Tag Archives: vientiane

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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Our Term has Ended!

Posted on July 27, 2025 by connieinasia

What an amazing end to our term! Last week had Shaloom, Santi and myself busily preparing our students for their closing ceremony performances which took place last Thursday evening. Some were squirrely and energetic, like my 8 all-girl class of … Continue reading →

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I’m “sinning” my way to 60

Posted on January 11, 2025 by connieinasia

My 60th birthday on January 12 is a day away but I’ve already gone decadently overboard in my celebrations. Yes, I’ve been “sinning” away. By that I mean I’ve been ordering numerous sihn (pronounced “sin”) which are traditional Laos skirts. … Continue reading →

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Time to Celebrate! I’m turning 60

Posted on January 9, 2025 by connieinasia

Where have I celebrated my birthday on January 12? I certainly never imagined my chosen profession as an English teacher would have me celebrating birthdays in so many different countries and cities around the world: Kyoto, Japan; Nanchang, (Jiangxi Province), … 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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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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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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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: … Continue reading →

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A surprise visit from our Village Chief

Posted on August 1, 2024 by connieinasia

Khamxay and I were all alone in the office this Thursday afternoon when suddenly, through our glass door, we saw someone wandering around the Center’s courtyard. With the summer break currently underway, there are no classes and thus the place … Continue reading →

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