Learning to ride a bike

When I was 21 I decided to go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. I was called to serve in the California Los Angeles Spanish Speaking mission. I received my call in May and I was leaving at the end of July. This was in 2009. Soon after that I received letter from the Mission President in Los Angeles saying that each missionary had to have a bike. I have never ridden a bike before. I started to learn when I was six and my brother took over my bike and I guess I didn't want to learn bad enough so I didn't take it back. Now I was asked to ride a bike so I could serve my Lord and Savior. We had to get a bike first. We went to Bountiful and found a bike. It was a women petite frame. We where having a hard time with the size until because a women size didn't fit me and a kids size was to small.We where coming down the stairs feeling a little discouraged and Dad had the feeling to look up. So he did and there was my bike. The salesman said to me that was the bike he told me about earlier and I blow him off. opps good thing dad was listening. So I got on the bike and it fit!!! So we went home with a bike and helmet and knee and elbow pads. We tried lots of different ways to get my foot to stay on the bike. Our neighbors had said that her dad was a machinist and maybe he could help with something. He did! Dad and were outside for hours and hours trying to master the bike. A lot of the time it mastered me and sometimes dad. We both had bumps and scraps and bruises. Dad did what dads do. The hang on the seat and handle bars and run with you. Dad running with his 21-year-old daughter trying to ride a bike. I was a little embarrassed. After almost hitting parked cars and crushing and crying one day dad said "Kristie just go for it" I said what? Dad explained that we were thinking to much and that when little kids get on bikes they go for it. So with a new determination and less fear I went for it. I did it!!!! All the way down the street alone. No way!! No way I just rode my bike.
On the mission I had told President that I wanted to go to an area that I could speak more Spanish and ride my bike. He did not like that idea.When he felt that I should go to the Compton- Lynnwood area he sent me there. I was with Sister Garza and Sister Williamson. We rode bikes a couple of times there. It was different and I didn't watch for cars very well. Not good. I am sure Sister Williamson had some heart attacks I will have to ask her. There was one time that we were going to ride at night to a meeting at the church. Sister Williamson told sister Garza to go in front and head to the church and not not and wait. Sister Garza dominated that trip there. She hualed. I remember looking up and not seeing her anymore. She did great.Than I was next in line and than Sister Williamson. There was one part of the trip I was not very confident in riding and that was up the little hill/slope to the tracks and over. As we got closer I yelled should I get off and walk over. Sister Williamson Said GO GO GO!!! So I went and I had to hold the tears back so I could see. This moment and Sister Williamson's actions have gave me strength through out my mission and now. This was a wonderful moment in my mission. Before Sister Williamson and I were companions I always thought when I would see her that if I was going to ride my bike I would want her to be my companion and she was and we rode.

If I am remembering right that was the ride home.