Gary Fallesen / Sunday, December 11, 2011 / Categories: Nigeria, Mission: Nigeria 2011, Dispatches Monday, Dec. 12 The supposed one-hour drive to the airport in Port Harcourt was in its second hour and we were stuck in gridlock like I have never seen in visits to 30 countries. The sun was blotted out by the uncontrolled emissions spewing from idling vehicles parked six lanes across on a six-lane road. That's right, the vehicles going in our direction had spread out and overtaken the oncoming lanes. The air in our AC-less car was brutally hot and burning our eyes and lungs. That's when our vehicle stalled. Things were growing desperate as we prayed harder and harder. Chris went from vehicle to vehicle asking for a ride to the airport. No takers. Then a man in a late-model luxury SUV agreed to drive us. We unloaded and loaded baggage and climbed into his air-conditioned vehicle. As we were completing our 3 ½-hour drive to catch our first flight, I asked the man's name. "Thank God," he said. "Thank God?" I repeated. "Yes, Thank God." Amen. We have many stories like this as we begin a scheduled 24 hours of air travel back to the States. Everyone is doing well and feeling blessed from the trip — despite the many obstacles. I met with Chris this morning to discuss the future. He is fully committed to serving through Climbing For Christ, growing membership in Nigeria and ministering to this and surrounding countries. He will be doing the work in the Koma Hills on an occasional basis until another short-term team returns, likely in late 2012 or early 2013. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." — Proverbs 16:9 Sunday, Dec. 11 Tuesday, Dec. 13 Print 4465 Gary FallesenGary Fallesen Other posts by Gary Fallesen Contact author