Category Archives: Uncategorized

Every time the phone rings on my mom’s landline, my eyes have been immediately searching out the digital read-out of the caller: First United Methodist (church secretary wanting to relay something), BSW Law (my brother’s law practice, probably brother Paul … Continue reading →

The Lantern Festival is a Chinese festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Usually falling in February or early March on the Gregorian calendar, it marks the final day of the traditional … Continue reading →

The Year of the Rat is almost at an end. February 11, Thursday at midnight, the mousies are out; the oxen are in. Yes, it’s the start of Spring Festival, what we westerners refer to as Chinese New Year. February … Continue reading →

The first Sunday of every month puts me and my mom in worship as the special music. For awhile, in-person services were put on hold so we’ve been showing up for our live taping session (December and January) with only … Continue reading →

When I first went to China in 1991, computers were just starting to make their way into the hands of common folk. Cell phones and smart phones were non-existent. Telephones were only for the very wealthy, with most villages, towns … Continue reading →

“Ping, Ping, Ping!” It’s Saturday morning and my WeChat messages from the choir’s soprano group are becoming unusually active. Luzhou is 14 hours ahead of Illinois, meaning messages were coming in for China’s Saturday evening. That is a strange time … Continue reading →

I celebrated my 56th birthday on Tuesday, January 12.  Here were my day’s events Birthday Greetings from China I awoke to find over 30 birthday text messages of good wishes, all from China:  my students, my colleagues, my church choir … Continue reading →

I was up at 7 a.m. last Sunday morning. Usually, I’m tucked away in bed, in my PJs, since my hometown church went to virtual worship services. My mom and I can easily sip coffee on the bed while watching … Continue reading →

In the previous post, you were able to enjoy my family’s vimeo of Christmas greetings to my Chinese students, colleagues and friends. Yesterday evening,  I spent over an hour individually sending to all my groups, students (past and present), special … Continue reading →

My family took time to record a message for my Chinese colleagues, students and friends which was sent out this evening. I’ve already received numerous texts: “Thank you, Connie, your mother and brother! Merry Christmas!” Same to all of you: … Continue reading →