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 I 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 for 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.

I'm an Alpha lovin' Amerasian TCK Hoosier

I'm an Alpha lovin' Amerasian TCK Hoosier. You have full permission to label me this way. In fact, you don't need to have my permission to label this way. Why? It's what I am. It's the truth, and it's not something I can change regardless of how I feel. Let me break down what it means to be so mixed up.

1. Alpha lovin' - There are a few verses in Revelation where Jesus claims to be the Alpha and Omega (e.g, Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13). Jesus claimed to be the eternal God, and He is the One I follow. 1 John 4:19.

2. Amerasian - This is a term I was introduced to by my soccer players at Pyongtaek International School in Korea back in 2002. When I stated I was born on a military base to a white American father and Japanese mother, several of my players mentioned I was Amerasian like them. I had always considered myself Asian-American up until that point, but the term isn't the most accurate description of my ethnicity.

3. TCK - Spending most of my school years in small-town Indiana was a tremendous blessing, but it did have its challenges. Sometimes people found it confusing that I was born in Guam, lived in Thailand before coming to Indiana, and moved to Brazil and Puerto Rico during my elementary and high school years. Since I've spent a significant part of my developmental years outside my parents' culture, that makes me a Third Culture Kid (TCK). I'm not just an American who is half Japanese; I have several other cultures that have shaped me.

4. Hoosier - I'm from Indiana. I've been to the 500 track numerous times and think tenderloins twice the size of the buns are normal. Occasionally, non-Hoosiers have made fun of my accent, and despite not being a basketball player, I grew up watching and attending high school and college basketball games. Being a Hoosier is in my blood.

So there you have it. Now you don't have to wonder what I am. Hopefully, this will help you better understand me and all the people like me. :-)

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15

An eight-year-old Wick visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

Why I'm Thankful For My 20+ Years Overseas

Although I claim to be a Hoosier, I'm a mixed-up one. Nearly half of my life has been spent overseas, which has made me a little unique. I like to catch largemouth bass and eat sushi. I'm comfortable with a fist bump, handshake, or deep bow. My "love" for soccer started in Brazil, and I wear a wedding band purchased in Thailand - a country I lived in before moving to "The Hoosier State." Living overseas has profoundly impacted me, and I'm thankful for all that I've experienced outside of the States. Below are seven reasons why I'm thankful to have spent so much time around the world.

1. You get to try new food. Scorpions, starfish, and seahorses. Yes, I've consumed all of them (just not at the same time).

2. You get to learn new languages. It's interesting when a language you once thought sounded a bit funky becomes normal to you. Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto.

3. You get to celebrate new holidays. If you like fireworks, try the Chinese New Year in China. It's like a battle zone.

4. You gain new friends. Who doesn't want that? Only a Scrooge. Don't be a Scrooge.

5. You learn about the world in ways books and videos simply can't teach. As a former geography teacher, I often know more facts about a country than the people from the country. Despite this, you need to experience the culture to truly begin to understand it.

6. You learn about yourself. Living overseas can definitely be character-building and a time of growth. You'll be placed in uncomfortable situations that will humble you and show you how you're not all that.

7. You can worship with other believers in different languages. I have sung, prayed, listened to sermons, and read the Bible with brothers and sisters in atheist, Buddhist, and Muslim nations. God has provided me a little glimpse of Heaven during my time overseas.

Never been overseas? What's stopping you? Have you done any traveling? What have you enjoyed about being overseas? I would enjoy hearing from you.

March 2012 - We're leaving our apartment complex in Tianjin (China) to go out to eat.

13 Ways How I Became More Asian in the Last 13+ Years

On our first date back in the summer of 2000, Megan and I talked about her life in China and a three-week trip I had just taken to Japan. Something I remember from our conversation on Indy's Canal Walk was how Megan said she was more Asian than me. This may seem odd considering she’s white and I’m half Japanese, but her statement was true and is still true in many ways. Several things about me don’t equate to the stereotypical Asian, such as my beloved camo vest, a desire to go bass fishing whenever possible, and my prior ownership of a Chevy Camaro, S-10 Blazer, and Silverado. Because I’ve been living in East Asia since 2002, the Asian in me has grown quite a bit, though. Below are 13 ways I became more Asian in the last 13+ years.

1.     I find the Asian squat to be a comfortable position, and I’m not afraid of using squatty potties.

2.     I eat more fish and shrimp, as in, I occasionally enjoy eating every part of the fish and shrimp.

3.     I prefer picking up my bowl of rice and drinking my soup. Having a beverage at my meals isn’t a requirement.

4.     I like eating fat - not a whole plate of fat, but chunks of the stuff in certain Chinese dishes.

5.     I prefer using chopsticks at Asian restaurants in the States and now know the difference between Chinese, Japanese, and Korean chopsticks.

6.     I have a much stronger liking for spicy food – kimchi, Thai curries, Sichuan, and more!

7.     I’m very comfortable bowing to Koreans and Japanese people.

8.     I know a few words in several Asian languages; I’m not smart enough to be multilingual.

9.     I enjoy eating sunflower seeds like an American baseball player or an old Chinese man at the market.

10.  I watch Asian films that don’t star Godzilla or butt-kicking kung fu artists. I have matured somewhat during my time overseas.

11.  I am the owner of various kinds of long underwear, and I will proudly walk around in an overnight train in just my long undies (I still keep the shirt and shoes on).

12.  I have a home and classroom that is decorated with various Asian items. My homes and classrooms in Indiana definitely had different decor.

13.  I sometimes wear clothes that are clearly from China, Indonesia, Japan, or Thailand, and from time to time I get mistaken for being (fill in the blank with whatever Asian group you want). 

Perhaps I’m more Asian than I think. If you’ve become more Asian over time, I would enjoy hearing about it. Peace!

My Hobby of Writing Amazon Reviews

A little over six years ago, I began writing book reviews on Amazon. I started writing reviews as a way to help me remember what I read and to help others know about the books I was reading. I enjoy writing reviews not only for these reasons, but also because I like to write and improve my writing. I find it rewarding when people vote my reviews as helpful or provide me with helpful feedback. The keyword is helpful.

Today, a good chunk of my Amazon reviews include product reviews. Because I’ve written a few reviews (over 400) and have received a few helpful votes, companies every day want to send me their merchandise (usually for free) in hopes that I’ll provide them a positive review. I don’t accept the overwhelming majority of the products because I’m a mature adult with responsibilities. Writing reviews is a little work, and there is only so much time.

A few reviews that people have enjoyed include my reviews about Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Miniatures and a Japanese eau de toilette. These reviews are by no means my most helpful reviews, but they’ve brought me great joy knowing that I’ve made a few people laugh. I have a few other reviews that I find comical that haven’t received many or any helpful votes, but maybe I’m the only one laughing. I am often my biggest fan.

If you desire to have a good laugh, I highly recommend checking out this review on sugar-free gummy bears. In my humble opinion, it is the king of all Amazon reviews. Even if you don’t like this kind of humor, you have to appreciate the reviewer’s skilled use of words. Brilliant. Another review that has made me crack up is this one concerning a unique and expensive watch. What are people thinking?!

Something I’ve learned as an Amazon reviewer is that not all reviews are equal, and some can be biased. Can you believe it? Many authors receive reviews from their friends. Shocking. Some reviewers are afraid to be critical of a book or product because they think they'll receive unhelpful votes. This can make their Amazon ranking go down, and when you get products from companies because your Amazon ranking is in the top 10,000, this hurts your chances of receiving more products. Often, my “least helpful” reviews are my most critical reviews.

When I started writing reviews on Amazon, I had no idea it would lead to free health supplements, kitchen gadgets, and iPhone and MacBook products. That certainly was never the goal. I simply wanted to write down my thoughts, hoping they might also bless others. I definitely have liked some of the free stuff, but what matters most to me is that my reviews can help people better know whether they should invest time in a book or product. Hopefully, I can make a few people laugh, too.

12 Ways the Tianjin Food Scene Has Changed During My 12+ Years Here

1. I used to think that going to McDonald's was a little pricey, but the cost of Chinese food can be just as much or more now.
2. We used to get free tea at Chinese restaurants all of the time, but getting free tea is no longer common.
2. TGI Friday's was the place to go for a good burger and cold Coke, but now you can find that combo at several restaurants (e.g., Harley Davidson Club, Smoki & Co, Blue Frog).
3. Pizza Hut used to be a long bus or taxi ride, but now we have a few Pizza Huts that are within bike riding distance.
4. The neighborhood KFC and McDonald's have drive-thrus, which were a rarity back in the day.
5. There used to be only one Subway restaurant in the city before it sadly closed its doors. Today, you can find the restaurant in numerous locations throughout the city.
6. I never understood what the big deal was with Food Street (Shipin Jie), so I'm not surprised that their doors have closed.
7. When I first moved to Tianjin, the desserts looked pretty, but I often thought they tasted funky. Now you find delicious desserts everywhere that appeal to the American sweet tooth. You can still find the gross stuff, too.
8. Coffeehouses, independents and chains, are everywhere now. I think Starbucks is trying to take over the city.
9. We can get cake donuts on Sunday mornings, and I'm proud to announce that Dunkin' Donuts plans to come to Tianjin soon. I had the privilege to visit a Dunkin' Donuts in Shenyang in the spring.
10. Street food is still absolutely delicious, but it's not as cheap as it used to be. Gone are the days of dirt cheap (1-2 RMB or 13-25 cents). Think more along the lines of 67 cents to $1+.
11. Food orders can sometimes be made online and often by phone. Many fast-food joints have an electric bike fleet.
12. American chains such as Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, and Burger King are in the city. Japanese chains such as CoCo Curry House and Aijisen are also in the city. Both parts of me are satisfied.

To read more about Tianjin's famous cuisine, click here.

Fish Heads, Fish Heads, Roly Poly Fish Heads, Fish Heads, Fish Heads, Eat Them Up, Yum!

Is War Ever Justifiable?

John Adams, the second president of the United States, said, "I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy." Do you believe war is ever justifiable? Explain. This was a question we challenged our 115 middle school students with recently, and three groups said war is always unjustifiable, one group said war can be justifiable, and one group gave the pros and cons to both sides. I can understand why the majority of young people would think war could never be justified.

I'm a certified U.S. history teacher who has visited the Independence Hall of Korea, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Museum, and the War Remnants Museum (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam), so you could say I've educated myself a little about the atrocities of war. To say war can be ugly and horrible is quite the understatement. We are an absolutely sick bunch, but unfortunately, there are times when wars should take place.

I am all for being peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and loving our enemies (Matthew 5:44); however, I'm not going to simply pray for someone who breaks into my home. I'm definitely going to pray, but I'm also going to make war because I have a duty to protect my family. Wickamania will be unleashed, and it ain't gonna be pretty. We have a duty to forcefully protect human life against those who forcefully attempt to harm human life. To take a pacifist route would most likely result in more violence and harm being done. If pacifism were biblical, we should not only get rid of the military but also police officers. Can we say absolute chaos?

The bottom line is the world is filled with sinful people, and sometimes the only way to stop sinful people from killing others is to go to war (e.g., American slave owners, Hitler). God is clearly not against every war. Numerous Bible verses show that the sovereign LORD of hosts (armies) is not a pacifist (e.g., Deuteronomy 20:16-17, 1 Samuel 15:18, Ecclesiastes 3:8). When Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, returns, he will make war (Revelation 19:11-21). We should be constantly praying for wisdom and peace, but we must understand that there will always be conflict until we see the New Heavens and New Earth. Come, Lord Jesus. Come.

The Mission of CBI Japan

Finding Hope After The Tohoku Tsunami

Wick's 2011 Highlights

It’s a little late, but I spent some time reflecting on how good the Father has been to the Wickershams in the past year. Here are last year's highlights: 2010.

January – We spend part of our winter in snowy Indiana, and I take the girls sledding on the same hills I sledded as a boy. It totally rocked.

February – Rose and I return to Tianjin because of school and work. I play Mr. Mom, but the community provides us with some meals. I am thankful for the Body.

March – Megan and Grace come back to Tianjin safe and sound. We are more than happy.

April – I got the privilege of dunking Rose on Easter Sunday. Please pray that Grace will one day make a public profession of faith.

May – TIS celebrates its 25^th anniversary at the new school building. Eight of my 16 years as a professional educator have been spent in China.

June – We go to Indiana and spend a lot of time hangin’ out at parks, checkin’ out wildlife, splashin’ in creeks, walkin’ trails, and fishin’. Rose and Grace get a little more Hoosier in them.

July – I spent three weeks at Columbia International University to continue my M.Ed. studies. My second summer at CIU does not deprive me of sleep like the first summer did.

August – I begin my second year as the Middle School Principal at TIS, and the school year starts off on a good note.

September – Megan and I go south to Wuhan and attend a wonderful retreat. This was a great time to meet with other ISC administrators and their spouses.

October – My former Sunday leader and his wife make their first trip to the Middle Kingdom. We have some deep discussions on what our Father has done in our lives and how He continues to work.

November – We celebrate my 38^th birthday at a nearby teppanyaki. Rose and Grace are super excited for me, and it brings me great joy.  

December – I complete half of my M.Ed. studies and look to finish during the summer of 2013. Megan continues to be a great source of encouragement and support.

Some Recent Articles About Books IX

Youth Reads - Breakpoint has a new page focusing on Young Adult books. It's designed to help parents and educators find good books for preteens and teens to read, as well as to provide a Christian perspective on Young Adult books.

Cherish the Book Publishers—You'll Miss Them When They're Gone by Eric Felten - "The e-book era promises us all the pleasure of wading through the slush pile ourselves, even as the pile grows exponentially."

Scholar Defends New NIV Bible; Says Critics Have Been Unfair by Lillian Kwon - The updated NIV continues to receive many negative reviews.

Art University Library by Amy Frearson - Check out this ingenious piece of Japanese architecture in Tokyo!

A Fundraiser for the Japanese

For the past 1.5 weeks, TIS has been hosting a fundraiser. I was quite delighted and pleasantly surprised that almost $850 USD was raised, so aid can be distributed to the survivors of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. It brought me great joy that so many students (many of whom are Korean) chose to give money that will be sent to Samaritan's Purse. I pray that the families affected by the disaster who are receiving the hygiene kits, blankets, boots, rice, and other items will see and hear Christ in all of this.

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen." Romans 11:36

A middle school student took a picture of me at the fourth-floor cafeteria before the unleashing of
the water balloons. The names of students who donated 10 RMB ($1.50) were placed in a box.  

Marta, who approached me about raising money for the Japanese affected by the Tohoku Earthquake &
Tsunami, pulls names from a box. We drew ten different names, and students who had their names drawn were
 allowed to throw water balloons at a select group of teachers and yours truly.

As you can see, I was not exactly feeling very brave. Fortunately, I did not get too wet. The kids had fun, but
more importantly, they gave to a good cause. Pray that these students would understand the words of
Ephesians 2:8-10. 

A Photo Shoot To Support the Japanese

Today was a busy day of meetings and disciplining students. One of the highlights of the day was running around on a soccer field in an effort to help a photographer take the best pictures. Sometimes I can say silly things that make kids smile. Perhaps I still have a middle school kid in me.

These are five great middle school students at TIS. They hold passports from
Korea, the United States, Japan, South Africa, and Sweden.

We're Praying For Japan II: 2011 Quake & Tsunami

Update from Japan: How You Can Pray by John Starke

A Story of Rescue in Japan by Randy Alcorn

Japan: After Empathy and Aid, People Want Answers by John Piper

"Father in Heaven, you are the absolute Sovereign over the shaking of the earth, the rising of the sea, and the raging of the waves. We tremble at your power and bow before your unsearchable judgments and inscrutable ways. We cover our faces and kiss your omnipotent hand. We fall helpless to the floor in prayer and feel how fragile the very ground is beneath our knees.

O God, we humble ourselves under your holy majesty and repent. In a moment—in the twinkling of an eye—we too could be swept away. We are not more deserving of firm ground than our fellowmen in Japan. We too are flesh. We have bodies and homes and cars and family and precious places. We know that if we were treated according to our sins, who could stand? All of it would be gone in a moment. So in this dark hour we turn against our sins, not against you.

And we cry for mercy for Japan. Mercy, Father. Not for what they or we deserve. But mercy.

Have you not encouraged us in this? Have we not heard a hundred times in your Word the riches of your kindness, forbearance, and patience? Do you not a thousand times withhold your judgments, leading your rebellious world toward repentance? Yes, Lord. For your ways are not our ways, and your thoughts are not our thoughts.

Grant, O God, that the wicked will forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Grant us, your sinful creatures, to return to you, that you may have compassion. For surely you will abundantly pardon. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus, your beloved Son, will be saved.

May every heart-breaking loss—millions upon millions of losses—be healed by the wounded hands of the risen Christ. You are not unacquainted with your creatures' pain. You did not spare your own Son, but gave him up for us all.

In Jesus you tasted loss. In Jesus you shared the overwhelming flood of our sorrows and suffering. In Jesus you are a sympathetic Priest in the midst of our pain.

Deal tenderly now, Father, with this fragile people. Woo them. Win them. Save them.

And may the floods they so much dread make blessings break upon their head.

O let them not judge you with feeble sense, but trust you for your grace. And so behind this providence, soon find a smiling face.

In Jesus’ merciful name, Amen." John Piper

We're Praying For Japan: 2011 Quake & Tsunami

I pray that through this horrible tragedy the Japanese would cry out to God. May the gospel spread throughout Japan and a radical new Japan be created.

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21 ;

Japan Earthquake Efforts - Want to support The Salvation Army's response in Japan?

Pray For Japan - Please pray for the people affected by the quake and tsunami, and for God to grant wisdom and to direct the steps of Samaritan's Purse as they decide how to help.

Japan Quake and Tsunami Relief - World Vision urgently needs your support to help the people suffering from the devastation caused by this quake and tsunami. 

A Heart For the Japanese

Dr. Michael Oh from Covenant Life Church on Vimeo.

When is the Time to Trust?

This morning I was able to talk with Megan for about ten minutes. Thank you, Jesus, for Skype. Megan told me about a classic book by L.B. Cowman that she just received from a family member. Until today, I was not familiar with Mrs. Cowman.

Mrs. Cowman and her husband, Mr. Charles E. Cowman, served in Japan and China for over 15 years in the early 20th century. After Mr. Cowman became ill, Mr. and Mrs. Cowman returned to the States, where Mrs. Cowman cared for her husband until his death six years later. Mrs. Cowman's adventures and life storms resulted in a collection of prayerful meditations and Christian writings called Streams in the Desert. I have not read a devotional in several years, but I did check out this book from the school library to see what made the 366 daily devotional readings so popular. I really like how the daily readings come from hymns, poems, and Scripture. Apparently, L.B. Cowman was greatly influenced by the "Prince of Preachers", Charles Spurgeon. Mr. & Mrs. Cowman also ministered with Oswald Chambers, the author of My Utmost for His Highest.

Megan and I have different reading tastes, so we usually do not read the same kind of books. However, I enjoy hearing about what she is reading. I look forward to hearing what Megan gleans from reading Streams in the Desert in the coming year. I am also looking forward to having a conversation with L.B. Cowman one day and thanking her for her July 21st entry.

When is the time to trust?
Is it when all is calm,
When waves the victor's palm,
And life is one glad psalm
Of joy and praise?
Nay! but the time to trust
Is when the waves beat high,
When storm clouds fill the sky,
And prayer is one long cry,
O help and save!

When is the time to trust?
Is it when friends are true?
Is it when comforts woo,
And in all we say and do
We meet but praise?
Nay! but the time to trust
Is when we stand alone,
And summer birds have flown,
And every prop is gone,
All else but God.

When is the time to trust?
Is it some future day,
When you have tried your way,
And learned to trust and pray
By bitter woe?
Nay! but the time to trust
Is in this moment's need,
Poor, broken, bruised reed!
Poor, troubled soul, make speed
To trust thy God.

When is the time to trust? 
Is it when hopes beat high, 
When sunshine gilds the sky, 
And joy and ecstasy 
Fill all the heart? 
Nay! but the time to trust 
Is when our joy is fled, 
When sorrow bows the head, 
And all is cold and dead, 
All else but God. 
--Selected 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6