F{Laura}da: My First bike ride in 6 YEARS. 4.15.14

Hello all! Guess what. We were on bikes this whole week and I survived. This is nothing short of a miracle and I have a strong testimony that God is real and that He watches out for all of the bikers in the world because we are close to the edge of death, especially here in Florida. Remember how I said that no one respects crosswalks in Florida? Well it's applicable to Gainesville. Don't worry. I have yet to be hit, BUT I did crash on my bike. The story is as follows:

So. Sister Bowers and I were riding down the street and we got to a corner. I am not one bit confident in my turning abilities and there was a sharp corner. I knew that wasn't going to happen. There was also a low brick wall that was part of a flower garden directly in front of me. So I just let. it. happen. I hit that thing head on. Then my bike bounced back, turned, and tipped me over into the flower bed. Then I just lay there waiting for Sister Bowers to come get me. It wasn't that bad since the wall was high and I landed in dirt. Tender mercy.

Don't worry, the fun of that day continues on. We were biking down the street and we were on the sidewalk when my skirt got stuck in the wheel and I was de-skirted (fret not. We were bike shorts. NO MATTER WHAT). I, of course, screamed and veered off into the dirt. Then I was stuck between the dirt and the sidewalk. Sister Bowers had to come help me out of that, too. She also had to pull my skirt out of the wheel, which left a BIG hole. Buh bye to that skirt.

My bike also cuts me on my right leg. It's beautiful. It will most likely always be an open wound. Don't worry. I have pictures.

Getting on a bike is like a constant prayer. Every time I get off my bike I am reminded of just how much Heavenly Father loves me and how very, very real He is. He really loves me. Bike riding is such a testimony builder.

Despite all the fun on bikes this week was great! We set a baptismal date with a lady named Nefertiti this week! She is so sweet and she is so sensitive to the Spirit. She is so elect. I really know that the Lord is preparing people for us to find and teach.

We also met this crazy lady, who's name shall never be spoken. I thought she was going to hit Sister Bowers. It was CRAZY. Thankfully we were in a public place or else I think she would have. I'm also pretty sure she has split personalities because she spoke about herself in a plural form... It was WEEEIRD. Also one second she would be fine and the next second she would be a crazy pants. I'm pretty sure that's her middle name- crazy pants. Just in case you were wondering she is NOT YSA. Someone gave us her phone number and told her that we could help her.... thanks, person.

Summer in the YSA ward is kind of awkward... we don't even know if we will have a branch... how strange is that. I was in the 119th YSA WARD at BYU. It's crazy.

But today we went to the Florida Natural History museum. It was great! Sister Stockett and I accidentally wore the same outfits. It was great :) (SEE PICTURE BELOW)

I'm really enjoying the area and the branch here. These people are so great. I gave a training/talk in District meeting this week on following up. It seems like such a simple idea to just follow up on something that you have asked someone to do. BUT WE FORGET!!! I loved Elder Ballard's talk about following up in General Conference. If you haven't seen it/heard it/read it you need to.

Well I got to go hop on my bike! Have a good week y'all!

love,

Sister Perkes