Burns in Nauvoo: And there was much rejoicing!

This week, once again, flew by! Monday I drove the van and trailer hauling limbs from a tree that was being removed. I'm not going to lie - it's been hard seeing these large trees come down but I know, in the end, the purposes will be worth it. Also, I've learned that if there is a strong wind, the last place that you want to be is under a tree in Nauvoo! We pick up so many sticks and branches after wind storms. I am getting better at backing the trailer so that's a good thing.

We left work early Monday so we could attend the funeral of Aunt Brigitte. She was such a great example of Christ-like love. I'm sure that she is rejoicing in her reunion with her Savior, along with her husband and family that have gone before. I am so thankful for the plan of salvation, the plan of happiness. I know that through Jesus Christ, we can be with our families forever, we can once again be reunited with those who have gone before. I rejoice in knowing that I will see my parents and grandparents again and that I will meet my ancestors who I love and respect so much. I have so many questions for them!

Tuesday we were blessed to go to St. Louis and pick up a couple of returning missionaries. The YSMs go outbound for 6-months and they returned this week and will finish their missions here in Nauvoo! We are so excited to have them all back! As we rounded the bend and they saw the Mississippi River, they were so excited and the squealing began. As we rounded the bend showing the temple they were rejoicing, holding hands in excitement and it was so fun to see their joy and happiness! When we arrived at their new home, the other YSMs were there to greet them and again, much rejoicing! It warms my heart to see the love these young women have for each other.

This week we also headed over to Carthage to remove the tulip bulbs. Our four new summer interns joined us. Many hands made light work and we had them removed pretty quickly.

Friday we were given more assignments. I'm still in charge of the Lyon Drug and the Orson Hyde home was added to my area. I'm humbled and excited to care for these great grounds here in Nauvoo. I also attended a container gardening class that was held at the FM after work. Richard (my greenhouse/gardens boss) was doing it as a fundraiser for the Nauvoo Community Center that they are wanting to build. It was fun to help get things ready for it - cleaning the greenhouses, etc. I also made a container garden and I love it! I learned that for a proper container garden, you need a thriller (a tall center plant), filler and spiller.

The flowers at the Women's Garden are beautiful! I took lots of pictures this week. We are supposed to get snow (I'm not rejoicing at that!) this week. Hopefully it comes and goes really fast!

Elder Burns continues to work on trailers and make boxes for multiple trailers. He's making them from scratch. The big gooseneck trailer had to have new brake shoes and he also replaced the bearings and seals. I don't see him much at work anymore since we are in separate departments now. He made some brackets for the Brigham Young home to hold the wall and keep it from falling away from the house. So, when you go to the Brigham Young home, look up to the top and see the diamond shaped metal plates. Elder Burns made those.

We both love the service we are able to offer here in Nauvoo and rejoice daily that we were called to serve here. We are continuing to pray for the sites to open soon so you can all come and visit them!

With love and blessings to all of you!