‘I Am His Hands. He Is My Eyes.’ The Friendship That Built a Forest​

One has no arms, the other is missing his sight. But their friendship is so strong, it could build a forest. Literally. 

In the Chinese village of Yeli, two men decided to improve their community by replanting a forest. Their physical obstacles only bonded them closer together. 

Jia Haixia lost his sight 16 years ago. His buddy Jia Wenqi has been without arms since childhood. “He’s been carrying me on his back  across the river for 13 years,” explains Jia Haixia. “We’re best friends.” 

Together they have planted more than 10,000 trees---10,000 tiny miracles. “It may have been hard financially, but we’re so delighted spiritually,” Jia Wenqi says. 

“When we’re working together, we don’t feel disabled at all. We’re a team,” both Jias say.