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.

My New Apartment!

It’s going on Week 3 since my move into my new apartment. I’ve been searching for a more permanent place since January. I needed a new residence, one that would hold all my Covid-abandoned “stuff” that is still in China. … Continue reading

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It’s 108 Degrees Fahrenheit!!

It’s been a wicked last 10 days, with temperatures soaring above 100 for what I was told has been an unusual stretch for Laos.  In fact, this week the MOES (Ministry of Education and Sports) announced that schools without air-conditioning … Continue reading

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Laos Critters: A New Experience

“Why is there a black billiard ball in my bathroom?” I wondered, looking down at a rounded thing next to the broom and dustpan sitting nearby the toilet. I went in for a closer look when. . . poof!! That … Continue reading

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A Hail Storm Surprise

“Oh!! Oh!! Oh!!” Santi exclaimed, standing at the glass doorway leading onto the outside corridor. Staff member Santi, whose hours are from 11 – 7 p.m. at the Center, and I were in the office, waiting for those last 2 … Continue reading

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The SLVC Facebook Page is Humming!

My fantastic Laos staff has been busy. Our Facebook page has exploded in pictures and videos taken by Khamxay and Santi during the courses we 3 teachers hold: Afiju (Village chiefs, college students), Amos (college students, young adults) and myself … Continue reading

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A Split in the Laos Team’s Location

My role as director took a somewhat official turn not long ago.   I’ve been getting my feet on the ground for 3 months now, just figuring out all that needs taken care of.  There’s a lot!   Angie , former director, … Continue reading

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From Laos, Suntisouk Center News: Word is Spreading!

Yes, folks, word is spreading!  It’s been 2 weeks since my last post and I must say, news from here is uplifting and positive.   14 new students at various levels and ages have joined our different classes.  We have … Continue reading

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Village Chiefs in Laos

I believe I mentioned in a previous post about village chiefs. Here I’d like to expand a bit more. I remember several conversations with Angie, former Director of the Suntisouk Language and Vocational Center, concerning this topic. When she began talking of … Continue reading

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One of my greatest supporters, Searoba, leaves this world

One truly heartwarming treasure of being in this kind of service to others is that of incredible friendships.  I have so many, with memories that I hold dear along with pictures of those who have already left this world or … Continue reading

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My Midnight Blue Honda Scoopy

Evading collisions.  Dodging potholes. Plowing through dust clouds.  Early Sunday morning, I zip along the city and countryside roads on my way to church. The 35-minute journey on my midnight blue motor scooter, the Honda Scoopy, is a long and … Continue reading

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