the mistakes I make can be read by you all.

First of all:
WE HAD A BAPTIZM!!!! Martin Ojedo! It was a really rough path that lead to the baptism. But we finally got him there. And confirmed yesterday. I'm going to try to post pictures as soon as I can. But that was good. It was a really hard week and a lot of people failed on us or decided they didn't want to talk to us anymore... but WE HAD A BAPTISM! So everything is good. He is really amazing too. He works at a night club doing something and he looks like it too. Anyway... after the baptism we went over to his place and he played guitar for us. It was really really good. I was surprised... I didn't even know he could play.

So my companion wants me to tell you all about something that happened this week. See, I get a stuffy nose when I go to bed. I think it has something to do with laying down. Anyway, I breath through my mouth now when I sleep. So in the middle of the night I woke up to a "Hey, Steinkuhler" I was like "What?" all sleepy like. And he said "Your barking. Stop it". So I was like "okay" and rolled over. Then woke up a little bit and realized "barking?" So I was all like WHAT?! And said "Do you mean snoring?" and he was like... oh yeah, that´s the word. It was funny.

This week I learned what it is like to have kids in church. We are teaching a 9 year old boy and his sister comes with him. She is only 6, so we cant teach her. But they both sat with me and my companion sat behind us. It was fun trying to keep two kids quiet when they speak the language better then me... good times. But it all worked out.

So, how was Halloween? I really hope everyone did something. I wanted to, but didn't have time. We had intercombios... or companion exchanges again for a day. So me and this other Elder ended up walking all over the place teaching whoever would let us in. It was hard work. But still a good day. What did you all do?

Something I think I forgot last time... I need recipes. I really don't remember anything. So could you send me some so that we can cook. We know how to make some things... but really, Im tired of Pasta. We didn't have anyone for lunches really this entire time. So every day we are cooking for ourselves... it´s kind of lame... so... whatchya got?

I got my hair cut this past Tuesday too. It looks pretty good... and I wasn't as blond for like a day. But now I stick out again. It was interesting having it done by someone other then my sister that I couldn't really talk to... good times.

So Ive mentioned the language a few times... but guess what. It is getting a lot easier. I understand a lot more. When I compare myself to 5 weeks ago... wow have I grown. It is amazing how the Spirit can work though us to help others.

So, I have an observation for you all... People here are really emotional. It seems like every person that we end up teaching cries now. I admit we have the Spirit with us and they can feel it, but seriously... wow. My companion and I have also given a lot of blessings. He was amazed at how many we have given. He said that last transfer he didn't give like any. But this transfer we have done like 10 or 12. It´s crazy. And when we do everyone can feel the Spirit.

Well, Ive got to go now. Ill try to do pictures next week. But know that I love you all and will be trying to send more letters soon. If you get one from me, could you let me know... thanks.

Last thing... I want you to know that I really am doing great. I am learning, working and growing. I know often times people have concerns about missionaries, and I am a little open... so I could see why people have concerns. But really, Ive never been better. I love you all...

Elder Tommy Steinkuhler

I got some questions

Well, I got some questions... so let me answer those first. They were admittedly from two weeks ago. But I dont normally get around to reading everything until the next week. Sorry... but they questions...

What is the food like?
They food is amazing! I love it. They eat a lot of bread and often meats. They also basically never drink water. It´s always soda... which I try to avoid. I really dont like soda and it´s not good for you. But the food is really good. Actually a lot like American.

And the bugs?
The bugs are normal. Nothing different that Ive seen... Oh, except this hug fly/bee thing. I sounded like a helicopter. It was maybe the size of a peanut shell. I was suprised it was in the air. It reminded me of A Bug´s Life... how the fat catipiler got wings at the end... something like that.

The clothing?
The clothes are exactly the same. Most women are wearing basically nothing because of the heat and the men are kind of the same. Oh, but EVERYONE wears converse. Ive never seen so many in my life. I almost felt like I was in Heaven when I showed up.

The grocery stores?
Ah, grocery stores... there are some that are Americanish. But most of the time there are smaller stores on the streets that are specific food groups... like bread stores. Or Fruit and Vegetable stores. Or meat stores. But we have an American one that we go to the most. Alst, people often have a mini store built into their house. They are randomly placed throughout the streets.. and normally sell soda and other common things people buy.

How are your shoes holding up? Do they still sqwoosh with air?
My shoes are doing pretty good. The souls are thinner then most other missionaries, so I can control myself better... but it also means I need to control myself so I dont wear out my shoes. I shine them whenever I get 5 minutes... so they are looking good. And thanks Ryan, I tried the black shoe polish on my brown shoes and they actually look really good. Thanks.

Are the houses there structured in the same way as ours?
The houses are all stone. None have carpet and are normally unfinished in our area. They all have bars on the windows and these cool curtain things on the outside... made of wood for protection I think. Most people have cement floors, but sometimes they have tile. Some of the richer people have normal looking houses, but only with tile instead of carpet.

Everything seems to be bigger in America than in Europe, is it the same way in Argentina?
Things are rather small here for the most part. Ive hit my head a few times because Im tall and need to look down so I dont hit anyone. Sometimes Im a giant with people... other times Im the same as them. It depend on the crowd.

What do people do with their days there?
I have no clue what people do with their days. A lot of people work here or there... but for the most part I think they just chill at home. People have large families here and everyone watches TV normally.

What do the kids do for fun?
The kids play in the street. Often soccer or a type of tennis without a net. But they have school right now...it´s almost finals for them... so Im not sure what they´ll do in their time off.

Is everyone fairly amazing at soccer? Or is that just a stereotype?
A lot of people are really good at soccer... but if you call it soccer here people will not know what you are talking about. Here it is either Fútball or Pelota. Pelota means ball. And everyone knows a lot about it even if they cant play well. The kids certainly are good.

What kinds of pets do they generally have?
Everyone has dogs. Most of the time they just live on the streets though. A few people have cats. And even fewer amounts of people have birds. They put the birds in individual cages and bring them outside when they are sitting in their yard. It´s definately different. Oh, some people have chickens too. And Ive seen ONE pig.

What are their birds like? And hahaha do they fly north when it gets cold?
The birds dont really go anywhere. I think they just stay here... It doesnt get that cold in the winter. And the birds look normal to me. Not much to them.

How's your head, wheezing laugh, companion, eating habits, sunburned self?
My head still kind of hurts from the spanish... but overall good.
My laugh? I dont know. I dont really do it much anymore. Sorry. I guess people just arnt that funny when you have to translate their words.
My companion is a beast. He works like there is no tomorrow. He´s great. I love him. We get along really well.
My eating habits are not set. We have random times we eat... if we do. People really only have one set meal... which is lunch. So we normally have lunch. But not always. It´s always random.
My sunburn is no more. It went away really fast. I didnt even peal that much. Just a little on my nose. My companion who is native is currently peeling like an onion... its kind of nasty. But Im great. No one problem. My neck just kind of itched for about 2 days. I guess I over exaggerated.

Send me more questions please... I like them.

Okay, Ive got some things I keep on forgetting to say... so here they are...
There is an Elder in my mission who is huge... so naturally I wanted to talk to him. I asked him where he had lived and he was like, "Oregon... and a little in WA. A small town called Sammamish". I just about freaked! It turns out he worked for the McOmbers some time ago. His name is Elder J. Coombs. So that was pretty cool.

Also, one of our zone leaders is from New Hampshire. But I think I already told everyone that.

So, I know how to do mail now. I should be sending some today. And I now know how to get them home faster. And I need to ask for your pardons... I kind of need American Stamps. The funny thing is I send a whole bunch home. But if I have American Stamps I can mail letters home though pouch. So, if you want me to write you... send me some. Otherwise I wont write much. To send a letter from here home it is like $3.50 US dollars. Also, if anyone ever sends me a package... please send me some good music. We actually listen to music a lot... and I´d like some new stuff. Anything that is soft is okay here. Enya, EFY... thank kind of thing. Thanks if you can.

Well, this week not much happened. We had to push another baptism back because the person did not feel ready. Also, we had cambios again. So I was with another Elder for a day. He is from Chile and speaks very little english. So that was actually really cool. I learned a lot. Um... yeah. Oh, it rained like crazy on Tuesday. I wore my long trench coat for the first time. That was awesome! I felt like I was back home.

Well, I dont got much left to say and I really need to get off. I dont have anytime left. So Ill say good bye for now. I really hope all is well with everyone. Ill try to send some pictures home soon. I might be able to e-mail them. I dont take much because not only am I busy, but I dont want to carry around my camera. We are not suppose to look like tourists taking pictures. But Ive got some good ones Ill try to send home soon.

Also, know that Im great! Safe and healthy and ready for more. Thanks for all your e-mails. They keep me going. Ill reply as soon as I can.

All my love,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler

PS I do the ... because I can never find the right key, so sorry. I guess Im just lazy.

I'll be fine, I heal quick

Hey everyone! Sorry, this one will be really short. I only have 10 minutes... or less. They dont have the giant flashing time on these computers. You know... the thing I use to not like, but now really want. Well, in any case. Im sorry, I had a lot of things to do this week. But enough of that... onto the week:

First of all, Im great. Ive got some problems that I know Im not suppose to write home about... but I am going to anyway because you all know Im as tough as nails... or something like that. First of all... it is HOT here. The sun is super bright and we are under it almost all day. So Ive been getting tanner and tanner... until today. We had an all mission soccer (or fútball) competition. And... well, I got burned. I play goalie. Im not too bad as a goalie. Im not to bad as a player... in the US. But here people are crazy good. Im learning a lot about soccer. I love it. But anyway, Im roaster. But dont worry mother. Ive been taught well. And there are natural aloe plants on like ever corner. Ill be fine, I heal quick... just ask Merry and Ryan.

The other thing that is bothering me is my feet. They are so tired! I have calaces (spelling?) the size of about 4 quarters stacked up. I havent had any blisters or anything like that. Im a pretty good walker (and getting better all the time. Trust me, it´s an art to walk all day). I think the real reason is because we´ve been taking longer and longer walks recently to get the people in the corners of the mission that are ready for us. Check this out: We had "divisions" on Thursday. Divisions are sort of like one day transfers with the leaders in the Zone ... So I was with Elder Good (Who I need to talk about) in his area. We ended up walking over an hour to get to this appointment we had. And then an hour back, without stopping. It´s things like that which are giving me tougher feet.

So, the division... Elder Good is from New Hampshire! The same Stake we were in. He moved in about 6 months after we left. So he knows some of the same people and places. And he goes home in 3 weeks. He is really great though. Anyway, on the division... after the huge walk, we walked by these kids who yelled "your beautiful" in English. So we said¨"thanks" and walked on to another appointment. When we were returning we stopped and talked to them because they were calling us over. There were 5 in all. 2 girls and 3 boys... about 16-18 years old. The girl who spoke english greeted us with a kiss (ANOTHER ONE!!! I´ve stopped counting) and during the conversation she asked us out in Spanish. So... Ive been here 3 weeks and already been asked out. It´s weird. She was blond though... you´ve got to be weary of the blonds here... I tell ya!

So that was fun. And the week had been pretty fun. All except we had a few bautismos (I cant spell it in english anymore) fall through. One was Belén. She got a bad grade in school, so her mother said her grades need to get up before she can be baptized... or have lessons from us. But I have faith in her and know all will be good. And a few other people that just need time but will pull through also. Overall things are okay in that area. You cant get my hopes down when we are having so much success. But this week we should be having a bautismo also.

Um, ¿que más? Oh!!! We´ve had two drunk guys talk to us. One was yelling about how we needed to have energy... and that was really all that made since. Not because I couldnt understand him... but because that was really about all that made since. Also another guy who was telling us we were going to hell and he wasnt... even though he knew he was a terrible person. It was because his father was a preacher in the Evenjelical Church (I think that´s Evangalist in English). After both of those my companion told me we need to be recording things like that. Those sorts of things are really hilarious to us.

Actually, a side note: People like to yell at us here. We stick out a lot because of our dress, but especially because of my blond hair that is getting blonder by the day. Also because we are both 6 foot 1 inch and husky. People yell all sorts of things at us. It is really funny. People here really dont get violent much. Im sure Im safe here, especially because no one wants to go up agains us because they only come up to our name badges. But seriously, Im only joking and you really should not worry. Anyway, the things they say are normally what little english they know, or something derogitory in Spanish. Elder Sagripanti hates it when they call us "Shankis" which is how they say Yankee, because the "y" is a "sh" here. Anyway, he hates it because he is from Argentina... full blooded. Someone called us spies from Bush the other day... and he was fuming. It was hilarious. Ever time that happens he talks to them, tells them he´s from Cordoba and as we walk away tells me that he won. I love it. He´s got spirit.

Also, we got to see Elder Nielson this week. He came and talked to our mission. My area is not far from the mission headquarters... so I could go. We all got to shake his hand and say hi. It was pretty sweet, Im not going to lie. I loved his talk too. He has such power when he teaches. All of it was mission stuff though, otherwise Id share it. I doubt any of you would be very interested. But those of you who read this and are members... just help the missionaries... please. Missionary work has changed. It isnt just missionaries now. It is the church as a whole. We really cant do our work without help from the members and especially without referals. So, help out if you can.

Ive got to go. But I hope you all know my love goes with you all. Take care and youll hear from me in another week.

All my love,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler

PS I could still use letters ;)

So I got up there and shared my testimony.

Hello World!

So, I finally got a chance to check out my blog. It´s funny to me that there is a blog up that is devoted to me and I only NOW got a chance to see it. It looks great! I dont know how all has been doing it... Im assuming my sister Windy, but whoever is on top of that is doing a great job. Thanks.

Well, I think I neglected a few facts from last week. I dont think I mention that last week was conference. I did get to watch most of it. But 2 sessions were in Spanish... so I didnt understand all of it. The other sessions I watched in English. So that was cool. I missed Priesthood though. So for once in my life Im actually excited for getting the magazine with the conference talks in them. Oh, and I guess I lied... I didnt really "miss" the Priesthood session... it was in Spanish. Because of this weird thing called time zones. When they were starting confence I was probably asleep for an hour and a half or so. So they recorded it... but only in Spanish. Funny, eh?

So, I learned this week that pouch is the way to go. I get letters though pouch just fine... it takes a while, but at least I get them. The only problem is sending letters back home. There really isnt much oppertunity to do that around here. But Ill try to figure something out.

Well, this week was amazing. And by amazing I mean really great but hard. If you put a baseball hat on your head... the area that that hat covers is the part of my brain that hurts. Castillano is killing me... but only the inside of my brain. The rest of me is doing great. We had a lot planned this week, but a lot of people called a few hours before our appointment and cancelled on us. So we ended up doing a lot of walking. On Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday we spent probably 2/3 of the day walking. We still got in a lot of teaching... but we walked more then normal. We still have 6 investigators with baptisimal dates... possibly 7 (We havent actually talked to him yet, but he told his brother he wanted to be baptized). We got another 6 investigators this week. And all 13 of those people are capos. Really, the Lord has been preparing people for us like crazy. It´s especially impressive because my companion is basically doing it by himself. I am still lost all the time. But I get more and more. I teach some now. Here and there I get in a principle or two. It´s coming though.

Well, it was funny because I fasted the week before I came down here... knowing that the following week was conference. But the ward down here did fast Sunday yesterday. And during our weekly meeting with the Bishop, he asked me to share my testimony. So I got up there and shared my testimony. It was pretty funny. A lot of people were smiling at me from the moment I got up there, and I was very nervous... but it turned out good. I felt the Spirit and all went well. It´s kind of funny here. For fast and testimony meetings in my ward back at home... people get up and testify for at least like 2-3 minutes. Sometimes as long as 10. I was almost the longest testimony at like 3 minutes. It a wonderful change. People here simply get up, say what they know is true, and sit down. It´s interesting. The Spirit is strong and wonderful in both meetings, so I cant say one is better then the other, but it was cool to see a change.

Well, the last two weeks have been very different. They changed up preporation day... and they changed up district meeting and all sorts of stuff. Im still confused as to when everything is. But Im pretty sure that Mondays are my p-day. So Ill be sending out my updates on Monday... I hope. And Ill be trying to write letters on Monday too... we´ll see how that goes. This week we´ve been working like crazy, so we dont get home till late. So Mondays are basically the only days I have to write.

So, people wanted to know the differences from the US and here... well here are a few: Milk comes in bags, no one has carpet, the keyboards are different, the moon always seems to be visable, the water drains clockwise (I dont know what it was in the US), everyone takes buses, and that´s about it. Things are not THAT different. And dont worry, Im doing great. Ill try to tell you more next week. But it would really help if you would send me questions.

I love you all,
Elder Tommy Steinkuhler

Mi testimonio en Español

Tommy sent this a few weeks ago from the MTC, but it took me some time to find out how to post large videos on the blog. I'm still new at this... Enjoy it!

Wow, what a trip.

First things first. My address-

Mission...
Misión Argentina Buesnos Aires Sur
Italia 26, 4(NOTE... little degree sign in the corner... so 4degree) Piso Lomas De Zamora 1832 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Pouch...
Argentina, BS. AS. South
Pouch Mail
P.O.B. 30150
Saltlake City, Utah 84130

Okay, now onto the week....

First of all, I hate this keyboard. It has a million non-english keys. But it´ll work. Okay, my companion. His name is Elder Sagripanti and he is a native of Argentina... Cordoba actually. And if you watch conference this week you`d know that Cordoba Argentina is getting a new temple. He is pretty stoked. He speaks almost perfect English and is an amazing Elder. We currently have 6 ready and with baptismal dates. And lots more getting ready. He tries to break me in easy... but really I dont think anything could slow him down. I hope my sister is getting the picture of the two of us. He´s about my size and height. Which is weird for Argentina. We tower over everyone.

Well, Im in the area of Cruze. It turns out that not one of our areas are actually in the city of Buenos Aires. We are more the suburbs. But believe you me, I love it here. The air is great, the weather is nice, the area is flat and the people are humbled enough to recieve us. We walk everywhere all day. I looked at myself in a mirror last night... I guess I havent been looking in the mirror lately. I totally look different. My companion even says that I look different. And he´s seen me every day. I guess Ive lost a lot more weight then I thought. My face is slimmer and my pants dont exactly hang right anymore. We walk all day when we arn´t teaching. It´s doing me good. Either that or the fact that Im drinking the water and have already got a tapeworm. JUST KIDDING!!! Actually, the place we are staying has great water that is totally fine to drink... even though we use a filter. And actually, because our area is so large... we take a bus a lot. The buses here are AWESOME! I basically never sit down. It´s just boring that way. The bus takes off as soon as everyone is inside. Even if their butts are still hanging out the door. Trust me, that is exciting! Same with the trains. We got on a train our first day and for about 20 minutes I had my toosh hanging out in the breeze. Good times.

Well, as for other things... I dont understand Castillano. Here they dont speak Spanish... it´s Castillano. And trust me.... there is a difference. They dont really finish thier words... and their sentences all get dragged into one long word. And the y and ll sound like and English sh. That´s confusing. But Im learning. I get more every day. And we are actually finding a lot of members that know English. So that is sweet. My companion has me do small things at certain points because I can talk just fine... I just dont understand what they say back. I can repeat words exactly they way they are said... so my companion says I have a great accent and in time will mast the language... Fat chance if you ask me. But I have hope in God to make it work.

The people we are teaching are what my companion calls capos. Capo or Capa basically means stud it english. So, basically we have some goldens here. Ive got a tender spot for one in particular because she was the first one I ever taught. Her name is Belén. Which means Bethlahem in Enlish. She is just about 13 and acts about 40. She is intelligent, kind and mature. I love teaching here... it is so much fun. She gets the concept quickly and always follows though on her commitements. We were going to baptize here on Saturday, but we had conference... then this Saturday... but the chapel will be in use. So the next Saturday... the 25th we will be baptizing her and a whole lot of others. I cant wait. Another capo is Martin. He is so cool. He is funny and interesting. He is about 30ish and works at a nightclub. He looks like a performer, but I think he just does admissions. He is really getting into the subjects and tries his best at everything we ask. He really is coming a long way. Im so happy for him.
Well, there are more... but I wont bore you.

Um, lets see... Oh, the trip! Wow, what a trip. On the way from Utah to Dallas, I sat next to one of the Sisters going down with us.... Hermana Strasser. And on my left was a women from Boston area. We started talking and I eventually asked her to read the Book of Mormon. She agreed and promised to read one as soon as she got home. I trust her and was so excited to do that... and terrified.

Once in Dallas I called my family... that was kind of odd. Seriously people... perhaps you should write down what you want to say to me for Christmas and Mother´s day. Just kidding. Um, and then we got on the plane that would take us from Dallas to Buenos Aires... a total of 10 hours... which ended up to be like 11. Believe you me, not the coolest trip, but perhaps the funniest. I was in the middle column with Elder Jones and Schupple. That´s right. Take the 3 biggest guys on the plane and put them all together. Brilliant. It was fun though. Elder Shupple and I slept a total of about 3 hours here and there. While the rest slept for about... 10! Haha, longest night of my life. And once we got to Argentina we went to get the other missionaries who were in the Argentina MTC... all of whom are native Spanish speakers. I think there were about 14-18 if them and 6 of us. Good odds Id say. We It would take about 3 of them to equal Elder Jones, Schupple or I. JOKING!!! But seriously... it was fun. The MTC here is right next the the temple... I mean RIGHT next to it. So we took a picture there and went to get our companions. Then we traveled to our area and went to work. Wow, shocker... But in a good way. I understood about 5% of what was said... if that. But we taugth Belèn that night. So that was a booster. Oh, and on the way home we heard someone running up on us from behind. We spun around thinking we were going to get robbed... but it was just a friend of Elder Sagripanti trying to scare us. It worked. I later learned that seldom do Elder´s ever get mugged here. So that´s my first day.

And I just found out that I need to e-mial the president. So, Ive got to go. Wow. Well, words of advice... stay calm, say what you know and be friendly. That seems to work here. I love you all and am sorry this was so long. Take care everyone.

Love Elder Tommy Steinkuhler

PS um, letters are great... go for it if you want to.

Elder Steinkuhler arrives in Argentina!

On Monday of this week Tommy had the chance to call home while at the airport. It was a brief conversation, but still great to hear his voice. He's very excited, and a little nervous too.

Just this morning (Friday) we received some pictures from his mission president by email. Here is Tomm-- err, Elder Steinkuhler as he just arrived in Argentina.


President and Sister Asay also sent the next picture with a brief comment:

We are excited to have your son with us, and he seems to be doing very well. He has a great trainer (speaks pretty good English but is native Argentine) and is a very hard worker

All the best

Los Asay

In this picture: Elder Sagripanti (trainer), Elder Steinkuhler, President and Sister Asay