“How wonderful for you!” my former Chinese student in China, Jason, messaged me. “You will soon have all your things, after waiting so long, almost 5 years. I think you will be very happy.”

Very happy? Understatement of the year.

The Story of My “Stuff”

Getting all my things back into my possession has been a huge dilemma since I was locked out of China due to Covid restrictions.

I have been teaching now in this service position since 1987. I began in Japan, then went on to China, then to Taiwan, back to China, a 3-year USA stint due to Covid and finally my new placement in Laos.

And, yes, all my things have followed me over those 35 years. I went from 1 suitcase in Japan to over 100 boxes of teaching supplies, clothes, books, educational materials, bedding, kitchen utensils, cultural gifts and decor, not to mention my American holiday decorations. (Christmas takes up 5 boxes in itself, including strands of lights galore).

I had hoped to return to go through everything, discard, give away or throw away unnecessary items before the shipping company was hired. Sad to say, my tourist visa to enter China was denied last December, . . . . twice. With our two countries’ relations being so poor, this was not surprising but it certainly was disappointing.

My Abandoned Things

The story of my abandoned things is a long one.

First, my college moved all items to another teacher’s apartment on the campus. When it was discovered I would not continue with my English teaching position in that country, my Australian friend (Geoff) who is married to a Chinese woman, Snow, graciously said he’d house my entire household in his wife’s apartment in Luzhou. Arrangements were made and all those 100 boxes-plus were sent to his home. There it was stored for over a year, with my hoped-for visit to go through it all.

That, as mentioned above, didn’t happen.

Jason to the Rescue

With my visa denial, it was next a matter of hiring a shipping company in China to deal with the move to Laos. I had no idea where to start or who to contact.

It was my former student, Jason Li, who came to my aid.
“Let me find a shipping company for you here. There are so many. I can find a good one and see if you’re satisfied with it. If not, I will find another one.”

That was 3 weeks ago.

In a whirlwind of text messages back and forth to me, the shipping company Jason first chose as a possibility won the prize. Their professionalism in answering all of my questions, assessing from a video the estimated cost, being in contact with me day and night put all my fears at rest.

With Geoff’s assistance, a downpayment was wired to the company last Saturday. Two company workers arrived to Geoff’s home on Wednesday to pack it all up.

Within 4 hours, it was in the truck and on its way to the warehouse for weighing.

All that was left were these items which I asked Geoff to haul out of the to-be-sent pile.

Cost of shipment depends on the weight and cubic meters of goods. Mine filled 3 pallets, cost was calculated, Geoff wired the remaining funds yesterday, the company should receive that transfer today or tomorrow and then, folks, it’s coming to Laos!

Door-to-door service, 15 days from the start of its journey, all customs documents and tax fees are included . . . I do nothing but wait for its arrival.

How’s it coming? I was told by truck and train. I insured for $3,000 so if it goes missing, guess I’ll be enjoying a huge shopping spree in Laos to replace it all.

My Friday Housewarming Gathering for the Laos Staff

It’s going to be a VERY tight squeeze to get everything I own into this apartment here in Laos. I have a small second empty bedroom only so the rest of my things will be scattered throughout the sitting room, patio and my already-crowded bedroom.

With such a mess to deal with in the near future, I am inviting the staff over for my housewarming party this coming Friday. I’ve already informed everyone we’ll be taking off from work Friday afternoon, 3- 6 p.m., to enjoy cakes, cookies, coffee, drinks, fellowship and chatting time at my permanent home here in Laos.

As director of the Center, I can do that! Don’t have to ask anyone’s permission but myself.

Ah, the perks of being the boss, yes?

Be looking for more news from Vientiane, Laos, as I continue to settle into my new adventurous environment: motorbiking, teaching, administrating, learning, hosting . . . . and waiting for Christmas in July (all my things) to arrive very, very, very soon.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Connie in Laos