Lasting Friendship: Quake survivor grows up with gratefulness and love

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02:45

One of the children who came to Vladivostok after the catastrophic 2008 earthquake in Sichuan Province was Cai Wenqing. Ten years later, she's revisiting the Russian children's center where she stayed. As CGTN's Yang Jinghao shows us, the past decade has been a 'rebirth' for Wenqing.

Painting different flowers on scarves, Cai Wenqing is preparing some special gifts for her long-lost friends in Russia. She never imagined a 10-year reunion with them.

CAI WENQING QUAKE SURVIVOR "This one is magnolia. It symbolizes gratefulness and friendship. I think it's a good choice to send to those that took care of me in Russia."

In 2008, Cai's home town in Sichuan Province was devastated by an 8.0-magnitude earthquake. Months later, together with hundreds of other children, she was invited to the Far East Russian port city of Vladivostok to recuperate. And the years have not wiped out her memories of the Ocean All-Russian Children's Center.

CAI WENQING QUAKE SURVIVOR "One of the most unforgettable things was that my instructor sent me a photo frame she made when we were about to leave. I've kept it all these years."

Cai just graduated from college in June and is now working toward a postgraduate study opportunity. She says the precious experience provided her not only solace, but also inspired and moved her all these years.

CAI WENQING QUAKE SURVIVOR "It was my first time going abroad. I felt such a different culture and deep love there. During the stay, I also learned that we should be grateful to those who help us, and in turn, help those in need."

The quake-hit areas have undergone great changes over the past decade. As a landscape design major, Cai's graduation work included an overall planning and design she made for her hometown.

CAI WENQING QUAKE SURVIVOR "The theme is called 'Rebirth'. It may not gain widespread recognition, but it represents my good wish for a better future."

For Cai, the past ten years were also a process of rebirth. The once traumatized, shy girl has grown into a confident and optimistic young woman. She says this visit will be a great opportunity to renew friendships. And just like her companions, she would like to be an envoy to bridge the exchanges between the two countries. Yang Jinghao, CGTN, Chengdu, Sichuan Province.