Author Archives: connieinasia

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 U.S. Consulate’s Halloween Event for the Chinese Public: A Smashing Success!

Posted on November 5, 2014 by connieinasia

It’s been 3 days since returning to Luzhou after last week’s Halloween frolic at the U.S. Consulate. And what a frolic it was! Due to the excellent advertising of the Consulate staff, the usual 40 turn-out ended up being more … Continue reading →

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October Happenings

Posted on October 30, 2014 by connieinasia

Where has the month gone?! After the country’s National Day holidays from Oct. 1-8, I returned from Chengdu to find myself into the full swing of teaching, as well as my daily activities of noontime campus walks with students, afternoon … Continue reading →

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Returning to Chaos

Posted on September 28, 2014 by connieinasia

Unwanted surprises. During my years of teaching along the Yangtze, I always prepared for such happenings after being absent from my school’s tiny apartment at Luzhou Vocational and Technical College. Whether a few days for a weekend in Chengdu, a week … Continue reading →

About the Newsletter: “Where are you, Jenny Bloom?”

Posted on August 29, 2014 by connieinasia

Note: This was written the morning before I left for China but refused to post. Here it is! News of my China return soon to follow, now that my Internet has finally been reinstated in my apartment. Yeah! A snippet from my … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014 Summer Itineration, A Visit Home to America, Return to China, Smalltown American Life, Travel, Visit To The States | 1 Comment

The Last Hurrah: Pitstopping in Pittsfield and My Alma Mater, EIU

Posted on August 15, 2014 by connieinasia

With my last presentations in Pittsfield, then closer to home in Charleston (home of EIU, my alma mater) and Mattoon, Illinois, I have let slide my postings and reports from the past week. This is mostly because I’ve only had 4 days to … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014 Summer Itineration, A Visit Home to America, Return to China, Smalltown American Life, Travel | 1 Comment

Springing around Springfield

Posted on August 8, 2014 by connieinasia

Last weekend had me springing around the Springfield area where on my agenda was Mission U (the UMW’s mission study weekend for 2014, with the courses of study addressing people with disabilities and the nomadic European Roma peoples), Riverton UMC for Sunday services, Woodside UMC … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014 Summer Itineration, A Visit Home to America, Travel, Visit To The States | 1 Comment

Weekend Visits: Outside and In

Posted on August 1, 2014 by connieinasia

Many years ago, I had one particular summer itineration that placed me in outside settings: a VBS in Effingham where we sat under trees for lunch and outdoor activities, a youth camp in Southern Illinois, and a park worship service with picnic afterwards. … Continue reading →

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Tip-toeing Through the South; Bumming Around the North

Posted on July 26, 2014 by connieinasia

Before heading off to the Kankakee area tomorrow, last week had me tip-toeing through far southern Illinois, near the Kentucky border to small communities called Ware and Wolf Lake, before making my way toward Mt. Vernon again and eventually landing the farthest north … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014 Summer Itineration, A Visit Home to America, Travel, Visit To The States | 2 Comments

Itineration Visits to the Far North and South

Posted on July 17, 2014 by connieinasia

Ten days have come and gone, and in between my driving miles have totaled 1223 with 8 different presentations in 8 different locations. Before heading off for my next gatherings, I am posting some photos of my landings in Taylor Ridge, Reynolds , Maxey … Continue reading →

Posted in 2014 Summer Itineration, Travel, Visit To The States | 1 Comment

Visuals of our July Fourth: Friday evening at Marshall’s fireworks celebration

Posted on July 6, 2014 by connieinasia

For my Chinese website visitors, here are a few photos of my July the Fourth evening at my small town’s fireworks celebrations. My mom, Lao-lao (the dog) and I were in attendance this year along with many others in town … Continue reading →