Singaporean Canadian Penpals Meet After 43 Years of Letters

Michelle Anne Ng from Singapore and Sonya Clarke Casey from Canada, who began exchanging letters in 1982 as 12-year-olds through the International Youth Service program, finally met in person in St. John's, Newfoundland after 43 years of penpal correspondence. Their friendship, which started as a school project to improve English and cultural exchange, evolved into a lifelong bond chronicling major life events, university experiences, and cultural insights from vastly different parts of the world. Despite the rise of digital communication, the pair maintained their tradition of handwritten letters, valuing the unique personal touch that physical mail provides. Their reunion was emotional, marked by a heartfelt embrace at the airport and a celebration of their decades-long connection. The meeting fulfilled their long-held dream of finally meeting face-to-face, underscoring the enduring power of letter writing in an increasingly digital age. Their story highlights the profound and lasting connections that can be forged through consistent, thoughtful communication.