Burns in Nauvoo: Men are, that they might have joy!

Monday we finished wood chipping the Trail of Hope and it looks so good! Elder Burns finished the new parking lot that they (Elder Burns, Elder Cole and Aaron) have been working on. It looks really nice. We aren't sure what they plan on doing with it but I guess time will tell. I've heard some rumors but nothing confirmed yet.

The other day, I was working in the Lyon Drug Gardens and a boy, around 6-7, came through the gardens. As he made his way to the Gourd Tunnel, he started laughing and laughing and calling for everyone to come and see it. His laughter and excitement at seeing the gourds made my day! It brought so much joy and happiness to me just seeing how happy and excited he was. I wanted to record his laughter! The gourd tunnel is pretty amazing!

Friday, sites were closed for the morning because one of the missionaries had tested positive for Covid and the Presidency was evaluating what actions to take. Thankfully, we opened back up that afternoon! A car pulled up to the gardens and asked if they could walk through them, since everything else was closed. I told them sure. She had some children that were not very happy and I told her to make sure they made it to the gourd tunnel. They walked back there and I joined them. I saw sad faces turn instantly to happy faces. It makes me so happy to see others made happy by my efforts in the gardens! I love that I get to serve this way! I love the miracles that happen in that garden! I'm not the best at gardening - ask my kids haha - but the garden is still (mostly) alive and thriving! I never knew that I would find peace and enjoyment pulling weeds and deadheading plants. I pray each morning to find joy in the service that I do each week and I'm thankful for answered prayers.

Also this week, in the gardens, we had some special visitors! The YPMs stopped by, sang a song for us and enjoyed the gourd tunnel! I love, love, love the YPMs and will miss this group as many of them return home this week. We have come to love many of them!

As I mentioned earlier, we had a Covid scare this week but as of this writing, as far as I know, no one else has tested positive for it. There are a lot of the missionaries that are in lockdown right now. Please join us in praying that things stay contained and that we can keep the sites open so others can enjoy the spirit of Nauvoo.

Wednesday evening, all of the missionaries attended "Sunset by the Mississippi". It was a great time and then we had a group photo taken after the show.

I love serving here! I love the joy that I feel as I serve. The Savior declared, "Men are, that they might have joy." Heavenly Father has given us so much and He wants us to have joy! How cool is that! Through our trials, through our ups and downs, He wants us to have joy! I know it's not always easy to find joy in some things (like having to wear masks again!) but that's what our loving Savior wants for us - to have joy!

I love this quote from President Nelson: "My dear brothers and sisters, the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives. When the focus of our lives is on God's plan of salvation, and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening - or not happening - in our lives. Joy comes from, and because of Him. He is the source of all joy." I invite you to find joy in your life this week! Here's a great talk on joy that I love!

https://speeches.byuh.edu/devotionals/men-are-that-they-might-have-joy

I love serving here in Nauvoo! I love my family and I'm so thankful that I know we can be together forever! This knowledge definitely brings me joy! I can't picture my life - now or in the eternities - without all of my children and grandchildren around me! I love you all too!

Sister Burns

Elder Doug and Sister Jill Burns

975 Young Street

Nauvoo, IL 62354