Erina and Michael are two of the most compassionate and caring people I know. You can tell through both their actions and their words that they are truly invested in their community, from close friends and family to their local East Bay community to marginalized communities and peoples across the country and world. They have blessed me and many other friends through their music, words, and discipleship in my college Christian fellowship and beyond.
Erina and Michael adopted their dog, Sarabi, a little over a year ago. It has been a joy to see them commit to taking on everything that can come with adopting - shyness, timidity, even anxiety - and just love this new member of their family.
Earlier this year, I was taking a walk in the park with my husband John when Erina texted a group message to me and some other girls she had discipled during college. When I looked at my phone and saw 15 notifications from that one thread I knew something exciting had happened - and it was a pregnancy announcement!! I literally started skipping through the park and John was like "Who was it? What happened? Is someone pregnant?" Am I that obvious?? Hehehe. Then when Erina reached out to me about a maternity session in Oakland, of COURSE I had to say yes! And we made sure that Sarabi the shepherd came along for some fun as well :) I can now personally testify to Sarabi's friendliness and warmth that is so clearly a sign of Erina and Michael's love poured into her.. they are going to be the best parents ever!
We may or may not have made a makeshift leash out of a grocery bag ;D They worked it though!!
Michael and Erina, thank you for inviting me into this precious season in your life! I am so excited to see how your daughter continues to grow and learn to love through your love for God, each other, and the world.
