She talked to me

To my good friend, TJ from Copenhagen, Denmark, who has just become a social worker, CONGRATULATIONS! Here's a story for you:

A centre for people with physical disabilities was organising an opening of a new wing. A local politician was invited to officiate the ceremony. Several members of the press came too and also distinguished members of the community. In his speech, the politician talked about the government's concern for people with special needs and how he, as an elected representative, would always make sure they get maximum assistance. Next, it was the priest-in-charge's turn to deliver his message. He reminded the community to always have faith in God for He would choose the right people with good heart as leaders. Their speeches were received with loud applause from the invited guests. During reception, one of the reporters interviewed a physically-disabled old man who was the most senior member in the centre.

"Sir, what's your respond to the speeches we heard earlier?"

"For all I know, the politician was actually talking to you guys, the press. He was looking for good publicity. And the priest was talking to the politician for he was hoping to get more of the government's money. But one social worker who was sitting in front turned to to look at me for a moment. She smiled and winked. She talked to me and I understood her."

Sometimes, the simplest gesture can make a big difference. But again, it can be misinterpreted in a different culture.

A young western woman was in Hong Kong recently for a short holiday. She went to a Chinese restaurant for lunch one day and while waiting for the food to be served she saw a skinny stray dog standing outside. She felt pity for the animal and wanted to do something. She called the waiter to her table and asked him to cook some food for the dog, and that she would pay the bill. But because she didn't know a word of Chinese, she made up a sign language by pointing at the dog, her mouth and belly, apparently trying to tell the waiter to feed something to the hungry dog. The waiter nodded and dashed back to the kitchen. After several minutes, he came out with a huge plate of dog meat cooked in soy sauce.