Muddy Roads Blue Skies

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, stare up at the clouds, and dream 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 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.