Author Archives: connieinasia

Unknown's avatar

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.

The Center’s International Women’s Day Activities

Saturday, March 8, is International Women’s Day. For a majority of Asian countries, and that also included China, a day off is given as a celebratory day remembering women around the world. Due to the official day being Saturday, the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Farewell Lessons to My Junior High Students; Hello to My New Adult Learner

This new term has found me a tad busier than usual. Aside from co- teaching junior high with Shaloom, then my own Level 1 elementary ed students, a new adult evening class came into my schedule beginning February 10. This … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Updates from Vientiane: Valentine’s Day in Connie’s Classroom

My silence has been due to a hectic beginning to the school year. We are now entering Week 5 of the new term. More students, more classes and even private classes for me added from 7 – 8:30 p.m. has … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Hectic Last Week; Hectic This Week

I attended a conference last week, thus the long silence. The promised picture of my birthday sihn is below. I chose the golden one for my golden 60th. What do you think? And would you believe it’s time for classes … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

I’m “sinning” my way to 60

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Time to Celebrate! I’m turning 60

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

My First-ever Laos Carolers Alight!

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Connie’s Christmas Finishes Off in Laos

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The End of our Winter Term

“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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment