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.

News of the Qing Hai Earthquake and Relief Efforts

Posted on April 23, 2010 by connieinasia

  What News of Earthquake Emergency Relief?  UMCOR in Action               Those who are United Methodists will be pleased to hear about our UMCOR  efforts (United Methodist Committee on Relief) via The Amity Foundation.  Amity staff with supplies  reached … Continue reading →

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Bits and Pieces from The Week

Posted on April 17, 2010 by connieinasia

  A Much-Needed Rain               Sunday and Monday had us roasting.             Temperatures soared into the 90s with the humidity so high that stickiness was everywhere.  Dampened clothes sagged, papers and books grew limp, dormitory and apartment walls dripped … Continue reading →

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Honey Bee Observations in China

Posted on April 12, 2010 by connieinasia

               It’s happened several days in row now.             After class, on my return to my apartment building, I’ve come across a honey bee or two lying on the sidewalk.  On one occasion, it was a death.  On the … Continue reading →

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Easter and Tomb Sweeping Festival: A Time to Honor the Dead

Posted on April 4, 2010 by connieinasia

               Three years ago, the Chinese government decided to shorten the 5-day May Holiday (Labor Day)  and mix in a few 1-day holidays dispersed throughout the year.             One of these added holidays was Qing Ming Jie, or Tomb Sweeping … Continue reading →

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An Egg Coloring Night of Meiyou Dian (No Electricity)

Posted on April 4, 2010 by connieinasia

               “I heard that Longzhou is famous for no electricity,” I volunteered to a crowd of 23 students, seated in the growing darkness of my living room.             Laughter and  knowing groans followed.             Tuesday evening, our first … Continue reading →

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Preparing for Easter Traditions in China

Posted on March 28, 2010 by connieinasia

    Coloring Eggs: A Trial Run               Every good teacher knows if you’re trying something new, better have a trial run first.              Since this entire week is going to be evening egg coloring for all my classes, … Continue reading →

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The search has been on: Jelly Beans in Longzhou

Posted on March 20, 2010 by connieinasia

              The question for the week:  How do you say “jelly bean” in Chinese?             For Christmas, the search was for Christmas lights.  Living in such a small town, I had little hopes of finding them but managed to do … Continue reading →

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A Winter Homework Assignment, A Treasuretrove of Women’s Stories

Posted on March 12, 2010 by connieinasia

    Winter Homework: International Women’s Day               When I assigned winter homework during the Chinese Spring Festival, my students groaned.  Winter homework assignments are something Chinese students always have to do in junior high and high school, not in … Continue reading →

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March: In Like a Tiger

Posted on March 7, 2010 by connieinasia

                      After over a month of silence, Connie is back to her usual reports after finally landing in Longzhou yesterday.              It’s time to begin the Chinese Year of the Tiger and I’m certainly ready for it.             It … Continue reading →

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Earthquake Memories Revisited

Posted on January 23, 2010 by connieinasia

                January 12th was my birthday.              At 45, I had so much to celebrate.  New placement, new  friends,  a new life in yet another part of China, which I love – A lot to be grateful and … Continue reading →

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