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.

My Mom’s recent “Walk with me” column: Banana Bread takes the cake as COVID-19’s Yesterdish

Posted on May 15, 2020 by connieinasia

By Priscilla Wieck I came across an intriguing  article last week written by Jen Rose Smith, a CNN correspondent. Part of my interest in the Internet lies in the wealth of trivia I am able to access through its ever-amazing … Continue reading →

Posted in A Visit Home to America, A Visit Home to Marshall, Illinois, Walk with Me: My mom's newspaper column, Yesterdish | 1 Comment

Final Letter 5: The Reply from Chaplain Marvin Maris in the Philippines

Posted on May 13, 2020 by connieinasia

Note:  This letter is copied from the war correspondence between my grandmother (Connie Maris) in Holland, Michigan, and her husband, Chaplain Marvin E. Maris, in the Philippines. He refers to letters from his wife which have been in the previous 4 … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel, Uncategorized, Visit To The States, World War 2 Letters, World War 2: VE Day Correspondences | 1 Comment

Letter 4: My grandmother’s news and observations, Day After VE Day: May 9, 1945

Posted on May 12, 2020 by connieinasia

Note:  This posting is Number 4 in a 5-letter series, taken from the war correspondence between my grandmother (Connie Maris) in Holland, Michigan, to her husband, Chaplain Marvin Maris, in the Philippines. Wednesday Morning, 8:15 a.m.    May 9, 1945 Dearest … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel, Uncategorized, Visit To The States, World War 2 Letters, World War 2: VE Day Correspondences | Leave a comment

Letter 3: My grandmother’s 1945 VE Day events from Holland, Michigan

Posted on May 11, 2020 by connieinasia

Note:  This posting is Number 3 in a 5-letter series, taken from the war correspondence between my grandmother (Connie Maris) in Holland, Michigan, to her husband, Chaplain Marvin Maris, in the Philippines. V-E Day, May 8, 1945: Tuesday Dearest Chaplain Mine: … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel, Visit To The States, World War 2 Letters, World War 2: VE Day Correspondences | 1 Comment

Letter 2: My grandmother’s war letters — Victory in Europe Announced: May 6, 1945

Posted on May 11, 2020 by connieinasia

Note:  These postings are from the war correspondence between my grandmother in Holland, Michigan, to her husband, Chaplain Marvin Maris, in the Philippines.   Monday, May 6, 1945 Dearest One far away: Today is the day will always remember — unofficially … Continue reading →

Posted in Travel, Uncategorized, Visit To The States, World War 2 Letters, World War 2: VE Day Correspondences | Leave a comment

In Honor of the 75th Anniversary of V-E Day: My Grandparents’ WW 2 Correspondence, A 5-letter series

Posted on May 10, 2020 by connieinasia

Review Information A previous post spoke of a rare find in my home as my mom and I cleared out things for her upcoming house move:  Hundreds of  WW 2 correspondence letters between my grandmother, Connie Maris, and her husband, … Continue reading →

Posted in A Visit Home to America, Michigan in 1945, Travel, World War 2 Letters, World War 2: VE Day Correspondences | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

From China: Sichuan Province Colleges are re-opening but under strict conditions to do so

Posted on May 9, 2020 by connieinasia

“Can we talk?” The text came at 10 a.m. my time, 11 p.m. China time,  from my best friend Cathy, a departmental head in another college in Luzhou. Absolutely!  I love talking to Cathy.  Aside from having wonderful English, she … Continue reading →

Posted in China, coronavirus, Luzhou, Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown, Return to China, Smalltown American Life, Tales from Sichuan's Yangtze Rivertown, Tales of China, Travel | 1 Comment

My Mom’s Weekly Newspaper Column: Walking Observations and The Orphan Train

Posted on May 6, 2020 by connieinasia

The Orphan Train By Priscilla Wieck   Walking the Town Observations As I write this,  I am wondering whatever happened to our lovely spring weather. Temps in the low 50’s and, oh, that wind! Have any of you noticed how … Continue reading →

Posted in A Visit Home to America, A Visit Home to Marshall, Illinois, Visit To The States | 1 Comment

What’s it like in a Luzhou elementary school now?

Posted on May 2, 2020 by connieinasia

I have quite a few former students whom I’m often in contact with.  Many are now English teachers in their hometowns or in different cities throughout Sichuan province. During the COVID-19 lockdown, which in China took place right before the … Continue reading →

Posted in A Visit Home to America, China, coronavirus, coronavirus, Luzhou, Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown, Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown Stories, Travel, Wuhan coronavirus | Leave a comment

To my Chinese college, still awaiting my return

Posted on April 30, 2020 by connieinasia

Yesterday, I received a message from my college asking me to compile a short informational write-up for their teacher files.  This was to include a  photo headshot, description of my educational background, places I’ve taught, courses I’ve been teaching and … Continue reading →

Posted in China, Luzhou, Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown, Return to China, Travel, Wuhan coronavirus | 1 Comment