Packer's France Paris Mission Blog 13

Packers in Paris Blog 13 – June 4^th – June 10^th of 2018

THE REST OF THE STORY!

After having posted about last Sunday’s Worldwide Youth Devotional where Jaron, our son, conducted the choir, we got a little more of the story that was quite tender. Even though there’s much to the story that we won’t share, his experience in preparing and conducting that evening was quite humbling for Jaron and all of those involved. Here’s a few more pics that Jaron shared with me. 

One of his tender experiences was directing the large world-wide choir, as he called it. On the closing hymn, when Pres. Nelson asked all to stand and join to sing, “Hope of Israel.” His emotions got the best of him and was a touching experience for all!

Bro Saunders and Jaron - both directors

Jaron's kids! 

FHE WITH YSA

Monday’s night FHE was a great success, with a great lesson by one of our YSA’s. One of our investigators (Pablo) had previously asked if he could teach Karate to the group. The YSA’s were a little hesitant at first, but most of them joined in and followed his lead. It went well and found their stretching abilities were a bit rusty, but they had a great time. We older adults did not join in but watching them was quite a delight!

Pablo teaching Karate

THE TEMPLE DISCUSSION/DESSERT EVENING

Last Tuesday we celebrated at our home with 3 investigators and 4 missionaries who had recently gone to the temple to do baptisms for the dead, with some of the converts taking their own family names. Just prior we met with one of them to help him find names to take to the temple. We shared our gratitude for temples and the great work that takes place there and asked each of them to share their personal experience of attending the temple. We then concluded with a wonderful Strawberry Pie treat! These are incredible people!

Family Search find with new convert

New converts and missionaries

Strawberry Cream Pie - to die for!

WEDNESDAY’S TRANSFER, NEW ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE DAY!

This is always a day of joy, sadness, excitement and bewilderment. It’s bound to happen.

Those receiving transfers feel such mixed emotions. They’ve been in an area for a while and then it’s time to make changes to another area, which is a fantastic way to stretch and bring new blood. BUT, it’s like ripping your heart out to say goodbye to your dear friends, companions, and so on. Usually Senior Couples do not ever transfer (not saying it hasn’t happened), thankfully.

Then, you have your new arrivals which are called, “Blues” here in France. Who thought of that name? These Blues are a dazed, excited and a wide eye group, well kind of. They are also going through jet lag!

Then you have the departure group. I’ve never been one to enjoy farewells. To see the look on the faces of these departing missionaries is one of mixed emotions. Certainly, elation of the prospects of seeing their family very soon, sleeping in their comfy beds, etc., but they too struggle with saying goodbye after 18 -24 months of heartfelt devotion to the Lord and friendships. My heart was aching for them, also knowing in about 20 months we will be going through these same emotions.

We love Sister Van Duyse and will miss her deeply!

Elder Eyring on the right leaving - He is the grandson of Pres. Eyring

HUNSAKERS MOVE TO HYDE PARK

Our daughter, Janine and Adam Hunsaker and 5 children moved this last Wednesday to Hyde Park, Utah, after having lived for several years in Monticello, UT! Their hearts were sad to leave, but grateful to move to another wonderful welcoming neighborhood and nearer to family and Primary’s hospital. Thanks to Becca for her amazing help both with the unpacking and the trip to the hospital and painting.

Janine and Becca! Hard workers deserve something to eat!

 IF YOU CAN’T BEAT THEM, JOIN THEM?

THE REST OF THIS STORY!

This last Thursday it finally happened, where all three grandkids who regularly visit at Primary Children’s Hospital on a frequent basis, or were there after surgery to recover, ended up together at the same time! Knowing they had to be there within hours of each other, I was secretly hoping they could merge their schedules to be able to see one another and take this classic photo, where they will someday look back on this tender time in their lives. Maddie came home on Saturday, 8 days after surgery. Blessings!

Even though it may seem a sad thing to see these kids going through these difficult times, we attest that our family can do hard things and still smile!

Brigham, Maddie, Jacob

Dixie, Janine, Jaron, Jacob, Maddie, Brigham and Becca

VISITS FROM TWO FIRST COUSINS ONCE REMOVED

This week I had cousins, once removed come to visit us. Darlene lives near Lyon, France with her family,  and her sister, Danette and two daughters live in North Orem. We found many other fun connections, and getting to know about each of their families was a treat. They had some amazing stories to share with us.

TRI STAKE INSTITUTE GRADUATION AND ACTIVITY

We were so impressed at how well organized and carried out this event was. We only helped with preparation and serving of the dinner later on, but every part was carried out by the YSA’s and their incredible Institute director, Bro Houmeau.

They started at 3:30 with an “Escape Game” where they played through puzzles and questions to get out of a room! It’s quite popular, though we are not familiar with it! We never got pictures of it, since we were helping elsewhere.

Afterwards they held the Institute Graduation for all those in attendance, followed with dinner and a dance. To say the least, it was one late night before we got to bed.

Post game courtyard snacks and mingling

Bro Houmeau and President Loisel

Institute graduation

It's been years since we've danced!

 SUNDAY CONNECTIONS AND A TOUCHING HYMN

Tourist season has begun, and it will only get busier, but it sure makes it wonderful to meet so many people from all over the world, where almost 100 % speak the common language of English. The sweetest spirit is always so abundant each Sunday in our meetings, but especially the English visitor sacrament meeting at 11:45 is always so enjoyable where all visitors get to enjoy such a rich experience.  

We did have a fun connection with a family from our former Layton Stake, the Carmacks. They brought their daughter as a graduation present.

Carmack family from our old Layton Stake - Such a lovely visit with them

     Thoughts from a closing hymn

Today while we were singing the closing hymn, “Be Thou Humble.” in our English sacrament meeting, I was intently pondering the words as we sang, especially as the second verse came along. Being on a mission, as I’ve mentioned before, is most humbling. It brings out more of what our weaknesses are and even unknown strengths. But, most of all, for me, it brings out my great need for God’s constant help. I can’t imagine doing this without His guidance, comfort and direction.

Be Thou Humble

1. Be thou humble in thy weakness, and the Lord thy God shall lead thee,

Shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers.

Be thou humble in thy pleading, and the Lord thy God shall bless thee,

Shall bless thee with a sweet and calm assurance that he cares.

2. Be thou humble in thy calling, and the Lord thy God shall teach thee

To serve his children gladly with a pure and gentle love.

Be thou humble in thy longing, and the Lord thy God shall take thee,

Shall take thee home at last to ever dwell with him above.

We wish you all the very best in this coming week and pray for the richest blessings to come your way!

Avec plaisir (With pleasure),

Elder et Soeur Packer                                                                                                  

Grandpère et Mémé Packer (Please use our last name on any mail, so they don’t return it)

Our Address:

4 quai du Marché Neuf

75004 PARIS 

FRANCE

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