Category Archives: Uncategorized

My Meeting with Jimmy Carter: Tongue-tied before my hero

Posted on January 1, 2025 by connieinasia

Here in Laos, I have just heard of the passing of Jimmy Carter. I posted the below 2 years ago but I’ll include it here again. This article, “Tongue-tied before my hero,” was published in the October 11, 2012 issue … Continue reading →

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My First-ever Laos Carolers Alight!

Posted on December 31, 2024 by connieinasia

In that last post, I mentioned waiting for the young people from church to arrive and sing Christmas carols. In preparation of their arrival, I had informed my building owner, Sulisak, to please tell the staff these were not unwanted … Continue reading →

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Connie’s Christmas Finishes Off in Laos

Posted on December 30, 2024 by connieinasia

It’s been quite a Christmas here in Laos, which will finally be finishing off tonight with the Laos church youth coming to sing Christmas carols. This is the first time for these young people to take part in a caroling … Continue reading →

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The End of our Winter Term

Posted on December 22, 2024 by connieinasia

“Christmas Tree!” 11-year-old Sisakda shouted as he popped up excitedly during our Christmas Bingo game on Tuesday night. We all fell into laughing hysterics. “No, Sisakda,” one classmate responded, rather annoyed. “You shout ‘Merry Christmas’, not ‘Christmas tree’!” Students had … Continue reading →

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Christmas in Laos: We are Ready!

Posted on December 20, 2024 by connieinasia

What a night! The Suntisouk Language and Vocational Center here in Vientiane, Laos, had its first ever Deck the Halls activity evening with the students. After a surprise road construction and alleyway paving closed us for a day, we had … Continue reading →

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My First Thanksgiving Day Lessons in Laos: Being Thankful

Posted on November 29, 2024 by connieinasia

I don’t have time. It’s too late to prepare a PPT. No one will know if I mention it or not as it’s not popular here. Those were my thoughts last Sunday morning as I suddenly remembered: “Oh, my gosh!! … Continue reading →

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A Relationship of Firsts

Posted on November 20, 2024 by connieinasia

I’ve been learning so much about government structure here in Laos, especially when it comes to neighborhoods of big cities, small towns and then tiny villages. “Villages” for Laos in big cities are comparable to precincts in America. I have … Continue reading →

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My First American Tradition Sharing here in Laos: All Hallow’s Eve

Posted on November 9, 2024 by connieinasia

As one who enjoys getting out of the mundane office or classroom routine, I’m always looking for an excuse for celebration. Most recently, that had the Center involved in Halloween. When I saw the streets of Vientiane explode in Halloween … Continue reading →

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My Sins in Laos Released

Posted on October 19, 2024 by connieinasia

I mentioned in the last post that after sinning away in my new country of service, I was finally able to release my offensive cultural and personal burdens accumulated over the 10 months I’ve been here. This purification transpired after … Continue reading →

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From Laos, Celebrating My First Boun Ok Phansa

Posted on October 18, 2024 by connieinasia

After 10 months of culturally and personally sinning away in my new country of service, last night, I was finally able to release all my offensive burdens. What has brought this about? None other than Bhoun Ok Phansa, or what … Continue reading →

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