My Dream Come Through experience at Uyo

My journey to Uyo for the Steemians National meetup was nothing short of a rollercoaster of emotions, from the moment I decided to make this trip, I knew it wouldn’t be easy on me as it was a distanced journey from me and I was occupied with family and work duties.

But I said it was worth it even as the journey was filled with challenges, from arranging transportation to managing my schedule, but deep down, I felt a surge of excitement and determination even as loving friends and teammates like @ruthjoe, @bossj23 and ma @ngoenyi was on a constant contact with me. Also, within me I had dreamt of this moment for so long, and I was not going to let anything stand in my way.

Even as friends kept asking me if it's worth me spending so much of funds for just a "mere meetup" as they would call it. Putting me into calculations of transportation, accommodation and feeding as it's a far distance from where I reside. Below were my calculated expenses for this trip;

Item	Cost in Naira	Cost in Steem
Transportation	20,000 (to and fro)	44.6
Accomodation	10,000; x 2 (for two nights) 20,000	44.6
Feeding	5,000	11.2
Miscellaneous	5,000	11.2
Total	50,000	112

But then, I took on the road a day before the scheduled meetup date to be on time and avert any unexpected events to delay or cancel my journey, I encountered various obstacles that tested my resolve. There were delays, unexpected costs, and moments of doubt when I wondered if I should just turn back.

me on the vehicle heading to Uyo for the national Nigeria Steemians meetup

But every time I thought about the incredible opportunity that awaited me, the chance to meet and connect with Steemians whom I had only interacted with online, I found the strength to push through. The anticipation built up inside me, fueling my desire to be part of something bigger, to connect with fellow Steemians who shared my passion.

Finally, when I arrived in Uyo, all the struggles faded away as ma ngoenyi and goodybest, people I look up to so much for motivation on this platform and that has influenced my Steemit journey on a great deal and they welcomed me with open arms. Shortly after, I was joined by the incredible Steem4nigeria team of admin and moderators in @ruthjoe, @ninapenda and @xkool who also came from a distance.

ma ngoenyi welcoming me to Uyo, with a big smile, at Ifa Small Junction, Oron Road

	ma goodybest welcoming me to Uyo, with a big smile, in front of ma ngoenyi's apartment

ma ngoenyi, myself and alli001 went to welcome ruthjoe, xkool24 and ninapenda

We all were moved to ma ngoenyi's house and the atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, shared stories about our different Steemit journey so far, and a sense of community that I had longed for. I most confess, meeting those reputable Steemians face-to-face was surreal, it was as if I was in a dream world. Each interaction was more enriching than I could have ever imagined, then I realized that this journey was not just about the destination, but about the connections I have come to forge and the inspiration I gained.

Night came and we all resigned to the comfort of our bed in our well arranged and taken care of accommodation by ma ngoenyi in the place of Jerrycare hotels and suites. Then came the morning and the D-day of the event.

The day started with preparations of food and drinks for the occasion and the arrangement of the venue. Then came the time when Steemians started trooping, all with smiles and the disbelief of seeing certain personalities they could only interact with online.

The event kicked off with opening prayers, committing the event and those still on their way coming. Then we moved onto lectures about Steemit, engagement and promotion which was handled by ma ngoenyi, goodybest and sir Xkool24 respectively. We all were surprised by the benevolent nature of our brother @bossj23 as we brought out gift items dedicated to some special Steemians and it was presented there to them respectively.

	steemnurse01 with her gift from bossj23
sir Xkool24 with his gift from bossj23
	whixzbro4eva with his gift from bossj23
@Okere-blessing receiving her gift from bossj23
	sir @Benton3 with his gift from bossj23
okere-blessing with her gift from bossj23

The day drew to a close with refreshments, a lot of photographs and dancing as users were filled with excitement. With the night fast approaching, we retired to the comfort of our beds, and morning came and I was on the road again, it was time to go home, and as God would have it, I got home safe and sound. I counted it a joyous moment as it was a moment of triumph, a dream come true for me, and I left Uyo with a heart full of gratitude and hope for the future.

photos of me seated at the venue just before the kickoff of the event

photograph of me and @eveetim

I can say that in all, my calculated costs wasn't the reality of what I spent in total. Below is the total rundown of all my expenses.

Item	Cost in Naira	Cost in Steem
Transportation (going)	10,500	23.4
Transportation (coming back)	12,000	26.8
Miscellaneous	5,000	11.2
Total	25,500	61.4

	receipt of my transportation to Uyo
Receipt of my transportation back to Bayelsa

Oh yes, you are seeing that right, wondering where feeding and accommodation went? well, that was taken care of by our amiable sponsors of the meet in the persons of the @Steem4nigeria community, @Steemkidss and parents community, and ma @goodybest.

Therefore, I take the means also to appreciate all the Steemians that came out, your love was massive on me that I didn't want to leave the city of Uyo. I would like to personally appreciate ma @ngoenyi, ma @goodybest, and sir @xkool24 for their leadership skills in coordinating such as wonderful events. Also I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all Steemians that made it colorful for me, more especially @kidi40, @bonaventure24, @alli001 and @bossj23 for treating me like a brother and not some random dude you met online. Till we meet again, thank you to the entire Nigerian Steem community for the smiles we share and I very much look forward to the next one, maybe I may get to receive a gift from @bossj23 next time, till then, stay safe, productive and onward, no looking back.

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THANK YOU NIGERIA!. THANK YOU STEEMIT!

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NOTE: Always have a smile on your face, as you are never fully dressed without one.