Packers France Paris Mission Blog 34

Packers in Paris Blog 34 – October 29^th – November 4^th, of 2018

HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS FOR THIS WEEK - IT’S BEEN A WHIRLWIND!

If we could put in a nutshell what we have experienced and the blessings of this week, it would be to allow the healing blessings of the atonement to take effect in our lives as immediately as possible. No matter what the trials are, no matter how inconsequential, no matter how hard, no matter how bitter, no matter how challenging they may be, the Lord is near, and He is able to lift us during the small and large turbulences of our lives.

It doesn’t take the biggest of challenges to learn this, but how we learned it this past week had a powerful effect on us and has taught us much to hopefully help us through those times when they could be of greater consequence.  

As always though, I will share the events of the week and the story will unfold throughout!

MISSING LUGGAGE FOUND & AWESOME AUSTRALIAN VISITORS

We were so grateful that Sharon and our luggage she brought for us finally was found and retrieved Monday! It took quite a journey to get here, but all was safe and sound.

We had some delightful visitors from Sidney, Australia come in (John and Sariah Hobby)! They passed by and thought it looked like a Family History Center. I had such a great visit with them as Steve was off retrieving our luggage. We had a connection with them with our friends, Rob and Diane Prince who are in Melbourne. Rob and Diane are in Sariah’s mother’s ward.  

John and Sariah Hobby from Sydney, Australia

CANAL + FR TV INTERVIEW – WHAT WAS ONCE STOLEN WAS FOUND (NOT)

Being interviewed by a local television station was not on our bucket list, but when the opportunity was presented, we knew it would be great publicity and a blessing to the center.

The news reporters requested local leaders to also be interviewed. Since none of them were available, we were given the name of one man who could possibly help who had worked for Family Search in the area for over 20 years, though now retired. He agreed to come and help us.

On the day of the interview, Brother M., the man willing to help us, showed up 1½ hours early to see if perhaps he might get a refresher of some of the new discovery activities with the discovery stations before the interview.

WHAT we did not expect though is that he would be bringing a large dog (being trained as a sightseeing dog) and he also brought a 6-year-old young boy he was babysitting. My eyes grew large, wondering what in the world would we do with this situation with the reporters coming.

Steve immediately began to help Brother M. on the computer to share with him some of the new FamilySearch discovery type experiences. I was left to keep an eye on the dog and the child. Meanwhile, more people came in to use our facility, two of them being our awesome Brazilian friends, the missionaries also had a friend they were teaching in the teaching room and I was looking at my clock, thinking, “How is this all going to take place?”

The dog had to be in Brother M.’s proximity the whole time or the dog would freak out though Brother M could not really care for the dog or child. Though the dog is only 6 months old, he was large and awkward and not always calm. He would whine, sleep, bark, move all over, knocking things around and causing a bit of mischief, all while being tied down. I also had to occupy myself with the child in our child center to make sure he was not left alone.

The DOG, do not let this photo fool you!

At this point, an older man came in speaking French that was very difficult to understand. I believe he was originally from Africa, but his accent was very difficult to comprehend. I asked Brother M. to help me. He was asking if he could come in while he waited for his friends to come into the center. Even though we said yes, he would wander all around and I would periodically ask him questions. He wandered in our back area near our office and asked for a bottle of water, which I gave him. He would go in and out of the center, supposedly looking for his friends. I then went back to occupying myself with the child and keeping an eye on the dog.

The well behaved and sweet 6-year-old boy who came with Brother M. 

Before I knew it, the man was gone. I went back to my office to get something and found that my new Surface Pro was gone! There was no one else that had come in the back and I knew that this man had quickly taken it and walked out before we noticed.

My heart was sickened knowing of the important and precious information that was on it, and the sheer fact we had been grossly violated! It could have been more than just the laptop, it could have been a child abducted. I quickly ran out in a panic and told my husband. Florian and Wallace from Brazil quickly called the police and helped us file a complaint. We would later go to the police station that night to do a formal written complaint. I was a bit in shock and didn’t know what we could or should do.

The reporters came in at this point and heard of our dilemma and then carried on with their interview. I was left in a daze to continue caring for the dog and child (I love children but am not a huge fan of dogs).

They first started with the two Brazilian men, who are young adults not of our faith, and amazing! All while being interviewed and filmed, Wallace helped Fabian get signed up for FamilySearch and answered how FamilySearch has already blessed him, and especially since it’s all free. It was incredible to say the least! If no one else was interviewed, we would’ve been thrilled if that was all they did! These are two young men of valor! Wallace who was too shy to let me take his photo two weeks ago, though still hesitant, finally felt at ease with the interview.

Wallace, Fabian and Reporters

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A BRIEF VIDEO OF PART OF THE INTERVIEW

Brother M. was the next one interviewed and felt comfortable with the reporters. As he was being interviewed, I continued occupying myself with the dog and young boy (as the dog was struggling at this point). Gratefully we didn’t have to be interviewed!

At the end, Sharon, our friend from Utah showed up, having just arrived back from Germany. She felt so bad about what had just happened and gave us comfort in so many ways.

Brother M. and Reporters

After the reporters left, we closed the center and headed to the Police station. We were treated with great respect there as they proceeded to give me clear directions on how to fill out the police report. Meanwhile, Steve began to speak with a family from Hawaii who had just had their cell phone stolen. Their darling 5 children were filled with such happiness and they loved being able to speak with Americans. They were the sweetest family and as we began to leave, the two oldest children came up to me to give me a big hug! I began to cry feeling the same love I would’ve from my grandchildren.

Sweet family from Hawaii we met at the Police Station

Though I did not sleep all night, reenacting the event over and over in my mind, I was most grateful for the peace that also accompanied me during the night and from the beginning of the incident. How could I ever deny His comfort and peace? It’s hard to gain trust in certain experiences such as this, but I prayed not to be affected.

We finally accepted our sad loss and began to see the Lord’s hand playout to bless us with so much comfort to move forward. We have learned once again to trust the Lord in all things!

HOW DO WE REPLACE FEAR WITH FAITH AND HOPE?

It seems that most often when challenges happen in our lives, our ears begin to perk up a bit more, our hearts are more sensitive to being comforted, and more willing to learn from lessons all around us. This may happen while listening to general conference talks, quotes, songs, passages of scripture, music, conversing with a friend and so on.

Knowing this wasn’t the most difficult challenge in our lives we’ve faced, we still felt the pangs that are very normal with the violation of privacy having valuable and important items taken right from underneath you. As I listened to varied messages, they became personal for this specific experience in my life. I realized that the Lord was giving me a chance to see His hand in all things, giving me reassurance no matter what the struggle, no matter how small or how intense, He is near us and will give us peace and comfort if we but remember and trust Him. This very thing happened more than I had expected, and I was filled with so much gratitude that I knew I did not need to look back and wonder “what if!” Our mere act of faith and hope helps to diminish our fear!

     Here are a few messages from many that gave me additional peace during this small injustice!

Ø In the crucible of earthly trials, patiently move forward, and the Savior’s healing power will bring you light, understanding, peace, and hope…No injustice, no persecution, no trial, no sadness, no heartache, no suffering, no wound—however deep, however wide, however painful—will be excluded from the comfort, peace, and lasting hope of Him whose open arms and whose wounded hands will welcome us back into His presence. "Wounded" Neil L. Anderson                                           

 CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS TALK

Ø Mosiah 4:6 I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal body—

Ø Why is it that the most significant, beautiful moments in life so often come just after periods of darkness and sorrow? The birth of a new child is always preceded by a mother’s pain and travail. The joyful colors of spring are most inspiring because they come on the heels of a dreary winter. And glorious sunrises would be meaningless if they didn’t follow the darkness of night. Perhaps there’s a message for us in such patterns: Nothing is ever hopeless. When things seem the bleakest, when all seems dark and despairing, it may be that a great light of hope is just about to shine forth. After all, such new light cannot come if life is always sunny. Lloyd D Newell Music and the Spoken Word

Not wanting to dwell any more on this topic, I am most thankful again for peace, reassurances and the love of God that comforts, blesses and knows our needs! We did not and would not want to shrink on this matter. We will always trust in the Lord!

HALOWEEN IN PARIS – DAY OF THE DEAD AND SPECIAL QUOTE

Halloween in France was on the 31^st of October, where they might wear scary and comical costumes, and trick-or-treat (not quite like the US though).

But the actual, “Day of the Dead,” is on November 1^st. We loved the movie, Coco, that came out prior to leaving for our mission, which is about the Day of the Dead. If you’ve seen it, this quote below will resonate. Our friends, the Johnsons, who are serving in Morocco shared the quote with us, which is such a sad thought, showing us how important family history is.

“There are three deaths. The first is when the body ceases to function. The second is when the body is consigned to the grave. The third is that moment, sometime in the future, when your name is spoken for the last time. Everybody deserves to be remembered. Everybody deserves to have their names spoken again and again.”  ---American writer David Eagleman.

COCO

RELIEF FROM THE BONNY’S AND TIME WITH SHARON AT MUSÉE D’ORSAY WHILE STEVE, BLESS HIS HEART, KEPT WORKING AT HOME!

Thursday, we were so grateful for the kindness of Elder and Sister Bonny who offered to watch over the center for a couple of hours while Steve and I had a break. I was most grateful for this little reprieve and instead of running errands, I decided to do something fun and go with our friend, Sharon Olson, who is here visiting with us. Steve used the time to be more diligent in other good things!  

Sharon and I headed off to the Musée d'Orsay and enjoyed our time in the museum. We enjoyed such varied statues, artwork by Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and many others. 

Well known, Vincent van Gogh - a self-portrait

It was a nice getaway before returning to the center, ready to continue till closing.

When we got back home, Sharon had fixed us an amazing stir fry dinner. It was the most aromatic smell welcoming us back to our apartment.

Sharon fixing one of her many fabulous meals! 

PREPLANNED DAY AT THE PALACE OF VERSAILLES WITH SHARON & FLOWERS FROM BRAZILIAN FRIENDS

     Versailles Palace – Marie Antoinette Village                                                            

This last Friday was already planned to spend time with Sharon. Though I could’ve felt so guilty after having yesterday’s unplanned getaway, this one was going to take the sweet sacrifice of my husband to watch the center on his own in order to allow this time away, since we never get PDays. The night before I asked for help from the missionaries to see if any of them could do their planning or study at the center, which would help my husband if things got harried.

Since I have a year pass for two (allowing us a quick access) to the Versailles Palace and gardens (with many discounts and freebies), I can bring a friend any time for free. I knew that the place I wanted to show her most of all was in the gardens where the Marie Antoinette Village was located. She had seen the Palace before and a small part of the gardens but was thrilled to be able to spend time in the village and other nearby sights.

We could not have asked for a more perfect, beautiful, warm and delightful day, which felt like a gift from God, as we enjoyed this beautiful time outdoors.

Marie Antoinette's Grand Trianon

Sculptures inside the Grand Trianon

Beautiful walk to the Hameau de la Reine (village for Marie Antoinette) - built in 1789

Part of the make-believe village for Marie Antoinette 

This lighthouse (all make believe) was my favorite!

Poster view of Hameau de la Reine - built in 1789

Louis the XIV

     Steve’s day at the Center                                                                      

While we were off having a wonderful time, Steve had an amazing, busy and beautiful day! Luckily the missionaries did come and study at the center and were able to help at times. It was quite a busy day. He had peace that the day would go well while I was gone, and I had to graciously accept his gift and those that helped. I returned to the center by 4:00 p.m.

No photos of Steve, but here's our lovely Family History Tree! It's become our favorite!

                 This larger poster will go in our window to let others know who and what we are!      No other sign is allowed!

     Flowers will brighten an even brighter day!

As I came back to the center, I was surprised by beautiful flowers from our Brazilian friends, Fabian and Wallace who were at the center at the time of the stolen property. They came bearing a gift of love! The flowers were beautiful! They are now family!

Wallace and Fabian bringing me flowers to brighten my week! They are amazing!

We have found that PDays are needed as missionaries. We’re in hopes that we will be able to have regular PDays soon. We’re grateful for how busy the center is after three weeks being opened. Our desire is to fill this center with many more visitors and opportunities to share the love of Family History with all those who enter.

That night it was our turn to treat Sharon for dinner to a local restaurant we have gone to a few times. It was a delicious end to a beautiful day!

Our waiter from Bangladesh with Sharon

The meal was divine at Restaurant Beaubourg!

WEEKEND BLESSINGS!

After a great time at the center on Saturday, the Bonny’s once again surprised us by offering to watch the center until closing (about 3 hours) and had a great experience while there.

When we got back, Sharon was back at our apartment cooking an incredible meal, and another for our Sunday meal! How could someone come all the way to Paris, then Germany and Paris again for vacation and want to spend it finding food in a strange grocery store and cooking in our little kitchen. She did it masterfully and she brightened our lives in a multiplicity of ways during her visit with us. 

Sharon doing her magic! 

Her meal this night was fabulous! She really outdid herself! 

She left early Sunday morning to head back to Utah. We will forever be grateful to her for all that she has done and continues to do to bless us and everyone she meets. She has a special gift to love and serve others.

Sharon Olson by her favorite place in Paris, "On the Street Where We Live!"

We had such a wonderful Sabbath as we partook of the Sacrament, renewing our covenants with the Lord and then listening to the beautiful testimonies born this day. I found myself listening to more instruction from the Lord through their testimonies. I heard from individuals living lives with great faith!

We were grateful for visitors who came, one of whom we knew, and had fun connections (of course) with others and enjoyed getting to visit them. The photos below will state more about them. We were able to take each of them into the center and tell them a little more of what we do!

                      Abby and Ryan Bell from Bentonville, AR - close to where we used to live!  They are in the same ward as my niece, Cori Graham

Young Single Adults from various parts of the US, but mostly Utah (working at an orphanage...)

       Rachel Bigelow - Attended WSU while I also attended WSU in the music department, and was also cello stand partner with our son, Austin Packer at WSU

The Center was relatively calm, though there were people in the center the whole time, it wasn’t too busy. 

Coming home to a meal that had been already prepared by Sharon was more than I could ever ask for! How did we earn this special woman in our lives? We’re not the only ones she does this for either!

We pray that our words of faith, hope and peace will resonate with you in your times of trial. There is much reason to have hope, thanks to our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Que les bénédictions viennent a votre rencontre (May blessings come your way),

   
RANDOM PHOTOS

David - a friend of our center and the church! 

Pierluigi M. visiting our center! He's from Italy, but has lived here in Paris for a while!

National Archives (where all documents are kept from 1958) where a missionary couple, the Beaty's, go every day to make digital copies of documents that are later indexed for anyone to access through Family Search.

                  

Elder et Soeur Packer                                                                                                  

Grandpère et Mémé Packer (Please be sure and also use the 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

We are 8 hours ahead of Mountain Standard Time