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On a crisp early morning in 2012, eleven people boarded a hot air balloon in New Zealand's Wairarapa district for what should have been an idyllic flight. Less than an hour later, that flight became the deadliest ballooning disaster ever to occur in New Zealand's history. Chrisjan Jordaan and his girlfriend Alexis, were among the passengers.
As his family and friends reeled from the news, Chrisjan's life and legacy became a source of inspiration and motivation to many. From his roots in South Africa, to the farming communities of Gore, to his student days at Southland Boy's High School and later in Wellington, We're Going to Fly High tells of a young man full of faith and adventure whose character, courage and passion continues to impact another generation.
About the author
VALMAI REDHEAD is an emerging author who grew up in Dunedin but has spent most of her adult life in Gore. She believes that writing stories matters. Her library career nurtured a passion for books about people who have made a difference. When first asked to write this story, she felt daunted by the challenge. Yet as his family and close friends shared their memories with raw honesty, a consistent thread emerged of Chrisjan's strong character underpinned by a deep Christian faith. He was a young man whose life touched and influenced many people in countless positive ways. Birthing this story was a labour of love fraught with many unexpected detours en route. But what a thrill to see it finally completed and published. His parents' wish is that his story will inspire others and in some way continue his legacy of making a difference in the world, one person at a time. May their prayer be answered.
