Chichi and Afam Eruchalu met in April 2007 where they were both volunteers at the OFNC Youth Conference. Chichi's mother who is also a Youth worker introduced the two. On 26th June 2010 at the Usmania Banqueting Hall in Manchester UK, Afam and Chichi became one. The couple shares their love story with AfroElle.
A simple 'hello'
When my mother introduced us at the time we were very polite about the whole thing and were like 'hi - hi'. Four months later we were both going to the National Conference in Wales and Afam’s original transport plans didn't go as planned - through no fault of his own he missed his lift to Wales and I ended up driving us both down to the conference. It was during those two hours, talking about some many things {including Big Brother!}, that we realised that we had quite a lot in common and spent more time at the Conference getting to know each other better.
Living in different towns we communicated regularly by telephone and email. O2 and Vodafone made a lot of money during that period! A few months later after lots of talking and the occasional visits, our feelings towards each other start to develop beyond 'just friends' to 'something more special'.
'First Impressions'
When Afam and I met, I knew he was a nice guy, but I liked him more as a friend. As I got to know him and know his personality, I remember telling my mum, 'yeh, he'll make a great husband for some lucky girl'. Little did I know that the lucky girl would be me!
Being tall he has presence whenever he enters a room, but he uses it well and is never arrogant or obnoxious. He cares for people and you can see this in how he relates to individuals.
'Step by Step'
We were both at a stage in our lives where dating was not an option, as in we didn’t want to be in relationships which didn’t have a purpose. Very early on in the relationship we laid our cards out on the table, which was key because we didn’t want to waste each other’s time. It was on a cold but romantic Saturday night back in October 2007 where Afam told me that he cared about me a lot and believed God was calling us to develop a relationship that would eventually lead to marriage.
That ‘kicked’ off things and he formally proposed to me on the 28th December 2008 in Stratford-Upon-Avon and we held our engagement May 5th 2009 in Sale, Manchester.
'answered prayer '
This was the list of what i wanted in a man. I wrote it back in 2007. It might seem a lot but I was always taught to be specific when asking for things from God!
1. Man of God, loves Him, Serves Him and has Him number one in his life
2. Family values
3. Professional and hardworking
4. Good dresser
5. Funny
6. Tall {than me}
7. Good with finances
8. Respectful
9. Patient
10. Loving, caring and honourable
11. Willing to try new things
12. Confident without arrogance
13. Attractive to me {but doesn't know it!}
14. Driven and ambitious
15. A man of integrity
16. Good leader
God is faithful, He gave me everything on my list.
God also knows us and knows what we need. He then proceeds to bless us with a person who will compliment us, support us, love us, just as HE loves us. If we trust Him and let Him do His thing.
 |
| getting ready |
 |
| the little details |
" the rest is history...... "
I went to this relationship conference where it was talking about lock and key and the right type of person you want to get married to. At the time we were not together or talking and I remember sitting there thinking, I have let a good one go. Each time they mentioned an attribute a good spouse should have, my mind would take me back to Afam. I remember saying a prayer that day, along the lines of ‘God, if this is your will, please bring him back into my life. I’m not going to do anything’. A few days later I received a text from him out of the blue and we reconnected. The rest they say is history.
 |
| the entrance |
 |
| the ladies |
 |
| the gentlemen |
"P.S I Love Him"
Afam is kind and incredibly selfless. He always wants to make sure I am okay, he consults me in everything and we truly are great partnership. He takes his responsibilities as a husband very seriously and loves the Lord with all his heart. He has taught me so much, encouraging me to grow and develop in my faith and skills as a wife, for which I am grateful.
 |
| let the celebrations continue |
 |
| can I have this dance? |
Endless Love
I love the companionship and partnership that marriage brings. Before I met my husband I was a very independent person, now I am an interdependent person. I love sharing my life with him and being able to support and be supported. I also love the stability it brings. To make your marriage successful, communication and trust are essential. Being able to effectively communicate with your spouse is so important. Every argument or fight is bringing you one step closer to oneness.
You also need to approach marriage with a selfless attitude and know that it is for life. So far marriage has taught me selflessness, teamwork and what it means to truly love someone.
 |
| Isn't she lovely |
 |
| Just married |
'whatever it takes'
We make our marriage work by praying daily together and commit our lives and marriage to God. We also ensure that our own personal walk with God is sound as this is fundamental in ensuring our relationship is successful. We regularly read and watch marriage DVDs as well have an older couple who advise, support and pray with us.
It can become very easy to get sucked into the daily grind and forget about each other. You can make your marriage fun by reminding yourself why you got married and taking time out to spend with each other. Surprise each other - I sometimes put little love notes in my husband’s lunch box.
Marriage is beautiful but also hard work. It takes commitment and you have to work at it daily as whatever you put into it, is what you will get out of it. Be prepared to make sacrifices and be prepared to learn, as marriage is a journey of personal development and growth.
For those of you who are not yet married, don’t waste your single years. Prepare yourself to become a wife (or husband) and strive to become selfless. Learn to depend on God and not in own abilities (Proverbs 3:5) as this same dependence and submission you have for God is what will be transferred to your husband in your marriage. Last but not least don’t settle!
Chichi documents her journey through Matrimony Boulevard in her blog From Now Till I Do where she shares great insight about love, relationships, God and life. She recently launched her event management business Matrimony Boulevard in which she specializes in wedding events coordination and design contemporary wedding stationery.
Awesome!!!!! I enjoyed reading this. I felt like I took a mini journey with you and Afam from the time you met to the present. You guys are truly blessed.
Thanks for the advice for singles like myself. It is so easy to waste the single years thinking of what can be.
I cannot wait to share my story someday.