"You can't help me now, but you can help to future civilization to live in peace without wars."

-Serbian Young Woman

On February 28, 1999, our team member Jocelyn contacted a girl in Belgrade, Serbia. They were to become friends, and experience some amazing conversations as they learned about each other's countries, opinions, and beliefs. As a researcher for the site, Jocelyn wanted to contact someone that lived in the area of the conflict happening in Serbia, and to hear, from a real girl, the inside look of her country, and her thoughts. They started to converse just as things were rising to a boil, just as things were reaching a peak in the conflict. As they started to ask each other questions and talk, something happened that they both hadn't anticipated. Jocelyn saw, through the eyes of someone living there, the true plea of the people. She encountered an experience of a lifetime; as this young Serbian shared with her the daily happenings, as they spoke over the Internet each day as the bombing began.

This young Serbian woman's real identity will not be revealed. But her words speak penetratingly, as she relates her thoughts, her fears, and irony.

It is one thing to be conversing, talking, as the bombing is actually happening; to develop a friendship with someone as their city goes under a fire of bombing and chaos. It is another thing to read of it. Although the viewers of this site were not there, this young woman's story is hoped to move and touch our viewers' lives as it did ours.

Jocelyn will never forget this experience as long as she lives. It is a once in a lifetime encounter. We hope it deeply moves others as much as it has touched our own souls.

The following quotes between Jocelyn and the young Serbian are excerpts from live conversations on the Internet. We have compiled the quotes that relate the encounter.

February 28, 1999 - At this point, ethnic conflict was rising in Serbia, and tension was boiling between Serbs and ethnic Albanians. Milosevic had ordered his army into Kosovo for supposed "ethnic cleansing", that would last for months. In the weeks and months that followed, there were reports of mass murder and abuse such as rape, torture, and other awful crimes committed against the ethnic Albanians in the Serb army's removal of those people. The Albanians had wanted to adjoin Kosovo to the country that they migrated from years before: Albania. But the Serbs would not allow it, and Milosevic was convicted a war criminal later in the months to follow. At the time when these two girls met, things were just starting to rise to the surface, but the ignorance of the situation was at large.

Young Serbian Woman: Hi Jocelyn!! You have strange name, but I don't think ugly, uncontrary it is interesting.

Jocelyn: Hello. Yes, my name is not that common but still not rare in the USA. How are you? I was happy to hear that you would like to talk.I hear that there are conflicts occurring in your country.

Young Serbian Woman: Yes. And because of that I'm not a fan of your country. USA want to bomb my country. But, I don't have anything against you

Jocelyn: Oh, I am so sorry to hear that. I am in a contest this year called ThinkQuest, it's International and two teammates and I are designing a web site called "The Global Relations of the Many Nations". Our purpose is to educate people about issues happening around the world, the affect they have had on people, and what can be done, what people can do to help. We will be writing about your country, and I would like to learn more about it.

Young Serbian Woman: OK, I will try to explain you what is happening here, but I must warn you that I will tell you some bad thing about USA.

Jocelyn: I would like to hear your opinion, and am very open to what you have to say.

Young Serbian Woman: I am glade to hear you saying that. I had been talking with one guy from USA and our conversation was dreadful. I live in Belgrade which is the capital of Yugoslavia and also the capital of Republic Serbia. You probably heard on news that they call us also Serbs.

Jocelyn: Yes, I have heard that they call you Serbs. I actually don't know a lot about what is happening there, which is why I would like to hear about it.

Young Serbian Woman: Kosovo is a province in Serbia which adjoin with Albania. Many Albanians had migrated to Kosovo for more than 10 years. So now in Kosovo live big number of Albanians. Albanians want to pronouse province Kosovo as Republic so they can join Kosovo with Albania. So they are attacking Serbs which lives in Kosovo.They want to clear Kosovo from Serbs. My country of course was force to do something about it. They confront them. But, USA and Western European countries under USAs' pressure had started to mix in our solving this problem.

Jocelyn: I see. What do you think is the solution?

Young Serbian Woman: Well, Albanian terrorist and my country know that we can't do anything until USA is trying to "solve" our problem. USA is supplying Albania's terrorist with guns. It is difficult to say. There can't be solution until terrorist can do what they want to do. Terrorist doesn't want peace.I'm not good politician as you see

Jocelyn: All that you say is very interesting. What kind of government does your country have?

Young Serbian Woman: Well, we have democratic government, but with little old communism...we didn't exterminate them all. :-) Unfortunately, our President of Yugoslavia and Serbia is communist informal. They had manipulated with elections and that is a reason why are they still in government.

Jocelyn: That is so interesting, and all of it fascinates me. I also have compassion for those experiencing these conflicts. Do you live right near everything that is happening?

Young Serbian Woman: No, I don't live near Kosovo.:-)It is pretty far from Belgrade.

Jocelyn: I can imagine that you are thankful because of that. What is the economy like in your country?

Young Serbian Woman: Economy is going backwards. It is hard to find a work and is it difficult to live normal life. I have luck that my father is very smart person and he succeeded in his business so I can afford studying private faculty and dress nice cloths. But people like us is very little, and rest is very poor and they are just trying to survive.

Jocelyn: That is very interesting. Well, it has been wonderful talking to you. I could talk for many hours, but it is night here and I have to go to bed. Thank you so much for telling me about you and your country. I really want to talk to you again sometime.

Young Serbian Woman: It was nice talking with. You are very smart girl.bye for now.

March 23rd, 1999 - NATO orders air strike to begin in Serbia, but a specific time of the bombing is not given. It is supposed to be over Serbia's refusal to sign Kosovo peace agreement. NATO officials tell the public that they are not waging war on Yugoslavia, but to prevent the killings happening in the region of Kosovo. There are reports of Milosevic, the president, sending his army into Kosovo and killing ethnic Albanians, calling it "ethnic cleansing". The goal of the NATO bombing for the next few days was stated to be to disarm Serbia's military to prevent more murder. Serbs anticipate the air raid.

Jocelyn: Do you think I would be able to interview your family?

Young Serbian Woman: I have spoken with my family. Sorry, but they don't want to be interviewd by person who is from USA. I hope you understand them. USA and NATO will bomb Yugoslavia probably today so this is a reason for this.

Jocelyn: Oh, I understand and that is all right. I am so sorry to hear of the awful bombing.

Young Serbian Woman: It is really terrible. :-(

Jocelyn: That is so awful - you are safe and away from the bombings, I hope?

Young Serbian Woman: Well, I don't know. Someone said that they will bomb my town and someone that they won't.

Jocelyn: You will be in my family's prayers.

Young Serbian Woman: Thank you. You are very nicely person

Jocelyn: Your welcome, you are very nice also and I hate to hear of the terrible disputes that are going on. I just wish that everyone could be at peace with each other.

Young Serbian Woman: Me too.

March 24th, 1999 - Tense anticipation.

Jocelyn: How are you?

Young Serbian Woman: I am fine, or better alive. :-)

Jocelyn: You were in my family's prayers last night, as well as another family we know. I received the pictures [of your country], thanks!.I wanted to ask you - in some of the pictures you sent, are you in them?

Young Serbian Woman: [She explains the photos]

Jocelyn: The pics are wonderful - thanks for sending them! I love to see people from other countries.the ones of the children.they are adorable - it is hard to tell they are from another country, they seem to look and dress quite "American". May I ask, which one is your brother?

Young Serbian Woman: [She explains]

Jocelyn: He's a very handsome little boy - you must be very proud of him.

Young Serbian Woman: Yes , I am, I love him very much, he is my life.

Jocelyn: That is so wonderful!

Young Serbian Woman: Well, you probably feel same for your brother or sister.we don't have different culture then yours.

Later that night.

Jocelyn: Hi! I was working with some of the pictures you sent me, and designed a graphic with them that came out quite nice [for the development of our site]! Would you like me to send you the graphic?

Young Serbian Woman: Yes, I would like you to send me it.

Jocelyn: Ok - it is just something I was playing around with. But it came out nice. I'll send it.

Young Serbian Woman: Hey, I hear 3 BOOMs now!!!!! I must go now.

Jocelyn: I'll be praying for you.

Young Serbian Woman: Thanks.I am so afraid.

Jocelyn: God will protect you.

Young Serbian Woman: Hehe well, I am not sure about that. This is an irony. I am talking with you and in the same time your country is attacking my country.

Jocelyn: Yes, it is an irony. But I still think that God protects those who look to him.

Young Serbian Woman: Well, truly I don't believe in God. But I believe that if it is destiny for me to die.I will die.

Jocelyn: Are you of any religion?

Young Serbian Woman: Well, here we are orthodox.

Jocelyn: Have the booms stopped?

Young Serbian Woman: Well, I don't hear them now.

Jocelyn: I wish I could help you.

Young Serbian Woman: You can't help me now, but you can help to future civilization to live in peace without wars.

Jocelyn: That's why my team and I are designing the global relations site. I see your time is 4:06 AM. When do you sleep? :-)

Young Serbian Woman: Well, I can't sleep, you know the reason. When the sun came up I will go to bed. :-)

Jocelyn: Oh, I see. Do you have a job that you have to go to in the daytime?

Young Serbian Woman: No. I didn't go to school today/yesterday so I won't go today/tomorrow. Would you go if you are in my position?

Jocelyn: No, I don't think so! I'm curious, are you talking to other people [on the Internet] right now besides me?

Young Serbian Woman: Yes, I am talking with other people who also live in my town, we are informing each other.

Jocelyn: I see. Am I the only American that you talk to?

Young Serbian Woman: You are the only American person, but I have many Serbs who live in America.

Jocelyn: I see. Are people in your country free to leave and come as they please?

Young Serbian Woman: My country is under sanction for 8 years, so we have big problems when we want to leave our country. We have to go to embassy of country where we want to go and we must got visa from them and then we can to abroad.

Jocelyn: Oh, yes I see. I was talking to someone who mentioned they will be coming to New York. Was it you?

Young Serbian Woman: Yes, that was me. But, now when I think over , I don't have wish to go there.

Jocelyn: I understand. I wish I could talk to you all night, but it is time for me to go to bed, so I must go now. I will be talking to you again tomorrow. You are still in my prayers, even though you do not believe in God, because I care for you.

Young Serbian Woman: OK, bye. Have a nice dreams and good night Jocelyn!!!

Jocelyn: You are so nice to talk to - have a good sleep yourself when it's daylight. :-)

Young Serbian Woman: I will try. Thanks, and bye for now.

March 25, 1999 - By this time, two thousand ethnic Albanians had been killed, and over 400,000 had fled their homes. The Serb army continued to occupy Kosovo. Families were pushed out of their homes, left to flee the country, where at many times they found closed borders. Many were killed, and those that did flee the country brought with them awful stories of abuse and violence. It was nightmarish.

In the meantime, Serbia was encountering another day of the airstrike. People were beginning to support the jets that were going into Serbia. Many believed that something had to be done to stop Milosevic and the Serbian government from killing all of the ethnic Albanians. It was becoming a mass murder. Yet the Serbs in their homes were full of fear as the sirens again screamed, and as the booms again resounded.

People were beginning to realize that this was serious. They were beginning to think. Kosovo awoke many people, it was an enlightenment. Many people learned from it. They learned not just the stories of two ethnicities, but about life. About war. And about hope. It was to affect many minds, and touch many souls.

Jocelyn and the young Serbian continued to talk. The Internet proved to be a source of amazing conversations during these times. On the 25th, one of her friends also joined the experience. He was a 17-year-old American student, equally wanting to hear the other side of the story that this young Serbian had to give. The news in the states focused on the fleeing refugees, the killings, the need for these people to be helped. But by conversing with this young woman, these two American students were about to see a whole different story, a whole different side, and a whole different plea.

The identity of this other student will not be given, but excerpts from the transcript of this live three-way conversation are below.

Jocelyn: [She introduces the American student]

Young Serbian Woman: Nice to meet you.

American Teenager: Hi! Nice to meet you too. How are things in your area today? Were there a lot of bombings today?

Young Serbian Woman: Well, I have survive this evening's bombing.they said that today will be more stronger bombing then yesterday, but I didn't hear anything today.

American Teenager: That's good. Have there been many civilian casualities?

Young Serbian Woman: Well, I don't know for now, but on the news they said that many civilians objects was shot.

American Teenager: That's horrible. I haven't read the news yet today, but I saw the headlines. "Blasts heard near Belgrade, Pristina".

Jocelyn: Yes - I saw that. There was this one person on the news also, a 16 year old that they interviewed who has been corresponding with a girl in Kosovo.

Young Serbian Woman: I have just heard form a friend of mine that NATO will bomb a headquarters of our army.well, I must ask you both do you believe what Clinton said about what is happening here?

American Teenager: I believe that what Clinton said is the partial truth --- I didn't get to see his address to the nation, but I did hear bits and pieces. But after talking to someone else in Serbia, I realize that what he said is just the surface of what is really happening.

Jocelyn: I'm still pondering the whole matter of the president sending troops to Serbia.

American Teenager: Well, basically I have been hearing only one side of the story up until now. What is your side of the issue? [he asks the young Serbian]

Jocelyn: Yes, and what do you think of your president killing Kosovars?

Young Serbian Woman: I am happy to hear that you have finally hear the other side of the story. Well, we live with Albanians for many centuries, so there is no reason to kill them now. I heard that that our army is pushing Albanians to go to Albania, but army didn't kill whether civils or Albanian.let begin with the story. For many years Albanians.migrated to Yugoslavia and stayed in Yu. to live, and we didn't mind it. If you know anything about Albanians you know that in every family has about 10 children. So their number for years had been growing and growing.

Jocelyn: I see - now they make up a majority of Kosovo's population.

Young Serbian Woman: Well, I am not sure are they majority, but they are very close to it. And now they want to take Kosovo and to link to Albania.

American Teenager: But didn't they have autonomy before?

Young Serbian Woman: No, that is a lie, the Albanians make that lie, to prove that they are majority.

Jocelyn: I see - I heard that there was much cultural value in Kosovo to the Serbs.

Young Serbian Woman: Yes, Kosovo has never been a part of Albania, it has been a part of Yugoslavia for many many centuries.

Jocelyn: Do you agree with your president not signing the peace deal?

American Teenager: Well, he'll be shunned (to say the least).

Young Serbian Woman: Yes, I do, because if we sign that that will destroy Serbia because NATO will took Kosovo from Serbia for sure.

Jocelyn: Well, I must inform you that every contract which will or can sigh won't be legal, because capulation isn't in our constitution.

Young Serbian Woman: Well, unfortunately, I think he is in a position at this point where he is going to have to sign the peace agreement, otherwise... well... the bombings will continue. NATO won't back down. What a great way to get a peace agreement, isn't it? Bombing. Ridiculous.

Young Serbian Woman: No, no way believe. I know that we are small number people, but we will fight. Think otherwise, if you are in my position, what will you do? Would you betake?

American Teenager: My goodness, that's one question... how would signing of the peace agreement effect you in a negative way? What do you have to loose? (.I'm not sure what I'd do, I just don't fully understand the repercussions of signing the peace agreement for Serbia).

Jocelyn: Would allowing the Albanians autonomy really be a bad thing for Serbia?

Young Serbian Woman: Jocelyn , Jocelyn.

Jocelyn: What? I hope you didn't misunderstand our question.

Young Serbian Woman: You are asking me funny question. No, no.you must put yourself in my position to understand.

American Teenager: Yes, we are trying to (that's my goal of this conversation, actually).

Young Serbian Woman: Well, then, imagine that Canada want to take a part of USA because in that part now live many Canadian.well what you think now? Is that justice and is that right?

American Teenager: Great analogy. Then imagine the rest of the world shunning you for wanting to keep it...I see your point. And bombing you on top of it.

Jocelyn: Yes, so do I. Bombing is a horrifying way of going about it.

Young Serbian Woman: I must admit, that my country and government is guilt for his goodness, when they permit migrated Albanians to stay in our country.USA has good program for this sort of problems.

Jocelyn: Jeca, I hope you know that we just want to become familiar with what is happening in your country, and attempt to put ourselves in your position.You have much to say that is so interesting. I could talk with you for hours.

American Teenager: Oh, definitely. It REALLY bothers me that our media isn't reporting both sides of the story. They are talking about Russia and China, but are not really getting into the details of Serbia's point of view.

Young Serbian Woman: I am just happy to find out that someone in USA want to hear our side of the story.What is worse the whole western Europe is also wrong informed because of USA influence.

American Teenager: But on the flip side of the coin, I don't agree with the killings of the people of Kosovo.

Young Serbian Woman: Just a sec, on what killing do you mean?

Jocelyn: There have been many casualties - the Albanians being killed.

Young Serbian Woman: .uh this is a hard job for me.well , I must admit that I don't know everything that was happening there, but I know for sure that our army didn't kill civilians whether Serbs or Albanians. They kill only Albanian terrorist.I didn't tell you, in the time of bombing terrorist had been attacking our army.

American Teenager: I really believe that President Milosevic attacked civilian population. Villages were destroyed, Albanians were driven from their homes.

Young Serbian Woman: When I heard that I wanted to explode. Well, before the villages were the destroyed, civilians had been transfer to cities, so there were no civilians in villages in the time of fights.

Jocelyn: I thought there were many families killed.

American Teenager: It sounds pretty nasty on both sides of the spectrum.

Jocelyn: Yes. There can never really be one "right" side. War is an ugly thing.

American Teenager: No matter how the media portrays it.

Young Serbian Woman: Yes, the both side are always in long bloody hands.

American Teenager: Well.it was a pleasure talking with you, but homework is calling, and I must answer.

Young Serbian Woman: Good luck you both.

American Teenager: Well, the same for you, you have our prayers!. Nice talking to you both! I will talk to you later! God bless.

[He leaves the conversation. Jocelyn and the young Serbian woman continue talking]

Young Serbian Woman: Do you like politics?

Jocelyn: Well.I think it is something to learn about, as the government and what they do is going to effect the people that live in the country. So it is important to know about them, and about things happening around the world.

Young Serbian Woman: Well, your country had very bad politicians and government. They like to play world police.

Jocelyn: Our constitution is pure, and very much right. But our government.become corrupt.

Young Serbian Woman: Yes, that is true. And you people is very bad informed.Your constitution has many holes which provide criminals to escape.

Jocelyn: Our citizens have freedom of will, and are free to a point to do what they please. But when they do something that goes against someone else's freedom, like a crime, it is not right.

Young Serbian Woman: Your country has still many problems with racism.

Jocelyn: Yes. There is still racism amongst our races. But every race here is considered equal according to law, but not everyone acts like they should about it, and are very cruel.

Young Serbian Woman: Yes, I know a lot about USA's culture. We had to do seminar work about USA culture and every area of life at our faculty.

Jocelyn: The USA has many different cultures that have migrated into it. How about your country?

Young Serbian Woman: Well, we have Albanians in Kosovo, then we have Roms-gipsy and we have people from Hungary in province called Vojvodina.

Jocelyn: I see. So probably not as much of a mix as in our country. There have been many people that have come to the USA because of all the good freedom here, and to get away from Communism and other cruel governments. Freedom is highly valued here, at least it should be by everyone.

Young Serbian Woman: Well, I can tell that Communism isn't so bad as they say. We live in communism for many years and we lives like a kings.

Jocelyn: With communism there is much government control, and the people don't have a say. Because the people don't have a say, they can not become a totally free and successful people, both in economy and happiness.

Young Serbian Woman: In the past it was like that.

Jocelyn: Are you happy with your government?

Young Serbian Woman: Well, no. It is corrupted.

Jocelyn: Yes - many governments are corrupted, unfortunately. Do people have the right to vote officials into office? Like, do you have the right to vote who your president will be?

Young Serbian Woman: Yes, of course, but they manipulate with voting also.

Jocelyn: Oh, I see. So you have some Socialism, when they are elected. What do you think of Socialism?

Young Serbian Woman: Well, here Socialism is the other word for Communism.

Jocelyn: In many cases it can be.It has been so very interesting to talk with you, but I must get ready for bed. My friend was very interested to talk with you also. Did you enjoy talking with him?

Young Serbian Woman: Yes, he is very smart boy. You both surprised me with your knowledge.

Jocelyn: You yourself are very intelligent and smart. you seem to have a good vocabulary, and convey your messages well.Well, I hate to say this, but I must go now and get ready for bed. Can we talk tomorrow?

Young Serbian Woman: I look forward to seeing you soon. Bye and have nice dreams.

The next day there was more bombing, and it continued for months. They were supposed to be aimed at military targets, and not civilians. But there were many mistakes that NATO admitted to and many civilians ended up being killed. They had clearly stated that their targets were not civilians, but people began to wonder about all the mistakes. First one, then two.it seems as if people were talking about these deaths so easily.if only they would stop and think. These are people.

Jocelyn and the young woman continued to talk for a few days after. Although attempts were made to continue as friends, the young woman stopped responding after tension built among the Serbs in Yugoslavia. Concerts were held in protest, and Milosevic continued to gain his people's support. The bombing continued.

There were over 11 weeks of bombing. During the week of June 11, Milosevic signed an agreement, the Serbs given an amount of time to move out of Kosovo, and the bombing ceased. Finally. The bombing was over. It felt as if an incredible heaviness had been lifted, like a large weight had been taken away, as if clouds had finally parted and shown hopes for a sunny sky. For many, their hearts swelled with relief. The bombing had finally stopped. Kosovo families could now move back to their homes. NATO reinforcement troops were moving in to see that all of this came to pass.

But, was it really over? Was it certain; and was it real? What would the Kosovo families go back to? Was the danger over for the Serbs?

The young Serbian woman never responded. Maybe there is still hope that someday, sometime, she will.

The war is over, but problems are not.

But, there was one thing that happened during this conflict in the hearts of two young Americans that they will never forget. They had seen and experienced the plea of the Balkan people; it will stay in their memories forever.