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

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 ;)