One year older and wiser too...

Today's blog might be a long one but one I would like to share. It has been a whole year as of today that Venita and I left for America from that vast distant land of Russia and what a year it has been. Missions are often referred to as the “best 2 years”, but that should only be true until you return home. The following 2 years should be even better, and as life changes and progresses, so should your “best 2 years”. This year has definitely been the best of my life so far as I have been able to grow with Venita and have had the wonderful opportunity of taking my best friend as my wife. She is my sweetheart, my love, my life, and there is no one I'd rather spend this past year with and no one I'd rather spend eternity with. I never knew that someone could actually make me feel complete, but she is the one that completes me and gives me reason for living. I love Venita with all my heart!
Some people however, look at our love and judge us simply because we met in Russia. I wish these people would be accepting of us and be happy for us and our love. It's something I'm sure we'll face all of our lives in the Mormon culture since we met on the mission rather than at a BYU singles ward. It's too bad that people jump to conclusions and are quick to judge without knowing us or our relationship. In my opinion, the mission was a perfect place for Venita and I to meet and we both know that we were placed in such circumstances and later blessed because of our obedience to laws set before us. Venita and I are very proud of our history and proud of the knowledge that we maintained an appropriate friendship while missionaries and the Lord blessed us because of our obedience. Getting to know Venita while on the mission taught me a lot about her and let me see certain qualities that are very important in a relationship. Because we developed a strictly formal friendship first, we have a relationship based on our common interests, values, and goals. I developed great respect and admiration for Venita because of her integrity, personality and spirituality which provides for a strong, deep foundation for our marriage.
I love Venita with all my heart and can't imagine life without her. She is my everything. Despite what others might say about us, it is comforting to look back this past year and a half and see the Lord's hand as He guided us, blessed us, and answered many prayers. I know that Venita was meant for me, and I for her and I am truly grateful to the Lord for providing what I believe the only way for us to be where we are today. I love you Venita! Thanks for the past year and I look forward to endless others with you in the future!
I realize this might be a little cliché but this is just for you V!!
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night
Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'

Merry Christmas everyone! May the birth of our Savior inspire all of us to be better Christians and serve and love those around us.