The head of St. Agnes Academy in Houston, Texas took up a daring challenge on behalf of the people of earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

Sister Jane Meyer, dubbed the "Flying Nun," agreed to take her first skydive if the school could raise $25,000 to fund Haiti relief efforts.

"It's the most exhilarating thing ever! You feel like you're flying," Meyer described her jump.

"I feel so close to God!" she exclaimed. "Of course I kept thinking about the people in Haiti and all that they are going through."

Meyer was hopeful her jump would inspire people to help out the struggling island nation.

It turns out the teacher's motivational technique worked. Already the academy has raised more than $40,000 for the cause. Proceeds, which will be sent to Catholic Relief Services, will be used for relief efforts in Haiti.

*Originally published February 16, 2010.