A JOURNEY OF LOVE, REUNION AND RENEWAL

Etebom Akpan Start Date: Jul 13, 2023 - End Date: Jul 12, 2024
  • Lagos, Nigeria
  • Abuja, Nigeria
  • Uyo, Nigeria
  • Calabar South, Nigeria
  • United Kingdom

My Travel Story

by: Etebom Akpan Start Date: Jul 13, 2023 - End Date: Jul 12, 2024
Subject: A Journey of Love, Reunion, and Creative Awakening: Help Etebom Akpan Return Home, Nurture Young Minds, and Rediscover His Passion

Dear FundMyTravel,

In the vast realm of hope and possibility, where the yearning for family and the pursuit of dreams converge, I stumbled upon your esteemed organization during my fervent search for compassionate souls who could help me embark on a transformative journey. Though the registration process does not currently cater to Nigerian residents like myself, my unwavering faith emboldened me to reach out, guided by a glimmer of hope that our paths may intertwine. Today, I stand before you, residing in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, bearing a tale of longing, resilience, and a burning desire to reconnect with loved ones, rediscover the place I once called home, and nurture young minds through my passion for creating children's educational books and comics.

Barely one hour and forty-five minutes away by air lie the scattered pieces of my heart—my aging mother in Lagos, my beloved sister in Abuja, and the rest of my family in Calabar. The passage of time has cruelly kept us apart, as the exorbitant flight fares remain far beyond my financial reach. It is an ache that permeates my being, a longing that knows no bounds. The desire to hold my mother's hand, share a laugh with my sister, and embrace the warmth of kinship engulfs my every waking moment.

However, dear FundMyTravel, my ultimate yearning extends beyond this familial reunion. It lies in the longing to return to the United Kingdom, where my journey began—the place where opportunities beckon, and the promise of rebuilding my life looms on the horizon. In my heart, I carry the weight of regret, recalling the time when I completed my education at Claremont College in Hastings, along the vibrant A21 highway. A golden opportunity presented itself—a chance to study my A-levels at Dover College in the UK. Yet, swayed by circumstance and unforeseen paths, I made the decision to relocate to Nigeria, a choice that now echoes with ill feelings of regret.

Life's hardships, dear FundMyTravel, have cast a long shadow over my existence in Nigeria. Despite my tireless efforts and the exhaustion of all my time and abilities, the system relentlessly works against me, leaving me profoundly affected in countless ways. The struggle has taken its toll, and I find myself yearning for a fresh start—a chance to regain control over my destiny, to secure stability and a sense of purpose that has long eluded me.

Amidst these challenges, my passion for creating children's educational books and comics burns brightly. The untold hardships, lack of an enabling environment, and limited creativity resources have hindered the development of this innate talent within me. However, I have recently embarked on the writing of a general safety book for parents and children—a literary treasure filled with engaging tales, humor, and exciting themes that captivate young minds. The book features cartoon characters I have lovingly developed over the years, aiming to cultivate a reading culture while fostering learning and fun.

Moreover, I am in the final stages of developing another epic story/comic titled "Absolutely Ridiculous." This whimsical tale takes place in an imaginary land where two beings— one possessing intelligent skills and knowledge of creation, and the other a significant "dum-skull"—find themselves imploding into existence. Together, they navigate parallel worlds, struggling to exist and survive while engaging in captivating contests. This extraordinary journey promises to spark imaginations and instill valuable life lessons.

Furthermore, I am working on a book titled "Janet," which unveils the diary of an alien that fell from the skies to live a life on Earth. It delves into the complexities of adjusting and living within a meager and technologically backward society, all while harboring an overwhelming desire to rule the Earth. This imaginative story weaves a tapestry of adventure, self-discovery, and the clash of cultures, capturing the imagination of readers young and old.

Dear FundMyTravel, as a mechanical engineer by profession, my newfound passion for educational and imaginative creative writing has ignited an undeniable spark within me. At times, I contemplate whether I missed my true calling, recalling my almost Grade A achievement in art during the Oxford Legacy of Local Examinations in 1984—the very year I returned to Nigeria. The allure of storytelling and nurturing young minds through creativity has overtaken my desire to invent, leading me to believe that my talent should have been utilized ages ago.

With these aspirations in mind, I invite you, dear FundMyTravel, to explore a glimpse of my creative journey. An introduction to my children's general safety book, along with updates on my ongoing projects, is available on my Patreon page. Through this platform, I aim to connect with like-minded individuals, foster a community of learning, and provide young readers with access to engaging and educational content.

FundMyTravel, your generosity and support would not only enable me to embark on this transformative journey of reunion, self-discovery, and artistic pursuit but also provide me with the means to nurture young minds through my children's books and comics. By uplifting my dreams, you would empower me to touch the lives of countless children, igniting their imaginations and imparting knowledge through the pages of my works.

With heartfelt gratitude and unyielding determination, I implore you to consider the profound impact your support could have on my life, the lives of my loved ones, and the young minds I aspire to inspire. Your benevolence would bridge the gap between family, reignite the flames of creativity, and guide me back to the path that was once mine—a path that leads to the United Kingdom, where opportunities await, and where I can reclaim the life that fate has temporarily placed beyond my reach.

Thank you for your unwavering attention to my heartfelt plea. May the winds of compassion carry my message to your hearts, and may your noble organization be the catalyst that propels me towards a future filled with love, purpose, and the realization of long-held dreams.

With profound gratitude and unyielding hope,

Etebom Akpan
  • Lagos, Nigeria
  • Abuja, Nigeria
  • Uyo, Nigeria
  • Calabar South, Nigeria
  • United Kingdom

More Travel Information