Overview

An Unforgettable Journey from Rock Bottom to the Top of the World As a child, Vella Mbenna would lie under the sprawling oak tree in her yard, staring up at the clouds, and dreaming of exploring the world beyond her rural Georgia hometown. But after a failed marriage left her broke, without a career, and with a child to care for on her own, those dreams seemed as far away as the jets she used to watch etch trails across the Southern sky. Determined to make a better life for herself and her son, Vella applied for a position with the US Foreign Service. Through hard work, determination, and an unwavering belief in God's providence, she overcame prejudice, sexism, and professional setbacks to become a seasoned diplomat. She went on to serve her country with the highest distinction, even earning an Award of Heroism for her actions after the 1998 suicide bombing of the U.S. embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Muddy Roads Blue Skies is Vella's inspiring, deeply personal account of her amazing journey from the backwoods of Georgia to the far reaches of the globe. Part motivational memoir, part how-to success guide, part tribute to the power of dreams, Muddy Roads Blue Skies is a compelling read filled with self-help wisdom and valuable life lessons.

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9781732791824

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Reviews

In this poignant and inspiring memoir, Vella relates, in vivid detail, her amazing journey from a childhood in the rural South to a high-flying career in the U.S. Foreign Service. Along the way, she provides moving stories about how she overcame discrimination and heartbreak to become an accomplished, highly respected American diplomat. I enthusiastically recommend Muddy Roads Blue Skies. It's a real page turner! --Mark L. Asquino, U.S. Ambassador (Ret.), Sudan A glorious morning at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam was shattered when Al-Qaeda's truck bomb exploded, killing 11 people. Vella was central to resurrecting critical embassy communications with Washington. Her captivating life story, from leaving the muddy roads of Holmestown to becoming a target of Osama bin Laden, is filled with insights on life, as well as the rewards and challenges of a career in the Foreign Service. --U.S. Ambassador John E. Lange (Ret.), Dar es Salaam In her compelling memoir, Vella has done us all a favor in the numerous examples of her determination to overcome personal and professional challenges in order to ascend the ladder of success in the U.S. Foreign Service. Her success is noteworthy because it was gained as a woman in the competitive, white-male-dominated Foreign Service and against a backdrop of postings in sometimes dangerous locations. The fact that this black female diplomat performed so exceptionally makes her story even more deserving of our attention. --U.S. Ambassador Johnny Young (Ret.), Sierra Leone, Togo, Bahrain, and Slovenia

In this poignant and inspiring memoir, Vella relates, in vivid detail, her amazing journey from a childhood in the rural South to a high-flying career in the U.S. Foreign Service. Along the way, she provides moving stories about how she overcame discrimination and heartbreak to become an accomplished, highly respected American diplomat. I enthusiastically recommend Muddy Roads Blue Skies. It's a real page turner! --Mark L. Asquino, U.S. Ambassador (Ret.), Sudan A glorious morning at the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam was shattered when Al-Qaeda's truck bomb exploded, killing 11 people. Vella was central to resurrecting critical embassy communications with Washington. Her captivating life story, from leaving the muddy roads of Holmestown to becoming a target of Osama bin Laden, is filled with insights on life, as well as the rewards and challenges of a career in the Foreign Service. --U.S. Ambassador John E. Lange (Ret.), Dar es Salaam In her compelling memoir, Vella has done us all a favor in the numerous examples of her determination to overcome personal and professional challenges in order to ascend the ladder of success in the U.S. Foreign Service. Her success is noteworthy because it was gained as a woman in the competitive, white-male-dominated Foreign Service and against a backdrop of postings in sometimes dangerous locations. The fact that this black female diplomat performed so exceptionally makes her story even more deserving of our attention. --U.S. Ambassador Johnny Young (Ret.), Sierra Leone, Togo, Bahrain, and Slovenia

Author Information

Vella Mbenna was born Vella Gene Scott in the Holmestown community of Midway, Georgia, where she grew up with nine siblings and parents who instilled in her the important values that would set her on the path to success. Throughout her youth, Vella dreamed of escaping small-town USA and traveling the world. In 1989, that dream came true when she was awarded a position with U.S. Department of State Foreign Service. During her highly successful 26-year career as a diplomat, Vella served with honor in 13 foreign countries as well as two tours in Washington, DC. It was during her assignment in Tanzania, East Africa, that she met her future husband, whom Vella lovingly proclaims is the best thing to ever happen to her (aside from her son) and forever changed her life for the better. It was her son who encouraged Vella to write Muddy Roads Blue Skies so that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren could read about the wonderful adventures she and her husband had as diplomats (a rare occupation for the part of Georgia where Vella grew up). What started out as a family legacy transformed into a fascinating and inspirational life story that shows how through hard work, perseverance, and belief, anyone can make their dreams come true. Vella retired from the Foreign Service in 2015. She currently resides in Amelia Island, Florida. In her spare time, she enjoys taking quiet drives on long, straight roads with the windows down and the sounds of nature all around, listening to songs that tell stories and quietly reflecting on life.

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