26-year promise kept: American reunites with China's desert-fighting hero

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An American teacher who donated $5,000 to help fight desertification in 1999 reunited with the Chinese woman he supported, after a nationwide online search brought them back together.

Ronald Sakolsky broke down in tears as he embraced Yin Yuzhen on Aug. 23 at an airport in Ordos, in north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. They had not seen each other for 26 years.

Ronald Sakolsky wipes away tears as he arrives to meet Yin Yuzhen at the airport in Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Aug. 23, 2026. [Photo by Wang Jinglong/China.org.cn]

"I never thought I would see her again. It is a miracle," Sakolsky said, his voice choking with emotion. "Who is the hero of the story? Not me. But she made a promise 27 years ago and she kept her promise. She is an amazing lady. She has done many things for China."

Ronald Sakolsky and Yin Yuzhen reunite at the airport in Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Aug. 23, 2026. [Photo by Wang Jinglong/China.org.cn]

In 1999, while teaching in China, Sakolsky raised $5,000 to help Yin and her husband buy saplings for reforestation. Those trees have since grown into more than 50,000 mature trees on former wasteland. Their connection was rekindled in May, when Yin, now a well-known desert-reclamation worker, posted an appeal online to find her American friend. The post went viral.

Ronald Sakolsky and Yin Yuzhen reunite after 26 years at the airport in Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Aug. 23, 2026. [Photo by Wang Jinglong/China.org.cn]

Sakolsky arrived in China on Aug. 23 at the invitation of the China Education Association for International Exchange. His visit runs through Sept. 1 and includes stops in Beijing, Inner Mongolia autonomous region and Henan province.