When my foreign friends made a long and arduous journey to visit my hometown on the Loess Plateau, their actions deeply moved me. I had always believed that long distance and less contact would make friendship weaker and weaker. However, now I found that distance is no problem in true friendship.

We (my sponsors and I) had written to each other continuously for 4 years, which made us close and familiar with each other. Through writing letters, we knew each other and became very good friends. I wrote to tell them about my study, my friends and family. Sometimes I told them about the climate of my hometown, even some life habits which might seem strange to their eyes. Equally, they told me about their work and their youngest daughter’s study as well as their relatives visiting their home in this summer vocation.

Sometimes they sent some gifts their daughter made for me, stationery and some photos to me. I sent shoe-pads my mother made and some pictures I drew for them. It takes a long time to send and receive one letter from our country to a foreign country. Therefore, in my spare time, it was a satisfying thing for me to wait for a letter from their country.

I first knew they would visit my home when I was at my classmate’s home. But at that time, I could not be sure whether the news was true or not, so I prayed many times in my heart. Afterward, staff of Plan China confirmed the news for me. I was so excited that I did not sleep all night. In order to welcome them, I practised my oral English with my English teacher and cleaned my home with my mother. I knew I had to make good preparations for welcoming them, not for other reasons, but for our friendship.

They reached my home, but only stayed several hours. However, in these few hours, I was very nervous and moved. I thought I would never forget this time.

Their visit made me nervous, excited and more touched. It was just love which helped us to know each other and become good friends. I want to say thanks to Plan China, this special “mailing organization”.

Without Plan China’s help, I could not have this precious friendship.

(By xiao yan from Chunhua County)