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.

A year ago today: My Rescued Amaryllis

I had so much been looking forward to this time of year in China due to a particularly touching rescue which took place a year ago.  I include my WeChat journal entry here to explain the story and my sadness … Continue reading

Posted in A Visit Home to America, China, coronavirus, coronavirus situation in China, Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown Stories, Tales of China, Travel | Tagged | Leave a comment

An Update from Australian, Geoff, in Luzhou, China

My posting of February 24, “My friend, Australian Geoff, gives daily Luzhou updates” told the story of Geoff and his Chinese wife, Snow, who are currently in Luzhou.  Geoff’s posts can be found at snows.site123.me.   If you are interested … Continue reading

Posted in A Visit Home to America, A Visit Home to Marshall, China, coronavirus, Travel | Leave a comment

Today is World Happiness Day! Rejoice and be glad

Hey, Folks!! Let’s think of something other than doom and gloom in the world, and what better to lift our spirits than today, March 20, World Happiness Day? I had to do some research on this interesting UN sanctioned day, … Continue reading

Posted in A Visit Home to Marshall, China, coronavirus, Coronovirus Situation, Illinois | 2 Comments

Staying home: Smalltown USA in the virus crisis

Perhaps some of you reading are from towns such as mine:  small population (4,000 or less), close-knit community where we know almost everyone by name, low crime rate, rural agricultural area (a majority of our surrounding residents are farmers with … Continue reading

Posted in China, coronavirus, coronavirus situation in China, Coronovirus Situation, Illinois, Travel | 1 Comment

For My Methodist Supporters: For your church newsletters, bulletin boards or other means of announcing

平安 (Ping Ahn),  Peace from here in Illinois! As many know, I am still in America after having come for my Chinese New Year holidays on February 9.  I have not been able to return yet due to  the current situation … Continue reading

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

Virus rumors abound, and not just in China

As with any panic situation, it’s just human nature that hearsay abounds. Concerning the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the rumors listed below have been rampant throughout China. Masks will protect you 100%  This is not exactly true according to our CDC … Continue reading

Posted in A Visit Home to Marshall, China, coronavirus, coronavirus, Illinois, Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, Tales of China, Travel | Leave a comment

From America, the daily English prayer still continues

  Below is an excerpt from my 2019 Winter newsletter.   My Chinese Church Choir:  United in Prayer                     In the last newsletter, I mentioned joining the church’s 35-strong Everlasting Love adult … Continue reading

Posted in A Visit Home to America, China, coronavirus, Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown Stories, Travel | 1 Comment

March 2: Luzhou Vocational and Technical College Begins Online Teaching

It’s March 3, and my college in China was scheduled to begin their online teaching program yesterday. During the past week, I have been in touch with Danli, one of my Chinese colleagues who was to share duties among others … Continue reading

Posted in A Visit Home to Marshall, China, coronavirus, From Along the Yangtze, Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, Travel, Visit To The States, Wuhan coronavirus | 2 Comments

An Interview with my EIU alma mater

Posted in A Visit Home to America, China, coronavirus, Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, Tales of China, Travel | Leave a comment

The Coronavirus: Rays of Hope!

The Before:  Concern, Worry, Preparation for Online Teaching 10 days ago, I was sent this text message on WeChat:  “Hi, Connie! I received all the lesson plans you sent me but, unfortunately, I don’t have your book.   Can you … Continue reading

Posted in A Visit Home to Marshall, China, coronavirus, Luzhou Vocational and Technical College, Luzhou: Yangtze Rivertown, Tales from The Yangtze River, Travel | Leave a comment