What a year and what a ride! God, na you be this!
Let’s start from the beginning, shall we? I knew I wanted to travel more this year, but I didn’t know I would end up spending only three months at home the entire year! I’m writing this from Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, Nigeria, as Air Peace would like to keep me longer in Lagos 😂. Yes, I made it back home after almost 10 years!!!
I started the year in the UK with my cousin, who I hadn’t seen in years, and we had the best time bringing in the New Year together as a family—just like we used to before we migrated. Going to the UK in December last year (remember, I wrote last year’s review from there?) was a trip to find myself—not Rachael, but Funke.
Pause... let me share this little vulnerable story.
When I moved to Canada as a teen, I didn’t want to go by ‘Funke,’ my middle name, because I didn’t want it mispronounced at school, work, or anywhere else. I wanted to avoid the phase of ‘teaching people to say my name correctly.’ Don’t get me wrong—I love my name. I was the only one in my high school who answered to it (in Rivers State, Nigeria—not a Western state). I really only knew myself with that name, and I was so elated when Wizkid sang Pakuromo because it felt like a song just for me.
Before you say, “But it’s a very common Yoruba name” of course, I know that now, but it wasn’t common to me growing up. The point is, I loved my name and all the nicknames that came with it—Funky, Funkus (don’t ask!)—all of it. But I really didn’t like when people mispronounced it, so I switched to my first name, Rachael.
Something happened early on in this name change. I shared my story with someone I trusted, and their response was: “Funke? I don’t really like that name... you should stick with ‘Rachael.’ I prefer that.” I don’t think this person had any ill intent; they were just sharing their opinion. But that conversation influenced my decision to stop identifying as ‘Funke’ entirely—not just at work or school, but even among friends and family.
Okay, enough backstory. The UK was the first time in a looooonnnngggg time where everybody I met—friends and family—called me ‘Funke.’ Not one of them called me ‘Rachael,’ and they introduced me as ‘Funke.’ For this entire trip, that’s who I was. I remembered her—or at least parts of her—the traditions she loved, the things that made her laugh hysterically, and the memories she cherished. It was a trip to find her, and I’m so glad I did because, boy, did that make a difference this year!
Travel Adventures
I went from the UK to Italy, where I spent time in Rome, took a train to Florence, and then to Milan. I did all the touristy things—Trevi Fountain (especially the coin toss 😉)—and even visited the smallest country in the world, Vatican City. From Milan, I took a train to Zürich, Switzerland. It was colder than I expected, but I got to live out my dream of skiing in the Swiss Alps (photos never to be seen by the public 🙏🏽).
After a bit more travelling, summer brought ‘The Trip’—the one where I spent my birthday in France for Bastille Day. And as if I wasn’t already blessed enough, it coincided with the Olympics! In July, I travelled to Nice, France, for a South of France getaway and Bastille Day celebrations. I then rented a car to drive to Monaco—the most beautiful place and the second smallest country in the world!
✈ Next stop: Barcelona, Spain. I went for the vibrance and culture, but also to witness the artwork of God that is Montserrat. I headed back to the UK for a few days before leaving for the Olympics in Paris. I attended the opening ceremony, watched two aquatic games, visited the Louvre (of course!), and ate so much food I still can’t believe it. After over a week of living my ‘Rachael in Paris’—not to be compared with ‘Emily in Paris’—lifestyle, I returned to the UK for the summer.
Funke of Eko
My soul sister was getting married, and even though she has a sentimental speech about why she chose me as her ‘Maid of Honour,’ I strongly believe she wanted me to visit Nigeria because it had been almost 10 years since I was last here. The wedding was for a weekend, but since I hadn’t been back in so long, I booked a one-way ticket home. When will I return to Toronto? I’m not sure yet, but I’ll be back.
Right now, I’m enjoying my first ‘Detty December’, soaking up much-needed family and friends time, and looking forward to a very busy and life-transitioning New Year.
This medium gives me a chance to remember all the things I’m grateful for, and I have so many milestones, experiences, and people to be thankful for. My heart grew in love and awe of what that even looks like, and it truly changed—dare I say—EVERYTHING.
This year, my village and I celebrated weddings, proposals, engagements, graduations, pregnancy announcements, baby showers, bridal showers, citizenships, new jobs, promotions, home ownership, new relationships, and even the end of some horrific ones. But we also rallied around each other through challenges, failures, heartbreaks, loss, and grief. I know that life comes with the good and the bad, and so do the years. What I’ve learned is that where you get your support and strength from makes all the difference. Thank you, God, for your infinite love and for blessing me with love assistants here on earth.
2025 is going to be a big year—my year of OVERFLOW. I’m so excited to experience it with no reservations or doubts. Here’s to more trips, more money, more love, and living a life rooted in Christ Jesus.
I wish you so much love. Love that covers and embraces you always. Love that makes you untouchable. Love that you feel so deeply. Love that you share freely. Love that knows no bounds. You deserve it!
Have a wonderful, love-filled New Year!
xoxo,
Rachael (a.k.a Funke)
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