I jumped out of a plane! On purpose and by choice! I don’t remember the exact number, but it was about 18000 feet above sea level, which is approximately 12000 feet (I think my tandem skydiver says the exact in the video). Words cannot fully describe the experience but awesome, phenomenal, life-changing, scary, liberating, coolest thing ever… that’s a start. Would do it again too! The moment before jumping out the plane, when you first see the ground, was heart stopping. Part of me wonders if I would’ve taken that last step if it wasn’t for the tandem diver who basically did everything. There were so many decisions that led up to that moment though.

I wanted to do this before my 45^th birthday (in January), preferably in Colorado this Fall (the colors were gorgeous!!). A lot of obstacles presented themselves. Life events and struggles in my life and the lives of friends I wanted to jump with. Getting to CO, where to stay, how to get around, etc. Seemingly out of nowhere my cousin’s family said they’d host me. On October 8 things just fell into place and 13 days later it happened! Decades of decisions accumulated in those last seconds, how could I not?

Fear? No. My faith and trust in the Lord demolished all fear for me. I mean, there was definitely a knot in my throat, and I was scared, but, seriously, that’s human. However, what’s the worst that could happen? Seriously? I die? That means I’m in Heaven with Jesus. No moment is promised, I want to make the most of the ones I’m given.

Here’s the video of my experience.

Questions that have come up in the process and timing revolve around the mission trip to Uganda/Malawi I’m planning for in 4 weeks. I am fundraising for that and spending the money for the skydive adventure can seem contrary. I don’t feel guilty and don’t really feel I need to justify my decisions, BUT, let me try to explain. I am a firm believer that God is SOOOOOO much bigger that money. “God’s will = God’s bill.” The way things fell into place were confirmations to me to go on this adventure. The skydiving was going to happen this Fall regardless, even if I had to do it in Missouri. But God blessed me with this opportunity and His plan is bigger than this trip messing up the other. If I don’t go to Africa this year, that’s OK, another opportunity will come. Skydiving in Colorado and the mission in Africa are 2 different things. And if someone doesn’t agree, then don’t donate to the mission. When God calls, He provides, anything else is a work of flesh and my own will.

If you are interested in donating, please use my Venmo: @TammyK777.