Burns in Nauvoo: Life is good, then it's hard, then it's good

I woke up Monday morning to a message letting me know that my cousin, Sherry, had passed away. Sherry was a year older than I am and had special needs. When I read the message, I immediately had a vision of sorts, of Sherry running freely into the arms of her mother and her Savior. I can only imagine the sweet reunion they had on the other side of the veil. I like to think that my mom and dad were also there to greet Sherry. I love the knowledge that I have that this life is not the end but that it continues on the other side, where we are joined with family and friends that have gone on before. The prophet, Joseph Smith, taught that the social relationships we enjoy here, which make life so sweet, will extend into the next life, only there to be coupled with glory: “And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory” (D&C 130:2 )

This week we said hello to a new couple, E/S Wilcox and farewell to another, E/S Bowman. I know I say this often, but farewells in the mission are hard and this one for my dear cousin was hard. When the new couple arrived, there were so many that arrived to help them move in that we had their car unloaded pretty quick. President and Sister Dalton were also there to help.

This week we continued deep-cleaning the historic sites - what a privilege it is to be able to clean them, even though sometimes I forget where I actually am and I have to remind myself that I am cleaning the home that Wilford Woodruff or John Taylor or Brigham Young lived in. How cool is that!

We were able to attend the temple again this week. I love that we have the temple so close to us and that we can attend weekly. I just saw this quote and I love it! “Death cannot sever families sealed in the temple. They understand death as a necessary part of God’s great plan of happiness.”

Russell M. Nelson

Life is not always happy or easy. I've struggled the last few weeks. I've been in some sort of a funk that I'm blaming on the cold and gray. I am feeling much better now. It's still cold but we have blue skies and sunshine and that makes all the difference for me! I was (still am!) missing my kids and grandkids and really want to hug them and spend some time with them. My daughter keeps reminding me that "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of Heaven." I know that is true and I know that I have been blessed beyond measure for serving my Savior here in Nauvoo. It is a sacrifice that I am willing to make! On a happy note - it's supposed to hit 50 on Tuesday!

Happy, happy news! Elder Young and Sister Magleby, YPMs from this summer, became engaged this week!!! I am so excited for them!

I love my Savior, I love His sacrifice for me and for each one of us! He loves us and he knows each one of us by name. I love the missionaries that I serve with and I really love my companion! He's the best companion a girl could ask for! This mission has been good for us! I love each of you, my dear family and friends! May you each feel our Heavenly Father's love for you!