Back in 1999, Ronald Sakolsky was teaching in the city of Luoyang as part of a China-U.S. exchange program. There, he first heard about the efforts of a local conservationist named Yin Yuzhen.

Yuzhen and her husband were working to transform northern China’s Maowusu Desert into a lush, green, thriving oasis. Sakolsky was inspired by the cause and raised $5,000 to support the saplings Yuzhen planted.

Sakolsky left China, never knowing whether those saplings would survive. And, over the years, he lost contact with Yuzhen. But Yuzhen never forgot her friend or his belief in her work. Decades later, she became determined to make sure he could finally witness the fruits of their shared efforts.

How Ronald Sakolsky and Yin Yuzhen reconnected after 27 years

According to My Modern Met, Yin posted a video sharing their story, giving Sakolsky local celebrity status. The video eventually reached Sakolsky, reconnecting the two who once shared an important moment in each other’s........

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