Bonds renewed

At a symposium on June 28 in Kuliang with relatives of their Chinese friends, and associates and researchers, Elyn MacInnis and Gordon Trimble, another Friend of Kuliang, received certificates as Honorary Fuzhou Citizens from Lin Baojin, secretary of the Communist Party of China Fuzhou Municipal Committee.

Upon receiving her certificate, MacInnis shared her joy by showing it to her daughter Charlotte, who was seated among the audience.

Lin said the certificates bore a date in January 2020, as due to the pandemic, it had not been possible to present them for more than three years.

"The Friends of Kuliang from America have continued the history of the Kuliang story, deepened the friendship, and enhanced exchanges between both sides," he added.

"Chinese people always say that relatives and friends can get closer when they have more exchanges."

Priscilla Gill, another Friend of Kuliang, who is now 87, was joined on the trip to Fuzhou by her granddaughter, Katy Barber.

Gill recalled her childhood days in Kuliang as the pair strolled through old streets and alleyways.

"What has happened in China is just amazing, as it's such a wonderful, strong country. When I was here as a girl, we went to Kuliang every summer and had lots of friends. The place seemed like paradise to me," Gill said.

She was born in Fuzhou in 1936, and her father Harold Brewster was a well-respected surgeon and former president of Fuzhou Union Medical College Hospital.

"I was very emotional when we were invited back again, because I was so happy to bring my granddaughter with me to feel the great love for China and for the Chinese people," Gill said.

"My grandparents worked here, my father was born here, and I was born here," she said.

Her granddaughter said: "The food has been amazing, and everybody has been so kind. I've had a wonderful experience. I'd like to come back with my brother and his children.

"I think storytelling is really important. But I also think that coming here has solidified these stories for me. I know they will stay in my thoughts and heart forever, and I will continue to pass them on."