Burns in Nauvoo: The Lord Needs Valiant Servants

October 31, 2021

It's definitely fall around here! The temperatures are getting colder and the leaves are changing color and falling from the trees. I'm not a fan of the cold nor of the shorter hours of daylight. I really struggle to get up when it's still dark out and since we start work at 7:00, that means getting up when it's still dark. That being said, I am looking forward to the beautiful sunrises that I get to witness because I'm heading to work at that time of day. The colors here are gorgeous and so far, I haven't had to put on my down-filled coat! I did buy a warm vest the other day though because I do get cold easily. Sister Wood is the same (we both get cold easily and would take the summer heat over the winter cold) so we are two peas in a pod.

In Conservation this week, we cleaned the Bushnell Home, a home that the YSMs stay in. It is beautiful and I love the woodwork that is in it. As I looked around it, I could imagine the family parties that must have taken place in it back in the day. I'm sure the YSMs had their share of fun times in it - along with the spiritual times also! FYI - we miss the YSMs and YPMs!

Our new mission President was announced this week. Craig and Sandra Dalton from Hyrum, UT will be our new Site President. President Rizley said that he has met them and that they will be great for Nauvoo Historic Sites.

I've seen several articles this week on the need for senior missionaries. They all show a couple in Sunday best dress. My mission looks a little (maybe a lot!) different from that. While I dress like that on Sundays and for training, I'm usually wearing levis and a blue shirt. My mission, as a Facilities Maintenance missionary, has looked like this - cleaning greasy mechanic shop tools, organizing and cleaning the mechanic shop, many months of getting odometer readings from over 60 vehicles (sometimes out in the freezing cold!), planting flowers, pulling tulip bulbs, planting tulip bulbs, weeding, mulching, wood chipping, cleaning homes and apartments, sewing curtains, sewing aprons for the YSMs, many service projects - sewing adult bibs for several rest homes, gathering items for those same rest homes, gathering food for the local food pantry, helping with the "Bright Angel" program here in Nauvoo, which helps provide Christmas for the local children, along with backpacks for them for school. I've made fleece blankets with other missionaries, young and senior, that will be donated to some great causes and many other things. I helped with Boo-tiful Nauvoo.

I've attended many mission training meetings where I have been spiritually fed and learned how to be a better missionary and person. I've had the opportunity to have Apostles visit and speak to us. I've made new, eternal friendships. I've drawn closer to my Savior and to my ancestors who walked these streets of Nauvoo. Their strength, courage and love of the Savior move me forward during my hard times.

I've missed my family and I love Marco Polo so that I can stay close to them and see my grandchildren grow. I miss my hugs from my kids, the cuddles from my grandkids and the family gatherings, especially at this time of year. However, I know this is where we are supposed to be and I wouldn't change it for anything!

If you are able to serve, the Lord needs you! We here in Nauvoo need missionaries! For senior missionaries, you can serve for 6,12,18 or 23 months. I encourage you to go online to https://seniormissionary.churchofjesuschrist.org/ and see the opportunities that are needing to be filled. As of right now, there are almost 1500 mission opportunities that need to be filled. Put your faith in Heavenly Father and apply! We have one couple here who are serving their 7th mission; another on their 5th, many on their 2nd. We definitely plan on serving more.

I love my Savior! I am so blessed by His atonement for me. He loves me! He knows me! As we attended the temple this week, that was again strongly confirmed to me.

Families are forever and I want nothing more than to have my family all with me! My mom always said that she doesn't want any empty chairs in her Heavenly home and I feel the same way! I want each one of my children and grandchildren with me, always and forever!

I love you! Have a blessed and grateful November!

Sister Burns

Elder Doug and Sister Jill Burns

975 Young Street

Nauvoo, IL 62354

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