Flying or Falling?

Way back in September or so, two of my friends and I were talking about skydiving. Skydiving has always been something that i've wanted to do, so I was thrilled when my friends mentioned that they wanted to go. Melissa,one of my friends, found a half off deal to skydive one day and we immediately bought our tickets.Since it was still cold at the time, we planned on going in early spring. When I told my other friends that I was going skydiving, they were very surprised that I would even think about doing such a thing, especially because I couldn't even climb the climbing tower at Camp Ocoee without freaking out, let alone skydive!Actually, I only made it to the top once during the camp season.

As time got closer, my friends decided that they were going to schedule a different date tha I was. I was pretty down about that, but I got over it after a little while. The night before I was going to skydive, I was laying in my bed and started thinking about if I were to die what would heaven be like. I wasn't like panicking, I was at peace. I was actually okay with it (I wasn't planning on anything bad to happen either). I know that this sounds rediculous and some of you will laugh when I say this, but at that moment, I decided to write a "goodbye" letter to my parents. I know, I know,it sounds pathetic, but I was actually facing what might've become a reality. I was at peace writing it. Anyway, I wrote this letter to them:
  4/18/2011
  Dear friends and family,
As you know, I will be skydiving tomorrow. I am at peace about it and don't have any worries. However, if something were to happen to me and I die, I want you to know how much I care about you. If I die (I am not planning to), I know for a fact That I will be in Jesus's arms. Please leave my facebook account (In other words, please don't de activate it). My facebook account log in is___________, and the passwird is_________. Also, please donate my organs and(i'll leave that out. sounds too morbid haha).
Preach- Stan Green
I want rocking music! AND NOT HYMNS! Drums, guitar,base,etc!

My mom and I headed out mid morning towards Atlanta. I can't remember the actual town where it was, but we arrived to a small building. At the top of it, it said 1 800 SKYDIVE. I got out of the car and headed inside to sign the paperwork (more like a small booklet). After that, mom and I headed out to the deck to watch the others jump. Of course, we didn't see them until their parachutes opened, but it was still fun to watch. I was so excited! In a few minutes I was going to be doing that too! Well, it actually ended up being hours later, but I was still excited. Finally, they called my name and I was greeted by my instructor,Kevin, and my videographer,Leslie. She did a pre video of me and just asked me questions and tried to loosen me up a bit. Kevin strapped me and adjusted me into my harness, and then we practiced how we would jump out of the plane.

We soon borded the plane and it shot off into the air. Mind you, this was a TINY plane. Others were in the plane as well, but it wasn't crowded. Anyway, since the plane was so small, and the wind was so strong, the plane bounced and dropped and went back up and so on. The turbulance had taken its toll on me. (I began freaking out inside, not verbally) I don't think I've prayed that hard in years! Did I mention the door was open half way up until five thousand feet?!? I literally thought that I was going to die before jumping out of the plane! I mean, I even had a seat belt on.

My vidographer (she was also my photographer too) interviewed me one last time before I jumped. Then I heard Kevin say,"come sit in my lap." Uh, first of all he was smokin hott, and secondly, that meant I was about to jump. He strapped me onto him and made sure there was no personal space between us (I'd rather be safe then sorry). Then we crounched down and walked to the edge of the door. Within a secound he had turned us around  (so videographer could see my face) and we backflipped out of the plane!

 I have never screamed so loud in my life! My heart probably stopped for a second, but next thing I knew, we flipped forward so that I could face the ground. I fellt him tap me (he was saying you can put your arms out now. Jumping out, I had to cross them and hold onto my shoulder). I looked straight across from me and saw that Leslie was videoing and taking pictures. The crazy side came out and I stuck my tounge out and stuck both thumbs up. I was having such a great time! You would think that the air would be cold when you were flying towards the ground at 120 mph, but its actually quite peaceful. I high fived Leslie and before I knew it, Kevin and I shot straight back up in the air and our parachute opened. I could finally hear him, so we just talked about it the whole way down. He put my hand(s) into the straps and let me steer the parachute. That was cool. However, I was still in shock and was skaking so he helped me and eventually took over. The ground from up high was so beautiful! We had a smooth landing and Leslie came running at me with the camera to see how it was.

 I was SO PROUD of myself! I had accomplished one of my major goals! I was soon in my mothers arms, and we headed back home. I will definitely go back! Here are some pictures that Leslie took. Well first, let me explain how she did what she did. The recorder was locked ontop of her helmet, and the way she took pictures was she had a device in her mouth that she bit onto. It was also in the recorder.


Anyways, here are some pictures!

At about ten thousand feet

Super Nanny!

    Starting in mid march, I accepted a job as a nanny for someone that I knew, so she could return to work after her maternity leave. It has truly been an experience! When I first started, she had a seven week old baby as well as a two year old. Now I have babysat before as I have three nieces and work in the children’s ministry at my church, but I have NEVER kept a newborn by myself.

    I cannot even begin to tell you how nervous I was. However, a few days before my official starting date, Stephannie, the mother of the girls called me to come over so she could show me where everything was and to practice getting comfortable with the girls. She answered my questions and then left the room for me to bond with Charlotte (the baby). Carly Dean, the two year old, seemed to like me and took me into her room to color and read her a book. Then we headed to the table and painted together. I loved them both from the start. I was very glad that I got to come to their house and practice before I actually started! It took a lot of worry away.

    I have been nannying for a little over two months now, and I absolutely LOVE it! Going into the job, I wasn't confident and questioned if I would be able to do it. I took the risk, trusted God, and boy has it paid off! Even though I don't have kids of my own, these precious girls mean a lot to me and I will love them forever! In a few short weeks, Stephannie will be out for the summer. I will no longer be needed for now, and I have accepted a job as a summer camp counselor at Camp Ocoee. Although I am sad, I know Stephannie is thrilled to be home with her girls! Even though I won't be nannying this summer, those girls will always have my heart.

Playing catch up!

Wow! It has been a little over a month since I last wrote (I told you it would be hard to be consistent)! Anyway, so much has happened between now and then it's unbelievable! I have so much to say and so much to share with you! Please bare with me as I write.