Returning to China after 26 years was nothing short of miraculous. My 10-day journey was an odyssey of rediscovery and reflection, allowing me to witness the profound transformations that have taken place in the country I once called my second home.

When I was leaving for the United States in 2000, I was very fearful that China would continue to move forward but in the process forget its past. As I traveled through the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Luoyang and Beijing, I was struck by how much has been achieved without losing sight of the country's rich heritage.

There is no doubt in my mind that, although China has moved into the 21st century, it still holds on to its beautiful past. This seamless blend of modernity and tradition is a testament to the central government's determination to foster pride among Chinese people of all ethnicities.

One of the most poignant moments of my visit was returning to the Sakolsky Forest, a place that holds deep personal significance. Over two decades ago, I had the privilege of planting trees there alongside the indomitable Yin Yuzhen, a model worker who has spent four decades fighting desertification in the Mu Us Sandy Land. Her vision and perseverance have helped transform a barren desert into a lush forest, a living testament to determination and hope.

As I walked across the sand, Yin said, "Your children are waving to you." Her words were deeply moving, and brought tears to my eyes because I literally felt like a parent who had been reunited with a child after a long separation.

The transformation of this once desolate landscape into a thriving ecosystem is a beacon of hope for environmentalists. It is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to care for our planet.

As President Xi Jinping said, lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. When Mother Earth is taken care of, she gives back through fruits, vegetables, shade and much more.

My fervent plea to anyone who is reading this: Please plant a tree. Planting trees indicates that the future is bright.

The highlight of my visit was not only meeting Yin but also reconnecting with students and colleagues from more than 27 years ago. For a teacher, it is very rewarding to see that your students have grown into accomplished adults and that you played a small role in their development.

Their success stories and warm embraces filled my heart with pride and gratitude. Their achievements are a testament to the enduring power of education and the bonds we form through it.

I am deeply thankful to each and every one of them for remembering me and for the joy they brought into my life during this visit. I was on cloud nine, though I was crying tears of joy.

This journey also reinforced my belief in the power of people-to-people connections to bridge divides between nations. The relationship between China and the United States, like any relationship, can be strengthened by focusing on our shared values rather than our differences. Encouraging our leaders to pursue Xi's vision of a community with a shared future for humanity is essential for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. By building bridges, one brick at a time, we can create a more harmonious world.

China's growth and development have captured the attention of the world. As the nation continues to open its arms to the global community, it is my hope that the world will reciprocate.

The lessons I learned during my journey are universal. They speak to the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of nurturing our planet, and the power of education to transform lives.

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with a sense of hope and optimism. The transformation I witnessed in China is a microcosm of the potential for positive change in the world. It is a reminder that with vision, determination, and cooperation, we can overcome the challenges we face and create a brighter future for all.

Yuan fen (a Chinese saying for the fated bond that brings people together)!

The author is a retired educator from the United States.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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