Last weekend, my WeChat messages from Chinese friends and colleagues exploded into my account.

“Happy Thanksgiving, Connie!”

“Wishing you happiness!”

“Are you eating the turkey?”

The answer to the last text was definitely “yes.” This was apparent in my later picture postings that gave visuals of the quiet, simple Thanksgiving Day celebrations my mom and I enjoyed. While a full turkey wasn’t exactly on our menu, a turkey breast sufficed. We further downsized the meal, adding sweet potato fries rather than the full-versioned candied yams.

One surprising Thanksgiving Day message came from my Chinese church choir in Luzhou.

The above, dated November 25 2021, translates as follows:

“Happy Thanksgiving! God’s Grace.

“Thessalonians 5: 16 – 18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

This was posted in the sopranos WeChat group by one of the faithful members who wanted to send me blessings for this, my American holiday. Excitement soon followed.

Ming Ming: Where did you find this picture? It was years ago. I see so many old friends. It must be saved for us.

Zhang Ming: The photo is precious. Most of the brothers and sisters are not in the choir anymore.

Wen Ding: There are so many who have left the choir now. This has triggered a great many memories. It is really precious.

Huang Hong: This is probably around 2012. I see Hongjun’s sister is there. She has long curly hair. So beautiful!

Shou Ying: Mr. Pan is so thin! Now he is a little fat.

Ming Ming: I see Ms. Cui is directing. She looks enthusiastic.

Xiao Di: May God bless our efforts; may God bless us!

The messages surrounding the photo soon tapered off as other subjects overtook the conversation.

At that point, I felt such a spirit of thankfulness to be connected in this special way to my choir in China. How I miss joining in on all that back-and-forth banter in the sanctuary during our rehearsals! Despite the continued wait, I know I’ll be singing joyfully among the sopranos once again, if not this year then surely next year.

I have faith!!