Cooler than in the movies: How a boy's package for a poor Filipina changed their lives 15 years later (6 photos)

The story of a young American man, which happened to him over 20 years ago, reads like a fairy tale or a romantic melodrama. Except it all happened.

Back in 2000, seven-year-old Tyrel Wolf participated in a charity event called "Operation Christmas Child." The boy filled a shoebox with school supplies, toys, a letter, and a photo of himself. After his parents took the box to church, Tyrel conveniently forgot about it. Meanwhile, the package was sent to a poor Filipino family.







No one remembered it until 2009, when a girl named Joana Marchan messaged Tyrell on Facebook. Not knowing who she was, he decided not to reply.





Soon, the girl contacted Tyrel again as a friend, and he asked who she was. Joana told him about a package she'd sent about ten years ago containing a letter and a photo. It turns out the girl had even written a reply, but it had gotten lost somewhere.

By this time, Tyrel had completely forgotten about the charity event and even asked his mother if it had really happened. His mother confirmed it, and the young people began talking.



After a year of dating, they decided to meet. Tyrel earned enough money for the trip and went to Manila. He was terribly nervous, as it was his first trip and he was completely alone. However, when he met Joana at the airport, he realized all his worries were in vain.

The young people spent 10 days together, and Tyrel was shocked by the poor standard of living in the girl's house. As he left, he promised to return.



Which is exactly what he did, only for a month. This second meeting sealed the deal. Tyrel asked Joanna's parents for her hand in marriage, and they accepted. The couple married in America at the groom's parents' ranch.



Not long ago, the couple welcomed a beautiful baby boy. This story is further proof that sometimes miracles happen where you least expect them.