Ibecame fearful and frozen in my seat while the man in a military uniform and a machine gun hanging from his shoulder walked up and down the aisle. I looked around to observe the local’s behavior. Men, women, and children were present, no one was moving, and they were all facing forward, so I did the same. When in Rome… At one point, I looked into the man’s eyes, somehow thinking I would become invisible. I quickly averted my gaze and looked out the window to regain internal solace. He kept walking, turned around, took one last glance, and exited. The driver closed the doors of the bus, and my journey continued.
Broke and in need of a passport to get out of the country
To make ends meet during college in New York City, I worked at various retail establishments. Some were better than others. Nonetheless, these part-time jobs helped me pay for books, food, rent and other necessities. There was a buzz about this new retailer from Europe entering the U.S. market, and they were looking for sales associates. I decided to apply for a position thinking this would be the same run-of-the-mill routine: customer service script (hi, are you finding what you are looking for or my name is Tiffany, let me know if I can help you find something), folding clothes, and maintaining a neat and tidy store. Little did I know that this particular role would set the trajectory of my life.
Hennes & Mauritz, a Swedish clothing company that offered simple clothing, runway looks, and fast fashion at a price that would not break your pocket, was set to open their flagship store in New York City. Large billboards in Times Square, subway, and bus advertisements displayed unique ready-to-wear styles, and you didn’t risk bumping into someone with the same outfit. It was refreshing and exciting; you felt as though a certain level of prestige came with rocking something from Europe.
Shortly after applying, I landed the sales associate position. The store’s grand opening was fast, and much work was needed. I was assigned to store set-up and ensuring fixtures were in place for the arrival of clothing. During one of my shifts, the executives requested an impromptu mandatory meeting. I had yet to learn why the meeting was called. Neither did the other associates. One of the exes walks in and stands at a podium near the front of the room with a stern look on her face. I resort to thinking about the worst-case scenarios. Maybe the company would reverse the course of action because they ran out of money, or the opening date might be pushed to a later date. Did they hire too many associates? I vaguely remember all that was said during the meeting. However, I will never forget this audacious announcement: “As part of the onboarding process, H&M is taking everyone on an all-expenses paid trip to Stockholm, Sweden, for training. I nearly lost it and almost fell out of my seat. Here I was, this hungry college student barely rubbing two nickels together, getting ready to fly out of the country. There was only one problem, I didn’t have a passport.
My fate hangs in the balance!
My mind was racing, and the intensity of this situation was jarring. I felt all the blood release as I exhaled. The local people surrounding me seemed like what had just happened was no big deal. I wanted to shout, ummm helloooo, did you not see the man with a machine gun enter and exit the bus. But of course, I played it cool and followed their lead. My mouth was shut! The contrast between my fear and the locals’ nonchalance was stark, a cultural shock that I was not prepared for. I was on a bus in Brazil heading from the city center of Salvador Bahia to Morro de São Paulo, in the eastern region. I was told by a friend who had visited Brazil during Carnival a week prior, to visit Morro de São Paulo, an Island Paradise. I am a sucker for the aesthetically pleasing locations and islands. Didn’t have to tell me twice.
I grabbed my travel guide and conducted some research. There were a few ways to get there, but I took the long, arduous local way in classic Tiffany fashion. As I am sure by now, you have picked up on the fact I live for taking the road less traveled. I enjoy exploring, meeting the locals, staying in the el barrio, and having an authentic experience. It is exhilarating, with added stress! What could have taken about 3 to 4 hours took me an entire day. I started out early in the morning and boarded the local ferry. The ferry took me to Itaparica, an island where I had to hop on a bus (the infamous bus ride.) After getting off the bus, I arrived in Valencia, a picturesque fishing village where time seemed to have stopped. It reminded me of the Wild West movies my grandmother and I watched as a child, just without violence. People were riding around on horseback, some old cars, and the style of dress was different than in the big city. I told myself that if I ever got the chance, I would return and stay in Valencia. I am sure the people in the village have magical stories to tell. My love for adventure often leads me to unexpected challenges, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
When I got off the bus, I was disoriented and had no idea where to go for the next leg of my travels. The guidebook explained I was supposed to take another boat to arrive at the island. Suddenly, a boy about 9 years old ran up to me -it must have been the dazed and confused look on my face. I used hand gestures and broken Portuguese, which I learned from a pocket language book and high school-level Spanish, to help me communicate. He motioned to follow him. I was hesitant at first. Remember, I had just gotten off a bus where a man was walking up and down the aisle with a machine gun. However, I figured this child was harmless and wanted to help. Besides, I could not knock his hustle. As we walked, I took in all the scenes and smells. I had so many questions about this little village. My initial hesitation quickly turned into trust as I followed the local boy, not knowing what to expect next.
The boy stopped, pointed to a boat, and held out his hand. I knew exactly what he wanted. I pulled out about 5 to 7 Brazilian Real (local currency), which was equivalent to $2 to $3 USD at the time. After the handoff, I boarded the boat. You may be picturing a catamaran or a nice-sized pontoon. Let me be clear: when I say boat, it was a local fishing boat packed with villagers. No life jackets, snacks, or bottled water, just a bench to sit on, a motor, and a rope for docking. The weight of my luggage could of capsized the thing. By the time I boarded, it was dusk.
Blue, golden ticket…
It was a little complicated to apply for my first passport. Well, at least it was for me because I didn’t have a driver’s license. That is another story for a later date. I had to ask someone with a driver’s license to come with me when applying. Years later, I have always wondered about the validity of this act. I asked my friend Deanna from my hometown, who had also moved to NYC. She immediately said yes. She was excited about me being able to have this experience. I went home and waited for a few weeks; finally, it arrived. I held the golden ticket to see the world in my hand and was getting ready to board a plane on my first trip out of the country with a rag-tag team of strangers. Fun.
I was greeted by the H&M staff, who made me feel like I belonged at the company. Shortly after, they took us on a city tour, and I had free time to wander and take in. I was overwhelmed. The cobblestone streets, ornate bridges, architecture dating back to the 17th century, and great food left me speechless. After my excursion, it was time meet at the H&M headquarters.
The journey from the pristine halls of H&M’s headquarters in Sweden to the sun-drenched shores of Brazil still feels like a dream sequence in my mind. In Stockholm, the crisp Scandinavian air hit my face I wandered through the H&M spaces, where every display and space, reflected the brand’s minimalist elegance and dedication to style. The semi-arduous trek to reach the headquarters had dissolved into insignificance the moment I stepped inside, much like how my later expedition to that hidden Brazilian paradise tested my patience but rewarded me tenfold. The contrast between these two destinations couldn’t have been more striking – from the sleek, modern aesthetics of Swedish design to the raw, beauty of a Brazilian island where turquoise waters joined powder-white beaches.
Both journeys, though challenging in their own ways, etched themselves into my memory as testaments to how the most worthwhile experiences often lie just beyond our comfort zone. The pristine order of H&M’s corporate world and the journey to a Brazilian paradise, now intertwine in my mind as two faces of the same coin – both representing moments when perseverance led to pure wonder.
I received my invitation to the event called Life…
Life isn’t meant to be a serene garden stroll – it resembles more of a roller coaster ride at the amusement park, filled with exhilarating climbs and heart-stopping descents. While Christ never promised an easy path, He did promise something far more valuable in John 10:10: life abundant, overflowing with purpose and possibility. Just as He called Peter to step out onto the waves, He extends that same bold invitation to each of us today.
Looking back, if I had orchestrated my own path, I would have missed the magnificent adventure God had planned. My simple “yes” to His call has led me across more than 30 countries, from the humbling streets of New York City where I served the homeless, to the determined faces of young girls in Nairobi’s Kibera slums, to the challenging yet rewarding work combating human trafficking in Mumbai, and engaging college students about God on McGill’s campus while interning in Montreal. I’ve experienced everything from modest hostels to luxurious resorts, savored exotic cuisines, and spent nearly eight years living and working in Asia. Yet the true richness wasn’t in the stamps in my passport or the meals on my plate – it was in the lives touched and the perspective gained along the way.
As 2025 beckons, I extend this invitation to you: embrace expansion. This might mean boarding a plane to a foreign land with your family in tow, conducting devotions 15-20 minutes a day instead of 10, or finally launching that dream business that will serve others. The world needs your giftings and perspective. That population you feel called to serve? They’re waiting for exactly what you have to offer.
Remember, this call to expansion isn’t about replicating someone else’s journey – it’s about discovering your own. God’s invitation is uniquely yours, tailored to your gifts, your passions, and your purpose. Whether it leads you across oceans or across the street, the key is taking that first step out of the boat.
The beauty of following Christ’s lead is that while we may not always know the destination, we can trust the Navigator. Every twist and turn in this divine adventure serves a purpose, shaping us into who we’re meant to become. So lock in your seat belt, lift your hands high, and embrace the glorious adventure ahead. Your expansion story is waiting to be written.
The boat’s edge is before you. The water might look choppy, but remember – the One who calms the seas is calling your name. Will you step out? Your next chapter of abundant living awaits.
Tiffany Robertson is a passionate solo traveler who has explored six continents with an explorer’s curiosity and an artist’s eye. Through her blog, “Solo & Savoring,” she shares transformative guides, culinary discoveries, and reflections on indigenous art, encouraging others—especially women—to embrace cultural immersion as a path to personal growth. Whether sampling rare wines in Portugal or photographing sunrise in Myanmar, Tiffany celebrates the intersection of travel, gastronomy, and artistic expression. Her motto, “The world is best experienced alone but shared with many,” underscores her belief in the authentic connections forged through solo journeys.