That awkward moment when...

…you accidentally give your phone number to a 45+ year old Chinese man.

I’ve had quite a few awkward moments since moving to China…but I think today’s might make the top of the list.

This morning, at our school, we had an all-school assembly. Before the assembly began, the teachers and staff were responsible for helping move chairs to the gym and setting them up for the students.

Anyway, I was thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to serve and work alongside the Chinese teachers and school staff. In addition, there were a few maintenance men who worked for the school to which I enjoyed nodding and saying “ni hao.”

As we were finishing up with the chairs, one of these maintenance men came up and began talking to me in Chinese…AND I actually understood him. My pride instantly skyrocketed. I can speak Chinese!! I proudly thought to myself. It was so fun. We talked about where we were from, what I taught, and he offered to give me his phone number. How nice of him! I innocently thought to myself. He continued to talk in Chinese…I didn’t understand it all, but I thought I could catch his message through his hand motions. He wants me to call him if I ever need any help with anything. I thought, and I innocently gave him my number, too.

And then, mere moments after I punched my number into his phone, a few other men walked into the gym. I did not recognize these men and instantly realized that they were a part of the assembly program (presenters in the puppet show). They started talking to this “maintenance man,” and I quickly realized that the maintenance man was not a maintenance man after all. He was the sound man for the presenters in the assembly.

The reality (and irony) of the whole situation hit me in the face. I had inadvertently given my number to a complete stranger… a Chinese man, at least 10 years my senior.

Embarrassment over the whole situation rushed upon me as I graciously excused myself back to my classroom. I cannot believe I just did that, I inwardly groaned….and then, laughed at myself. How embarrassing. :)

Needless to say, my pride of being able to talk with and understand someone in Chinese was instantly humbled….and I just had to laugh. Sometimes when you live in another culture, there are many differences. And yet, in the midst of all of these differences, I’m discovering that some core principles remain…like never give your phone numbers out to strangers…especially when they are men. :)

Beside this realization, I don’t know if there’s any big sp*r*tual truth to this story. Its just embarrassing…and I thought it might make you smile today. :)

Happy Monday, friends! :)