There's Much to Be Thankful For...

Author: Michael and Emily

Thanksgiving with Emily's awesome sisters in Evansville

We’re on an airplane flying back from Indiana to Houston as we write this.  It can be pretty painful to leave Indiana since we love it so much, but we know that we’re in Houston for a reason and part of us is excited to get back after this wonderful vacation.  We can definitely say we were as thankful this Thanksgiving as ever for the time we got to spend with friends and family, creating memories along the way.  Some of our favorite times during this trip were celebrating Thanksgiving with Emily’s family, celebrating Michael’s Grandmother’s birthday with Michael’s family, watching the Colts/Patriots game with our best friends (though the outcome wasn’t what we hoped), and eating a big lunch at Smokin’ Jacks in Bloomington with our college friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

As we resume life in Houston, we’ll be jumping back into the midst of lots of things.  For one, Emily is currently at the beginning of her nanny job, which she is enjoying so far.  She gets to take care of an eight-month old baby boy three days a week and is enjoying it, though she had forgotten how much energy it takes to keep up with a baby!  Pretty soon, she’ll be dealing with lots of babies... she just received the official job offer for a NICU nurse position at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center on the northwest side of Houston!!  She begins this job in February, which is right when the nanny position wraps up.  Praise God for His perfect timing – it’s little things like this that show us we never need to stress out or be anxious, because God takes care of us and knows what is best for us – He just asks that we trust Him (1 Peter 5:7).

On Monday, Michael will resume teaching 9^th grade Algebra.  It can be pretty tough sometimes to find joy in the high-stress, exhausting work environment that is a first-year teacher’s classroom.  We definitely ask for prayers about that, that even in the midst of trials, we would find joy (James 1:2).  We know that we have a lot to learn about being joyful regardless of our circumstances and becoming more mature.

Watching the Colts game with friends in Indy over Thanksgiving

Watching the Colts game with friends in Indy over Thanksgiving

We’ve talked on our trip back to Indiana a few times about what we love most about married life and the thing that keeps coming up is just getting to spend life together.  We love playing Scrabble, going to the pool, hanging out with friends, watching movies, making dinner (OK, so in reality, Emily has been carrying the load in the dinner department – and she does a darn good job of it!), reading, going on dates, taking walks, praying together – these are the things that really help build our marriage.  And, as mentioned in previous posts, we love our church – Kaleo – and are involved in a small group where we get to talk through God’s word each week and have a community of friends.  

One last thing: God is teaching us both about what true love looks like.  Here is an excerpt from our new believer’s Bible about what true love is, based on 1 Corinthians 13:

God says love should be directed toward others (vv. 1-3).  The world says love should be directed toward ourselves.

God says love is patient and kind (v. 4).  The world says love satisfies your immediate needs.

God says love is never jealous or envious (v. 4).  The world says love means that you deserve the “best.” 

God says love is never boastful or proud (v. 4).  The world says love isn’t necessary to make people respect you.

God says love is never rude (v. 5).  The world says love lets you act as you please.

God says love does not demand its own way (v. 5).  The world says love gets in the way of what is in it for me.

God says love is not irritable or touchy, and it holds no grudges (v. 5).  The world says love takes a backseat when it comes to seeking revenge.

God says love rejoices in justice and truth (v. 6).  The world says love understands – even ignores – evil.

God says love is loyal (v. 7).  The world says love should be self-serving.

This commentary was incredibly convicting for both of us.  Thank God that He grants grace through Christ, because we have a long way to go in the area of loving others!  We can't thank you enough for your continued prayers and encouragement.  We praise God for providing Emily with a job – He continues to show us that His timing is perfect, that He is in control and has a perfect plan.  We ask for prayers that we would seek God first and foremost in our personal walks, our marriage, our relationships with others, and in our jobs.  How can we be praying for you?

Houston Arboretum

We also wanted to briefly mention that we had the joy of hosting Michael's parents when they came for a visit from Indiana in late October - we were able to show them around Houston and spend some quality time together which was a huge blessing!

Unemployed? Yes. Unfulfilled? No.

Author: Emily

Watching The Wizard of Oz in
Downtown Houston at Discovery Green.

First, we want to thank those who have been praying for us and asking about the job hunt.  God has not chosen to bless me with a nursing position yet; in fact, I haven’t even received one call about an interview.  The process has been quite frustrating: I’ve applied for several positions (and have recently started looking into nanny jobs to contribute to the family income), have dropped off my resume and cover letters in person, and have made numerous phone calls to nurse recruiters with not a word back.  I’ve even applied at specialty care facilities, doctor’s offices, and immunization clinics.  Though it is a tiresome process and I sometimes wish I could give up, God is blessing me with so much more, and I can’t be more thankful.  First, I am learning to be a servant – to Michael and to others.  Just yesterday, I was able to spend time with a friend; she is pregnant, nearing her due date, and is currently on bed rest.  I’ve been able to help her prepare meals to freeze for when the baby comes and also took her to the doctor yesterday for her weekly check up.  She was such an encouragement to me and after the appointment (and after I dropped off my resume at the front desk ;), we went out to eat in a quaint part of town called Rice Village at a restaurant called Texadelphia – it is famous for their Philly Cheesesteaks and instead of serving fries on the side, they serve tortilla chips.  The weather has been gorgeous lately (about 80 degrees nearly every day), and yesterday, I took a prayer walk with this verse in mind:

“Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?  Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?’” – Matthew 16:24-26

As I walked, God revealed to me a few things through this passage, but one thing stuck out in particular when it came to my current circumstances in the job hunt.  I do feel pressure to get a nursing job, especially because I spent five years of my life studying it.  But right now, maybe God isn’t calling me to it, or, maybe He is.  Either way, I must be open to the idea of doing something else, even if it isn’t what I expected and even if it doesn’t sound glamorous (not that nursing is a glamorous job ;), but in my eyes, it is the ideal job for me!).  The verse, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” kept resonating with me.  I still struggle with placing my identity in things other than who God says I am; and this time, God has shown me through this struggle of wanting a job that at times, I don't believe that He is enough for me.  But, if I were to have everything I’ve ever wanted (including a job) but not have God, then nothing would matter.  I came to the point yesterday where I honestly could say, “Lord, you are enough.”  The truth is, I had been searching for Scripture specifically about this for awhile, and the fact that God revealed it to me yesterday made my heart soar.

Michael has been doing well.  He often comes home and says, “I like teaching.  But I don’t like teaching math.  I’d rather be teaching Jesus.”  However, God has used math as a way for Michael to reach out to his students with truth – during class, he’s been able to discuss what a healthy relationship looks like and encourage students by telling them the truth about themselves (that they are very smart and capable), and he has even had the incredible opportunity to share the truth of the Gospel with four students after school throughout the course of one week!   In a couple of those conversations, Michael was able to flip to this passage to encourage the students that salvation doesn’t come by our works, but it is through God’s grace (though, it’s important to remember that works demonstrate faith):

“For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

Though he comes home exhausted at times, he still makes a conscious effort to pursue me, and I am so thankful for that.  The other night, he drove me to the top of our parking garage to stargaze (one of our favorite things to do!) and drink some wine.  Unfortunately, as you may have guessed, it is very difficult to stargaze in Houston (haha!).  However, during our time I kid you not, there was a shooting star that at first looked like a plane it was so bright!  It was incredible, and we both saw it!  The funny thing is, right before we saw the shooting star, Michael was encouraging me to persevere with the job hunt as I had had a frustrating day.  God is so cool, isn’t He?

Alicia in Austin at her new job with Global Short Film Network!

Since our last post, we’ve had the opportunity to play disc golf and board games and cards with some friends, attend free events at Discovery Green downtown (like watching The Wizard of Oz), attend a free symphony in Hermann Park, have a couple friends over for dinner, visit Alicia (who just moved to Austin!), attend Greek Fest (opa!), find a local restaurant that actually played the IU football game for us, and keep up with the Colts despite our lack of cable.  There are so many fun (and free!) things to do in Houston.  I was also blessed with the opportunity to fly back to Indiana for a week to visit family and friends.  Though I missed Michael, it was so good for my heart to be away from the pressures of job hunting, and low and behold, I did receive two calls on job prospects, so that was an encouragement!  Momma always said, “A watch-pot never boils.” ;)  While in Indiana, I also had the opportunity to hang out with my aunts, uncles, cousins, and some friends.  Below are some pictures from my visit!  Thank you, Momma and Diddy, for flying me back!!  We look forward to our visit over Thanksgiving break!! :-D

Please continue to pray for the job hunt.  Unfortunately, like many jobs, it’s not necessarily what you know, but who you know.  Thankfully, I have a connection to someone at The Methodist Hospital, and I am being considered for a position at an Oncology Clinic, though I have yet to receive a phone call for an interview.  Also, I just saw that another hospital posted their RN intern positions this morning!   Please also pray for Michael - for strength, perseverance, and good health.  Thank you so much for your prayers.  We miss you and hope all is well!

My twin, Amber, picked me up at the airport once my
flight got in and drove me all the way to Bloomington.

Celebrating Jason's birthday at my Aunt Janet's.

I love my Diddy!!!

Out to brunch with Granzie, Allie, and Momma.

Celebrating at The Scenic View Restaurant before my flight out!

Teaching (and life) Update

Author: Mr. Falls


I've got a long weekend this weekend for fall break, which gives me a chance to catch my breath a little bit and give you an update on how teaching has been going! I get asked sometimes, "do you love teaching?" and I honestly don't know how to answer that question right now. There are things that I love about it and things that I don't love. Overall, I'm really glad that God has Emily and I where He has us in life and so I'm grateful that I'm having this experience teaching. I definitely love the students I teach and have really enjoyed developing more meaningful relationships with some students.




My school: Chavez HS, Houston, TX

 I essentially teach two versions of Algebra 1, one for English speaking students and one for English as a Second Language (ESL) students. Most of these students have been in the country for between one and 12 months. The first few weeks of my ESL classes were very hard because of the language barrier. I was just not ready for what I experienced in my two ESL classes on day one of school and it took me several weeks to get caught up. I am finally experiencing some success in teaching them the material and in managing a classroom full of students who for the most part can't understand most of what I say. There is a bilingual senior student who helps me out those periods and she has been a blessing.


My four periods of Algebra 1 that are taught to English speaking students are going very well. For the most part, classroom management is not an issue. The students generally respect me and are engaged in the class. I use a lot of different techniques to keep students engaged, but my favorite is "cold calling," which keeps students on their toes because they don't know who I'm going to call on at any given time. So far, it seems to me that students are learning. As they say, "if students aren't learning, then you aren't teaching." I gave my first test on Thursday, so as I grade the tests this week, I suppose I'll find out if I've actually been teaching or if I've just been wasting the students' time. From the few that I've graded, I've been pleased but not thrilled with the results. I still have a long way to go before I'm an incredible effective teacher. As my mother-in-law told me when I first applied for Teach for America, if you're going to be a teacher, "you have to own the learning of your students," meaning that you have to do what it takes to make sure your students are getting out of your class what they need to, even if it means having to go far above and beyond as a teacher. I'm taking that advice to heart.


Besides teaching, I've been blessed to have my best friend and wife alongside me every step of the way. I couldn't be doing this without her at all. We are also continuing to get plugged in with our church, Kaleo, where we're experiencing great fellowship with other Christians, having the opportunity to do ministry, and growing so much in our faith. God is so faithful and it's exciting to be in the midst of this adventure He has planned for us. We are praying that our lives are a reflection of Colossians 2:6-7. Thanks so much for your love and prayers. We miss family, friends and Indiana so much - you're in our hearts and prayers as well.

Hello from Houston!

Author: Mrs. Falls :)


We've officially been living in Houston for a month now!  Wow, time has flown by.  It has been such a cool transition and God has been so faithful in providing us with a community and in helping us to adapt to a huge city.  


Since we have moved, God has provided us with a church home!  The church is called Kaleo (http://kaleohouston.com/), and we attended our first service on our first Sunday here in Houston.  The teaching is challenging and the community is wonderful.  We couldn't walk out the door without being stopped by four different people!  We also were plugged into a community group right away and have since been attending once a week.  During community group, we have dinner together (pitch-in), discuss the sermon from the past Sunday, and then share prayer requests.  The men and women in the group have been so welcoming to us and have even invited us into their homes.  We're currently attending membership classes to become official members - only 3 more classes to go!

Michael's first day attire! :)

Michael started his first day of teaching this past Monday!  It was a challenging week but he is so thankful to be a part of these kids' lives.  Along with teaching four periods of Algebra I, he is teaching two periods of Algebra I ESL classes and the students know hardly any English; though this is a huge challenge, he has found a way to teach the students using differentiated instruction which has proven to be successful!  Also, I recently passed my boards!  I bursted out in tears when Michael read the result to me; after four years of nursing school, tons of studying and preparation, I NEVER have to take it again and I am an official registered nurse! Praise God!  I am currently applying for several jobs in Houston and taking care of the home while Michael is at work.  I'm loving cooking and trying out new recipes, so if you have any favorites, please send them my way (emilycfalls@gmail.com).

Michael and I at the Astros vs. Braves game at
Minute Maid Park.

The weather is HOT here, but not as humid as Indiana (yay!); however, you have to take a jacket with you everywhere you go because every building blasts the A/C.  Our apartment complex has a huge pool, so that also helps to make the heat a bit more bearable.  We've had the opportunity to do some fun things around town - the Astros vs. Braves baseball game, beach day in Galveston, playing board games at local coffee shops for date night, touring downtown, and dinner at local restaurants (we've been to a couple Mexican restaurants that are very authentic and delicious!).  We've also had our first official dinner party with Michael's friends from TFA Institute.  We had dinner (for those that care: ;) chicken, pesto, and tomato flatbread with side salad), drinks, and then finished off the night with dessert (banana and strawberry cream pie with a chocolate graham cracker crust ::yum!::) and a game of Apples to Apples.    

Jesse, Meghan, Blake, Me, Michael, and Logan (TFA friends from Institute); this is a photo from our beach trip in Galveston.

We are loving married life and getting to know one another better each and every day.  It has been so much fun and is a true joy and one of God's greatest blessings, for sure!  Since Michael began work, it has been a little more difficult to find time for each other, but desiring "oneness" and the call to respect and cherish one another keeps us grounded in our priorities.  We would still ask for your prayers that we would learn to balance everything as we adapt to all the new changes!  Also, please lift Michael up in prayer/thought when you can.  He has been exhausted this week and has to stay late at work to prepare lesson plans.  We're hoping that by next weekend, he'll be caught up enough that he won't have to lesson plan EVERY night! :)  And finally, a job for me would be great... just that God would provide a job that I would enjoy, a place where I can have a ministry, and a place where I feel supported by the medical staff and management.  We're trusting in God's timing!  


We love you, miss you, and want to hear how you're doing!


P.S.  Happy Birthday to four wonderful women!!!  We love you all so much!

Granzie - August 16

Grandmom Lil - August 22

Grandma Schweizer- August 26

Momma <3 August 27