Packers France Paris Mission Blog 30
Packers in Paris Blog 30 – October
3rd – October 7th, of 2018
LAST DISTRICT COUNCIL
MEETING
This
past Wednesday was our last District meeting before exchanges, but we forgot to
take pictures, so here’s our great Elders and Sisters at their PDay this week.
They are the best! I think I’ve said that before about our other Districts! 😉
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| Our beloved District before transfers, having their PDay playing ultimate frisbee! |
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| Do they look happy or something? They are always so happy and full of love! Love these goofy and happy smiles! |
SPECIAL GUESTS WITH FAMILY SEARCH
We looked
forward to welcoming special guests with Family Search:
Ryan Koelliker living in
UT - over Partners & Relations for Family Search
Torsten Kux living in Germany -
Regional Manager over Europe Family Search
Sylvain Athénour living in
France - Project Manager Francophone for Camera Operations, Archives and Genealogy
Roland Léporé living Lyon France – Europe
Area Manager for Family Search
We have had
continued communication with President Roland Léporé (also Stake President in
Lyon, France), who made the initial phone call to us two weeks prior to our
leaving on our mission, which launched a directional change to our mission. We
also had a special meeting with Torsten Kux at RootsTech, just prior to our
coming here to Paris. They too have been excited for the opening of this center
for several reasons. They were very pleased with what they saw, knowing we had
so much more left to be done to have it ready for our opening, they could see
our vision and what a great space this will be.
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| Brothers Ryan Koelliker, Torsten Kux, Sylvain Athénour and Roland Léporé |
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| Bare bones, waiting for the reveal next week! |
MIRACLES OF KINDNESS
Feeling quite
overwhelmed with all there is still to get done and lacking enough needed help
and committees, someone stepped in to lift our load.
As I was speaking
this past week with the bishop’s wife about our plans for baking 400 cookies,
and my needing her help with bringing soup for the luncheon planned for all those
helping us prior to the Open House, she was very willing to help where needed. After
a few moments, I received a text from her, Sister Hall, saying that she and
Sister Hale would handle both the 400 cookies production and the luncheon for
about 30 ish people and for us not to worry about any of the food. I became
emotional and so grateful for the huge load this took off my shoulders so that
we could concentrate on other items that were more pressing. How we love and
appreciate Sisters Hall and Hale and for all who are lending a big hand for
this event.
NO HOT WATER FOR 5
DAYS, FIXED FOR 1 DAY AND THEN BREAKS AGAIN!
We tried
to make the best of our camping experience in our apartment, with no hot water,
but once it got fixed on Friday, it broke again the next day. We can do hard
things! 😊
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| Our broken water heater! |
GENERAL CONFERENCE WEEKEND – THE HEALING BALM
OF JESUS CHRIST
Nothing
can compare to listening or attending the worldwide, General Conference of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, receiving divine words of
revelation, admonition and counsel from living prophets and apostles and other
leaders of the church. It truly feels like a healing balm from the Lord himself.
We were lifted
and buoyed up for yet another 6 months. What excites us even more is our
opportunity to review their messages over and over again which will appear in digital
format via the internet and other formats. As we review their counsel, which will
guide and direct our lives in such difficult times in the world, we can live
with hope and a firm resolve to be better, love more deeply, and stand more
resolute to be disciples of Christ.
Many
exciting and new announcements were made that sent chills up our spines, but more
than ever was the quiet confirmations in our hearts from a living prophet and the
apostles of eternal truths that touched all of us most of all.
For two
days, twice a year, we are given timely counsel that helps us in many facets of
our lives, that cannot be found elsewhere. The two conferences this past year
have been epic to say the least. If you have not had a chance to listen to conference
yet and would enjoy doing so here is the link to watch 10 hours of inspiration.
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| Scene from conference, of what we see, which is broadcast throughout the world. |
Dinner guests for Saturday evening and conference
The one
good day we had hot water, was the day we prepared a meal for the missionaries
here in our apartment. We were grateful, though it broke down that night, for
this tender mercy that it happened afterwards. It meant a lot to the Elders to
have a home cooked meal. The water heater lasted long enough for us to barely
clean up the dirty dishes and then a downpour of leaking water pipes filled our
countertops. Most importantly is that we could share our TV with them for
conference. It’s the only time we have ever used the TV.
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| Elders Durant and Ludwig - Our Zone Leaders |
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| Eating dinner while listening to the pre warm-up of conference via YouTube! It wouldn't work through lds.org this time! |
SUNDAY VISITS WITH OUR CHILDREN
We took
advantage of this day to video chat with each of our children, via Facetime, or Facebook Messenger. I might have been a bit emotional from our amazing conference, but it didn’t help to talk with everyone, as my emotions just
continued. We love them so much and pray daily for them in our absence.
May each
of you feel of God’s love that surpasses all understanding.
Avec
tout notre amour (With all our love),
Elder et Soeur Packer
Grandpère et Mémé Packer
(Please be sure and also use last name on any mail, or it will get returned)
Our Address:
4 quai du Marché Neuf
75004 PARIS
FRANCE
You
may still text or FaceTime Renée
at 801-564-1332
We
are 8 hours ahead of Mountain Standard Time
That's so fun that you had the missionaries over to watch a session of conference with them. :) I loved every minute of it and was glad I got to face time you guys Sunday morning!! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI’m so excited to see how the center comes out AND super grateful for those ministering to you and easing your burdens!
ReplyDelete