Safe in Serbia

We have arrived safely in Serbia! Whatan adventure! I had forgotten how long the ride over is!!! We started our jouney at 12:00 noon yesterday. Our flight went from Columbus to DC, then to Frankfurt. We had a 4 hour layover in Frankfurt and then flew into Belgrade. 20 some hours later, I am sitting in a nice apartment and enjoying the internet!

When we confirmed our tickets online Tuesday, there was an option to upgrade the DC to Frankfurt tickets to Economy Plus--giving one extra leg room, which is a much needed comfort when you are sitting for 8 hours. When I confirmed tickets, there was no on in the row I booked our tickets. By yesterdays flight the airline was FULL to the max. So I got to sit next to all kind sof poeple. There was a family of indian decent that had tickets scattered in the plane, and they took turns warming seats. :) Despite the cub scout try, neither of us slept. I had a massave headache to boot. Not sure if it was caused by cabin pressure, dirt foot smell, or body odor. Gotta love being packed into a plane with lots of stinky people!

WOW! Getting into Serbia is way easier than our experiences with Ukraine! I got nervous when no one handed us immigration forms on the flight to hand out. Then when we got to the Passport Control, I looked for them again, but didn't see any....because there aren't any. We got in a line that said "COuntries that do not require a visa", walked upt to the counter together, the lady looked at out passports, scanned them, and SMILED at us! Big change from our Ukrainian experiences! All our luggage arrived, and Valdo was waiting to take us to the apartment.

Vlado spent time as a foriegn exchange student many years ago in Toledo, Ohio. Small world! He said "I like to think I spent some time in your part of the country!" He took us to exchange money into the local currencey for everyday purchases, showed us how close the McDonald's is, and helped us at the market. They have Pepsi in Serbia...Doug is happy as a clam.

We aretaking it easy and showering now. We are too meet Jasmina tongiht at 7:00pm, then Vlado is taking us out and about tonight to show us the town! We've talked to Hannah via skype video--she's already asking where Mila is, as well as talking to Kevin and my Mom.

Ministry appointment tomorrow at 12:00 noon. We are 6 hours ahead of Ohio time. Then we will head over to the orphanage to see our little lady!!! YEA! Hopefully pictures to come tomorrow! Thanks for all the prayers!