What Marriage Means to Us

Seat propped back in my car, I am still soaking up the beauty of my new marriage. Everyday the rosebush has more blossoms. The magic of sharing a life with a pure and entertaining husband that I love is priceless.

But two people coming from two different countries means much sacrifice. Do you think you can understand?

I need all to know that my marriage is different than yours. It is the same enriching communion that you have entered into, but has sides to it that only bicultural couples understand. One of us is always a stranger to the country we live in. One of us will always be halfway across the world from our families. Enjoying my Mamma's lasagnas in my rich, Italian-themed home means missing Sirkku's fresh rhubarb pies in Aksel's cozy red wooden house in Finland. It means missing births, milestones, moments and adapting to a new culture which is easy for no one. It means taking more time off from school, working two jobs to support a husband who cannot work on a visa. Aksel has had to attend a less-than preferred school in order for us to stay together. He had to enroll last-minute and is waiting for acceptance from universities of choice. It means waiting on our dreams. And while you are taking vacations to California and Hawaii, we are saving our pennies for next summer so we can visit family in Europe, meet newborns and grandparents.

God brought Aksel and I together, and few things are coincidence in this life. He always gives Aksel and I the power to stay happy and attached by our hearts, we are given support and affection. One day Aksel and I hope to move somewhere where we are both foreigners. We want to experience the challenge together, on the same page. But until then, I thank my husband each day for what he has given up for me, and he thanks me for my sacrifice. Because as Jesus taught, love means sacrifice. And I love Aksel.

Gemma

Trails

The Fall in Utah is unique. Different shades of green, yellow, brown, red, and orange, with the majestic mountains on the background is a breathtaking sight. And on top of that, the weather has been nothing short of perfect so far.

I grew up in the countryside. My next-door neighbors were a fox and a hare. If I wanted to go somewhere I could either walk or ride a bike. I loved my bicycle. It was therapeutic to cycle away, listening to the beautiful arias sung by birds. It was the perfect time to think about life. Few years passed and as I was coming of age I wanted to escape the serenity and emptiness of the countryside that had turned into a prison. My wish was granted when I went on a Mormon mission to Greece. I felt so alive in the buzz of Athens, a city of 4 million inhabitants. The surrounding hordes of people energized me. I was quickly convinced that a metropolis full of life was my real home but sometimes it felt like the city was falling on me, like there was no room to breathe. I longed to be in the nature. I was confused. Where do I belong? Where should I live in the future? 

How has any of this anything to do with the Fall in Utah? I guess what I want to say is that we have different phases in life. There will always be things that are changing but as long as we feel close to God, life will be beautiful. I have discovered two things that give me deep peace and happiness: Gemma and the nature. Spending time with her is my favorite thing to do, and being in the nature with her is like heaven.

Aksel

One thing Aksel and I have in common is that we love the nature. Aksel was raised in the middle of the forest. I miss the forests. I love every Scandinavian forest because they are magical, full of mysterious animals and colorful mushrooms and berries. One day, Aksel and I will move back, but until then, I am trying to find the beauty in this desert. 

And I am.

God is in every rock, leaf and dew. He made every landscape of the earth and it is important for us to find the beauty, even if it is sometimes hidden to our now-eyes. With God in our hearts, each part of the world is gold. I love Utah, especially with my wonderful Aksel alongside me.

Love, 

Gemma

Okay, One More Post about Food

So, we really like to eat food. 

Good. Food. 

Growing up with an Italian mom, I never understood how someone could skimp on fresh ingredients or eat fake American cheese... I learned how to eat ramen as a  poor college student without Mamma around, but now I have developed a passion for fresh ingredients and flavour. I really learned how to cook when I lived in Stockholm, Sweden under the roof of a food company CEO. The Bergs were so patient with me as I discovered how to sauté fish and create spiced curries.

Four years later, I am enjoying the art of cooking as I work two jobs and have very little time for hobbies.. But when I have a night off, Aksel and I always cook together. Don't worry, this blog probably won't become a food blog, but cooking is important to us. I believe good food gives us balance and confidence. If you ever are in need of either, please call us and we will cook for you ☺️

Love,

Gemma

Yum, that salad was delicious. 

Aksel

Pictured below: horseradish-crusted salmon with fresh dill, lettuce, green onion, radishes, avocado, virgin olive oil, and crushed salt and pepper. And grapefruit Izze soda, of course.

New Beginnings

Two months ago I said goodbye to Finland and moved across the world to the exotic state of Utah. I love being married to Gemma and spending time with her. Finding my soulmate has been the best thing that has happened in my life so far. We have many adventures ahead of us and the purpose of this blog is to share some of them. 

Terveisin,

Aksel

Aksel and I come from different backgrounds. It is fun for us to learn about the traditions of one another's culture, and sometimes it's exciting to make our own family traditions. Ever since our summer in Helsinki, we've made breakfast together every weekend. Lately, we've been hooked on Belgian waffles and fresh fruit. It is so refreshing to spend time creating a lovely meal with my best friend.

Love,

Gemma