By Amanda Froelich Truth Theory
Although we, as a species, have more than previous generations could have ever dreamed of, the majority of us are quick to make excuses when it comes to doing work we are less than inspired by. Whether it's walking the dog, planting a tree, or taking out the trash, most people are quick to offer excuses, rather than just do the work.
The fact that so many are quick to offer excuses is what makes the following story so inspiring. For over a decade, Jia Haixia and his friend, Jia Wengi (a double amputee with no arms) have planted 10,000+ trees to revive the once-barren environment around Yeli Village in northeast China.
Born blind in one eye and having lost the other in a 2000 work-related accident, Haixia depends upon the sight and kindness of others to help him accurately navigate the world. And having lost both his arms in an accident when he was only 3 years old, Wengi has developed incredible abilities to engage in the world around him with his lower limbs, but still lacks the ease others take for granted when it comes to carrying out simple, daily tasks. Together, however, the pair have leased 8 acres of land from the government and have begun replanting the land with trees to protect the village from flooding.
Every morning, the friends rise at 7 AM and then head out for a day's work. With little money to buy saplings from the store, they rely on cuttings taken from grown trees and plant them to create new life.
After years of living and laboring side by side, the pair of friends learned how to work together in order to overcome their individual disabilities. Wengi often carries sightless Haixia on his back across the rushing river, while Haixia climbs to the top of trees to cut off the boughs that will become new trees.
After climbing back down, Haixia digs holes in the ground to plant the cuttings. Wengi's job is then to take care of the growing saplings by watering them. With this unique system of teamwork, the friends estimate that they've planted over 10,000 trees in over a decade.
A tremendous amount of attention and a bounty of support has been offered to the pair after news of their heroics went viral in China. As shared by Hebei Haoren, some generous souls have even donated money to provide the elderly duo with pensions to support their lifestyles.
And according to another article from Xinhua News Agency, Haixia may soon be able to regain sight in his left eye thanks to an operation that a team of healthcare professionals is willing to perform for free, making this story even more heartwarming!
Perhaps their example will inspire you and others to "be the change" you hope to see in the world. Did you find this story inspiring? Please share it and comment your thoughts below.
Source: My Modern Met
Images Credit: WWW.News.CN
Mandy Froelich is an RHN, plant-based chef, certified Reiki master therapist, freelance writer, world traveler, and activist. Her passions include writing, advocating for animals and the environment, and teaching people about the benefits of nutritious food and exercise. She blogs healthy recipes at Bloom for Life and shares cannabis-infused treats at My Stoned Kitchen. You can support her work through Patreon. Thank you!