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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Happy July 4th! (And Picture Postings from Last Week)

Happy Independence Day! It’s been many years since I’ve been able to enjoy my small town’s July 4th celebrations with my parents.  Plans for this evening will begin with hamburgers and baked beans, TV viewing of Washington, D.C.’s special concert … Continue reading

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The Maiden in Distress Wins the Day

Driving straight for three and a-half hours is a long time to go without a potty break, especially if you’ve just had 3 cups of coffee before starting out.  But that is the predicament I found myself in last week. … Continue reading

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Itineration Visits to the North and Central Illinois

I’ve had a busy 4 days, enjoying great fellowship, food, and welcoming overnights during my drives to Mason City, Effingham, Brownstown and Shelbyville. Before I forget, let me post our pictures here for everyone to enjoy. Ping An (Peace)!    

Posted in A Visit Home to America, Smalltown American Life, Travel, Visit To The States | Leave a comment