A Sunrise at 38,000 Feet!

After a 95/95 day in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania (95 degrees and 95% humidity) on Wednesday, we boarded a plane at the airport at 12:45 a.m. for the several hour trip to Amsterdam. As we bagan our descent into Amsterdam, I looked out the window at a most spectacular sight, the sunrise while 38,000 feet in the air. Only God could pull off something that breathtaking and beautiful! After a couple hour wait in Amsterdam, we boarded a plane for Frankfort Germany to catch another plane there to Bel Grade Serbia. Well, wouldn't you know, the plane was about 20 minutes late leaving Amsterdam which caused us to miss our connecting flight in Germany, but graciously we were booked on another later flight to Bel Grade, and we arrived safely about 5:00 p.m. Flying over the Alps was another breathtaking sight.(By this time I had been up for about 40 hours) We were whisked off from the airport by one of the local Lutheran pastors, through very dense fog, to a small Lutheran church where we received a very warm welcome with some food and drink that included something called 'firewater'. Believe me it was just that!! After the second tiny sip, I knew it wasn't for me. Finally we arrived at our host family's house and after a warm welcome, and about 20 seconds, we were all sound asleep!

It is now Friday and we have spent most all day in that same fog that grabbed the area last night. But, we have visited three more Lutheran churches, visited with pastors and members to learn about their hopes, dreams, and frustrations. The church buildings are often in park like settings, and the architecture is absolutely beautiful. None of them are heated, but the folks still gather faithfully for worship. We have been fed a variety of delicious pastry items, as a matter of fact, this afternoon we were treated to Apricot filled pastries yum-yum!! I'm actually not sure of the name of the town we are in now, but we will be staying here for the balance of our visit I believe. Pastor Maurer and I are sharing a room that is about the size of an average walk-in closet, and that includes a bathroom! We are truly in each others space.

I would have included some photos except the wireless connections are not easily available, so I don't have any way to download photos from my camera to this office computer. Others may know how, but it is a tad beyond my technological capabilities.

Our schedule for these next few days is full of visits and conversations, and then our journey home begins bright and early on Tuesday morning. The first leg begins at 6:00 a.m. as we leave Bel Grade for Munich, Germany; then Munich to Amsterdam; then Amsterdam to Detroit. I'll try to get another installment in before we leave, but if I don't, thanks for taking this journey with me/us. It is likely a once in a lifetime experience, and my life is richer for it.

Thanks for you continued prayers, and God bless you on your journey.
Pastor Dale