The father of two young New Jersey girls who've have been trapped in Georgia during the tensions with Russia is now heading to the former Soviet republic to see if he can bring them home.

Seven-year-old Ashley and 3-year-old Sophia Evans have been trapped there since going on summer vacation to visit their maternal grandparents. Russian checkpoints have blocked their paths to escape.

Joseph Evans' flight to Georgia follows New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith's journey there earlier this week. Smith says he's staying in Georgia for a while longer and has tried to reassure the girl's they'll be OK.

He met with officials on opening a safe corridor for the Evans' girls and other American children to leave.