Author Archives: connieinasia

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About connieinasia

I have been in the Asia region for 27 years as an English language teacher. A majority of those have been in China with the Amity Foundation , a Chinese NGO that works in all areas of development for the Chinese people. Covid stranded me in America for over 3 years, with China closing its boarders to returning teachers. In 2023, I was accepted into a new teaching role not in China but in Laos. Join me in experiencing this incredible journey into a different culture, a different language, and a different life.

我和母亲祝愿我的中国学生和朋友们：虎年快乐！My mom and I wish my Chinese Students: “Happy Year of the Tiger!”

Posted on February 1, 2022 by connieinasia

My mom sighed. “I suppose you’ll want to do a video,” she intoned while watching me haul out my camera tripod from the closet. I nodded absently, engrossed in the task at hand as I bustled about our very small … Continue reading →

Posted in China, Luzhou, Tales of China, The Chinese New Year, Travel, Waiting it out during Covid | 1 Comment

February 1st: Welcoming in the Year of the Tiger

Posted on January 30, 2022 by connieinasia

            Last Wednesday, a large, heavy box addressed to me landed on our doorstep here at 710 Mulberry Street.           “What in the world did you order that’s 22 pounds?” my … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

我57岁了！I’m 57!

Posted on January 16, 2022 by connieinasia

January 12 had me celebrating my 57th birthday. I awoke in the morning to find the above display, set by my mom. The birthday bear plays “Happy Birthday to You”. It’s our tradition to bring out this musical stuffed animal … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Wishing my Students in China a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Posted on December 31, 2021 by connieinasia

Thanks to my older brother, my mom and Bridget for being such good sports to record this for my students. I received a lot of comments after sending it off through my WeChat channels. Thought those of you who follow … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Our Christmas Eve Church Service: Mother and Daughter in a Tricky Trio

Posted on December 29, 2021 by connieinasia

There’s a story here concerning my mom and me performing in a trio during our Marshall First UMC Christmas Eve Service. We weren’t meant to be a trio. We were only meant to be a part of the choir but … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

The Mooncake or The Fruitcake: Which do your prefer?

Posted on December 27, 2021 by connieinasia

     It was a fight to get through the lower levels of the Mouer Department Store in Luzhou, China. The entire population of this Yangtze River town seemed to be here. I pressed in close and peered over the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

My Overseas Christmas Stocking: Breaking Traditions

Posted on December 24, 2021 by connieinasia

(This piece was published in the Christian Science Monitor’s Home Forum section, December 3, 2004. Thought it was appropriate for today’s entry, before Christmas. Enjoy, and Merry Christmas!)        My Christmas stockings have followed me around the world.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

My Mom’s Weekly Newspaper Column: “Walk with Me”: Ornaments old and new

Posted on December 22, 2021 by connieinasia

My mom continues with her weekly column in The Marshall Advocate, our local newspaper. She’s been in the Christmas spirit as we’ve been decorating with all our favorites. Numerous Christmas items from 5 separate bins have been emptied and placed … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Thanksgiving Day Greetings from China from Students, Colleagues and My Church Choir

Posted on December 1, 2021 by connieinasia

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 … Continue reading →

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In China, A Thanksgiving Day Weekend Travel Gone Ary

Posted on November 29, 2021 by connieinasia

          As I continue to wait to return to my Asian home, I’m reminded of a holiday experience that took place years ago. I hope your Thanksgiving Day travels went a lot smoother than this one.  While in China, on our American … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment