Foot Loose

Sunday mornings are usually the mornings that we tend to run late. We get up with more than enough time, but we always get busy working on other things and end up rushing out the door in order to get to church on time. This morning was like most Sundays and we were rushing out the door. We live about six or seven minutes from where the church services are held. We were about half way to church, on the motorway and I heard Joe say "Uhhh....I forgot to wear shoes." It was 9:57, church started at 10:00. We didn't have time to go back because we had to be at church by 10:00 because our team was being 'officially' introduced in front of the whole church.

In the States, we probably would have chosen being late over not wearing shoes. Here, we chose the latter. The culture in New Zealand is one that is VERY laid back. While driving on the motorway, we notice that we rarely see anyone speeding. Being late is acceptable, so why hurry and speed? At the grocery store and the mall, people can be seen in swimwear with no shoes. When something starts at 3:00, its okay to show up anytime after three. If you are invited to dinner at someone's house, often they will not start dinner until a while after you have arrived, it's more important to catch up on life first.

We had quite the cultural experience today! Joe got a few funny looks but mostly people were impressed that he felt comfortable enough here to try to be like the Kiwis.