9 Years Later… About Time, Right?

The Year Was 2016... It was a time when Vine still ruled the internet, the Cubs were finally breaking their 100-year curse, people were getting way too into Pokémon Go (hospital visits were involved), and Justin Bieber was out there telling us to "Love Yourself." Meanwhile, in a cozy house tucked away in Springfield, Missouri, Teresa and her roommates were throwing a casual going-away party. Little did they know, the night was about to get a lot more interesting. Enter Michael and his crew, passing through the area thanks to Trey’s extensive connections at Missouri State. Michael, the epitome of "fashionably late," strolled in with impeccable timing and even more impeccable hair—think flowing locks that probably had their own fan club. Hungry and a little disoriented, he wandered into the kitchen, where he found... a room-temperature burger. Not the most promising of snacks, but hey, he was hungry. He asked Teresa, the hostess with the mostest, where the microwave was. Her reply? “The best way to warm a burger is to dip it in a cup of coffee,” she said, holding up her mug like it was the most normal thing in the world. Michael paused, blinking in disbelief. "Okay?" he laughed awkwardly, but something about Teresa—and that strange coffee suggestion—had left an unexpected impression. Was this woman for real? Why was he so captivated by her? Fast forward a few weeks, and Michael found himself making an unplanned trip back to Springfield, determined to ask her on a date. Teresa, surprised by his return, agreed to a weekend of dates (though, let’s be real, she was a little skeptical). Michael, knowing full well that Teresa was about to dive deep into her missionary life, tried to make things official before her FOCUS commitment kicked in. But Teresa, ever the committed soul, wanted to dedicate her heart and mind to Christ and His mission first. So, they stayed friends. But, oh, that doesn’t mean it was over. The next year was full of will-they-won’t-they moments, a rollercoaster of emotions and heartwarming moments. Then came the trip to Galveston. Teresa’s missionary team was heading there, and Michael saw it as the perfect chance to crash the party—er, we mean join the trip—and take her on some proper dates. Things were looking promising… until they weren’t. Yet. They started and stopped like your dad's '94 Camry you drove when you first turned 16. Try as they might, things just didn't work out. (Don’t worry, this is not the end.) Fast forward to Easter 2024. Teresa, having given up dating for Lent and praying for guidance, was ready for some clarity. Little did she know, Michael was out there—4 years after their last attempt—texting her a simple "Happy Easter." And just like that, the spark they had once shared flared up into full-blown flames. Just like old times, Michael hopped on a plane to Detroit. Even Teresa got involved with the traveling bit and flew to Texas a few times. She even stumbled upon an engagement ring in the middle of East Texas. And before they knew it, what had once been a situationship blossomed into something real—something rooted in love, faith, and the shared belief that God had written their story all along. Today, they’re celebrating the next chapter, surrounded by all the people who supported them and prayed for them along the way. Teresa and Michael are beyond grateful for this day—and for each other. They can’t wait to celebrate with you all, and they hope you’ll cherish this day as much as they do. After all, it’s just the beginning of their happily-ever-after. (And yes, the burger saga? Still legendary.)