11-Year-Olds from Across the World Became Pen Pals in the ‘70s. 51 Years Later, They Meet for the First Time

When Debbie Houschild was 11, she was captivated by a children’s television show called Big Blue Marble.

The half-hour ‘70s program shared stories of kids from around the world and encouraged viewers to connect across cultures. At the end of each episode, the show offered an opportunity to write in and request a pen pal.

Eager to make a new friend, Houschild sent a letter—unaware that the person she would be paired with would become a lifelong companion.

She was matched with Jane Bean, a girl her age living in England, while Houschild grew up in New Jersey. Despite the nearly 3,500 miles between them, the two quickly bonded through letters, sharing glimpses into their lives as they navigated childhood and adolescence in different parts of the world.

“We would tell each other about what was going on in our lives at the time,” Houschild tells PEOPLE exclusively. “Over the years, that changed from teenage types of things to getting married, jobs, having children, and how our lives went from there.”

As life got busier, their correspondence naturally slowed, but they always found ways to stay in touch. Houschild recalls the surprise of hearing Bean’s voice for the first time over the phone, a shift after years of exchanging only letters. Their conversations eventually moved to Facebook Messenger and then WhatsApp.

When they were younger, meeting in person seemed out of reach, both logistically and financially. But last year, in one of their exchanges, Bean noted that they had reached their “golden anniversary”—a milestone neither could ignore.

“I replied that I need to take a trip to England, and she said, ‘Yes, you do,’” Houschild remembers. “I quickly thought this could be a great trip if my daughters can go too, and it all came together.”

Plans were soon set, turning a long-held dream into reality. On Aug. 26, 2025, Houschild and her two daughters traveled to London to meet Bean in person for the first time.

Houschild’s daughter, Kimberly Johnson, captured the long-awaited moment. “To think they’ve been friends for over five decades but have never actually met… It’s crazy!” Johnson, 29, tells PEOPLE.

After their first hug, Bean gave Houschild and her daughters a tour of notable London landmarks, including Buckingham Palace. Along the way, they stopped at a pub to share a drink, where Houschild brought out old photos and cards saved from Bean over the years. Their nostalgic day wrapped up with lunch at a Hard Rock Café.

“It was a great day,” Houschild says. “I did wonder how we would get along in person, but it truly was like being with an old friend.”

What began as a simple connection sparked by a children’s TV show had blossomed into a rare and lasting friendship, built on decades of shared memories mailed across the world.

“Without realizing it, over time, I created a true friendship with someone without meeting them,” Houschild reflects. “It’s been a fun, happy thing.”