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These are recent stories - the rest are in my latest book,"Walking Through Adversity."

Stories about European Trips (3)

Rob bryant
2006-01-09 11:34:22

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Ethnic Cleansing and forced the Serbs back into Yugoslavia. US citizens have just been awaken to terrorists actions that most of the world deals with everyday. We can let our fear overcome us or we can do all we can do to protect ourselves and not be afraid. I saw something that put it all in perspective for me. We were driving through an Albanian town when I saw him. A little boy was chasing a puppy and then ran to let the puppy chase him. He was laughing with pure glee. But let me paint the rest of the picture for you. He was standing in wet snow with tennis shoes with holes and old socks. His pants and shirt had gaping holes and he either did not own a jacket or was not wearing it. He seemed oblivious to his war torn village with entire buildings lying in ruins. He played amongst the wreckage and was filled the simple joy of playing with his puppy. He focused upon a simple pleasure rather than the despair around him. In contrast, an old man stood nearby with lines of worry deeply creasing his face before its time. He was aware of the US Army Black Hawk helicopter flying overhead on its way North to the border to ensure the Serbs stay put. Yet, the little boy continued to play rather than allowing the terrorists rob him of what he had left - joy. I decided to emulate the boy rather than the man. Yes, we have to be aware of our surroundings, but don't let it rob you of joy. Don�t let the enemy win - do what you can to protect yourself - then go back to a life full of joy. God has given us all so much - let's use it.

Kidnapping - On the following day I was driven to Metrovecia - one of the most violent cities in the Balkans. NATO built a bridge separating the Serbs from the Albanians and crossing the bridge is strictly controlled. I was accompanied by two retired Army Rangers (Pete and Gene - old friends), I am honored to work with. We drove across the bridge and to UN Police Stations. We even ...