Salut: Michael and Hannah... IRVINE!

I got to know Michael Irvine under some very unique circumstances. I really can't remember how we met exactly, but I do think it involved Jim Velez. What made our progression to friendship unique was that early on in our getting to know each other, Mike found out I was forming this group that was newly titled "Prokope" - a group that sought to bring light to the issues we all deal with and encounter but never address publicly. Unless I am remembering incorrectly, he was the very first person to express serious interest in being apart of the group. We got together and I found out why he wanted to join and he found out why I would want to put together a group like this. So, although we overlapped a lot in peer groups and aesthetic interests, we found an initial deep connection through two different histories that merge at the desire to proclaim newness in Christ and a destruction of the powers that hold our stories, struggles, and inevitably our "selves" in darkness.

As Prokope grew from a "group" to a "program," Mike was a friend who offered endless counsel throughout its development. I soon witnessed his natural abilities to first put individuals at ease and second to pour tenderly yet effectively into group members. He was made facilitator when more groups were added, and inevitably (and quite naturally) became coordinator. For those of you who know Mike and I well will realize we function quite differently. This has been really valuable for both of us, I believe, and Mike has shown me the ways to address my character flaws and become a better person. I've also had the honorable position of witnessing how he has grown and developed into a mature follower of Jesus. Although we have only recently (half year or so) started intentionally hanging out purely as friends, with no talk of Prokope, we have set up our friendship from the get-go with absolutely no "off-limits" signs for one another. Mike, you have helped me become a better, more healthy person, and I will always appreciate you.

Unfortunately, I never came to know Hannah except through Mike. In the last few months my wife and I have been very blessed in getting to know her better and seeing the ways Mike and Hannah unite and balance one another. It's been great getting to know Hannah better, even if much of that process occured "via Mike." Hannah is pretty much one of my funnest friends and Sarah and I always feel so comfortable when we get to hang out with her. Mike and Hannah, you guys are such a great couple. We love you tons and we are confident in the love you continually express toward one another. Words cannot be used here to express how much we will miss you both when we move.

Three cheers for Michael and Hannah!!