Tag Archives: Travel

Farewell preps back to Laos until . . . the 911 call

Posted on September 8, 2025 by connieinasia

My incredible 1-month Stateside vacation with my 91-year-old mom was coming to a close. What an energizing visit I’d had back in my hometown, Marshall, Illinois, after 1 ½ years settling into my new position as Director of the Suntisouk … Continue reading →

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“If one’s good, two’s better”: My mother’s favorite idiom comes in handy during rainy season

Posted on July 13, 2025 by connieinasia

My mother taught me: “If one’s good, two’s better.” This phrase , which often refers to the benefits of collaboration and partnership, I have found comes in handy as a consumer of goods. With my mom’s love of shopping, which … Continue reading →

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The last lesson of the previous term continues to bring us rewards

Posted on June 19, 2025 by connieinasia

Toward the end of April, I had just completed the last lesson of the Book 2 Let’s Go series which our Center uses for our younger learners. Book 3 was next on the agenda but starting it with only 2 … Continue reading →

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Mango Mania

Posted on April 29, 2025 by connieinasia

                                    Laos has exploded in mangos. All throughout the city Vientiane, numerous mango trees offer their flavorful items. These tropical juicy gifts dangle … 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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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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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 … Continue reading →

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