Wick's Highlights of the Past Decade

A new decade is upon us, and I have been reflecting on the past ten years. There were certainly some tough times for us in the last decade, but God blessed us with much. Below are some of those highlights.

2010: It took 3.5 years, but Rosalie became an official Wickersham and an American citizen. Shortly after that, I started an M.Ed. in educational administration before starting my new job as the middle school principal at TIS.

2011: I baptized Rosalie and later in the year, unbeknownst to us, Josiah Lee is born.

2012: I received a picture of my son. I never wanted a boy or a third child, but God radically changed my heart.

2013: We adopted Josiah Lee, and I completed my degree at CIU. Megan provided me critical support and helped me see the choices I needed to make.

2014: I returned to the classroom and got to teach and coach Rosalie. I also coached Grace Noel in her first soccer matches.

2015: We told family and friends that we will be moving back to the States in 2016. I added middle school boys' basketball and volleyball to my coaching resume and conducted soccer camps for Indy Eleven in the summer. I coached a boys' soccer team for the first time since 1996, and it was announced that I would coach the TIS high school girls' soccer team the next season - my first high school team since 2003.

2016: I'm hired as the 6th-9th grade assistant principal at Evansville Christian School, and we moved back to Indiana. This is the first time our kiddos live outside of China. I was overseas for 14 years of my adult life, and Megan was in China for 19 years. Megan eventually lands ESL positions at USI and through Vincennes University.

2017: Just a few weeks into the school year, it was announced that I'm now the Cullen Campus principal. I wasn't sure if I would like being a principal again, but it has been a great fit. I'm thankful to be able to work in a growing community of believers who desire to know Christ and make Him known.

2018: We watched Grace Noel get baptized at Faith Bible Church. I'm regularly reminding my children that all of our accomplishments amount to nothing if we aren't following Christ and bringing God glory.

2019: This year's highlight was all of the time we got to spend with our family and old friends. We are grateful when friends from other parts of the country or world visit us as well as God's provision that enables us to visit amigos in Central Indiana, Ohio, and the Deep South.

2020+: We do not know what God has planned for us, but I know that He is good and will bring what He began to completion. We must trust Him and strive to bring joy to our Father.

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:21

Wick's 2019 Highlights

Now that we've been in the States for 3.5 years, it's safe to say that all of us have adjusted to life here. God was, of course, good to us again. Here are past Wickersham highlights: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, & 2018.

January - After using a gift card at a local Mexican restaurant, Megan and I enjoyed our first Cirque du Soleil production (Corteo) in Evansville. The tickets were a Christmas gift I gave Megan.

February - I started taking an online biblical leadership course through biblicaltraining.org. I would enjoy taking Bible classes at a seminary or college again; however, that's not how I feel led to use my time and finances at this stage in my life. Perhaps in the future.

March - Megan and I attended a marriage retreat at our local church, Faith Bible Church. We're thankful our church hosts such events to help people have Christ-Centered marriages.

April -  Josiah Lee played in his first soccer match since the fall of 2016. He wasn't wanting to play organized sports again until I said I would coach him, and now he has the confidence to suit up without dad shouting from the sidelines.

May - Rosalie and I ran in our first 5K together, and she beat me. Although I still have some speed, I have never been much of a runner. I'm trying to change that somewhat.

June - In an effort to get in better shape, I purchased a mountain bike. Occasionally, I ride my bike to work just like my China days.

July - We took a trip to South Carolina to visit friends Megan went to college with at Wheaton as well as people we did life with in China. We also stopped in Newnan, Georgia to visit the LDi corporate office and hang out with old friends.

August - Our good friends, the Scroggins, paid us another summer visit. The previous month, the Strongs and TJ made the trek to Evansville. We love to reconnect with our TIS amigos.

September - Rosalie missed a PK in a soccer match that would have put ECHS up 1-0 (they ended up defeating Tell City 3-1), but she scored the game-winner against Washington's JV squad off a nice free kick. I'm thankful to be able to watch my kiddos contribute on the pitch.

October - Megan and Grace Noel went on the 8th-grade class trip to DC, a trip Rosalie and I went on when she was an 8th grader. Grace Noel got the honor of participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

November - A super cold soccer showcase in Indy allowed us to spend time with our parents and my brother. Grace Noel also competed in a showcase in Cincy, and the two of us, of course, made a stop at Skyline Chili.

December - Before having a fantastic Christmas break with our families in Avon and Frankfort, Indiana, we spend the night in Nashville and attend Zoolumination, the country's largest Chinese lantern festival.

My Nine Most Popular Facebook Pictures in 2019

Below are the most popular pictures taken and posted on my Facebook account (most via Instagram) in 2019. Here are my most popular pics from Facebook in past years: 2015, 2016, 2017, & 2018. God is good!

The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. Psalm 126:3

Our 2019 Christmas Pic

Megan and I had our picture taken together after the Lion King Jr. production at ECS.

For this year's bacon-infused birthday surprise, Megan made me brown sugar bacon chocolate cake. I'm not worthy!

I posted this pic of Rosalie on her 17th birthday this summer.

A student blessed me with a delicious chocolate bar that included crispy bacon-flavored bits and potato chips. 

This pic was part of a series of Aladdin shots that people got a kick out of. I like my manly hat (known as a fez).

Josiah Lee asked me if the guy on my shirt was me. Respect. :-)

I wasn't feeling too tall at the ECHS Spring Sports Banquet. What's new?

This was another popular Christmas pic. This one was taken with Megan's parents at their church in Frankfort.

Happy Birthday to my Mother-In-Law

Today is my mother-in-law's birthday. I first met Carol in 1997 when I was a 23-year-old teacher at Frankfort Middle School, home of the Hot Dogs. I was teaching Western Hemisphere geography to sixth graders, and she taught choir. We didn't talk to each other much, but a few years later Carol told me about her daughter who taught in China.

Not too long after that conversation, Fred and Carol thought it would be a good idea for Megan and me to meet. How does one thank a woman who raises a child who later becomes my wife and the one who draws me closer to Christ than anyone? Obviously, I will never be able to thank Carol enough for what she has done for me. Thankfully, there is One who will reward her for the work she has done.

I think the whole world should meet Carol and know at least a few ways she has blessed me.

1. Carol is a servant. I don't know anyone who outserves her. She serves her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. She is constantly denying herself and investing in her family in order to show Christlike love and bring God glory. I don't know how to say this nicely, but you have to be an absolute bonehead not to see that she is an ambassador for Christ.

2. Carol is an encourager. I really have a mediocre voice, but she has told me a few times that I can sing. If others have been critical of me, she listens and wants to come to my defense. If you've ever seen me coach, intense might be a good description. If Carol was your coach, she would be smiling all of the time and you would feel good about what you're accomplishing. She is definitely a glass half full kind of person.

3. Carol is gracious. When people mess up, instead of complaining and calling them out, she shows them kindness, love, and mercy. She's not just like this in public, she's like this at home. She's the real deal. My kiddos see me sin, and I have to ask for their forgiveness from time to time. Carol doesn't display this kind of impatience and anger. I know Carol is a sinner like me, but she definitely has some Holy Ghost power working in her!

4. Carol is faithful. Like Fred, she is faithful to her family, friends, and fellowship. If you don't believe me, ask around. Others will definitely say the same thing. She is a Godly woman who more than contributes to the family, is a loyal friend, and has been actively involved in a local body of believers for decades. She is faithful and proves our faith is real.

Happy Birthday, Carol. I'm deeply honored to be your son-in-law, and I look forward to celebrating with you soon!

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17

Happy 15th Anniversary, Megan!

Today Megan I celebrate 15 years of marriage. Where did the time go?! Our marriage has not always been pink fluffy unicorns dancing on rainbows, but through it all, Christ has been at the center. Megan continues to draw me closer to Christ, and I certainly know I wouldn't be where I'm at today had God not brought us together. Of course, I still have much to learn and can be a little rough around the edges, but thankfully God isn't finished with me. Below are 15 ways that God is using Megan to point me to the King of Kings and Lord of All, Jesus Christ.

1. I like to fix things, but Megan has taught me the importance of listening and asking questions. It can be hard for me(n) and I (we) don't always do a good job in this area, but I think I've come a long way!

2. Sometimes I forget that toughness is not one of the fruit of the Spirit. Megan will provide me with a look, a touch, the words, or prayer that helps me take it down a notch when some gentleness is needed.

3. Megan has helped me be more generous with our finances, something I need help with and something I struggled with tremendously in the past. I don't always remember to be a cheerful giver.

4. I often prefer reading about service instead of doing it. I've shared with a number of people about a time when I didn't want to be a part of a community project. Megan told me I should start doing what I'm reading. Ouch.

5. There was an occasion when I had very unloving thoughts toward someone important in my life and instead of criticizing me, Megan prayed and allowed the Spirit to do His work. I don't think I'll forget that.

6. Life can be hard, and Jesus promises that suffering will take place. I hate watching Megan experience pain, but she often suffers well and points me to the cross.

7. Megan has been instrumental in helping me better understand several spiritual disciplines such as Scripture memorization, small group studies, praying with others, and reading solid Christian books that help me know Christ. I'm blessed.

8. Sometimes people praise me for being a good communicator. Much of what I write or present is edited by Megan. She provides excellent feedback that I typically agree with.

9. There is no doubt that I'm a better parent because of what Megan has taught me. She has read a ton of parenting books and gleaned much from Godly people.

10. Megan asked me what I thought about adoption when we were just getting to know each other. Her advocacy for adoption has resulted in a world I never knew.

11. Megan has taught me much about evangelism and opening our home to others. She has a heart for God and others that is the real deal.

12. Megan is very relational and loves our family and friends. When I want to retreat and selfishly eat beef jerky in the corner of a room, she gets me out of my shell to connect with people.

13. I tend to have a critical eye, but Megan is much better at seeing the glass half full and encouraging others. I know this is one of the million reasons why God brought us together.

14. I don't always smile like I should, and sometimes I'm responding to others way too seriously. When Megan sees this, she'll sometimes make a joke or give me a hug that helps me lighten up.

15. Although I'm not a big art guy, this weekend we'll watch a romantic musical in Lexington. Score. Megan's B.A. has an emphasis in visual art, and I know art will have a much bigger emphasis in Heaven.

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3

Seven Ways My Seven-Year-Old Points Me to Jesus

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Josiah Lee's Gotcha Day by zooming down a hill on sleds and eating some tasty steakburgers. We also spent time thanking God for the gift of adoption and prayed that we would see Josiah Lee's biological parents in Heaven. It's hard to believe Josiah Lee has been a Wickersham for six years now.

Megan and I adopted Josiah Lee in 2013 in Wuhan, a Chinese city of over 10 million people. I wasn't planning on adopting a third child, especially if it meant a boy; however, God changed my heart. I'm so thankful God rules my heart. God is sovereign and fashions us according to His will. As a result of God's work in me, I now have the privilege of training a little boy to be a little Christ.

Although Josiah Lee is only seven, he actually displays Christ better than me at times. It's ridiculous, but sometimes I wish I was more like Josiah Lee. Yes, he sins every day just like me, but by God's grace, he is doing some things right. Below are seven ways my seven-year-old points me to Jesus.

1. Disappointed When He Disappoints Us - Josiah Lee doesn't give us the eye roll or talk back to us; he's genuinely disappointed when we aren't pleased with his behavior.

2. Filled With Joy - I often allow my circumstances to steal my joy, but Josiah Lee can often be found smiling or laughing. He's definitely a joy to be around.

3. Gentle - I forget that toughness isn't a fruit of the Spirit. Not Josiah Lee. He has a gentle heart, and I have much to learn from him.

4. Obedient - Josiah Lee routinely does what we ask of him. I'm sure when I was seven that my teachers wouldn't have said the same thing.

5. Patient - Josiah Lee was born with one hand so some things are just going to be harder for him. Try tying your shoes, peeling an orange, or casting and reeling a fishing rod with one hand. I'm amazed at how he doesn't express frustration when things take him a little more time to figure out and do.

6. Quick To Forgive - Sometimes I'm not a very good daddy, but Josiah Lee is quick to forgive me when I'm a little frustrated or barking out orders. Josiah Lee is definitely a Colossians 3:13 guy.

7. Servant's Heart - Josiah Lee frequently asks if he can help the family. It can be cutting veggies in the kitchen or raking leaves in the yard. Josiah Lee wants to help.

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." Mark 10:14-15