I first met Chi Chi in September 2019 – she came storming in the flat loaded up with bags and I was sitting on the settee. I had been dying to meet her as I had been on my own at Flamsteed Court for a while. She only looked about 30 years old but she was actually 45 this I now believe is attributed to her really healthy diet – full of healthy foods, spices and hardly any sugar. We both smiled and I found out that she was a Missionary from Nigeria. We had some great times – she told me all of her stories – of her times of going out to the remote areas of Africa and helping sick and injured elderly and children, she found a baby once, covered from top to toe in Ringworm. I found her work really interesting and we soon found that we had a common interest of helping and being empathetic towards people. I went to church with her once, she looked very professional in her Habit.
We had some great times – once I cut my finger and because there was so much blood me being the typical drama student had to go to A & E – Chi Chi thought that it was well funny. She knew that I didn’t need stiches. When Covid happened we both got a little scarred. I turned and said to Chi Chi – “Do you not want to get a plane to go home?” – “No, Alee” she replied, “I am a Missionary – I can die anywhere.” She always spelt my name Alee.
However, I did get a little frustrated at first because I had no access to a bath and this was always my way of relaxing – eventually the housing team offered me a room with a bath but I was such good friends with Chi that I decided to stay put.
I hope that one day, if I attend church either for a future marriage or indeed my funeral – that Chi Chi will be there for me in her Habit – I know she will anyway. Every birthday we phone each other and sing Happy Birthday, she is a friend for life – only the other week Chi and her best friend Judith came over for Sunday dinner – mom was there – Judith and Chi Chi love mom – they have almost adopted her. We are now planning a Birthday party for Chi over this Summer – I can’t wait – we’ll be dancing the night away to UB40 – just like we used to do at Flamsteed.
University at 54 