'We're boxed in': Erwin family separated as Gulf conflict escalates

An Erwin native is sheltering in Dubai this week while her husband and daughter remain in Kuwait, both caught inside a rapidly escalating Middle East conflict that has grounded flights, shaken cities and left families separated. Angelia Dittmeier, who moved to Kuwait in January for ministry work across the Gulf region, said she was traveling for meetings in the United Arab Emirates when Iranian missile and drone attacks began over the weekend. She now finds herself unable to return to Kuwait or leave the region as airspace remains closed and airports assess damage due to the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. According to the Associated Press, the fighting intensified after the Trump Administration indicated dissatisfaction with the progress of nuclear talks with Iran on Feb. 27. The next day, the U.S. and Israel commenced coordinated air strikes on Iran. Iran retaliated with strikes across the region, including against the United Arab Emirates, a country that has long promoted itself as a safe and stable hub for tourism and business. Consequently, the UAE closed its airspace, shuttered its embassy in Tehran and withdrew diplomats as the situation unfolded, according to the Associated Press. Hundreds of thousands of travelers across the region have been affected by flight disruptions. U.S. officials have said the conflict is ongoing and could last weeks, with additional casualties likely, according to the Associated Press. "I left Kuwait the day before it was hit, flew into Abu Dhabi the day before it was hit, and then drove into Dubai the day it was getting hit," Dittmeier said. "The airport here was hit the day before we were supposed to leave, so now we're boxed in." She said both the Dubai and Kuwait airports have been damaged and regional airspace remains closed, leaving her facing an indefinite stay in Dubai. "We were only supposed to be here three nights," Dittmeier said. "Now there's no timeline, because everything depends on the missiles stopping and the airspace being safe again." Dittmeier moved to Kuwait on Jan. 1 with her husband and adult daughter to support churches across the Gulf region through biblical counseling and training. Dittmeier is the director of Connection Point Middle East, a Christian counseling service, and her husband is an active military member. Dittmeier said she is accompanied by her executive director, Angela Shelton, and her family who are trying to get back to Atlanta, noting Connection Point's headquarters resides in Covington, Georgia. While she is temporarily separated from her family, she said they remain in constant contact as conditions in Kuwait continue to fluctuate. "Kuwait is in much worse shape," she said. "They're getting hit harder, with sirens going off through the night. There have been explosions close enough to shake the house." She said strikes there have targeted military bases and infrastructure and have increasingly moved toward residential areas. "Kuwait is small, so when something happens, it feels very close very fast," Dittmeier said. "That's what's made it especially difficult for families." In Dubai, she said missile interceptions have been visible from her hotel, producing deep explosions that rattled windows and walls. "It's not like fireworks," she said. "It's a heavy, percussive sound that you can actually feel." She said much of the city has gone quiet, with people staying inside their homes or hotels unless absolutely necessary. She described downtown streets as being largely empty, and many travelers remain stranded as they wait for flights to resume. Despite the uncertainty, she said churches and local residents have checked in regularly, offering help and support. "We've had people say, 'We've got you, whatever you need,'" Dittmeier said. "That's been incredibly meaningful." She has continued her work remotely, providing counseling through video calls and helping church leaders support families and children dealing with fear and disruption. "This side of the Gulf has been known for stability and safety," she said. "So for people here, this is very shocking, especially for children." Dittmeier said churches across Dubai canceled in-person services, though one congregation met online as missile interceptions continued overhead. She watched the service from her hotel room while explosions could be heard in the distance, describing the moment as a striking contrast between routine worship and the unfolding conflict outside. "They were reading Psalm 46, about God being a refuge and a fortress while missile interceptions were happening over people's homes," Dittmeier said. "I could hear explosions as they were reading, and it was incredibly powerful to witness." Dittmeier said she is watching closely for signs that airspace may reopen, allowing her to reunite with her family and resume travel, but admits that could take time. "I don't see myself as stranded," she said. "I believe I'm here for a reason, and I'm trying to serve people while we wait." The situation across the Gulf remains fluid, with continued military activity, disrupted travel and heightened security, according to the Associated Press. Officials have warned the conflict is still developing, and residents and travelers alike are bracing for further changes as the region watches for signs of de-escalation or further strikes.