Packers France Paris Mission Blog 16

Packers in Paris Blog 16 – June 25^th – July 1^st, of 2018

FHE & DANCING LESSONS

Family Home Evening brought a fun change this past Monday, as we introduced and taught the YSA how to Swing Dance. We only had 3 couples that could be formed, but they really enjoyed getting to learn an America style dance. We love dancing, but have not danced for a while, so we were forced to get on our dusty dancing feet and show them the way. 

Fanny & Preston

ZONE CONFERENCE IN LILLE, FRANCE

We were so grateful for the opportunity again to present our, “Gathered Into the Garners,” PowerPoint presentation in Lille, France. We took a lovely ride on the train and actually was sad that it wasn’t longer than the hour it took. It was so beautiful to watch the country side and relax in a very comfortable train. The ride back was even better. 

Gare du Nord (Train Station) in Paris - We LOVE old Train Stations

We only knew a few of the missionaries in this Zone, and the senior couple, Elder and Sister Clark serving in Charlesville. They will complete their mission on Tuesday, July 3^rd.

Sister Bennett & Sister Hicken

Elder Parkinson (Steve's 4th Cousin once removed)

Elder & Sister Clark

President Sorensen’s messages were great reminders on many key lessons. What he taught us was powerful and quite life changing.

He also had us watch a video by Elder Holland presented at the annual Mission President’s training from June 2017. His whole topic was on the essential use of the Holy Ghost in our lives at all times. He taught us a powerful tool in how to use the third member of the Godhead in receiving personal revelation. You can email me if you are interested.

We also loved hearing again his story of when he and his family had an amazing conversation with Elder and Sister Anderson, while on the speaker phone as he and his whole family were on their way to Belgium. What was taught by this experience has impressed us with the power of the blessings of our General Conference talks. Sister Anderson continued to email more inspiring messages that she had learned and shared with Sister Sorensen.

Our message was well accepted and hopefully the missionaries will be more able to visualize the blessings of using Family Search in their own lives and with the friends they meet. The church is strongly encouraging us to use Family Search more with our new friends in the field.

     Lessons from WWII Desmond Doss – Lord, please help me get one more!           One of the stories that President Sorensen shared with us, was the story of Desmond Doss, a remarkable man who fought bravely another kind of battle during WWII, that of saving lives. If you have not yet read his story this will astound and inspire you. I’m putting the link below for you to read. One of the many things I learned from this man is that our convictions can carry us through the toughest of times and yet, make a powerful change for good if we think of others and not of ourselves. This is worth the read!

Desmond Doss

Click here for further information on an amazing American Hero!

After Zone Conference we left at 4 and decided to go look at some of the sights in Lille. We mainly walked to the main downtown plaza and there about. It was a beautiful town square with rich history. Taken from the internet, here’s a little summary.

The legend says that Lille was founded in 640 by Lydéric and Phinaert giants. But we find the first trace of Lille in writing of 1066.
Lille was in turn under Flemish, Burgundian, Spanish before becoming French in 1667 during the conquest of the city by Louis XIV.
                        Successive enlargements over the centuries have made it the                                     fourth city of France today.

    Click here for a brief history on Lille

Old Stock Exchange Square

We found a lovely park and enjoyed the fresh smell of flowers and green grass! 

Memorial for WWI

CHANCE MEETINGS? I DON’T THINK SO!

This last Wednesday we had a couple of sweet experiences meeting people that we knew were not accidents. I will only take the time to share the second of the two.

Since we were in need of a thank you gift, I walked to the gift shop next to our apartment complex. I usually don’t even think of going to this particular store because it is so expensive, but I ventured inside anyway.

I quickly found the perfect gift for a reasonable price and waited for the attendant to finish with the customer ahead of me. As I waited, I began to talk with the husband (Peter) who was waiting for his wife to finish the purchase. I asked him questions where they were from, as he appeared to be American. He and his wife (Coco) were from New York. I ended up learning much about them. His wife is from Shanghai and they recently married approximately 4 years ago, after Peter’s first wife passed away. He asked about Steve and my service here in Paris, as he saw my name badge. He said he knew about the church quite well, as his boss was a member of our LDS faith and that his boss’s children had served missions. As I continued talking to him, I also shared about my parents having served 7 French speaking missions. He was in awe of their service. I shared with him that my sister had recently just finished a book about their lives. He was quite intrigued. I asked if I could send him a copy of my parent’s book. He was thrilled and said he would love to read their book.

Peter, and Coco, were such a delightful and kind couple. I loved how he spoke of his dear Coco, with such loving affection. They also invited us to their home sometime after we return from our mission. We accepted their invitation and as well invited them to visit the great state of Utah. Peter asked that Steve and I stay in touch with them about our mission here in Paris. 

SPECIAL THANKS TO A WONDERFUL WOMAN

Today we prepared food for a special celebration of thanks for our dear Institute secretary, Marilyn Piquette, who has served for 26 years as the secretary of the institute here in Paris. Her retiring from this position was the reason for our gift for her. She was delighted for everyone’s kind gestures of love. 

Peter & Coco 

Marilyn Piquette

     Bro. Simoné – Director of Seminary & Institute over France                           We were so thrilled to meet Bro. Simoné who happened to be visiting from Lyon, France. He worked with my parents daily while they were serving in Lyon from 2000-2002 and they know each other very well. He was so pleased that I was their daughter. He proceeded to share with me some of the most tender experiences he had with my parents. He said that the students loved them and appreciated their involvement in their daily lives via their teaching, their profound effect with music in their lives and the wonderful food my mother always cooked for them. He lovingly shared the time when my dad had once conducted a Regional YSA Conference choir of over 300 singers. My father is such a masterful conductor that he literally had them in the palm of his hands filled with the spirit of love and perfection. That would be my father on both accounts! My mother was always working on musical numbers, cooking daily and loving all of the YSA’s and so much more. 

Renee & Brother Simoné 

LET IT BEGIN! PROJECT UPDATE ON CENTER!

As we were walking past our Family History Center this last Thursday, we happened to look inside and see our FM friends, Brother Antoine and Brother Vienne and two construction men. They were in the middle of measuring and getting final details about the center and then told us the construction would begin this next week. We were thrilled to say the least. This may still take until the end of September to finalize the construction, but we are glad they are beginning now. We’re trying to be patient as we know that it won’t be all that we had hoped for, but we know that it will still be lovely. Once it is complete we’ll begin to put everything inside and ready it for an Open House event. 

Brother Antoine (last day FM), Brother Vienne (new FM), & Steve 

Saturday, we cleaned out the Visitor Center completely to get it ready for construction next week. Large items that will be brought back to the center will be taken by the FM people and brought back when completed. 

TEMPLE TRIP MEETINGS!

We were delighted on our way to the temple this last Friday, to run into a sweet couple from Mexico who also were on their way to the temple. We found out that Elder Trevino was the Area Seventy for all of Mexico. We enjoyed getting to know them and directing them to the temple. 

Packers and Elder & Sister Trevino

We loved our experience at the temple this day. Steve, for the first time, listened to the whole session in French. I was so proud of him.

MICAELA’S BAPTISM VIA FACETIME

We were so grateful to be able to watch, via Facetime, Micaela’s baptism last Saturday. It brought such tears of joy to be able to be a part of this all the way from France. The bishop announced to everyone that they were not recording, but had allowed the Facetime for our benefit!

Congratulations Micaela! We loved talking to her for a minute afterwards, as well as some of the other grandkids and parents present. 

Adam & Micaela (They received permission to do Facetime for the Baptism)

Sweet Micaela 

Micaela & Janine on Facetime with Grandma and Grandpa in Paris

     Visitors to our empty Center!                                                                            While cleaning out some of the small things in the center prior to next week, we received a wonderful visit from the Limb family from California. What a kind and gracious family they were. Because the Grandma was ill this day, we met her the next day at church. 

The Lim Family from California

The Lim Family in part with Grandma this time

WORLD CUP FRANCE WIN!

Saturday was an exciting day for the people of France! The anticipation of their playing Argentina was getting very intense. This was their last chance to continue in the tournament if they won this time around.

We were walking past some restaurants as the game began and every eye was on the TV screens. Once we got home at around 6 pm we heard a loud scream coming from outside our apartment. I opened up the window and was astounded at the exuberant cheers we could hear of their exciting win over Argentina. If they end up winning the World Cup, France will party like none other and for who knows how long. 

World Cup

BLAZING HEAT ON SUNDAY!

     On our own!                                                                                                                  Elder and Sister Bonny were not with us this day to share in the responsibilities for the noon English speaking Sacrament meeting. We handled it fine, but we were battling the extreme heat of the day. When you couple the intense heat and high humidity, we were toasting. The visitors were wonderful and patient with the circumstances, but even the mobile air conditioning blowers didn’t do much. The church is in the process of getting updated window coverings, but for now we get the full sun streaming in.

We met some lovely and dear people and they were all so appreciative of our efforts with them. As always the spirit felt that day was undeniably blessing everyone in attendance in spite of the heat.

     BYU Folk Dancers Fireside

Sunday evening was a Fireside with the BYU Folk Dancers in Versailles. Since Steve has been a former BYU Folk Dancer and traveled to Europe 41 years ago, we were thrilled to hear their special fireside this night and are looking forward to their special performances next week. It brought back a lot of memories for Steve. It is because of the Folk Dancers that we even met in the first place. It was an inspiring meeting with music and testimony by some of the dancers. 

BYU Folk Dancers Bus

Fireside in Versailles

She shared her message in French

Jeanette Geslison (Artistic Director)  & Steve discussing  

With much love &.....

Joyeux 4 Juillet (Happy 4^th of July), 

Elder et Soeur Packer                                                                                                  

Grandpère et Mémé Packer (Please use our last name on any mail, or it will get returned)

Our Address:

4 quai du Marché Neuf

75004 PARIS 

FRANCE

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