"Prelude" | Memoir | Part V of VI | Travel Journals

After the explosion in the mailroom left me with minor injuries, I saw an unexpected opportunity to escape my role as a mail clerk. With boldness and a touch of mischief, I inquired about a reassignment, one that would take me far beyond the confines of the mailroom.

To my surprise, the request was granted. I was offered a two-year position as a Global Traveler for the U.S. Department of Prominence, based in Washington, D.C.

In this fifth installment, Business Travel Journals, I begin by unpacking the self-doubt that shadowed my early steps and the rigorous training that prepared me for international business travel. I’ll share how I overcame a fear of flying, and the paranoia that crept in during my first journey abroad.

You’ll find a list of the countries I travelled to during my assignment, and how, thanks to my street smarts and quick thinking, I was eventually offered a permanent position.

I held deep respect and admiration for my supervisor, Mr. Hertzberg. Our trip briefings, his steady guidance during my calls from overseas, and our debriefings upon my return to Washington became touchstones of my journey. I even wrote a tribute to his sharp wit and wisdom titled The Savvy Supervisor.

Throughout this chapter, I recount the adventures and encounters that unfolded in each city and country I visited. While I didn’t document every location, I managed to compile 13 vivid, unforgettable stories from across the globe.

This two-year odyssey was more than a job; it was a transformation. I learned to navigate foreign cultures, adapt to new environments, and embrace the unexpected. Each country brought its own unique flavor to my experiences, whether it was savoring restaurant food in Thailand or visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, where each detail may influence my future in the government.

I also encountered various challenges that tested my resilience. Missed flights, language barriers, and cultural misunderstandings were all part of the adventure. Yet, through these trials, I gained helpful insights into human nature, establishing connections with colleagues overseas and locals alike that made each journey rich and rewarding.

This blend of personal growth and professional development is what made my time as a Global Traveler truly special. I realized that every experience, good or bad, added depth to my character and sharpened my ability to think on my feet. These journals are my way of honoring the journey and preserving the lessons learned during a whirlwind of inspiration and self and professional discovery. As I look back on those transformative years, I am grateful for the mailroom explosion that set me on this path, leading me to embrace life fully, one destination at a time.

I wholeheartedly believe that God’s presence was guiding my life after I was baptized in Jesus’ name. The events that unfolded in the aftermath felt like a divine plan at work. Following the attack that prompted me to seek God and His son, Jesus, I was baptized on Sunday. However, by Monday, everything seemed to fall apart at work under my tyrannical boss. This drastic shift was profound, as I had made the choice to follow God’s path instead of continuing to submit to the lust of the flesh and temptations of the world.

In reflecting on my adventures, I am reminded that every moment shapes us in ways we may not immediately understand, but which ultimately guide us toward the goals we aspire to achieve. No longer confined to the mailroom, I found my voice and passion through this extraordinary journey across the globe.

(Copyright © 2025 by Mia Z. Edwards. All rights reserved.)