Reflecting on Billy Graham's Passing

Back in 1999, I went to the Billy Graham Crusade in Indianapolis. In 2005 I went to the Billy Graham Center Museum at Megan's alma mater, Wheaton College. During my early years as a Christian, Billy Graham's website was my go-to place whenever I had a theological question. I've used Reverend Graham's videos for family devos, classroom lessons, and chapel presentations. To say Billy Graham has impacted me would be quite the understatement. I'm extremely thankful for how God used Reverend Graham to preach the gospel to me and millions around the world, and I look forward to the day when we'll be together again. Below are a few notable quotes from this great man of God.

Why I'm Thankful to Live in America

Presidents' Day is on Monday, a day to honor the incumbent president and all previous U.S. presidents. During my time overseas from 2002 to 2016, we had two very different presidents that led us through a great deal of change in America. Some of the changes weren't the best; however, there is much about this country that is a big-time blessing. I'm thankful that my children can receive a Christ-centered education now and later as adults. We can listen to Christian radio and even get our dance on. Below are five more reasons why I'm thankful to live in the US of A.

1. There is no shortage of churches in this country. Each month there are 214 churches and Christian properties destroyed around the world.

2. We have access to a million Christian resources at local stores and libraries. Over 200 million African Christians don't own a Bible, and millions of leaders lack written materials to equip their ministry.

3. I'm free to witness and share the gospel with others. Approximately 215 million Christians experience significant persecution.

4. Christian websites aren't blocked. I haven't always had that free online access.

5. I don't have to be concerned about hosting Bible studies in my home. That's certainly not the case where I used to live.

Yes, there is much we could complain about America, but it certainly could be far worse. What ways can you give thanks for living in the States? What's preventing you from giving thanks for your life in this land of opportunity?

My Year in Korea

In 2002 I sold my house on three acres of land north of Jolietville, Indiana and moved to Cheonan, Korea. I left a fantastic job teaching geography to sixth graders in a small town and accepted a teaching job at an English academy in a city of nearly 500,000. There were a few aspects I found challenging during my time in Korea; however, I clearly see how living there prepared me for my 13 years in China. I learned a great deal during my year in Korea and have much good to say about the country. Below are seven random facts about this year's Olympic hosts.

1. I always enjoyed telling others that South Korea is approximately the same size as Indiana but has a significantly larger population (51 million compared to less than 7 million for Indiana).

2. Did you know South Korea is home to a lot of companies we're fond of including Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Kia? I wasn't familiar with LG until moving to Korea but noticed Best Buy selling LG products in the summer of 2003.

3. 30% of South Koreans claim to be Christian, and Korea is the second largest missionary sending country in the world (behind the U.S.). At night you can see tons of church buildings with neon red crosses.

4. South Korea takes education seriously and is a top ten nation in math, reading, and science. My oldest students left the academy after 9 PM.

5. Like in Japan, bowing is often done when saying hi, bye, and thank you. My students often greeted me and said goodbye with a bow.

6. Some Korean food is super spicy and can cause you to visit the bathroom in the middle of the night. My favorite Korean dishes are of the nonspicy variety - galbi (marinated short ribs) and bulgogi (marinated beef).

7. Generally, those under 30 knew I was American, but older folk often mistook me as Korean. I could ride my bike and have students yell hello at me or be shopping at e-mart and be greeted with anyoung haseyo.

Megan and her parents paid me a fun visit shortly before I left Korea.

Ten Questions: When Wick Met Megan

With Valentine's Day one week away, I thought I would share a special time back in August of 2001.

1. How did you and Megan meet? Megan's dad called me and asked me if I would like to meet his daughter.

2. How did you know Megan's dad? We used to work together at Frankfort Middle School, and we were in a men's Bible study group.

3. What were you doing just prior to the call? I was giving my dog, Yuki, a bath.

4. What did you know about Megan before the first date? I knew she was on her summer break from teaching university students in China and that she was a Christian.

5. What did you not know prior to the first date? I didn't realize that Megan hadn't given her parents permission to call me. I thought she saw a picture of me in a yearbook or paper and thought I was cute. :-)

6. How did you feel that Mr. Downs asked you if you would be interested in meeting his daughter? I was truly honored. I had and continue to have a great deal of respect for Fred, and I couldn't believe he thought I was good enough to go on a date with Megan.

7. What did you think when you first saw Megan? I thought Megan had a sweet smile and her eyebrows really impressed me. :-) I thought it was cool that she invited me into her parents' place and had me try some longan, a fruit found in China.

8. Where did you go on the first date? I gave Megan a few nice restaurant options, and she chose Ruth's Chris Steak House. She didn't realize it's an upscale fine dining establishment. :-) We took also took a stroll on the Canal Walk in Indianapolis.

9. What did you drive? I owned a beige 93 Chevy Silverado 1500. I considered picking up Megan in my dad's Porsche, but it's not me.

10. How was the first date? Despite being super smooth and telling Megan I wasn't into China, by the grace of God, I got a second date.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. Proverbs 18:22

An engagement pic taken in Changchun, China during the summer of 2003