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.

Jalin’s Auntie: Strong Women of China

Posted on October 18, 2008 by connieinasia

           Every weekend seemed to be booked solid until Christmas:  Visitor from the Methodist Board coming, Halloween Party night, speech contest elimination round 2,  teacher’s meeting, judging city-wide English speech contest, Amity regional conference, Fulbright scholars 1-week visit . . . . … Continue reading →

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The Luzhou Winter Swimming Club: A Foreigner’s Tail

Posted on October 12, 2008 by connieinasia

              Now that the October 1st National Day holidays are over, swimming pools all across China are beginning their Winter Swimming Club seasons.             From the bitter, harsh, snowy cold of the north to the more temperate and mild … Continue reading →

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Freshmen Classes Begin: Challenges for All

Posted on October 9, 2008 by connieinasia

               Monday found our campus bustling with more students than the month before.  The National Day holidays are over and our 2,100 freshmen are now beginning their classes after a week of military training.   The English Department has … Continue reading →

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China’s National Holiday Updates from Chengdu!

Posted on October 2, 2008 by connieinasia

            Last Friday evening, a majority of items were  packed for our journey to Chengdu.  LF had found the perfect place where she knew she’d not be left behind:  sleeping inside the opensuitcase.                                                                                                                                                      She’d already dragged out several of the … Continue reading →

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Our Long-awaited Freshmen Arrive

Posted on September 26, 2008 by connieinasia

    Just How Hot Is It?  Darn Hot!               The past four days have seen our wide college avenue dotted with pastel-colored umbrellas, fringed in lace or edged in colorful trim.  It’s not rain students and teachers alike … Continue reading →

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Luzhou: A Small Town Feel

Posted on September 20, 2008 by connieinasia

               I had forgotten just how small and “out there” Luzhou is compared to Chengdu.               My bus ride uptown today on the 201 hugged the river, then entered the city to wind through narrow streets lined with trees.  … Continue reading →

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A Mid-autumn Festival Sunday of Worship

Posted on September 16, 2008 by connieinasia

                My Mid-autumn Festival Sunday began not with a purchase of more moon cakes, but with a great pork loin laid out carefully on the butcher’s board.              For us Christians in Luzhou, these are the perks of … Continue reading →

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Reports of Connie’s Dad

Posted on September 14, 2008 by connieinasia

              After announcing my father’s ICU hospital stay, I received a number of emails from so many of you, saying my family was in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for your concern.  It has meant a … Continue reading →

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A Day Of Mooncaking

Posted on September 13, 2008 by connieinasia

              Despite the my previous entry, I actually am quite fond of Mid-Autumn Festival.  There are a variety of reasons but I’ll just explain my top three.             First of all, I chose this day as Little Flower’s birthday.  I never … Continue reading →

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The Moon Cake Disposal Dilemma

Posted on September 12, 2008 by connieinasia

  Note:  My below essay appeared in last year’s Christian Science Monitor’s Home Forum for Mid-Autumn Festival.  I share it with you today with tales and photos tomorrow of how I personally have been celebrating this upcoming special day, falling on Sept. 14 (Sunday). … Continue reading →

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