Packers France Paris Mission Blog 29
Packers in Paris Blog 29 – September
24th – October 2nd, of 2018
ZONE CONFERENCE INSPIRATION
& FHE FLASH MOB GROUP
Zone
Conference Inspirations
Monday,
the 24th was our Zone Conference and a stellar one at that! We come
away each time with such renewed faith and energy to carry on. Here is a small
taste of one section taken from the account of Peter and Christ walking on the
water.
Zone Conference lessons learned from Peter
and Christ walking on the water :
-
Wherefore Didst Thou Doubt? Brief video link below!
-
After we watched this brief video of the story of Peter walking on the
water, a discussion of lessons learned from this experience took place. Here
are a few comments shared after watching the video.
o Peter
believed that it was Jesus Christ in the water and so beckoned that he could go
to the Him.
o As long as
Peter kept his eyes on the Jesus Christ, he had faith to keep walking on the
water. It wasn’t until he took his eyes off of Christ did his faith waver and
thus began to sink.
o Though Peter’s
faith wavered, his faith was strengthened through the love that Christ had for
him.
o Sister
Ethington raised her hand and shared, “What we need to remember here is that
Peter got out of the boat, he had enough faith to try, though fear had overcome
him momentarily, he didn’t fear trying and try again.
o “Obstacles
are what we see when we take our eyes off of the Savior.”
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| Paris Sud Zone Conference September 2018 |
Farewell
to Sister Foley – a story worth reading!
Sister
Foley has a special place in our heart and this would most likely be the last
time we would see her, as she leaves in two weeks. She is in Tours where we
stayed to visit the Loire Valley/Châteaux. She has been such a remarkable
missionary throughout and has grown so much. We saw first hand her incredible
spirit and ability to change the lives of others through her genuine and faith-filled
testimony. She gave her farewell testimony this day at ZC and made us cry.
She stated
that she had read the Book of Mormon 4 different times in 18 months while on
her mission, and on her last time reading she prayed for another powerful
witness of its truth. What she got instead was far more powerful. She received
a peaceful answer from the Lord that she had already received her witness of
its truth. She already knew!
What she
then received was the greatest gift she could’ve ever thought to ask for. In
her mind, flashed a remembrance of every single person she had read the Book of
Mormon with, those she had ever contacted, and every missionary companionship.
Feelings of gratitude filled her heart knowing she had indeed received a firm
and lasting testimony of this amazing book and that she had testified with such
faithfulness throughout! It has literally changed her life!
 |
| Sister Packer and Sister Foley |
FHE
flash mob group
We were
not aware that we would be mobbed with a fabulous group of YSA people,
including a new group of BYU Study Abroad students. It was wonderful and a bit
crazy at the same time. They had a wonderful time playing games after a brief
lesson and getting to know some of the new people. We think there were about 50
people in attendance.
 |
| FHE YSA FUN |
JORDAN & LARISSA PACKER CAME TO VISIT FROM
COLORADO
We
couldn’t have been more excited as we anticipated the arrival of our 6th
child Jordan and his awesome wife, Larissa. They’ve been planning this trip since
not long after we came to Paris, having gotten one for those stealer deals.
Though we
couldn’t be with them every day all day long, we did secure some time with them
on the weekend, which we will share shortly! Having them around was such a
treat.
 |
| Jordan and Larissa Packer just arriving to Paris |
This was
Steve’s last session with Sister Hardy, his tutor. Because of our getting ready
to open our Family History Center, he needed to end his Zoom sessions with her.
She has been such a strength and help with his French, that has also been a
great help to me in areas that I still need work on. Steve has greatly improved! Thank you Sister Hardy for
your patience, devotion and goodness! We love you!
 |
| Sister Gracee Hardy |
WHILE WE ARE GONE THE FAMILY GATHERS
Nothing
makes us happier than when we hear about and see photos of gatherings of our
children and grandchildren while we are here in France. Last Wednesday, our
daughter, Camille, from Oregon was passing through and arranged a place at a
park to eat and play and catch up. Most family members were able to make it.
She also spent a day with our youngest, Becca and then did a photo shoot for a
friend. She then spent part of the day helping Janine at the hospital with
Brigham for his cancer treatments. Family is so important and we’re grateful
they love being together!
1 |
| Part of the Packer Clan |
WHILE THE CHILDREN PLAY, MOMMA AND PAPPA WORK
HARD
Jordan and
Larissa have made every moment count with their visit here in Paris! They have
seen and done things we haven’t yet come close to doing. They are helping us
learn where things are for when we hopefully have time. They have had a perfect
week as far as weather, making it wonderful. The tourists were minimal and so
the lines were short or nonexistent. Perfect time to be here!
Meanwhile,
while they played and were having a marvelous time, we have been working hard
to do all we can so that we could take a little break this weekend with Jordan
and Larissa. Though we weren’t able to get it all done, we will somehow leave
it in the Lord’s hands, putting it on the back burner for a few days.
FRIDAY VERSAILLES AND TEMPLE VISIT
We were so
excited to finally go to the Versailles Palace. It has been 10 years since
Steve and I and our two youngest had been.
Jordan and
Larissa planned on getting there really early, hoping to miss any of the long
lines. We actually did it! We left at 7:00 a.m. and got there in an hour and
sure enough they were the first in line! There are several lines for those with
assigned times, those with season passes and so on, and they were there first
in all of the entrance lines for some time, since it didn’t open till 9:00 a.m.
I have never, ever heard of anyone being first in line at Versailles.
We, on the
other hand, were third getting in another line to buy a year pass to
Versailles. As we finally walked in, we found out we were in the wrong line,
which was across the opposite side of the huge courtyard. By the time we found
the right doors (no visible signs for what we wanted) we walked in and waited
for a little bit to make the purchase. We were now legal and found Jordan and
Larissa inside the palace waiting. He got an iconic shot of him standing inside
the golden gates as the only person inside! With our season pass we were able
to walk right in, and will from now on. We loved
our visit inside the palace and the grandeur and ornateness of every room.
Walking
into the gardens afterwards though was the cherry on top! There are 2,000 acres
of land, beautifully manicured and cared for. This is one of the real reasons
we have gotten the year pass. To see it all would be impossible in one day. The
seasons change, bringing new flowers and other special shows and water
displays.
Near the
end of our Versailles experience we would not give up in finding Marie
Antoinette’s Farm village, Hameau de la Reine. This is the farm where Marie
Antoinette played dress up, wanting to be like all the other pheasant folk! She
requested this farm to be built when she was only 13 years old.
The only
home that you could actually enter, was for the toilettes, which Jordan dubbed
as “Marie Antoilette!” :D We loved this little village!
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| Steve & Renee at Versailles at 8:00 a.m. |
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| Jordan and Larissa first in line! This is incredible! |
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| Hall of Mirrors! |
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| The start of the Gardens of Versailles of 2,000 Acres worth! |
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| Marie Antoinette's play farm she had created when 13 years old! |
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| One of many more homes built for the play farm |
Temple
visit
We loved
sharing the beautiful Paris Temple with Jordan and Larissa! The Visitor Center
and Gardens are so sacred that you can’t describe to those who may not
understand how the spiritual beauty of this garden isn’t one to be compared
with Versailles. To us its beauty surpasses all! You can’t even begin to feel
the same way! While in the Visitor Center, we introduced them to the Campbells
and sisters who serve there. This is a must see when you come to Paris!
 |
| One of our favorite places for photos at the temple! |
SATURDAY AT FONTAINEBLEAU
It has
been over 40 years since I have seen this Château, but the exterior was still
etched in my mind. We loved Fontainebleau! It took a little more time to get
there and a brief walk to find it once we were in the town!
The gardens
were much different than Versailles, as was the interior. It was exquisite in
its own grand way and felt much of how it must’ve looked like back as early as
1100 and later. Though we were tired, we didn’t want to miss out on a spec of
the interior and exterior.
My
favorite part this week, was sharing these experiences with our son and his
wife! I didn’t want it to end and wished to wake up the next day and start all
over with more things to see and do with them! We knew that all good things had
to come to a close, but we’ve loved every moment of our time with them.
 |
| Fontainebleau |
 |
| Backside of Fontainebleau |
 |
| On their way to the Opera at Opera Garnier |
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| Notre Dame on our walk home! |
SUNDAY CHURCH AND WALKS IN THE PARKS
We had a
great experience with Jordan and Larissa attending the French speaking
Sacrament meeting. They sang our French hymns and listened to the talks via the
translator headsets.
They have
picked up a lot of French words this past week and also learned the ropes of
how to navigate the metro system and streets. They fit in so comfortably in
this foreign land and are adventurers at heart!
 |
| In our Sunday Best at Saint-Merri! |
Once we
were finished with the rest of our Sunday meetings we met them at our apartment
and headed off for visits to two different parks. These were glorious and
enchanting. They were on our bucket list to see!
First we went to Buttes-Chaumont Parc and
then Parc Monceau!
The links are below to learn more about both of them if you wish. We certainly can’t be a great
source of a travel guide, but we highly suggest seeing both of these.
Jordan
the natural photographer and Larissa isn't bad either!
Jordan has
turned out to be quite the photographer. He has the eye for lighting, framing
and color. Wow, I was constantly impressed with his skill with his little phone. His wife, Larissa is figuring it all out as well!
Parc Buttes-Chaumont
 |
| Ready to ride the metro to Parc Buttes-Chaumont! |
Parc
Monceau
MONDAY BACK TO WORK WHILE THE BIG KIDS STILL PLAY
We wanted
to keep sight-seeing and relaxing, but we were so behind that it was back to
work! Meanwhile, much of the furniture has been delivered and is ready to
assemble.
 |
| We have our work cut out for us! |
TUESDAY DEPARTURE – NO HOT WATER - ASSEMBLING OF FURNITURE
As always,
I dislike farewells, but especially since I know it will be a while before we
may see Jordan and Larissa again. We continued to entice them with all of the
other sites they need to see next year while we are still here.
 |
| The weather was a bit chilly the day they left, though it was amazing all week up to this morning! |
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| Farewells aren't my favorite! |
Last night
we found out that our water heater is broken and then found out today it can’t
be looked at till Friday! Yikes! Trying to be happy campers!
After
Jordan and Larissa left, we got ready to get over to the church to meet up with
the missionaries who would be helping us to put together all of our furniture.
I came a little later and brought some food for them to eat for lunch. Having 3
sets of missionaries and my husband putting together all of the furniture and
bringing two other cabinets over from the church and loads of copies of the
Book of Mormon took man and youthful women power. They seemed appreciative to
have the food afterwards. We love the missionaries in our district!
 |
| Sisters Jensen and Inman |
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| Elder from our District - Elders Ludwig, Christianson, Durant, Phair |
We hope
that the few words that we’ve shared with you, are words that resonate our love
of the great work we are about and the love of family. These two are of
greatest and most precious value to us!
We wish
the very best to each of you and pray for joy to always come your way, even in moments
of trials.
Vous
souhaitant une joyeuse semaine (Wishing you a joyful 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:
Steve:
wf-packer@hotmail.com
You
may still text or FaceTime Renée
at 801-564-1332
We
are 8 hours ahead of Mountain Standard Time
Everything sounds amazing! I'm so jealous Jorday and Larissa get to be with you in Paris!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were able to have a great time with Jordan and larissa!!
ReplyDelete