Hello my friends, it's been a while and if you noticed I have not been regular with my posts and only come in to upvote and comment. This was not a deliberate act at all as I have had tons of things in my hands ranging from the preparation and visa application to the steemfest 2 event as regards to the opportunity given to I and @surpassinggoogle for an all round trip to Lisbon sponsored by our dear @stellabelle.
Ever since that day @stellabelle has been more like a mentor. She made sure that every financial and moral support was available for the success of the trip. Truth was that my heart knew no bound at the wonderful opportunity she made available for me. This I would always be grateful for.
The visa application journey
Starting from the international passport to the visa, @stellabelle saw to it all, this to me is staying through to ones words. It got to the visa application and she directed me to so many amazing people who helped me in one way or the other about the requirements needed. The organizer of the event @roelandp gave me the invitation letter and a listening ear to all questions despite his busy schedule.
I had to ask questions and make inquiries and @infovore, @maryfavour, @surpssinggoogle, @mammasitta @jphilipsagholor, @ehiboss, @turpsy and so many people where there to put me through with the visa itinerary. Finally all the requirements were complemented with the immerse help of @roelandp and @stellabelle and then the visa was applied for of which required a 100% of my presence with the travels of which I enjoyed.
The wait, the call up for collection and the result.
I was to wait for a maximum of fifteen working days, within this period I had to run around for my school issues this combined made me really busy. It was difficult for me but I had to keep on because I couldn't have stopped half way. I also did the visa tracking and made sure I kept tab of when the fifteen working days was going to be over.
Finally the waiting was over and I was called on the 13th working day to come get my "passport", this I know was either going to be a positive or a negative one but I kept my mind on the positive. I had to travel and on getting to the embassy I found out the visa was refused. Waw! This shocked me to my marrows as I stared at my passport without a visa.
They had their reasons but I feel there was more.
Their reason was thus:
The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and condition of the intended stay was not reliable.
(no. 8 has the reason)
Prior to the reason stated here, I thought of the possible document that was not tendered as requested but non came into my head as everything was glaring. Then I remembered a chat I had with @maryfavour as to how rigid and tight the schengen embassy is.
According to her, she has been refused a schengen visa once simply because she was not married at that time, which was found applicable to me too. I asked a lot of people and they gave the same answer as to the schengen embassy skeptical about giving unmarried individuals visa.
This is quite unfair I have thought and concluded.
You never fail until you stop trying
During the initial stage when I and @stellabelle was confused about how to get the requirements, we were totally frustrated and coupled with my naivety as at then and the fact that @stellabelle does not really understand the Nigerian system, the only option left for us was giving up. Yet we didn’t, she went ahead and made all the necessary contact she could and we were able to get @roelandp. After I explained to @roelandp and how this could be a 50/50 chance, he made one comment and told me that it was worth trying and that there was nothing wrong in trying it out. Their words of encouragement and those of my friends and loved ones lead and kept me going.
All through the whole time I had @mislasvegas at heart, I wanted to so meet her and talk about the issue she have with the children protection services and the troubles she has been facing. I planned on sharing some of these issues with her because I believe that an issue shared is half solved. I felt really bad knowing that this was not going to be possible anymore. Meeting other amazing steemians from around the world and the knowledge I was going to acquire was something I looked forward to to.
The lessons and experiences so far
At everything that happens in my life I have always found a way of grabbing one lesson or two. Truthfully, the thought of not being at steemfest 2 in Lisbon got to me because am someone who loves exploring places, but all the same I found solace in the experiences I had so far. This opportunity was unexpected and even at that I never thought I could get the amount of love I got on this platform.
This refusal of my visa has made me understand more things I never knew about getting a visa, I am not longer as naive as I used to be before now as to the embassy and how they operate in terms of visa application. I met some amazing people who in one way or the other gave me one lesson or to to take home.
I met @mammasitta, an amazing lady through @stellabelle, ever since she has remained a very good and awesome friend to me. Although at first we wanted to share a room but later didn't work out all that good as she already had a room mate, but still she remained a very good loved one to me.
At the same time, it is also a sad thing that the world has gotten to the point where people are not allowed to move or explore places they love and admire freely when they want to in the words of @mammasitta.
Conclusion
The post would not be complete if I fail to appreciate God for His sustenance and protection over me during and after the application of the visa. Even though I came down with fever and headache once in awhile still He gave me the strength to travel safely all the time.
To @stellabelle for finding it in her heart to give me this wonderful opportunity and backing me up in all ramifications. You didn't leave me hanging for a second and despite the troubles you still went ahead to see that I had this awesome experience. I pray for you every time and am highly grateful. The strong and all round @roelandp who answered and replied my mails, giving me directions and sending every possible document that was requested without complaining at all even when he had a bigger and more important things to handle towards the preparation of steemfest, I say a very big thank you sir for allowing my disturbances especially at odd times...haha.
To @infovore, @surpassinggoogle, @ogoowinner @ehiboss, @jphilipsagholor (my mum), @mammasitta, @turpsy, @maryfavour and all my loved ones on here and those that are not here on steemit I really appreciate all the kind and moral support I got from you all. I would also like to thank @coolhenry though have not started blogging yet, who heard about steemit for the first time in the course of assisting me with my visa through the travel agency I used; steemit is too good not to be preached around.
Steemfest is in a few days time and I say am happy to have had an opportunity of going. I am still going to follow the entire event happening. I am positive and hope that @suppassinggoogle makes it there, as I have been offline for a long time, I haven't asked him how he is preparing but I am positive he will make it there.
However, I only wish that the opportunities I get do not end here as I look forward to seeing that the next steemfest coming up is in a more flexible and travel -friendly country; as I would still not hesitate to come if I can for steemit community has turned more than family to me, I love you all and wish all that will be coming form around the world a safe trip and a wonderful festival. A big thank you to @misslasvegas who has promised to get some pictures and videos for me... hahah, I would really appreciate that too my friend.
rocking my steemit vest
Never let your fears make you, rather do that which you fear the most because to everyone, you only become a failure if you do not try something. I love you all and I am back and better. My love still remains with you @stellabelle. Thank you for everything, for all you do for the young and rising of this great platform. God bless seemit!
Thank you steemit community for having me and thank you for being a wonderful family to me. I remain a true and strong member of this great platform. Also the Steemit in Nigeria (S.I.N) is in day’s time and I wish all those coming for the event as well a great trip to Osun state. All is for the growth and development of this great community. God bless Africa. God bless Nigeria.
