With Deepest Gratitude: THANK YOU!

36 Comments

1. Italy Tours

   December 7, 2011 @ 00:55

   I like this weblog its a master peace ! Glad I discovered this on google .

2. Sheri

   April 5, 2011 @ 02:45

   I was just thinking about the few of you who were so active and supportive on our website for so long and decided to check around to see how you were doing. I am saddened that you did not make it to the top 5 as you put in so much time and effort to promote this wonderful contest and they would have been lucky to have you there in the top 5.

   I wish you all of the luck in the world and I am truly inspired by the number of people who supported you throughout your campaign.

3. Myne Whitman

   April 3, 2011 @ 16:19

   Just found out about this post from your BN interview. Your dreams have not been cut off. I’ll def be looking out for your pictures and articles of the North Pole. All the best!

4. toyin

   March 10, 2011 @ 09:48

   Only 3 votes…. i’m pained! but truly amazed at your grateful heart…God bless you and please don’t give up…try again if you ever come across another opportunity! I will vote again!

5. Lorna - the roamantics

   March 3, 2011 @ 07:39

   WOW Lola! Just catching up after taking a much-needed break and read this! I’m so sorry you didn’t get the trip- it is so evident from this incredibly beautiful post of gratitude that you are worthy of that and more. Clear to see how with your graciousness and talent you’ve earned such a loyal group of supporters. Definitely includes me now and I’m honored that you would take the time to thank me. Thanks for showing us how it’s done! 🙂

6. Gbenga Awomodu

   February 28, 2011 @ 13:57

   Lola, you simply blew my mind with this!!!

   This portrays so much energy despite a not-so-palatable situation. I felt the ‘loss’ personally, not to even think it was just a slip of 3 votes. Nevertheless, I am persuaded that far greater things will be yours in the near future. Thanks for putting this ‘world-record’ post up. Thank you for inspiring me and many more people greatly! 🙂

7. Black Women in Europe

   February 22, 2011 @ 21:55

   Det var så lite!!

8. Oluwaseyi Oguntubo

   February 22, 2011 @ 09:50

   Lola, i was so disappointed i couldnt get in touch for days. I never thought for a day you wouldnt make it to the top 5. I believe you did your best, and you will still get to the North Pole someday, with or without Quark competition. Your thank you message was mind blowing, gosh, you’re so sweet. Watch out for more stuff coming your way this season, you sure got a lot of publicity. Pls feel free to call on everyone again once you need the votes, we’ll be there to help. And your Mum is such an inspiration, no wonder you are Lola!!! Keep winning.

   ‘Seyi

9. Lola

   February 21, 2011 @ 20:53

   @Michelle – Thank you so much!

   @Mo Travels – I had to say thank you to everyone. And thanks again for your support. Hope to see you again!

   @Bunmie – Yours and Seyi’s support were extremely crucial to getting me this far.

   @Vera – Thanks for the writeup. Every bit helped. Really!

   @Neha – Amen to that!

   @Camels & Chocolate – I know. Major bummer, but that’s life. Thanks again for your votes.

   @Abimbola – No need to look back. Of course, it was disappointing since it was only 3 votes, but one thing I’ve learnt in life is to quickly get back up, dust off, and keep moving on.

   @Good Naija Girl – Haha! You and me both. Your Monday campaigns were absolutely priceless and I can’t thank you enough.

   @Joan McKniff – Really appreciate that.

   @Adrienne – Me too. The 3 votes were quite shocking, but thank you for all you did behind the scenes in terms of rallying more people to get on board.

   @Giovanni – Thanks! This was gracious of you. You fought a tough race till the very end. Wishing you the best of luck.

   @Aunty Barbara – Yes, it definitely was, but I have faith and if it’s meant to be, it will be.

   @Candice – The support network alone is humbling.

   @Angela – Me too. Thanks again!

   @Kristin – Tack så mycket beautiful! I sincerely hope whoever wins truly savors it. Not for the sake of attention getting gimicks.

   @Eileen – Thank you Lady E! Means a lot to me.

   @gsutiger2 – Amen to that.

   @Renee – Thank you. Knowing that you’ve got my back means a lot and know that I’ve got yours too.

   @Remi – Mom, please don’t make me cry in front of all my friends 🙂 I love you. You’re such a blessing.

   @Andi – Thanks!

   @Ian – Thanks for tweeting and facebooking. Every bit helped!

   @Abbie – I feel blessed, that’s for sure.

   @bweiss – Travel is definitely not for the rich only. Here are ways you can explore the world for free – http://matadornetwork.com/notebook/how-to/how-to-travel-for-free/

   @Jeevan – Thanks!

   @Rolake – Thank you for your support and contacts. That’s all we can keep doing – being ourselves and living our authentic lives. Can’t wait to see you again lady!

   @joshywashington – You’re the baddest-funniest-coolest ninja I know and I can’t wait to meet you in person!

10. Remi Akinmade

    February 21, 2011 @ 01:19

    Dear bweiss
    You commented ‘I have a dream to travel to different countries but that is only for the rich” Having a dream is not only for the rich’ Rich or poor, we must have dreams. Joel2v28c testified that you old men shall dream dreams and your young shall see vision and Ecclesiastes 5 v 39 says’ For dreams cometh through the multiple of business.’

    If you ask most rich people they all have humble beginnings. In my case as a child things were so though but an adage says two generations can not be poor and this formed the basis for my dream to fight poverty, I’m not saying it easy fighting poverty but with God and hard work, you will overcome

    Opportunities abound on the internet such as the Quark Expedition, FUNDSFORNGOS.ORG etc. In my charity work youth capacity building training include; Who am I?, What is my dream? etc.

    Don’t be around dream killers. You can still travel to different countries (with God all things are possible). I just returned from Bangkok, Thailand; nominated by a stakeholder and trip to the conference was fully supported by Global Health Workforce Alliance (GHWA)/WHO. On my own, I could not have afforded this but my charity work in rural Lagos State was recognized.

11. joshywashington

    February 19, 2011 @ 21:21

    I was eating breakfast with DM when he told me, in a break-the-shitty-news tone, that you had been ousted by a scant three votes. After the initial disappointment (a loss by 300 would have been…better?) I began to formulate a process of appeals, surely you are the Al Gore circa 2000 elections and there are a few dimpled chads that need to be addressed?!

    but there is something elegant about the margin of 3, it can teach us something about what separates what is and might have been, and you are the kind of soul who can see those lessons from a mile off, I can just tell.

    I am still on Team Lola, come what may!!

12. Rolake

    February 19, 2011 @ 21:00

    Although I’m so sorely dissappointed for you, I know that every door that closes has just opened another 🙂 Keep doing what you do best, being yourself! You’re still an inspiration, and I believe that the very best is still yet to come!

    Rolakex

13. Jeevan Baretto

    February 19, 2011 @ 05:41

    I am soooo sorry to hear that you lost the chance only by 3 votes!! But now at least you know that there are so many well wishers, you’re not alone any more 🙂 Keep writing..

    Jeevan

14. bweiss

    February 17, 2011 @ 21:54

    I have a dream to travel to different countries but that is only for the rich

15. Abbie

    February 17, 2011 @ 03:33

    I’m so sorry you didn’t get it, Lola – but this post overwhelms me a bit, too – look how loved you are 🙂

16. ian

    February 17, 2011 @ 00:41

    i tweeted and facebooked it! 😉 sorry to see you didn’t win though… always a next time.

17. Andi of My Beautiful Adventures

    February 16, 2011 @ 21:04

    Agree with the person who commented before me, a HUGE door will open!!! XOXO

18. Remi Akinmade

    February 16, 2011 @ 17:15

    Lola – you were raised to love God and be upright in all your dealings, which you exhibited throughout the Quark Expedition contest.

    You served diligently in a corporate world as GIS expert in the USA for close to twelve years, before you bowed to your God given talent to bring mankind close to nature and those whose voices are low to bring harmony to the world before Jesus comes.

    I remember when you and Urban took us to the Artic circle, in amazement and surprise I asked; Is this the Artic Circle? as you rightly presented. As astonished as I was so shall God surprise you in HIS timing.

    As God’s chosen care-giver of you, it is important that I give you all the support you deserve in life except excesses because I would give account someday. Just call on me anytime when you need my support as I have always being there for you and your sisters and the disadvantaged I serve; I would be there for you through God’s Grace.

    To all those who voted for Lola all over the world, I’m so amazed by your kind words and with the zeal with which you truely wanted Lola’s dream to come true. I never knew our daughter has made so much friends all over the world. Thats Lola’s true nature; infectious!!!.

    Joseph’s dream didn’t come true immediately, it came at the appointed time. Lola’s dream will surely come true at God’s perfect timing.

    Thank you all and best wishes.

    Remi Akinmade(Lola’s Mom)

19. Renee

    February 16, 2011 @ 16:48

    Lola,
    I believe that you will be rewarded with something much greater because you have such a lovely and graceful spirit. While most would huff and puff about the loss, you are humbled by those who tried to get you across the finish line. You can always count on me to support and help you in any future endeavors because you are so deserving.

20. gsutiger2

    February 16, 2011 @ 15:17

    A HUGE door will open. Just wait and see.

21. Eileen Smith

    February 16, 2011 @ 13:27

    Lola, I’m so disappointed on your behalf! And humbled by your graciousness. Looking forward to future endeavors, prize winning, beautiful prose and photography from wherever in this world you happen to be.

22. Kristin Lohse

    February 16, 2011 @ 11:34

    Such spirit, you continue to inspire Aralola! Someone got lucky and this time it wasn’t you, I hope that person savours it as much as you would have. I was always convinced that your essay would have won among the top five. If nothing else, I think that says a lot about your ability to move people at the core.
    Love and courage!

    – Kristin

23. Angela

    February 16, 2011 @ 04:55

    For God’s sake, I was 100% sure you would have made it. I’m as disappointed as if I was running the contest!
    There will be another opportunity, and I can’t wait to cast my vote 😉

24. Candice

    February 16, 2011 @ 03:23

    I can’t think of anyone who deserves that trip more than you…but damn, isn’t it amazing when you realize the support network you have?! WOW. People really do care. 🙂

25. Barbara Akinmade

    February 16, 2011 @ 02:53

    Lola, my dear, soo soo sorry, and just three votes short. It is just soo disappointing that you were not up there in the top five. I truly believe that if that was the case it was not meant to be for you. Will you ever get there?. I would bet anything in the world you will get there one day and when you do you will know that the timing was right. I truly believe that if it was God’s time for you to go you would have, but he will get that little girl in Mr Kayodes class there one of these days soon. You are living a life most people only dream about, your travels uplift the rest of us, stuck in a humdrum type of job, so Lola keep dreaming, traveling and blogging. Love U Auntie B

26. Giovanni Savaglio

    February 16, 2011 @ 01:49

    Hi Lola, I’m Giovanni Savaglio one of your fellow contestants in the Quark Blog Your Way To The North Pole Contest.
    I am deeply saddened and surprized not to find you in the top 5. We have shadowed each other everyday for the past 2 months on the website http://www.getonlinevotes.com . I know the effort you have put into this contest because I’ve seen your footprints on that web site along mine.
    Yesterday I placed a comment on my contest vote page where by I paid you a compliment. It was heart felt, because only you and I know the time and effort that we have put in to that contest. I feel your disappointment and it is justified.
    Although I am pleased with my standing, I had always expected to be there with you in the top 5.
    Although I’ve not met you, I have come to feel as though I know you. To me you are a hardworking, kind, classy person. I wish you well in all things you do. Take care Lola.
    Sincerely,
    Giovanni Savaglio

27. Adrienne

    February 16, 2011 @ 00:43

    I really wanted to see you in the top 5. I wish I had done more or had the day off of work to rally up more support. All that time at the top and the last grueling 24 hours it all gets sucked away by three votes. :/

    Beautiful thank you note, Lola. I too know there are bigger dreams waiting to be realized for you dear.

    Hugs,
    Adrienne

28. joan mckniff

    February 16, 2011 @ 00:20

    What a gracious, lovely thank you posting. Sure it doesn’t seem like this now, but your heart and spirit are worth more than the prize.

29. Good Naija Girl

    February 15, 2011 @ 22:07

    I just want to give you a big hug and ask Quark to extend the contenders to the top SIX people because God knows you’re a worthy rival and would have won in the end. I am sorry that you’re disappointed but I appreciate the message and encouragement that you’re able to share despite that.

    We will keep our eyes open and I hope you will give your online family the honour of encouraging and supporting you in future endeavours in any way we can!

30. Abimbola Tanimowo

    February 15, 2011 @ 22:01

    Lola, I am proud of you. Anyone in your shoes right now would be sulking but your head is still held high. Thank you for teaching us the true meaning of Tenancity. Wish I had done more, but I know the best is yet to come. By the way you are a winner no matter what!

31. Camels & Chocolate

    February 15, 2011 @ 20:44

    BUMMER. I voted for you every time I saw the link, and I’m so bummed you just missed out. I think they should let you go with them anyway!

32. neha

    February 15, 2011 @ 20:03

    Aww! You are so AMAZING Lola. Forget the three votes, good things will happen for you either way.

33. Vera Ezimora

    February 15, 2011 @ 19:57

    Aaaaahhhhhh!

    It’s not that you missed it that hurts and angers me right now, it’s that you were so close to winning it [or at least being in the top 5]. I am so sorry, Lola. But you have been one brave girl. You had the courage and tenacity to compete against God knows how many people, and you let it be known publicly. God will renew your strength. Although it’s hard [maybe even impossible] to see past the disappointment right now, I am confident that something better is on its way. It always does.

    Chin up, girl.

    Oh, and this is one heck of a thank-you post. You’re welcome. I’m so, so glad to have helped. Although, I confess, I now feel like I did not do enough. What if I had pushed one more time? *sigh*

34. Bunmie Zoe Radioo

    February 15, 2011 @ 19:41

    I’m so teary right now and speechless. Lola you do know how to amaze us. How did you compile those list alphabetically? Anything to make someone’s dreams come true, and I should say thanks to you for letting me a part. I wish I could do more but I’ve learnt so much from all contestants write ups & yours especially. You’re a blessing & the bigger thanks goes to my sis – Seyi who brought your competition to my notice. You gave your best for this and whatever the result is, you can be sure we’ll be here to say “You gave your best Lola, congrats”

35. Mo Travels

    February 15, 2011 @ 19:40

    One door closes another opens. Something even better is waiting around the corner. You have such a warm and gracious spirit I have no doubt great things, and journeys, await you. It was so thoughtful of you to take the time out to personally acknowledge and thank all of those who voted for you. To us you are a winner.

36. Michelle Schusterman

    February 15, 2011 @ 19:36

    What a beautiful post! Lola, I’m so so so sorry you missed this, but I really believe another opportunity will come!