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 costumes for sale, that stirred me into action to educate those enrolled in our classes with what this day was about.

No one knew aside from it was a foreigners’ time to dress up in scary outfits for some reason or other. To the Laos children, their parents and working adults, sounded fun so why not take part in it by purchasing costumes, and attending some ex-pats parties or gatherings? International schools likewise were hosting their own Halloween celebrations for students, even though this is more of an American custom than those in Europe or Asia. Seems the Halloween spirit catches on no matter where one might be in the world.

In China, I devoted entire units to Halloween, which ended in a campus-wide Halloween Activity Night which the English Club and I spent weeks to prepare. Over 700 came to enjoy pumpkin carving, bob-for-apples, trick-or-treating, costume wearing and picture taking. We even had teachers from outside bring their students to enjoy.

Here at the Center, I took the opportunity to create a special Power Point concerning the history of Halloween from the Celts to the Romans to the Christians. This included the Christians adoption of the day which eventually ties into All Saints Day.

Next came the activities associated with this day: wearing costumes and masks, trick-or-treating, bobbing-for-apples, and carving pumpkins. Unfortunately for this part of the world, pumpkins are so flat and narrow that I couldn’t demonstrate making a Jack-o-Lantern but videos I made during the Covid years came in very handy.

By the end of the 2-day preparation for our own celebrations at the Center, the students were well-informed. Worksheets helped them gain the simple vocabulary needed to identify activities and costumes that are the most popular in America for an October 31st gathering.

Preparing for The Big Evening

Much like in China, I decided Halloween Activity Night was what we needed to nail home the lessons taught. Without my English Club, it was my Laos staff and Shaloom (our intern from Pakistan) to help carry out the evening as hosts and chaperones.

I first enlisted the help of our older students, those in Junior High, to help make the necessary activity signs needed for each of our stations. These they translated into Laos as well, to make sure our younger students, their parents and friends (invited as well) could understand what was asked of them to do.

Our activity stations were as follows: Mask making, Make a trick-or-treat bag, Trick-or-Treat, Wear a Costume, and Bob-for-Apples.

I was very impressed by their enthusiasm in taking on this task and their creativity in making their signs colorful and noticeable. They really went to town! This likewise included Shaloom, who mentioned this is also a new experience for him as well. Notice is great ghost drawing in the below. He certainly outdid himself!

Preparing for the Evening’s Event

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The Laos staff likewise enjoyed a down-sized education of Halloween via Power Point during our weekly meetings and then being assigned roles for decorating and manning our stations. Aside from those of Laos nationality, two more additions (newly arrived Sora, Korean-American, and our bookkeeper, Joan from the Philippines) joined in helping along with Shaloom, of course. We started at 10 a.m. and eventually finished by 3 p.m., just in time to settle into our own costumes and await the arrival of our guests. (Note: Not familiar with slideshows? Below is a slideshow of our preparation photos. Click on arrows to forward or the middle arrow to begin progression automatically.)

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The Event Itself

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Our doors opened at 4 and closed at 7 p.m.  In total, we had about 45 come (including all our students) and participate in what we had to offer.  Students brought siblings or friends.  We had a few parents enjoy themselves as well, especially picking through the many costumes which I’d had from China and then added quite a few from the street venders.

I will say the venders selling so many costume selections were ecstatic when they saw me coming.  I ended up visiting them numerous times to make sure we were stocked to the brim so everyone could have a decent selection of what to wear.  As you can see from the pictures, this was quite a night full of happiness, fun, all-out joy along with the educational stance which I, as a teacher, always highlight in anything I do. (Below is another slideshow presentation.  Put your cursor on the picture and arrows will appear.)

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Grateful to All our “Sponsors”

I have more news to share of more celebrations in upcoming posts, but let me take this time to thank you all once again, those of you who have been graciously and generously giving to the Santisouk Vocational and Language Center through the Advance.  Without your support, we would not be able to have such events.  

Not only have you added to the education of the students but given the staff a feeling of being appreciated and loved in all their hard work.  Your donations have allowed me to go all-out for birthday parties, lunches on the Center’s dime, offering snacks during weekly meetings, money gifts to rejoice in births or (sad to say) the passing away of  close relatives, and also truly making us all proud with those who have finished furthering their education.  2 have just finished their BA degrees after 2 years of after-work courses, another completed his junior college Business degree and yet another is about to undertake a weekend of MA courses here in Vientiane.  

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Here we are below, at a celebratory luncheon for our graduates,  following yesterday’s after-buffet gorging.  `The lunch for 11 was on all of you who have given to the Center so generously this past year.  In our opening prayer before eating, we thanked those who have supported us in all ways, not just monetarily but also  through spreading the word about  this special institution here in Vientiane, Laos.  Yes, we  in Southeast Asia feel truly blessed to have you join us in spirit and thought.  Have a blessed weekend!

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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 my Thursday evening class ended, the night of Boun Ok Phansa which marked the end of the Buddhists’ lenten period and also the end of the rainy season.

I had been told that candles and lights would be lining many of the streets, with booths set up along the roadside selling banana leaf floatables with candles. These were to be lit and placed in rivers, lakes, or ponds to cleanse the spirit and purify one’s life of past transgressions.

Why water and why candles?

To celebrate Boun Ok Phansa, the festival Lai Huea Fai was initiated. This is known as the Candlelight Festival or Festival of Light. Like other festivals in Laos, it blends together Animist and Buddhist traditions. It is believed that the ceremony originated as a way to pay homage to the river deities and their spirits.

From the Animist viewpoint, the nagas (water spirits) bring good luck, thus a combination of water and light are a highlight of the traditions for this special night.

My Participation in The Festival of Light

I was the last to leave the language center at 7 p.m. after my English class ended. Due to reports from my Laos staff members, I was anticipating an astounding candlelit visual ride home. I hopped on my midnight blue Honda Scoopy and zipped along the main road.

Sure enough, numerous shops had their candles lit and displayed on my route, including restaurants and homes.

But what caused me to gaze in wonder was the large temple which I pass by every day. Outside the temple compound, booths full of homemade flower-laden water lamps lined the entranceway. I did a quick U-turn, pulled up alongside one of the display tables, parked my bike and scanned the wares offered.

Time to cleanse my spirit of sins. What better way than to participate in my first Laos Festival of Light by buying a time-honored traditional item?

My female seller was so pleased to have a foreigner purchase her handicrafts. I’m sure she jacked up the price but as far as I was concerned, 50,000 Kip ($2.50) was fine with me.

My Outside Temple seller

Buying my banana leaf floats with seller

And I really made her day as my philosophy is if one is good, two is better.  

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My Water Launching

For a possible launch, the Mekong River was definitely in my neck of the woods but I knew the crowds would be horrendous. I was not up for a fight to park my motorbike, or deal with traffic jams and a possible accident, especially in the dark and after a full day of work. I was tired!

Instead, I opted for a quieter, more private and intimate discarding of my transgressions: That of my apartment’s swimming pool.

After lighting my candles, and included incense sticks, off my offenses and misdeeds went.

My two floats bobbed along as the flickering candle flames illuminated the surrounding water. While not an Animist or a Buddhist, I will say that within my Christian faith, there was a freeing sense of sins being forgiven, at least for the day, anyway.

One Last Cleansing Needed

And what about others in my household and their sins? That would happen to be my recently adopted dog, Winnie,

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….who is still working on her many behavioral sins, one of which has her recently peeing in my bed!

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That second launched lamp of spiritual cleansing might have sufficed for the water deities and Buddha, but in my books, Winnie really needs to do a lot better than a flower floaty to get any blessings from me.

Winnie choosing her light 1

Winnie choosing her light 2

Here’s Connie, and Winnie Wee-wee, signing off from yet another fascinating experience in Laos, our home in Southeast Asia.

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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 locals often refer to as Boun Lai Heua Fai, the Festival of Lights.

What is Boun Ok Phansa?

This festival marks the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent, or “Phansa”, during which monks typically stay within their temples for meditation and study. As they emerge from their retreat, illuminated lanterns and candles symbolize the return of the monks to their communities and the end of the rainy season when they are less likely to harm living creatures while walking as well as the enlightenment they have gained during this period.

In the days leading up to the event, temples and homes are decorated with candles and colorful paper lanterns in anticipation. 

On Boun Ork Phansa day, this year celebrated on October 17, vibrant festivities ensue across the country as monks emerge from their retreats and communities come together to celebrate their return. A special candlelight parade in the evening marks the culmination of the festival. 

The light from lanterns and candles is often associated with purity and spiritual cleansing. It is believed that the act of lighting these illuminations helps cleanse one’s spirit and bring positive energy into one’s life.

The lanterns and candles attract the blessings and protection of deities and spirits. This symbolism ties into the broader theme of seeking divine favor and guidance during the festival.

Showing respect for Cultural Traditions: Wearing the Sinh, the Laos Skirt

Since Boun Ork Phansa is not a national holiday, schools, government offices and places of business continued onward as usual. This included our Santisouk Language and Vocational Center, although I will say evening classes for both myself and Shaloom had slimmer numbers than usual.

The Junior High had only 5 out of 11 in attendance; My new elementary education class of 6 had only 3.

This didn’t stop me from wearing my new Laos skirt in celebration of this traditional day. I gathered together my students, some still in their school skirt uniforms, for a photo op.

Naturally, we had to have two: The “posed” shot and then the fun one. Junior high first, with Shaloom since we are co-teachers.

Junior High Good

Junior High, Fun Shot Best

And next, our elementary ed students including higher and lower levels.

Elem. Ed, 1 Best

Elementary ed, FUN 2 Best

To make it a special evening for my Level 1 attendees, Louknam, Namwan and Fanta, we had our first game of Bingo with cookie packet prizes. Yum!

So what about the release of sins?

Interested in how my sins were released after those opening blog sentences? Watch this space for the next installment, my adventuresome ride home after class and the outcome of my stop along the way. It’ll be a great read!

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Loudspeaker Announcements Bring Big Surprises

Posted on October 11, 2024 by connieinasia

I am used to announcements in Laos blaring over our village’s loudspeakers around the Center. These usually happen once a week but last week, it seemed to be a constant and always during my classes.

What in the world is going on?!

Khamxay, my office manager, had the scoop on that one. One by one, seemingly every day, some request was made for us to follow as a place of business which concerned the upcoming ASEAN Summit, being held in Vientiane from October 6 – 11.

What’s the ASEAN Summit?

I had no idea what this was about but only that the buzz around the city was that roads might be closed and security would be upped, meaning more police on the roads than usual.

I looked up the news concerning this important yearly meeting and found the following:

“The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an inter-governmental international organization, comprised of  Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia.The yearly ASEAN Summit is the highest policy-making body in ASEAN comprising the Heads of State or Government of ASEAN Member States. ASEAN’s purpose is to promote economic and cultural exchange among its member countries, maintain peace and stability in Southeast Asia, and establish relationships with foreign powers with similar aims. ASEAN formed during the Cold War to promote stability and cooperation in a politically turbulent region. The theme of ASEAN 2024 is enhancing connectivity and resilience, and is to be held in Vientiane, Laos. It aims to make Asia well-connected to the world and between our regions as well as being resilient in this uneasy time around the world.”

Loudspeaker Requests Are Carried Out

The first announcement Khamxay alerted me to was that of purchasing a new Laos flag.

Every year, businesses are to replace old faded flags with new ones. With the summit just around the corner, the urgency of looking good to dignitaries and summit reps was paramount. Our Center is located down an out-of-the-way back alleyway but all around us are embassies. I often zip by the Korean, Chinese and French Embassies on my way to work or heading up the road for a short shopping venture

I immediately requested funds from our bookkeeper and Khamxay headed out to buy a Laos flag and colorful smaller flags to line our outside security wall.

I was quite surprised by the new image which this portrayed for us. The previous flags were worn, ripped and so faded it was difficult to distinguish what color they were. I was a bit embarrassed that I hadn’t noticed their shabbiness. It wasn’t until Khamxay and Santi replaced them that I realized what a poor showing we had been making. As an educational institute that prides itself on caring about the country, flying a dirty Laos flag certainly didn’t look good.

Thanks to Khamxay’s guidance, we set off on a new venture of patriotism with our flags, proudly flying for those passing by or entering our gates.

Security Personnel Needing Appreciation

The next loudspeaker translation from Khamxay concerned our Village Chief’s appeal to bring snacks to area police and security personnel during their long week of keeping the city safe during the summit.

What a kind gesture!

As soon as I heard, I headed off on my motorbike to the D-mart to stock up on snack supplies. I purchased variety boxes of cream-filled cakes, very similar to our USA Little Debbies, along with energy-boosting instant coffee Nescafe packets. In total, I had 70 cakes and 120 3-in-1 coffee sachets. A worthy token of service recognition, the staff and I agreed.

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Before Delivery, A Note

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We were asked to drop off our offerings at the Village Chief’s office. I really wanted to make sure our Center was recognized as having given a donation so I wrote a small note in English. This was translated into Laos by Santi, printed out, signed by myself with our Center’s stamp and placed in an envelope which I slipped into the goodie bag.

Here is what I wrote:
“To Our Local Security Team, in Preparation of the 44th ASEAN Summit:

The director and staff of the Santisouk Language and Vocational Center  thank you for all your efforts to keep the city safe and secure during this upcoming vital meeting.  We hope this small gift of snacks will help sustain you during your long week.  

We are so grateful to our Village Chief for announcing, collecting and distributing these items to all those involved in this venture.   It is an honor to join with other businesses to give the support  needed for all involved to complete such a worthy task.

In deepest appreciation,

Director Connie Wieck and Staff, Santisouk Language and Vocational Center Vientiane, Laos

The Delivery

The Village Chief’s office is only a 1-minute motorcycle ride from our main gate. Khamxay called to make sure someone would be there to unlock the hall and usher us in. The Villadge Chief himself wasn’t there so late in the afternoon but two of his staff members were. After dropping off our items, we had a group picture and left feeling satisfied that we had done our duty to keep our neighborhood in good standing with local authorities.

The Biggie: All Schools Closed for The Week!

The last announcement, which was made publicly by official notices, was the close of all educational institutions for the week.

This was completely unexpected and we had no idea it was coming until Sunday.

The Laos government wanted to keep the roads cleared of as much traffic as possible in the city, thus the closure of all schools in Vientiane. This included our Center as well, even though we are a private business and not a public educational institute like a local Laos school, international school or a college.

Khamxay made sure our students were notified via Facebook and our group chats. Despite no students, the Center remained open with the staff and myself keeping our usual office hours.

Shaloom and I, as teachers, had plenty of time to lesson plan. I was able to get caught up on all my material development ventures for primary school and junior high. This included re-writing a puppet play script with specific grammar focuses, creating numerous “spare tire” (extra) worksheets for my beginning level students, making several board-type games with the vocab from book chapters, finishing 3 power points for my class and catching up on administrative duties.

In other words, despite the absence of students, we all kept pretty busy.

The Summit Ends; The Weekend Begins

With Friday upon us, and the summit ending tomorrow, it will be back to the usual weekend activities for me: Pool swimming, shopping, walking my family canine addition (Winnie, my newly adopted dog — we’re still working on potty training, a different concept for her), attending church on Sunday and gearing up for a week of classes after a surprise 1-week holiday.

Keep checking this space in the future for more news. It’s always a joy to share with you from my amazing home, here in Laos.

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Eyesores Disappear; Purchases Made; New Classes Begin

Posted on October 4, 2024 by connieinasia

The past 2 weeks have seen so many changes here at the Center. Are you ready for the updates? Here we go! Let’s begin with our eyesores

Thatched Roof Huts Are Finally Gone

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The two raised Laos thatched roof huts at the Center were purchased 5 years ago as a special hang-out place for the students. I wasn’t present at that time yet I heard they were well-used, even with teachers holding outside classes on cooler days.

But when Covid became an issue, the Center closed down for in-person education. Online teaching ensued and the huts began to fall into disrepair. The sight of them was quite shocking. Khamxay mentioned many times having such an embarrassment on our grounds.

When I arrived last December, they were a true eyesore. I had so many other things to deal with that the huts went onto a “to do” list that stretched onward into infinity, it seemed.

This problem recently flew to the top of my deal-with-it list when our Village Chief stopped in for a visit.

I still remember Khamxay and I watched as his eyes scanned the dilapidated structures. While he said nothing, his facial expression was one which said it all: “What kind of respectable business would keep these national Laos-treasured buildings in such a state?!”

Not a good one, obviously.

At many staff weekly meetings, I had the huts on the agenda. Sell? Give away? Disassemble and give away as firewood?

Last week, I’d had it.

No more discussion. I told Santi, my “get things done” staff member, to advertise on Facebook. Whoever wanted them can have them, to either take away as a whole or cut up in our courtyard for easier removal.

With that announcement in the office, Khamxay (my office manager) brightened.

“Ajan Connie,” he said excitedly, “can I have one? I can put at my new house. My family and I can enjoy outside eating and resting. And I know Nyai (treasurer) also wants one for her home, too. Is it OK?”

“Absolutely OK!” I piped up. “And as a bonus, I’ll pay for the hiring of whomever you choose to haul them away. But I just want them gone by the end of the week. If not, I will advertise for removal immediately.”

Khamxay got on the phone to Nyai and the two of them began discussing how to haul these giant huts away in a hurry. They enlisted the use of our out-of-town Laos church flatbed truck. This is good for use if gas money is paid, with one of the church members driving.

I handed over 300,000 Kip ($14 USD) for transportation. The next day, our male staff members gathered together to hoist first one (Trip 1) and then the second (Trip 2) for delivery to Khamxay and Nyai’s home.


The next day, Nyai sent me photos of why the hut for her was so important. To make extra money, she and her husband have a mushroom farm. She is using the hut as an area to prepare, sort and package her goods for local sellers. Such an ingenious idea! Certainly better needed there than here, and a much more pleasant sight than at our Center

New Students Mean New Purchases

With the recent increase of students (my beginner’s English class for primary school kids) came yet another equipment addition: Two water dispensers. One for near the classroom and one for the small assembly hall, where students hang out playing games while waiting for class.

Laos is hot. Drinking is a must and water is guzzled by all on an hourly basis.

Water sanitation is a concern throughout the country. We all drink bottled water, which is ordered in hefty tanks and delivered to us in the big city. The Center receives 10 jugs a week but we’ve had only 1 dispenser, quite old, which all use.

Due to more donations from so many of you familiar with the Center and my work here, we were able to purchase 2 new dispensers at $90 each for a total of $180. The company brought them over last week and they are now in full use by everyone.

The two taps, boiling water and cold water, allow for numerous uses. For the staff and myself, our energy levels have been boosted with so many boiling hot cups of instant coffee which we guzzle on a daily basis. (Thanks for that!)

For the students, it’s been filling their water bottles to drink from as they dash around the courtyard, playing games before class. Or for the older students, re-hydrating in the classroom as they participate in the lessons which Shaloom and I have been teaching.

Here are some photos. Santi below is unpacking the box and I’m the first to enjoy a nice cup of water, before students arrive. Thank you again for those who have given to our Center’s special funding. We are NOT wasting your thoughtful gifts!

New Classroom Set-up: Blessings from More of Your Funding

Also keeping me busy last week was setting up my classroom for my new students, ages 7 – 9.

There were so many runs on my motorcycle to the D-mart (similar to the Walmart) to load up on folders, markers, pens, paper, bulletin board, containers for better organization and a large whiteboard. When traveling by motorbike, I can only carry so many items. It took me 3 days of navigating the main city road to the store but I picked up all I needed.

Then came the pricey ($400) but spiffy new Epson Projector, to display my necessary PPTs (Power Points) for better educational learning. With Shaloom using the older projector in his class, I was left with none for mine.

Not anymore!

Last Friday, I spent the entire day at the Center preparing my room. Suher, our caretaker for the Center, helped me move in tables, set up the projector, hang the whiteboard and bring in chairs. By 5 p.m., the close of my day, I was ready for my Monday afternoon class. What a feeling of accomplishment, relief and excitement!

Want to see the week’s results of my efforts? See below my new students, some of whom chose fun English nicknames while others stuck with their shortened Laos versions. I have Pizza, Fanta, Phoy, Namwan, Louknam and Fon. (Yes, I’ve got all girls!)

Monday’s Holiday: Teacher’s Day

The 3-day weekend, with Monday celebrating Teacher’s Day (recognizing the Laos educators) had Shaloom and myself preparing the students to thank their teachers.

For the Junior High, we practiced a script in both English and Laos which we recorded and posted on the Center’s Facebook page. It read as follows:

Happy Teacher’s Day!

Dear Teachers, We are thankful for your love. We are thankful for your care. You guide us in our studies. You help us in our lives. Thank you and we love you!

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For the elementary school classes, Shaloom and I had our students make cards to give to their teachers on Friday. I certainly didn’t expect to receive any of these but I had a surprise.

Since Shaloom took over my older class of students, two of them decided to gift me with their artwork as a thank you for our time together. That was so thoughtful!

And on that last note, I leave you all with my heart full of gratitude, joy and appreciation in serving here in Laos as a teacher and the director of this amazing educational center.

Happy Teacher’s Day!

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Last week, We Escaped the Floods

Posted on September 20, 2024 by connieinasia

It was 2 a.m. last Saturday, early morning.

The downpour was horrendous! I waited anxiously for the knock at the door, the one from my neighbors telling me it was time to move from our ground floor homes to the empty apartments on the upstairs.

I’d never in my life experienced such a deafening torment of water, nor growing fear that perhaps my place of work, the Santisouk Language and Vocational Center, was flooding.

Warning had been Given

A week ago last Friday, all of Laos (including Vientiane) were fearful of the Mekong River overflowing its banks and flooding the entire city. And for good reason! Just look at the below picture of the Mekong River, to the very brink of overflowing its banks and inundating the city with water.

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As advised by our book keeper Joan, before leaving our offices for the weekend, we began placing items of importance high up on cabinets: Printer, classroom projectors, computers, floor fans, extension cords all were shoved onto higher ground.

The preparation work took place on a very sunny Friday, not a cloud in the sky. How strange to know that heavy rains were coming along along with reports of the broken Chinese dam upriver. The dam waters were expected to reach us sometime that afternoon.

At 5 p.m., I hustled on my midnight blue Honda motorbike to the D-mart, my favorite shopping market downtown. I needed to stock up on food items in preparation of our perhaps future disaster. The check-out line was not quite as long as I had anticipated but people’s carts certainly were not a surprise: Overflowing.

While the Laos and most people, such as myself, were concerned mostly with feeding ourselves or our families, one foreigner was purchasing 5 sturdy shovels. One wonders if he was living in a low-lying area. I can understand maybe 1 or 2 but 5?!

My purchases I was able to balance in bags on my handbars and shove into my backpack on the way home. Zipping along, I came across numerous flood-prep sights.

My favorite street shop owner had hauled out empty bags, ready for sand-filling.

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Laos soldiers had set up a sand-bag distribution center, located in a corner block where residents could come to receive free materials.

While an excellent gesture, the problem was that citizens had to bring their own trucks or transportation for such supplies. It was a thoughtful gesture but not sure how many came due to the difficulty in acquiring a truck or car. So many here have motorbikes. Taking one or two might be an option but not sure how much good it would do someone whose entire house was threatened.

Some businesses had already set up their barriers but I did wonder how much use it would be. Once the river overflowed its banks, there would be little hope of holding it back.

Arriving back home, I took a picture of the roadway leading to my apartment complex and wondered if this might be the last time I’d be able to drive on it.

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The Sleepless Night

Once the 2 a.m. rain began, it just wouldn’t stop.

I quickly grabbed my phone and texted our Center’s caretaker, Suher. He lives at the Center, in one of the small classrooms which he has set up as a bedroom.

“Is everything OK?! I’m so worried!” I messaged.

I honestly didn’t expect a reply so early in the morning but I did get one, surprisingly enough.

“All is fine. Don’t worry,” Suher replied. “I will let you know if there is a problem.”

I next wondered if I’d find the road leading up to my apartment completely underwater. My apartment complex was closer to the river than the Center, and a tad lower in elevation as well. A brief lull, after over an hour, had me tentatively walking out to see what I might find.

The alley roadway was up to my ankles in water, which was quite disturbing.

Thank goodness my bike was safe, under the shelter with other two-wheeled vehicles. I’d have taken it inside at that moment but there was no way to get it up the entrance steps. It was too heavy for me so I just prayed it would be safe.

Yet another rain began close to 4 a.m. but not quite as brutal as the one that came before it.
Relief came when most of us woke up to a no-flood environment, our beloved vehicles still with us and ready to transport us around the city once again.

A Week Later

Here we are a week later, with most nights full of rain but days of sunshine and the Vientiane city flooding fear in the past, at least for now.

Classes, by the way,  have been outstanding as Shaloom and I settle into our second week.  Our primary school and junior high students had such fun with all the activities we planned.  After a full day of their own tedious school work, one would think they wouldn’t be too enthusiastic about more learning after school finishes. However, we try to make it a joyful experience, one that brings encouragement and laughter. I can’t all our classes are going to be as uplifting as those this past week but we’ll definitely do our best to make sure at least a majority of them hold their interest.

Another Class to Begin for October!

On a very exciting high note, I have another class to be added to my schedule beginning September 30.

The primary school beginner level opened for registration 3 days ago and I already have 5 enrolled. I will be teaching these youngsters while Shaloom takes over the older ones, mostly due to his entry into this position as a novice teacher. Teaching beginners takes skill and while I’m not as adept at elementary education as I am with older students, I’m getting there.

My 7 – 10 year olds will be starting with the alphabet in the Let’s Go Book 1 and continue onward at a fast clip, or so I hope.

The weekend is now upon us and I am so grateful today’s Friday is not full of the anxiety and concern of last Friday. While we’ve had constant rain all day today, the waters are not rising, thank goodness.

Now my only concern is praying the roof holds. We have 3 ceiling repairs of water damage which will take place tomorrow. I’ve already had numerous spots taken care of. Now more to go before classes begin on Monday. Ugh!

Here’s hoping your weekend is a joyful one. From Laos, this is Connie signing off.

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The First Week of Center Classes Has Ended: What a Thrill!

Posted on September 13, 2024 by connieinasia

For the past three weeks, the news from my office manager has created quite a stir leading up to the Center’s school year opening this past Monday, on September 9. Every morning or afternoon, Khamxay has been announcing the following:

“Connie, Mew has invited her friend to join the junior high class.”

“Connie, we now have 4 enrolled in the new adult class, maybe 5.”

“Connie, the parents want a class for beginners in English. Can we add it?”

What has brought about the fame of our language Center? It’s been excellent advertising by office manager Khamxay and my adept poster guy, Santi, not to mention word-of-mouth that we have not only Connie teaching, but Shaloom as well.

Photos of last semester’s ending, certificates in hand and enthusiastic reactions, along with visual invites on Facebook, have given us quite the reputation in this city of 850,000.

Creating an Organized Environment of Learning

When I arrived in Laos and took over our only group class of 4, I had very little preparation time. No rooms had been arranged for proper teaching. (This rented compound and building were created for offices, not for classrooms). I had no funding yet to purchase what was needed. And with so few students, there was no need for larger spaces.

When Khamxay began announcing more student enrollment and more classes, my teaching skills went into overdrive. We needed a proper set-up with classroom rules, material table set-up, tidy folders for students, pencil-pen baskets and spread-out ability.

It took a week, but I got us ready to go in the largest room I have. Thanks to so many donations from the US from many of women’s groups and others, look what I’ve been able to do! (That’s a slideshow below, by the way, for those now familiar much with computers. Pointer on the picture, you’ll see arrows, you can progress to the next one.)

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As was my habit in China, I put together my own textbooks for the junior high (In the Classroom with my Foreign Language Teacher) and the Adults (Let’s Share in English).  My elementary education course already has an excellent published series, Let’s Go, which I love. No need to bother with them.  However, I  included for all levels copies of a beginner’s Laos book for children  which I purchased in America for my personal study of the language.   We can all learn together.  Maybe some of those new sounds and vocabulary will stick. It’s been 8 months now and I am making very little progress, I’m sorry to say, in communicating in Laos with others.  I use a lot of gestures and enacting to get my point across.  One can only hope these next months I’ll see some improvement 

Classes begin, including guests from America

The Monday to Thursday schedule is as follows: Junior High, 4:30 – 5:30; Elementary Ed, higher level, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.; Adults, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Monday and Tuesday had somewhat slim numbers with many not yet registered but by Thursday, we had both former students and new ones join us.

I have 10 in junior high, with more considering to join us. See below our pictures. (Another slideshow)

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Shaloom and I have 8 elementary ed, starting in Book 4.

The adult evening class for now meets twice a week, Monday and Wednesday for 1 1/2 hours. Most likely, we’ll add a 3rd night as most older learner prefer 3 times a week, not two.

At present, we have 4 in the evening adult class: A primary school teacher (Nuk), a Department of Labor government worker (Noon), a college student majoring in English (Fei) and an investment broker (Boia). Nuk, by the way, is one of the teachers at the nearby primary school that I teach at on Friday mornings for my outreach program. She teaches Grade 4 and hopes to have one of her colleagues join us. The principal was likewise considering the class but she works so hard and is exhausted by the evening.

An Exhausting Week but a Joyful One

Yes,I’m glad the weekend is almost here but the joy in seeing the Suntisouk Language and Vocational Center finally begin to be noticed is such a thrill.

Soon, Shaloom will begin to take over his own classes and we can teach simultaneously, in different rooms. Due to his newness to teaching, and to Laos, he will not yet be thrust into the classroom on his own. For now, he is assisting me, getting to know the students and learning the craft of educating, lesson planning, classroom management and tricks of the trade. September 24 – 26 will be his time to shine with me as observer and assistant. Finally, September 30th will see us separated: Him with the older children; me with the beginners.

As for junior high and the adults, we will continue to share these together until we get more students, meaning more classes.

Flooding Emergency Announced: Help!!

Before closing off, we are at present having a flooding emergency warning going out for our area. That includes my apartment as well. The Mekong River has reached record highs due to torrential rains and the city itself is expected tomorrow to receive the deluge of water from a broken China-made dam to fully reach us.

Let’s pray all my preparation work above, and all the success of the week, doesn’t end in tragedy with the Center sent underwater. There is no place for us to move things to higher ground as we are all at floor level. See below what is already happening near the river, which is less than a mile away from us, somewhat near our doorstep.

My apartment, by the way, is on the first floor. Yikes! In case the water reaches us, my rental guy (Sunitsok) already informed me that there are 3 apartments on the 2nd and 3rd floors he’ll be opening for us to hustle up there.

If there’s a knock at my door, I’ll be ready!

Yes, I’m definitely packing a suitcase when I go home this evening from the office. As for my midnight blue Honda Scoopy, parked with the other motorcycles outside my building, I guess she’ll just have to fend for herself.

From Vientiane, Laos, here’s wishing you a great weekend . . . and me a semi-dry one.

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A New Addition to the Center’s Family

Posted on September 2, 2024 by connieinasia

The Center’s opening after a restful summer break is nearly upon us. As mentioned before, we’ve been waiting for our new Global Mission Fellow (GMF) to arrive from Pakistan and arrive he has!

We had somewhat of a panic attack when he was told before leaving Thailand, where he received his Laos work visa, that he would be required to pay $2,000 US to land in Vientiane. Pakistan is one of those countries which has been unfairly earmarked by so many as a terrorist nation. It took us a great deal of paperwork to get him approved for a work visa here. Even with that official stamp in his passport, when I thought all was well and good, obviously it wasn’t

He was required to sign an agreement letter that he was responsible for the $2,000. When he notified me of this, I told him to play dumb upon entering Laos, show him his stamped visa and we’d pray he could get in.

However, I did bring that asked-for wad of cash with me, just in case. I wasn’t about to let our 2-year new teacher be sent back to Pakistan after he was within hugging distance.

As it turned out, Shaloom made it through, my 100 dollar bills stayed in my purse, my office manager Khamxay and I got him settled into his new apartment home and it’s been smooth sailings ever since.(Knock on wood)

Whew!

See the pictures below of our Shaloom alighting in our midst on Saturday, including our preparation of his apartment to make him feel welcome and at home.

First Full Day in Vientiane

Shaloom and I had a get-to-know-the-city with a drive around on the electric motorbike which I purchased several months ago, just for GMF use. In Laos, there is no way to get around except by your own transportation methods. There are no city buses. Taxies are the only way but with our distant church being 35 minutes away, taxies don’t usually go that far. And if they do, they are very expensive.

Shaloom has ridden motorbikes before so this was an easy transition for him, although an electric bike does take some getting used to. It only goes up to 35 mph so when he takes off for church in the coming weeks, he’ll have to leave a lot earlier than I. My Honda Scoopy travels up to 120 mph, if I want it to. (I haven’t been that adventurous — I keep it at 40 mph at the fastest.)

Our stops in his neighborhood included the Center, a noodle lunch and market shopping for simple necessities.

His First Staff Meeting on Monday

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Our usual Monday meeting from 10:00 – 12:00 had everyone meeting Shaloom. Afterwards, we enjoyed take-out lunch on me.

And his first duty as a GMF? Helping Khamxay hang advertising signs for our new term!

A Busy Week Ahead

We are now open for registration. With Shaloom’s arrival, in October, we’ll be able to add more classes for more language learners.

During the month of September, Shaloom will join me in the classroom as my teacher assistant. He can learn a few teaching techniques while adjusting to a new country, a new lifestyle, a new language and a new adventure in life: that of serving, and learning from, the Laos people.

Stay tuned for more stories from Vientiane, where Connie’s fame seems to be spreading. Let’s hope this entices more students to enroll and becomes a promising start as we here in Laos exit the rainy season and enter into an exciting school year.

From Connie, here’s wishing you peace and joy for your week!

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Suntisouk Language Center Upkeep: Yikes!!

Posted on August 23, 2024 by connieinasia

“Connie!!” came Suher’s response as he raced to my side. “Are you OK?!”

Flat on my back, wet mossy slime seeping through my T-shirt’s back, I stayed put. I was mentally assessing any injuries, broken bones, cuts and scrapes I might have. Despite being in great physical condition, nearing age 60, one can never be too careful when it comes to falling down.

I had been racing about our cement outer grounds, checking up on preparations for a 2-day meeting to be held here, when I slipped. Our continuous rainy nights have left our inside campus area covered in green moss. I hadn’t realized just how slippery moss can be until the moment my feet went flying out from under me and I came crashing downward.

Yes, I survived, but it made me realize how very dangerous this was for the next day’s meeting.

We were to have numerous older people gathering to discuss matters concerning church service in the country. One small step on any one of those surfaces and someone might not be as lucky as I.

Also in my mind were the children. When classes begin in 2 weeks, we can’t be having our young students running about in such an environment and expect someone not to get hurt.

Thank goodness for my staff. Within an hour, a lawn roll had been ordered with delivery later that afternoon. We laid that down in a hurry, for a tidy sum of $103. One disaster averted.

Killer Coconut Trees

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Next on our safety list came those destructive coconut trees. We’d had tree-trimming take place several months ago without thinking of the coconut trees.

The recent downpours in the evenings are now sending coconuts crashing to the ground. Not only has this resulted in destroying a section of the classroom building, this likewise poses a hazard for anyone walking under them. A coconut can kill. If ours, being so high up in the air, landed on anyone’s head, a life would be ended or a substantial injury sustained.

Today, office manager Khamxay called our tree crew to remove the two which have already damaged the Center to a repair tune of $54.

Tree removal? $108, which we’ve scheduled for next Wednesday.

More Upbeat Improvements for our New School Year: Tables and Cabinet!

Last term gained us quite a notable boost in notoriety. The summer break has now had parents calling, asking when we’ll be opening, when they can sign up for courses and if we’ll be adding more classes to our slim schedule from last term.

As you recall, due to only 1 teacher being present (myself), we could only offer classes that didn’t overlap so I could take over the teaching schedule. We have a newbie coming soon, Shaloom from Pakistan, who will be joining me as a young volunteer through the Global Mission Fellows program. That will allow more classes with more classroom space needed.

With that in mind, it was time to go shopping for tables and cabinet storage space.

Four days ago, Khamxay and I hopped on board my midnight blue Honda Scoopy, drove 40 minutes across town to a Chinese importer’s office furniture warehouse and spent over an hour scouting out what might be available for the Center.

In the end, we ordered 12 top quality foldable tables and 1 bookcase for textbook storage. Those arrived today, for a total of $732. Assembly was included and the delivery guys hustled those into the rooms I designated for our new classes.

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Added to this display was my own personally purchased home item, a bookcase.  The arrival of my things from China, including hundreds of books and boxes of overseas’ donated school supplies, have left me somewhat as a loss where to put them.

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 I spotted what I needed at the furniture warehouse.  My purchase was therefore the second stop for the delivery men:  My apartment, where it took about 1 hour for them to assemble my buy.

 I can’t wait to get busy this weekend emptying boxes, organizing and putting away my treasured teaching materials from years past.  Since I didn’t pack these things myself, I’m wondering what exciting treasures I’ll find that I’d forgotten about.

In Closing:  Thank You, Supporters, for your thoughts and giving spirits

As you can see from the above, the dent in our special bank account, filled with supporters’ generous donations,  has been substantial: Over  $1,100 in a matter of a few weeks. Included in that amount has been events such as birthdays, welcoming visitors, lunches out as a team, and celebrations for successes achieved.  The Laos staff work hard, often going home late at night where family responsibilities await them.  Many have church worship duties to attend to (opening prayers, announcements, giving the message, communion) not to mention Saturday church commitments of organizational meetings or attending praise team practices. There is no day-off.

 For those of you who have been spreading the word about my monetary asks for the Center’s needs and also giving yourself, I can’t tell you how much this has meant to me personally.  Having the immediate funds to attend to matters that keep the staff, the students and myself not only physically safe, but extremely happy, makes us feel loved, appreciated and so very blessed.

And the new furnishings!  What a joy!  I now find myself eagerly walking into classrooms that now have sturdy tables, those which don’t wobble or have a leg that collapses out from under them due to screws which quickly come lose.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who have given my new placement this extra boost of renewed energy.  Your thoughts and continuous giving spirits continue to make life here special, unique and meaningful.

From Connie in Laos

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New Additions to the Language Center Family

Posted on August 13, 2024 by connieinasia

August is fast becoming the month of family here in Laos.

We’ve had new overseas arrivals joining the language center family.

After me being left on my own for nearly 3 months, three newcomers to Laos are about to grace us with their expertise, service-centered work ethic and strong desire to partner with the people of Laos.

We warmly welcomed David Kim and his wife, Sora Lee, on August 8, greeting them at the airport with signs, cheers and hugs.

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Thursday night had Sora and David settling into their apartment. I ordered out from an Arabic restaurant, one the many offerings on the Vientiane food App delivery service, and we enjoyed time getting to know one another. Although we’d been in contact via email and Whats App, this was our first time to meet in person. Very nice meal; very nice chat time.

On Friday, my office manager, Khamxay, was celebrating his 38th birthday. What’s a birthday without a pizza party and cake?! Not only that but Khambang, another of the Center’s Laos staff members, was celebrating her birthday on the 20th. So it was a double celebration, one on the day itself and one a tad early.

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Naturally, David and Sora joined us. More time to truly get to know one another. There’s nothing like a Friday party to get everyone in the mood for the weekend: Pizza, presents, pictures, cake . . . . We did it all!

I leave you with a final visuals of our staff team together. One member I haven’t mentioned yet. Can you guess which one it is from the below photos? I’ll report more in the next entry!

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