Since my last November update, I’ve tried to keep folks informed of my goings-on via Facebook. That is quite popular here and among many of my USA friends. I hope you are keeping up. If not, see copied below the entry I posted today, regarding the Center’s upcoming December holiday events (Facebook, Connie Wieck)

“Well, the students on Monday went ga-ga over our Center’s Christmas foundation of trees, lights and wall hangings. Today will be the power point lesson of Christmas Symbols and their meanings. Tomorrow night is Deck the Halls, which means an all-day task of preparing the different stations for our students to enjoy making decorations. On Monday, office Manager and teacher Santi made the announcement in every class about Thursday night and also posted in the group chats for parents to see. This year, I opened up for parents, siblings and even friends to come and join in the fun. When this was announced, one of my student’s (age 7) got very excited, jumped up and down and said in Lao, “I am bringing 4 classmates!” Also included in the open invitation are the adults for our free English Corner. Like I did in China for our college-wide Christmas Activity Night, we’ll be wrapping apples as gifts to give to others. Thinking on that at this moment, I realize I probably didn’t buy enough yesterday if we have more guests participating. Can’t have someone going home in disappointment of not having a carefully wrapped apple to give to a friend, teacher or relative. I was loaded down on my motorbike yesterday with 90 but I think I’ll need more. Looks like another run to the market is in order. Be watching this space for more pictures and photos of our exciting Thursday evening. All year, I’ve been looking forward to doing this again, as have our staff. Merry Christmas!”

Connie’s Christmas Home

In between all the Center’s activities has been decorating my home. I’ll be having 3 open houses coming up. I am about 70% finished but still have more to go. My Christmas tree is done, highlighting the center of my room along with all the collected stuffed animals over the years.

The pet Christmas tree is up, surrounded by mechanical, battery-operated musical toys. I always enjoy preparing this table and tree in honor of current and past pets throughout the years. That of course includes all my rescues I had in China (Over 22!).

There’s the Advent calendar, counting the days until Christmas.

And I can’t forget my Chinese “Merry Christmas” characters, squirreled away at the bottom of one of my boxes from China. They found their way back to me after 4 years of my Covid exile. Such a lovely reminder of all those years I enjoyed in that country as a teacher.

When I finally get them all up, I’ll post again, most likely on Facebook.

Have an exciting countdown to Christmas, everyone! Think of me here in Laos, getting excited about sharing holiday traditions with students and friends.