I fell in love with a “flying Dutchman”…literally. In the summer of 2011, I moved to the Netherlands not knowing anyone except my husband, not knowing how to speak the language, and leaving behind my friends, family, and everything I knew that represented me. But as they say, “Love is blind. ”
In the beginning, I spent many months “alone in my head.” My mother-in-law didn't speak English（or Italian）. This, however, didn't stop her from trying to communicate with me. At first, sounds of vague meanings coupled with hand gestures was our way of having a conversation.
It wasn’t until I discovered she was a choral（合唱的）director for a women's group in the community that we then began communicating on a whole different level. From my early days in school, I was always part of a school choir for over a decade.
We shared a love of music! Dien（my mother-in-law’s name）taught me many beautiful Dutch songs. I sang in her choir throughout the years that followed. And then by chance, I came across a TED-Talk featuring you, Mr. Whitacre discussing your music and the virtual（虚拟合唱团）choir. Within minutes, I researched when the next project would start and to my surprise, it was Virtual Choir4“Fly To Paradise. ” I couldn't wait to tell my mother-in-law!
The next 2 weeks we spent practicing our parts and perfecting our video submissions. It was pure joy for us. Something we shared a love for, encouraging each other, spending hours together, and making a permanent bond as a mother and daughter-in-law.
Music has always been a part of my life. Its significance is greater than anything most people are aware of. Our participation in your virtual choir is one I will never forget. And it goes without saying, I am grateful for you, your music, and its ability to connect us all.
1. Which of the following best describes the author’s mother-in-law?| A．Talkative and humorous. | B．Active and caring. |
| C．Strict and determined. | D．Quiet and considerate. |
| A．She felt regretful about her marriage at the beginning. |
| B．She tried to avoid speaking to Dien due to language barrier. |
| C．She decided to join the virtual choir with Dien’s suggestions. |
| D．She developed a closer family bond by joining the virtual choir. |
| A．To give encouragement. | B．To offer help. |
| C．To express thanks. | D．To introduce a choir. |
