Church with Alexia!

I'm writing this from the perspective of being able to take someone on a cultural experience. As a group we ended up not all being able to do something but I was glad Alexia joined me at a church service. I am a Christian, in Cleveland I attend a Pentecostal church but in Columbus I attend one that is Baptist. Both churches are predominately African American. 

With cultural experience that you are used to most people take it for granted knowing the "norms" or what is socially acceptable. Kyle and Alexia asked me what they should wear. I realized that I should have included this when I first asked them to go. I take for granted knowing that I can go to church, particularly black ones and know what to wear. 

The day of I knew that I had to "warn" Alexia about what to expect once she got to church. Every week first time visitors are asked to stand and after that everyone fellowships and greets one another. I had to let her know that people were going to welcome her and everyone around hugs you regardless of if they know you or not. Something else is that amount of time were are in church. It starts exactly at 10:45 am and goes until about 1:15 pm. This is normal and a good time for me, I'm used to being in church longer. Something else that stands out is the excitement that goes along with service. From the choir doing praise and worship on to the sermon you are having a good time. Alexia was surprised everything wasn't monotone. Lastly with her coming I knew she wouldn't be the only non black person but I don't remember seeing Asians. It's funny that we noticed four other Asians that we could see. Overall I was glad she seemed to have a good time and wouldn't mind going again.