Author Archives: connieinasia

My previous post spoke of my frustration concerning unqualified individuals getting into China to teach at private preschools. In my WeChat group with these young people from Canada, Britain and the US, they continue to share vital information. Despite my … Continue reading →

Naturally, I had to do a swimming video for my students, friends and colleagues in my hometown’s outside pool. This is the place anyone could find me all summer, 6 – 8 a.m. for adult lap swim, even on Saturday … Continue reading →

It’s the end of August!! How did that happen? The past 2 months have been filled with Illinois travels to 8 speaking engagements and a 4-day visit to Detroit for a Volunteer in Mission Board Meeting (So fulfilling and wonderful!). … Continue reading →

The following was submitted to my local newspaper, on behalf of our China rescue, Bridget Dear Marshall Trinity UMC Members and Pastor Zoila,            Last week, my owners saw an announcement in the Marshall Advocate that Trinity … Continue reading →

We’re going on 2 1/2 years now that I’ve been stuck in America. China’s strict “Zero Covid” stance is actually starting to lift, as of June! Large cities throughout China, and even those in my province of Sichuan, are now … Continue reading →

I received a message 2 weeks ago regarding the end-of-year celebrations at my college in Luzhou. We always had a performance event in the auditorium for graduating seniors. Seniors and others would show off their talents as a final farewell. … Continue reading →

Every morning, and throughout the day, I check my WeChat messages from China. There are messages from former students, comments from colleagues about my “Moment” posts (mini-blogs), friends, foreign teachers giving me in-country updates, my church choir’s announcements and the … Continue reading →

There was hope for Shanghai yesterday. It was the first time that the city had reached Zero-Covid status for residents outside of quarantine centers. But today, after another daily round of Covid testing, brought 58 positive cases to the forefront … Continue reading →

I’ve been spending a lot of time searching the latest news of Shanghai as the city struggles to control its virus cases. When positive cases exploded 4 weeks ago, a majority of Shanghainese felt the Zero-Covid police would not be … Continue reading →

The last full-blown Easter traditions and reports I remember came via email from my mom, 3 years ago while I was in China. She described a meaningful cross-walk with parishioner members on Good Friday, a church Easter egg hunt for … Continue reading →