Packers in Paris Blog 53 –March 11th – March 17th,
2019
THIS
WEEK’S BLESSINGS CAME IN MULTIPLES
This week we have received an abundance
of blessings that have come in varied forms of needed help, needed resources
and much needed support. They will scattered throughout this blog post. They truly were hallowed and holy for us! You'll hopefully see after the fun parts!
Heidi Sugden’s immense help
Last week I mentioned about our new
friend, Heidi Sugden, who will be joining us in May from Salt Lake as a new in-house
French Family History Consultant expert. She will also begin helping prior to
her arrival by responding to emails for those who have Family History questions.
We love her already and know that she will be a great blessing to us for many
reasons!
We had a Zoom meeting with her,
Georgette (who Heidi will be living with) and Brother Roland Léporé and us.
There is definitely excitement in the air for her coming. We couldn’t do this
without Georgette’s immense help.
RODIN
MUSEUM – FINALLY TAKING THE EVENING FOR A PDAY
Though Alan took off to see other sites
earlier in the day, we had to use a good portion of our PDay for getting things
finalized for all those who signed up for our free courses.
We finally met up with Alan to go to the
Rodin Museum. I’m sure I didn’t know what sculptures Rodin was famous for, so
while going through the museum I mainly took a few photos of those that were
interesting and familiar and or amazing and walked past the ones that I didn’t care to look at! They were often more than half naked!
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| French baguette making in Paris, on our way to the Rodin Museum |
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| Rodin Museum |
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| One of many of Rodin's paper art! Small little cuts in the paper made these incredible designs |
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| One of hundreds of Rodin's sculptures |
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| Rodin |
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| Loved this sculpture by Rodin |
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Rodin acquired this famous art piece of Vincent Van Gogh, titled, "PèreTanguy"
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| One of two art buildings we walked through of Rodin's work |
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| Les Bourgeois de Calais 1889 |
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| On our way back, we walked past this small cathedral |
PALACE
OF VERSAILLES
Since my brother had never been to the
Palace of Versailles before I was grateful to use my annual pass for two (the
second one is for anyone). It was a cold and windy day, especially noticeable when
walking outside and or in the gardens, but periodically it was blue and bright
skies but still very cold! He absolutely loved every pat of it! He brought his pro
camera with him and captured some amazing photos inside and out. He enjoyed
going to the Grand and Small Trianon, which he loved! I have now gone about 4-5
times and can’t get enough of the gardens (which is over 2,000 acres). I'm always so happy to use my little cell phone for taking pictures. It was way too cold
for anything else!
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| Daffodils in front of Versailles |
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| Alan in the Hall of Mirrors |
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| Grand Trianon outside hallway |
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| Marie Antoinette's make believe village in the Small Trianon area |
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| This was in further back from the Small Trianon and not sure if it was pat of the village |
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| Marie Antoinette's little village |
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| Small Trianon Gazibo on the walk to the village |
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| Alan doing what he loves most, even if it's cold! |
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| One more.... |
FIRST
OFFICIAL VOLUNTEER MEETING
Even though the size of the group was
small that night, we actually have over 30 volunteers who have signed up to help
us with the Family Resource Center in one way or another! These are not instructors,
but willing volunteers to help where needed!
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| Even though there are over 30 volunteers, these wonderful people were able to attend our first meeting. Allan, Georgette and Ibrahima are ready to go! We have many others that have already been working ! |
GRAND
SALON DE GÉNÉALOGIE – A THREE DAY FAMILY HISTORY FAIR
Steve and I had been invited to help with
a large Family History Fair in Paris this last Thursday through Saturday.
Though we didn’t really know what we were getting ourselves into, we were
grateful for the experience. The first day we had my brother Alan join us and
he was a wonderful help by Steve’s side. When individuals needed some
researching Alan would translate it for Steve and Steve would begin a simple
research on the computer.
On my end, my job was to give out our large page flyer
to hundreds of people who were delighted to know that we not only had a Family History
Center in downtown Paris, but that it was ALL free! At the end of each day, we
were exhausted, but we felt that much good came from this opportunity to let
people know about the center and to just give service! I felt like a salesman,
but everything we sell is for free! Everyone was quite delightful! On days 2
and 3, Steve and I worked more closely together, all while still trying to give
our flyers and letting people know about the center.
We were so grateful for the planning and
great support of our center from Sylvain Athenour, the director over
FamilySearch projects in French speaking Europe! He is who puts all the work in
setting up these fairs for FamilySearch in the areas of his assignment.
On Friday, we were pleased to see some
of the missionaries come through the fair, as it was in their district.
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| Mairie du 15th - Town Hall where the Family History Fair was located |
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| Alan and Steve |
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| Alan with his new friend (Moniavitch Moloster IIan Charles) from the FH Fair |
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| Sylvain Athenour (far left) and Elders Swensen & Pickard |
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| The main of two rooms for the Fair |
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| Jean-Pierre Dudouit - This man is from Lyon, France and knew my parents well from their mission in Lyon. |
MEETING
WITH PRES MOMO DJEMAI
Last Friday morning, prior to the second
day of the fair, we met again with President Momo Djemai (who oversees Self-Reliance
program throughout Europe), but this time it was to finalize how he could help
us run things smoothly. Self-Reliance is such a tremendous blessing to the saints
throughout the world, but also to those not of our faith. His statistics of how
it helps those not of our faith is astounding. We are so grateful to have his
guidance with this new initiative. He is well-aware of all Self-Reliance programs
going on throughout Europe and will make sure we are set with enough groups needed
here in Paris.
He was so thrilled by the new direction
we’ve taken and shared with us some recent upcoming changes being made in the church
to coincide with the direction of the Family Resource Center!
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| Elder and Sister Packer with Momo Djemai |
Last Saturday morning at the center, we were
also grateful to meet Bro. Torsten Kux, director of FamilySearch in Europe who introduced
us to, Brother Wayne Metcalfe, who is Vice President Director of Records Access
and then Rodney DiGiulio who is a Senior Vice President of FamilySearch International.
Bro. Kux had been anxious to not only
come and see the new Family History Center, but also let others from Salt Lake
know what’s been happening here in Paris. This is definitely one of a kind
outside of Utah, because of its size, functionality and now with new added purposes.
We were initially asked to share a brief
explanation of the history of the center and then we introduced the concept of
the new Family Resource Center. They were thrilled to say the least! They
too agreed that the Family Resource Center is right in alignment with new
direction coming from the church! They told us that this center is pioneering
the way! We were so grateful to feel their appreciation, their enthusiasm, and
especially their great support! We would not be where we are without Roland Léporé!
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| Bro Wayne Metcalfe on the far left, Bro Rodney DiGiulio, and on far right is Bro Torsten Kux |
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| Wayne Metcalfe, Torsten Kux and Rodney DiGiulio |
MAX’S
BLESSING DAY, STEVE SPOKE IN CHURCH AND MORE BLESSINGS
Last Sunday Max (Charlotte’s baby) received
a baby blessing by our bishop, John Hall! Steve and a couple of others, stood
in the circle to assist with the blessing. The tears of joy that we all felt
was truly priceless. I was so proud of Charlotte getting to church early and she
had also invited her two dearest friends who are not of our faith. Natalia came
early, but Natasha was a few minutes late for the blessing, but was there for
the rest of the meeting. When the time arrived for Max’s blessing, Charlotte handed Max to the bishop and then sat right near the front until the blessing was
finished. I couldn’t see her, but she said that she wept through it all! It
brought tender memories that I have of every baby blessing given to our children
where I too wept through these priceless blessings given to them. Max’s
blessing was truly remarkable! I couldn’t help but take a few photos with my
cell phone as Charlotte walked back to her seat.
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| Charlotte, receiving her baby after the blessing! Such sweet emotions she was feeling! |
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| Charlotte and Max! |
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| Natasha, max, Charlotte and Natalia - dearest of friends! |
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| Max in his mother's amrs |
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| Max, with one of his sweet smiles! |
Steve’s beautiful talk in
Sacrament Meeting – How can we receive rest from the Lord?
You might be wondering if Steve’s talk
was in French or not, and I would answer with yes and no! I was so proud of him
for starting and ending in French. His talk was a powerful message He began
with, “Bonjour mes chers frères et sœurs,” and then finished with a powerful testimony
at the end in French. In the middle he gave his talk in English and shared a
beautiful message on how we can receive rest from our burdens and trials. Though
Christ can’t take away our burdens, if we rely on Him, He can lighten our
burdens and we can know that He lives and loves us! Much more was said!
Holding Max and heavenly smiles!During the last speaker, I was so grateful
to hold Max. As I held him in my arms, he would not stop smiling at me (huge
smiles). I don’t think it was because of me, because he was doing the same with
his mother and Natalia, but I believe this little 6-week-old baby, felt joy
like he had never experienced thus far on the earth! I’ve never seen him smile so
big and constant. Charlotte was overwhelmed with joy because of her experience
this day for Max. It was a spiritual high she had never experienced to this
degree! Natalia and Natasha also felt something unique and special that they
truly enjoyed!
After church, we joined the monthly linger-longer
where everyone brings food and we all eat together! I wanted to make sure to
honor Max and Lucy (Lucy was blessed 2 weeks ago) by ordering a cake from
Costco. I had no choice as to what the décor was, since it was on the same day
that someone picked it up last week, but at least their names were on it!
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| Max and Lucy's cake |
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| Me with Charlotte and Max |
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| Charlotte, Max and Natalia |
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| Melissa Brown holding Max |
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| Baby Blanket crocheted for Max by Sister Jensen (missionary) |
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| Max ready to head home after his special day! |
TERESA
DIX’S VISIT
Teresa Dix is a friend of a good friend
of ours (Linda Simmons) from our early years in Layton. Teresa is from Salt Lake and she and I
have been in contact for the last 6 weeks because of her travels here to Paris.
I was looking forward to meeting her and especially knowing that she was going
to come to church in our ward for the next few weeks.
Teresa’s husband passed away 7 years ago
and has found that she has to be brave in venturing out to learn and see new
things! I’m quite impressed by her spirit and we enjoyed to know one another.
Natalia enjoyed the second hour of the
meeting block and then during the luncheon, Natalia and Teresa had a super long
visit! Natalia is quite a religious person and loves learning. It was beautiful
to see how much Teresa and Natalia bonded! These women are all joining us for
Conference Sunday on April 7th!
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| Natalia and Teresa |
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| Charlotte and Teresa |
Caralee Page and Cameron Dey
We had a surprise visit from one of our
son’s old student from Idaho, when he taught music (Jaron Packer). This couple
just got married a week prior and spending time in Paris for their honeymoon.
Good for them to take the time to go to church!
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| Caralee and Cameron - Jaron had Caralee as a student in Idaho |
FAREWELL
TO MY BROTEHR ALAN
Alan took off on Friday morning! He wanted
this trip to be different than others, meaning to not spend so much time seeing
the sites, but more to just hang out with us and do what we do! He asked for it,
but it was enjoyable having him tag along and be a great help with those he
met. We did some sites, but he also got to be involved with much of what we do.
He enjoyed using his French to converse and make new friends wherever! We
appreciate his efforts in coming our way! The accommodations aren’t ideal, but
it’s free and no one complains, especially since we live where we live! We love you Alan!
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| Alan - fitting it all in the itty bitty elevator |
FAMILY TIMES BACK HOME
Daughter’s visit with
my parents
This last weekend our two daughters,
Janine Hunsaker (and children) and Becca Packer went to Burley, Idaho to spend
overnight with my parents. We got to Facetime with them! I will sneak in a visit
with my parents and children any chance I can get. I love when our children
take the time to visit our parents, as they are aren’t getting any younger. Their
love and life’s experiences are priceless and need to be savored.
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| Becca with my mother, Picola Wood |
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| Becca with my father, Elden Wood |
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| Janine Hunsaker (our daughter), cousins, Angie, Rachel and our daughter, Becca Packer |
LAST
BUT NOT LEAST! EXCERPTS FROM “THE LIVING
CHRIST: THE TESTIMONY OF THE APOSTLES!
During the event of dedication of the
Rome, Italy Temple, our Prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, his counselors
and the quorum of the twelve apostles took the time to testify in many ways. Below
are excerpts taken from the Living Christ, originally January 1, 2000! It is a
powerful testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
De chez nous à chez vous (From our home to yours),
Elder et Sœur
Packer
Grandpère et
Mémé Packer (Please be sure and 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
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