Evelyn Mushi

Evelyn Mushi was headed from Chicago to a family reunion in Bali with a connection in Abu Dhabi.

That would turn into days of frustration and fear for the 52-year-old.

I saw in the air missiles and lights and all that.

So everyone got on their knees and started praying.

Mushy says she saw flights arranged for other foreign nationals, but she was just getting messages imploring Americans to depart now.

Administration officials say free charter flights will soon begin from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

They say they've been in touch with thousands of stranded Americans, but progress is slow because of airspace closures.

Tovia Smith, NPR News.