Packers France Paris Mission Blog 56

Packers in Paris Blog 56 – April 1^st – April 8^th, 2019

COMING TO A MISSIONARY’S AID

Last week, the mother of one of our new missionaries reached out and in a pleading voice, asked how we might be able to help her missionary son who was not doing well. I wasn’t sure what to do, but the mother deeply wanted to speak with the mission president and the numbers I gave her didn’t go through. I quickly called the president and amazingly he was there and he then called this dear Elder’s mother.

All that this missionary wanted to do was to come home, as he was desperately homesick and because of other issues he had spiraled into a state of depression, which he had never dealt with prior. He was desperately disabled.

After several conversations with his mother via phone and text, she felt my calling him could hopefully help. As I called this dear and hopeless missionary, I began to ask him questions. Thoughts and impressions began to come to me as to what I could say. Though the answers could vary for different people, and professional help would need to be made in certain circumstances, I knew that what I said was from the Lord. Since he had not dealt with depression before, I felt this direction could not hurt.

I gave him a few challenges to accomplish that would help fill his day with the spirit, by listening to the Tabernacle Choir and increasing his devotion to the Lord. He was to then send me a list of a few goals he would make to accomplish this assignment. By evening time he had sent us his goals, which included such things as service to his companion, listening to inspired music every morning, making his prayers more sincere, to sing more, etc.

I was so touched by his efforts and he was filled with gratitude. Each day we would text and he would see the difference he was feeling from this experiment. He could feel the gloom lift and the spirit filled his life and he could see more clearly. I have no doubt there were many things that made the difference, but one thing is that he tried with faith in the Lord. He relied solely on Him, the one and only one that can lift us from our burdens.

This Elder is doing magnificent. He is seeing his potential and realizing that the Lord has a great purpose for him here in France.

VISIT FROM FAMILY – JANINE HUNSAKER

Last Wednesday our daughter, Janine Hunsaker, came to stay with us for a week. It might as well have been Christmas, I was so excited! Her coming alone prompted a need for a tour guide, right? I was chosen for the hard job and nothing could’ve made me happier! To have a week with my daughter, just the two of us, and seeing sites in Paris was a once in a lifetime experience. Steve would join us when he could more in the evenings.

I will try to be brief (though you won't call this brief, pictures and all), but it was amazing to say the least and hard to hold back sharing! Janine is a wonderful daughter, sister, mother, wife and friend to all! She has a loving and compassionate heart and has gone through much and has been a blessing to all those who know her! I was so grateful that she was able to make this trip, thanks to her husband, her dearest mother in law and her children, who were also very excited for her! 

Thank you to my dear husband for working in the center on his own, and at times with the help of the missionaries, he allowed Janine and I to enjoy this most memorable time together. Priceless!!! We were spoiled to say the least! When he would join us, it was extra special to have the three of us join together for the special events that we shared

Janine Hunsaker arriving at CDG airport

Janine and Dad! Joyous times!

Airport joy!

Welcome to Paris Janine!

PARIS IN A WEEK – YOU WILL THANK ME FOR NOT POSTING THOUSANDS OF PICTURES!

     Wednesday – Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, the Louvre, Snippet of a fun family in the center

Once we got Janine settled in our apartment and fed, she and I took off for a few sites to make sure and keep her moving.

We went to the Arc de Triomphe and climbed to the top, walked the Champs Elysées, and then we went to the Louvre!

Eiffel Tower from the top of Arc de Triomphe

Janine, Me and Eiffel Tower from the top of Arc de Triomphe

The Pekston ? Family from Springville, UT on top of the Arc de Triomphe

Because of the recent riots the past few months, we witnessed a lot of damage while walking down the Champs Elysées

I was so grateful that Steve is conscious of capturing photos from the center when I’m not there! This is a family that came in and spent quite a bit of time playing in the children’s center, and all other activities. They loved their visit here! The woman’s parents have lived in the Versailles ward for many years! 

The cute Miller Family from Atlanta, GA, who enjoyed hours at the center! Her parents live in Versailles and her father was in the Stake Presidency ( Pres. Jones)

     Photos of the Louvre

The little Arc with the Louvre in the background!

Plaza of the Louvre

One of the large furnished rooms in the Louvre

We finally found a table that would fit our whole family (it's in the Louvre, so it shouldn't be a problem gathering)

Beautiful statutes throughout in the Louvre

The famous, Mona Lisa in the Louvre (It's found in a very large room, with only this painting)

Janine in one of the large halls of photos in the Louvre

The Winged Victory - One of my favorites in the Louvre

     Thursday – Versailles Chateaux and Eiffel Tower & Steve at OFII

We had such a wonderful time seeing the beautiful sites of Versailles, the chateaux and gardens. We basked in the beautiful blue skies as a background to the beautiful gardens. We met three families that were members of our religion who saw my name tag and wanted directions to go to the temple. It was wonderful to be able to help them (thanks to Steve’s direct explanations). What delightful and wonderful people they were! The Lam family, from LA, are friends with our bishop’s wife and family here in Paris.

Versailles

The Chapel in Versailles

Janine in the gardens of Versailles

The Jeremy and Julie Lam family in Versailles 

Janine with Casey Lam - These two connected in Versailles

ROUS (Rodent of an unusual size) in Versailles gardens (it was huge and we think it was a rat)

Janine in Marie Antoinette's village in the gardens of the Versailles Palace

Janine in Marie Antoinette's village in the gardens of the Versailles Palace

While we were off having fun at Versailles, Steve was off with a host of missionaries for OFII! We had to leave the missionaries in charge of the center while he was gone. They are amazing to help us out!

Missionaries at OFII with Steve - try getting this many through a long metro who are fairly new to the system and most don't even live in Paris

While we waited for Steve to join us for the Eiffel Tower, we walked around to a garden/park area near Trocadero. It was here almost 41 years ago that I was at this very spot for a Morningside with our BYU Study Abroad group just prior for leaving for Jerusalem. I have such fond and tender memories of this morning and have always wanted to go back. The landscape has changed some, but I remembered we could see the Eiffel Tower from where we were sitting.

This special garden area near the place of Trocadero, holds a special place in my heart!

We began to visit with these two couples who noticed our tags, which is often a dead give away, they are members of our church. The couple on the right is Rustin and Emily Keller from Texas. They were so much fun and loved getting to know them!

Standing near the very place 41 years ago where I had a most significant spiritual experience just prior to leaving for Jerusalem for 10 days! 

Eiffel Tower in it's beauty - taken in the same park from above!

Steve and I had not yet been to the top of the Eiffel Tower since arriving in Paris for our mission It was a beautiful and wonderful day to share this with Janine. Thankfully Steve got to join us for this event after the center closed! 

The Packers at the very top of the Eiffel Tower

Janine and her Mom on the top of the Eiffel Tower

The grounds and the Eiffel Tower were beautiful as the sun kissed everything for a short while!

     Friday – Paris Temple, The FRC (Family Resource Center), Montparnasse

Of all sites in Paris, this was the one I was most excited to share with her! Until you go and partake of the sacredness of this building and grounds, you can’t imagine what you will see and feel! It was wonderful walking through the gardens after our Temple Endowment session and then meeting the missionaries in the Visitor Center. We watched several short videos that are powerful and only seen in this center.

Our dear Temple Sisters showing Janine the cut away of the Paris Temple

Paris Temple cut away!

Standing in front of the well known, Tom Holdman, stained glass at the Paris Temple Visitor Center 

The beautiful Christus in the Paris Temple Gardens 

Paris Temple

After our temple trip, we went to the Family Resource Center, where Steve has been all week long, keeping watch over the center, even though he wouldn’t have minded my being there to help by any means, he knew what a glorious experience this has been for Janine and me!

Janine with the two sister companions! 

The sisters and regular attendants keep this place busy (our Family Resource Center)

This evening, we all went to Montparnasse. This is the tallest building in Paris and we wanted to be there for when the lights on the Eiffel Tower were turned on, along with the lights of the city. Photos aren’t of great quality, but it was glorious to be there on top!

Top of Montparnasse - notice Notre Dame on left and middle green area in the Luxembourg Gardens I lived near so long ago!

View of the top of Montparnasse

Selfie on top of Montparnasse

This date marks 13 months in Paris - top of Montparnasse

After our evening activities, we walked through Saint Michelle, just across the bridge from our apartment and Janine bought her first and only crepe in Paris (Nutella, Strawberries and Whip Cream - a winner!)

    Saturday – L’Opera de Garnier, Luxembourg Gardens, Conference preps

The Opera House in Paris is special to me for many reasons, but perhaps the most tender is that my father used to attend this opera house often while he served his mission here in Paris over 67 years ago. My father and mother were blessed with remarkable voices and sang Opera while attending college and thereafter. They also had special key leads in many they performed in clear through while my mother was pregnant with me. My father enjoyed playing the lead tenor role in Carmen and other operas while at BYU.

Steve and Janine - father/daughter togetherness prior to our leaving for the day!

L'Opera Garnier - Janine standing on the iconic stairs

L'Opera Garnier

Inside the actual auditorium of L'Opera Garnier

Collage by Janine of the day's events - The art work on the right is from opera, Carmen!

We then took the metro system to go Luxembourg Gardens, to see where I lived 41 years ago. It was tender walking through and showing her this spacious and beautiful garden that I dearly love(d) from where I lived so many years ago. The Luxembourg Gardens always have a special significance with Steve, since I thought of only him for the six months I lived there, and would walk through on a daily basis. 

Collage by Janine of Luxemburg Gardens, where I lived, and food glorious food!

The apartment where I lived 41 years ago!

Janine at the gardens

The tulips are so vibrant in the gardens

     Sunday – Notre Dame

In the morning, Janine and I went to Notre Dame! We pass this cathedral almost daily, and usually the lines are very long! We went around 10:30 and there was no line and we walked right in, just in time, for the finale of Mass. We were able to witness the processional from the priests, the majestic organ playing, a beautiful children’s choir singing and witnessed the sound of the bells chiming all in our little visit. Magical!

Notre Dame 

Janine at Notre Dame 

Janine's foot at .0 (point of the center of Paris) at Notre Dame 

Children's Choir preparing for Mass at Notre Dame 

Processional at Notre Dame 

CONFERENCE WEEKEND

Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude after a weekend of General Conference (Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Saturday’s two sessions were watched in our apartment by the three of us. We watched at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. We didn’t watch the priesthood session till the next day!

Sunday, we had company coming at 5:00 p.m. for a dinner, with Music and the Spoken Word at 5:30 p.m. and then conference at 6:00 p.m.

We were thrilled that everyone came that we had invited (total of 12, including baby Max)! The two sets of sister missionaries brought a friend, Alley from New Zealand and then we had invited Natalia who is from England. We were also grateful for Teresa Dix who has become dear friend to each of us. Then there were the three of us here in our apartment. We were amazed at the great friendship that formed among each other. Each loved our dear Janine and how she loved and connected with them! We loved having Charlotte here as our dear mother of baby Max. We each took turns holding baby Max who was as good as gold!

Charlotte brought a gift for us, which was Max’s first art work. It’s his little feet with the No. 27. This signifies the Packer’s # 27^th grandchild. We’ve unofficially adopted both of them! They have both brought such a light in our lives and everyone who meets them, loves them and loves the joy they radiate.

Natalia with Charlotte and Max just prior to conference 

The sister missionaries on the left, Teresa on the couch and Janine in the back

Something went horribly wrong with the camera! Alley with Max, Natalia, Charlotte, Steve and Sisters

Receiving Max's special gift 

His smile melts my heart!

Charlotte (our unofficial 9th child) and Max # 27!

After such a powerful and thought-provoking conference, my heart is anxious to start reading through each one again with even more intent to hear personal messages just for me! I was so grateful for the peace that accompanied during the speakers, with so many of us in attendance. They were quiet and attentive and knew that the words spoken were of great worth and reverence was expected.

I urge any of you, who have not had a chance to partake of these proceedings, to listen to a portion each day. I have no doubt that you too will find personal guidance and help in your lives.

 CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO GENERAL CONFERENCE

After Conference, we each had a chance to discuss with one another the things that were taught that were of significance, or that caused reflective questions. I was so grateful for the opportunity to help answer some of these questions with those present. I loved being with these amazing women and my dear, devoted and loving husband!

There was a recent post on Facebook beautifully expressing how so many of us feel!

 

"#GeneralConference As it turns out, the "big changes" we were waiting to hear about are to be found inside ourselves:  We were asked to repent, to do better, and to be better.  We were asked to reach out and comfort the marginalized, to sanctify our meetings, to master the scriptures, and to strengthen one another.  We were asked to talk more about what happens inside the temple, to reach out with unconditional love and acceptance to former members, and to refrain from judgment and hypocrisy.  We were asked to fixate upon the light of Christ and reflect it to the world.

I felt a deep and abiding peace this General Conference.  I will be thinking about these things for quite some time.

So, our leaders are now looking to US for the "big changes."  Let's step up to the challenge.

I have never been prouder to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

General Conference broadcasted from the Conference Center above

The First Presidency - President Dallin H Oaks (1st counselor), President Russell M. Nelson (center - President of the church) and President Henry B. Eyring (2nd counselor)

FAREWELL DAY ACTIVITIES

   Monday – Janine’s cooking classes of Baguettes and Macarons, last day farewell activities!

On Monday Janine had two baking classes she was attending, the one in the morning, her Baguette and bread class and in the afternoon her Macarons class. Baking is one of her many loves and she’s quite talented! This was a part of her trip experience she knew she had to bring back with her!

Collage by Janine - Baking class of breads

In-between her classes, the three of us took a walk around Notre Dame! There’s always so much to see and capture! 

Janine with Notre Dame in background

Notre Dame 

Janine in the grounds of Notre Dame in back yard

Blossoms of Notre Dame 

    

     Macarons Class

Collages by Janine of her Macarons class - they are amazing!!!

In the evening, we went to one of our favorite restaurants, Paris Beaubourg! We love sharing this with those who are willing!

Janine at Paris Beaubourg - one of our favorites to dine

Collage by Janine - a few of her favorite things! She is one of ours! 

May you each find your joyful, peaceful and beautiful places in your life! It’s not found in the places you go, or the sites you see, but in your homes, in your sanctuaries, and with your loved ones! This we testify is true! 

Reconnaissant pour toujours! (Forever grateful!)

Elder et Soeur 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

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