Packer France Paris Mission Blog 24

Packers in Paris Blog 24 – August 19^th – August 28th, of 2018

FHE VISITORS – THORNS AND FURNERS

Often we receive unexpected visitors from outside of Europe, who have some connection to St. Merri. On this night, we had a mother/daughter visit, where the daughter had served her mission in Lyon, France and came to visit a former Elder who had served in her mission who is from Paris! 😊 Then we met the Sarah De Guzman Furner family who stopped in to say hello to Elder and Sister Bonny. Elder Bonny baptized Sarah’s mother many years ago while he was on his mission. They were such a delightful family who have lived all over the world.

Thorns - Mother/Daughter

Furner Family

CHATEAU ROUGE AFRICAN MARKETS – FAREWELL TO BRO COX

     African Market Finds

We visited the African Markets again this day, looking specifically for certain fresh foods! We came back filled with fresh produce for our upcoming guests!

African Market! No, we didn't buy any of the fish!

     Brother Tanner Cox – Our awesome learning coach and now dear friend

Prior to our mission, Steve and I both had sessions with Bro Cox together, and several months ago, Steve began again with Bro Cox as he also was taking the French tutoring classes from the MTC. Bro Cox has been such a great instrument in how to best to learn the language. We had many wonderful visits in-between and was thrilled for his marriage in June. The image below is from Steve’s last session with him.

Tanner Cox - our learning coach and dear friend! Last session and we will miss him!

LAST DISTRIC MEETING WITH THIS GROUP

We held our last District Meeting this past Wednesday until transfers happen. There’s always something that is going to be stirred up, but it’s always for good! We love our district and the great things they have done.

We learned significant lessons on how to teach the way Christ would teach, with love, compassion and service. We each can improve how we approach others with more love and Christ like attributes.

Paris District Meeting - last time together before exchanges! We will miss those who leave!

VISITORS FROM UTAH BOUND TO CHINA AND FROM ENGLAND

We were thrilled to receive our visitors this last Thursday evening, as we met them at the train station in Paris. My sister, Janine Green and her daughter and husband, Jessie and Ross Griggs, came to spend 4 & 5 days with us. Janine came from Utah, flew to London to visit with her daughter, Jessie, and then all three of them came via the Chunnel to visit here in Paris prior to Janine leaving for Nanjing China for the BYU Teaching Program (Janine will be teaching writing at Nanjing Tech). We were so happy to welcome them here. Jessie and Ross had lived in Shanghai for 4 years and just recently moved to London and then Janine will be in Nanjing for 1-3 years, coming home on summer breaks. She will be an incredible ambassador.

Though we are in the middle of major planning for our center, it was so fun to put some things aside for a while and just enjoy our time with them. We knew our ‘to do’ list wouldn’t be going anywhere, and spending some of our time with them was wonderful and to just be with family!

Ross and Jessie spent a lot of time on their own just enjoying Paris, while Janine didn’t seem to mind spending time doing missionary stuff with us. We did do some sight-seeing mixed in with our work. We experienced some very choice and tender moments as we spent time together meeting people, connecting with those we didn’t know before but grew to love, and lastly she and I spending time together into the wee hours of our last night. It was glorious to say the least.

We enjoyed getting to know Ross better, since they’ve lived out of the states. We quickly grew to love him and enjoy his wit, charm, easy conversation, and his generous gestures. We absolutely love Jessie and her amazing talents, her kindness, incredible chef talents, fun conversations and a spirted game player. They are such a darling couple!

Janine Green here to visit for a few days! For some reason my badge looks gold! ;)

Ross and Jessie Griggs - my niece and her husband here from London

TEMPLE FRIDAY WITH MY DEAR HUSBAND AND SISTER

One of our choice experiences was going to the temple with my dear sister, a place we dearly love! She had been at this temple prior to the Open House two years ago with the Tabernacle Choir where they took a choir photo in the gardens. We attended a session and enjoyed our time in the Celestial room afterwards. 

Our time at the temple is always sacred. Those who visit are always in awe of what they feel and experience just from the Visitor Center and grounds alone, and then if they are able to enter the temple they then feel even a further depth of the closeness to heaven.

We are feeling the blessings as if the Lord was truly placing His hands on our heads. 

This is the place Janine stood when they took the Tab Choir Temple photo! 

L’OPERA GARNIER (PARIS OPERA) - MANTES - NEW FRIEND!

     Paris Opera experiences

It was a unanimous vote this last Saturday, for Janine, Steve and I to visit L’Opera Garnier, formerly known as the Paris Opera. It was inaugurated on January 15, 1875. The photos and brief video speak for themselves! We could not have enjoyed this experience more! We were so intrigued and found ourselves picturing what it would have been like back in the 1800’s with everyone dressed to the max in their gowns and tuxedos and perhaps seated in one of the private sitting boxes, hopefully not in the peanut gallery! 😉

What we loved the most was that our father had attended the Opera here several times while he served here in the early 50’s as a missionary. We were walking in the footsteps of our father.

At one point, out on the veranda, we heard a beautiful voice singing, “Speak to Me Softly,” from Phantom of the Opera. Steve followed the voice to a young woman who was obviously studying opera and was a tourist, who used the microphone of a contemporary singer out on the plaza of the Opera House. She then began to sing Acapella her prepared rendition of this piece! It was glorious! I only got a photo afterwards of her hugging her adult chaperone who knew how much this experience had meant to her. 

This is the girl who just got through singing via microphone for everyone to hear her beautiful operatic voice, singing, "Speak to Me Softly." She was very humbled to get to do this on the place of L'Opera Garnier!

CLICK HERE FOR A BRIEF VIDEO OF THE AUDITORIUM

 

Janine in front of the L'Opera de Garnie!

     Mantes, France and our new friend, Farah

After our Opera experience we returned back home to get ready for our trip to Mantes. Steve had a presentation to give at a fireside to share some inspired thoughts on Family History.

Janine made the decision to continue to stay with us and felt there would be a reason to come. What we thought was a 1.5-hour trip from taking the RER and then walking to the chapel, ended up instead of being 2 hours and 15 minutes. Luckily we had left early, but still ended up being a bit late. Steve did a wonderful job, and then helped a woman/investigator get started on Family Search. 

On our way while on the RER train we met a woman and her child sitting in our section and then sitting next to Janine was a young single adult, age 23. She began to engage in conversation with us and with the other lady and then once the other woman and her child left, Janine began to ask her questions. Soon, we all were in conversation with her. She was the most delightful woman. She was so friendly, easy to talk with and eager to learn from others. I invited her to join our Young Single Adult group this coming Monday. She actually said she would like to join us! We exchanged contact info with her and look forward to seeing her hopefully next Monday.

Once we arrived I received a phone call from my youngest daughter, Becca sharing some sad news that one of her best friends had just delivered a still born child. We had 15 minutes while I was walking, while she shared her experience about her friend. It was so good to be there for Becca, for all that she has done for her friend to love and support her. 

The Heiners - Their first sweet baby!

Steve’s presentation went very well. Though it was in English and was translated, he bore a beautiful and heart felt testimony in French. There was one investigator there with other missionaries and the bishop. My sister, Janine, played the piano for the evening. At the end, Steve helped this woman get signed up on Family Search. She was a very lovely, kind and tender woman!

The sisters with their investigator (we have forgotten her name)

Elder Packer - having accomplished a great presentation!

BACK HOME IN UTAH!

     Packer Birthday Celebration!

We’re always grateful to hear what goes on at home, where the family gets together to play or celebrate birthdays. Janine Hunsaker hosted a family Birthday gathering at their new home in Hyde Park, UT. Six of our children arrived and had such a blast with water, food and laughter.

a

Aaliyah with Aunt Becca and her uncle Austin!

Water slides are so fun with cousins!

Brigham Hunsaker wanting to feed the animals!

Aaliyah and her daddy, Jaron!

Bowen with his dad watching over him!

The cupcakes only for the Birthday kids!

     Gibbons/Cox Wedding Celebration!

This sweet event was one that brought me so much joy, though longing to be there, but so grateful for it’s happening. My dear nephew, Grant Gibbons married my dear friend, Gabrielle Cox in the Ogden Temple. We are so thrilled for these two and their families! Thanks to Austin, our son, for capturing some photos and videos to send our way! We dearly love these two families!

Grant and Gabrielle Gibbons

SUNDAY BLESSINGS

As we attended church at St. Merri, I was happy to introduce my sister to our friends in the ward. She is always so great to meet new people and not retreat into a corner. She was quickly loved!

In our English-speaking meeting, I asked Janine to play the piano! This is one of her many talents! It was so sweet to see her in one of her many elements.

Janine Green playing the piano for the French meeting

Lessons learned from our meetings:

-        Maryn Tan taught from Helman 5:5-7 on the importance of getting to know our ancestors and learning from them! It was so beautiful how she was inspired by these two verses.

o   “…when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.”

-        Steve Packer – As we partake of the sacrament each week we are reaching to the Savior for healing in our lives, like the action of faith by the woman who had the issue of blood who reached out to touch the hem of the Savior’s robe to be healed. 

-        Janine Green - Live the Gospel! We can feel the spirit better when we do!

-        Nothing we’ve experienced here in Paris can compare to the sweetness of the feeling we have felt here in this meeting!

-        Craig Carden – Queen Creek, AZ “Where would the Lord have you be?”

-        Let service become who you are, not just what you may experience during a mission or period of service

-        Healing happens through emulating Christ

-        The Atonement can heal broken families

Moi and Janine

Ross and Janine! Jessie Griggs had gone back to the apartment as she was not feeling well!

     Bro and Sister Smith – Newlyweds sealed in the Paris temple

Last weekend we met the parents of this couple from the States, who were sealed in the Paris Temple. They were such a beautiful and radiant couple.

Bro and Sister Smith - Newlyweds married at the Paris temple!

Parents of the newlyweds (can't remember of which) This photo was taken last week during the wedding weekend!

     Touring our church facilities

After church I also showed our guests the Institute building

Janine Green at the stairway leading to the Institute building!

PROJECT UPDATES – TAKING SHAPE

After church, we went to our Family History center to show our guests what it looks like! There was more progress visible and it is starting to take shape of the division of rooms. The floors look great too!

Seeing progress is always satisfying! 

Support frames for the glass walls going up

     Point Zero

On our way home from church we stopped by the Notre Dame to show them Point Zero of Paris. 

Point Zero, the center of Paris on the plaza just out of Notre Dame

     Strolling on the walks of the Seine

After dinner we decided to take a lovely walk next to the River Seine. It was so beautiful! We walked all around the edge of the Ile de la Cité, which is where Notre Dame is located.

Edge of the Ile de la Cité

     Sunday last farewell night with Jessie and Ross

Jessie and Ross would be leaving on Monday early afternoon to head back to London. We’ve enjoyed such a lovely time with them! We ended the evening with a fun game!

My sister, Janine will be leaving on Tuesday morning the follow day. Have I ever said that I dislike farewells?

MONDAY FAREWELL – SITES WITH JANINE – TRISTAN - FARAH

     1^st Farwell

Jessie and Ross headed back to London! It was a tearful farewell for my sister Janine! Have I ever said I do not like farewells?

Green, Griggs and Packers saying Farewell to Griggs

     Time with Janine

At this point, Janine and I decided to spend some quality time together on this day! We didn’t have a lot of time, but we headed off to find the Opera Bastille (long story why), then we went to see the Louvre, not inside as we didn’t have time, but we went to the courtyard area. It was wonderful and expansive. Our long walks trying to find the right transportation and just having time together was choice!

Entering the plaza for the Louvre

This is the iconic image in the plaza of the Louvre!

After that, we went to St Chapelle, which is just around the corner from us and had such a beautiful time there! Janine had been there before many years ago but had forgotten the brilliance of the windows. While there, she was curious of what a familiar pattern was called. She asked a worker there and he told her it was the Fleur De Lis. He then began to engage to tell us something from his cell phone, of an app he had created that took you into fun treasures in the Chapelle. The app also allowed you to face your phone towards the windows and it would automatically zero on an image close up so that you could see it better. It was all so fascinating. His name is Francis Margo. He was so kind and wanting to make it a fun experience for us. We couldn’t open up the app, but I’m going to try it next time. I love going to the St Chapelle.

Janine with Francis

     FHE and friends

FHE was spectacular for many reasons! We met up with Farah our friend from the RER last Saturday! She came and really enjoyed it! She was so grateful for everyone’s kindness and hopes to come back! Before she left to go home earlier than the others, she got everyone’s attention, thanked them for their kindness and said goodbye! It was awesome!

With our dear friend Farah Rousell

While at FHE, Tristan Mourier, one of our YSA from France, going to school in Provo, UT during the school year, happened to show up prior to his leaving on Wednesday to head off to Nanjing, just exactly where Janine is going for a semester of school there. I had spoken to him earlier about this and had completely forgotten! He is a remarkable man! I introduced him to Janine and they will be in the same Branch in Nanjing!

Janine Green with Tristan Mourier, who will be in Nanjing with Janine! Such a small world!

FAREWELL TO JANINE GREEN AS SHE HEADS OFF TO CHINA

We got up early Tuesday morning to head off with Janine to the airport! She was confident she could do this on her own, but we refused, knowing it could get confusing and who really needs to handle all the luggage if you don’t have to? She’ll have all the time she wants in Nanjing to figure out her transportation routes.

She is one strong woman, brave and filled with desire to follow the journey the Lord has set out for her. She will do incredibly well, no doubt, and will make a profound difference to all she meets. Our prayers go with her as she enters this whole new world. She’ll be a wonderful writing professor at Nanjing Tech! We love and will miss you Janine!

Don't look for the red eyes too closely!

This is it for 2 years till we return home and she returns from her second year of teaching!

Passe une bonne semaine (Have a great week),

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

Email address:                                                                                                                               Renée: srpacker10@gmail.com                                                                                                                 Steve: wf-packer@hotmail.com

You may still text or FaceTime Renée at 801-564-1332

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