This heartwarming tale begins with a simple act of kindness – a Samaritan’s Purse shoebox filled with gifts, sent from a young boy in Idaho to a less fortunate girl in the Philippines.
The year was 2000, and the seven-year-old boy, Tyrel Wolfe, had no idea that this small gesture would change his life forever.
Tyrel had packed the shoebox with tiny gifts, toiletries, and a photo of himself in Western gear.
It was part of a special program called “Operation Christmas Child” through Samaritan’s Purse, where people fill boxes with items for people in need.
The recipient, Joana Marchan, cherished the box, especially the photo of Tyrel with his name and address, unknowingly setting the stage for a beautiful love story.
Fast forward to the era of social media, and Joana’s curiosity led her to search for Tyrel on Facebook.
After some time, Tyrel accepted her friend request, intrigued by how this stranger from across the world knew him.
Joana mentioned the Samaritan’s Purse box, sparking a connection that evolved into a friendship through messages exchanged over the vast distance between them.
She told Idaho News 6:
“That shoebox had a big impact on my life and also to my family. That’s why I wanted to thank him.”
As their friendship blossomed, Tyrel felt a compelling urge to meet Joana in person.
Gathering his savings and courage, he embarked on a journey to the Philippines in June 2013.
The moment they met at the airport, they were overwhelmed with joy.
Tyrel’s ten-day visit to Joana’s hometown, including meeting her family, deepened their bond.
Tyrel knew Joana was the one for him during this visit.
Respectfully, he asked her father for permission to date her, marking the beginning of their romantic relationship.
Unsure of what the future held, Tyrel returned home, only to come back during Christmas for a longer stay.
During his Christmas visit, Tyrel had another significant question in mind – this time, for Joana’s father.
He bravely asked for her hand in marriage in her native language, receiving her father’s blessing.
Their engagement was joyously celebrated in the Philippines.
Following their engagement, the couple spent months arranging Joana’s fiancé visa before she could join Tyrel in Idaho.
In a beautiful ceremony, they exchanged vows, with Tyrel donning a traditional Filipino barong, a special way to celebrate their blended cultures.
And for the wedding gifts? They requested “shoeboxes packed full of love.”
Now, Joana and Tyrel are enjoying a serene life, along with their two young children.
They even share their family’s adventures on their YouTube channel “ty and joana.”
Tyrel explained to the news station:
“Without God in the picture, it is a fairy tale. But with God in the story, it is a beautiful love story. It’s a love story that actually happened.”
This story is not just about love crossing borders; it’s a reminder of how small acts of kindness can lead to life-changing events.
Click on the video below to see an interview with the beautiful couple!
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