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.

I’m “sinning” my way to 60

Posted on January 11, 2025 by connieinasia

My 60th birthday on January 12 is a day away but I’ve already gone decadently overboard in my celebrations. Yes, I’ve been “sinning” away. By that I mean I’ve been ordering numerous sihn (pronounced “sin”) which are traditional Laos skirts. … Continue reading →

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Time to Celebrate! I’m turning 60

Posted on January 9, 2025 by connieinasia

Where have I celebrated my birthday on January 12? I certainly never imagined my chosen profession as an English teacher would have me celebrating birthdays in so many different countries and cities around the world: Kyoto, Japan; Nanchang, (Jiangxi Province), … Continue reading →

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My Meeting with Jimmy Carter: Tongue-tied before my hero

Posted on January 1, 2025 by connieinasia

Here in Laos, I have just heard of the passing of Jimmy Carter. I posted the below 2 years ago but I’ll include it here again. This article, “Tongue-tied before my hero,” was published in the October 11, 2012 issue … Continue reading →

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My First-ever Laos Carolers Alight!

Posted on December 31, 2024 by connieinasia

In that last post, I mentioned waiting for the young people from church to arrive and sing Christmas carols. In preparation of their arrival, I had informed my building owner, Sulisak, to please tell the staff these were not unwanted … Continue reading →

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Connie’s Christmas Finishes Off in Laos

Posted on December 30, 2024 by connieinasia

It’s been quite a Christmas here in Laos, which will finally be finishing off tonight with the Laos church youth coming to sing Christmas carols. This is the first time for these young people to take part in a caroling … Continue reading →

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The End of our Winter Term

Posted on December 22, 2024 by connieinasia

“Christmas Tree!” 11-year-old Sisakda shouted as he popped up excitedly during our Christmas Bingo game on Tuesday night. We all fell into laughing hysterics. “No, Sisakda,” one classmate responded, rather annoyed. “You shout ‘Merry Christmas’, not ‘Christmas tree’!” Students had … Continue reading →

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Christmas in Laos: We are Ready!

Posted on December 20, 2024 by connieinasia

What a night! The Suntisouk Language and Vocational Center here in Vientiane, Laos, had its first ever Deck the Halls activity evening with the students. After a surprise road construction and alleyway paving closed us for a day, we had … Continue reading →

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My First Thanksgiving Day Lessons in Laos: Being Thankful

Posted on November 29, 2024 by connieinasia

I don’t have time. It’s too late to prepare a PPT. No one will know if I mention it or not as it’s not popular here. Those were my thoughts last Sunday morning as I suddenly remembered: “Oh, my gosh!! … Continue reading →

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A Relationship of Firsts

Posted on November 20, 2024 by connieinasia

I’ve been learning so much about government structure here in Laos, especially when it comes to neighborhoods of big cities, small towns and then tiny villages. “Villages” for Laos in big cities are comparable to precincts in America. I have … Continue reading →

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My First American Tradition Sharing here in Laos: All Hallow’s Eve

Posted on November 9, 2024 by connieinasia

As one who enjoys getting out of the mundane office or classroom routine, I’m always looking for an excuse for celebration. Most recently, that had the Center involved in Halloween. When I saw the streets of Vientiane explode in Halloween … Continue reading →

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