Packers in Paris Blog 76 – August 18th
– August 25th, 2019
SUNDAY BLESSINGS
Knowing
we were leaving for Strasbourg and Colmar (not Salzburg and Colman :O) (a consistent
typo of last week) right after our two sets of meetings, we were all packed
and brought our luggage to the center to leave when finished. It was a bit of a
stressful morning, but relieved to be ready! I accidently kept using Salzburg
last week, knowing full well where we were heading…Salzburg is out of our
mission! 😉
We
had zero people in our bishopric this day for the French ward, and so a member
of the Stake Presidency, President Thomas Fournier, graciously came to preside
and conduct sacrament meeting.
We
had a beautiful meeting during our visitor hour. It was a large group, being
one of the last of our large groups before school starts. There are countless
stories that come from these individuals and what we gain from their powerful
testimonies are so uplifting to us and each other. My favorite part each week is when Steve
conducts the meeting with a beautiful 2-minute talk that edifies and starts
this sacred hour with a beautiful spirit and message.
41ST ANNIVERSARY
RETREAT TO STRASBOURG AND COLMAR
Once
in a great while it’s nice to take a little breather and celebrate. August 3rd
was our 41st anniversary, but our first chance to get away briefly
was this past week. It was a much-needed break! I love being a senior
missionary with a few more leeways.
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| Gare de l'Est in Paris |
SUNDAY EVE IN
STRASBOURG – WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT STRASBOURG?
Once
we arrived in Strasbourg, we found our AirBnB, unpacked and went back out to
start discovering.
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| Our small and quaint Airbnb in Strasbourg |
Strasbourg
is the capital and largest city of the Grand Est region of France and is the
official seat of the European Parliament. The population is around 284,000,
established in 12 BC and elevation is 469 ft. This was quite surprising to me, not having done any research prior. We mainly only visited the more historical small village.
Strasbourg
is absolutely so beautiful, pleasing to the eye and heart in every way, with its
history, scenery, beautiful flowers, small waterways, cleanliness and wonderful
hospitality. We visited and stayed only in the small historical village, as
that, in itself, was breathtaking, but there’s much more. What we saw Sunday
night was enough to capture our interest us for the rest of our stay.
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| Tall building - Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, or Cathédrale de Strasbourg |
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| Every channel bridge in Strasbourg is lined with flowers |
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| Strasbourg has its own larger and small boat rides, where Colmar only has the small boats |
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Steve, having fun as he mimics how I would capture a photo from my cell phone through the flowers (as he holds the selfie stick)! He's right on! I should put him to work! ;)
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| Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, or Cathédrale de Strasbourg |
MONDAY –
MORE OF STRASBOURG AND DES DEUX RIVES AND JASMINE
We
spent a good four hours touring all around the old village of Strasbourg. I was
literally stunned with its charm and appeal from the Swiss type buildings to
the flowers that lined every bridge and many buildings that are everywhere! I’m
afraid I took way too many photos, but luckily you’ll just get a smidgen of
them. Do you believe me?
The
Grande Ile square has a large cathedral, that tops everything height wise. It’s
the Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg.
As
we meandered throughout the streets and canals, we loved the history
we learned along the way. It is fascinating!
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| Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, or Cathédrale de Strasbourg |
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| Inside the cathedral |
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Inside the cathedral was an astronomical clock dating back from the 17th Century
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| La Maison Kammerzell - owned by rich merchants in Strasbourg |
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| Famous people who visited the building above and restaurant in Strasbourg |
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| Cathedral in Strasbourg |
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| Le Palais Rohan in Strasbourg - built in the 1700's |
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| Le Palais Rohan in Strasbourg - built in the 1700's |
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| Strasbourg low bridges |
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| Strasbourg - this photo was taken on the side walkway next to the channel |
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| Walking towards La Petite France in Strasbourg |
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| Strasbourg - the house of the Tanners in La Petite France - Leather tanners were a big business! There was a particular area where all the homes were for the tanners and their homes had an overhang to dry their skins. |
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| Strasbourg - a moving bridge in La Petite France (4 Rue des Moulins) made for boats and pedestrians to go through. |
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| Slightly enamored with these flowers and bridges in all of Strasbourg (La Petite France) |
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| Another picturesque mirror image of the channels in La Petite France in Strasbourg |
Des Deux Rives and Jasmine
In
the afternoon, we took off on a journey to find Des Deux Rives (the two
rivers). It was quite difficult figuring the system out since there were many
roads that were being blocked and we couldn’t find the right bus and tram. We
nearly gave up many times but kept going.
Once
we got on our way, we rode a bus and then transferred to a lovely tram, yet
having to wait quite a while to get on the bus initially. As we waited, we
began to converse with a mother and her daughter in a wheelchair. They were of
the Islam faith having their heads covered. The daughter in the wheelchair was
16 years old and was a most delightful young woman. She speaks 6 languages and
her English is superb. The exchange of love and great respect we had on our
30-minute ride left me so eager to keep in touch, but we could not. She has no
cell phone and no computer. I left her one of our Family Resource Center flyers
and told her that if she ever could email, to email me at the email on the card
for the center. Our connection was instant and I loved every moment we had to
converse. She has a firm belief of God and loves her mother deeply.
Des
Deux Rives is a bridge which meets halfway from France and Germany, with the
river running between the two villages and a beautiful park on both sides of
the river. Wanting to be obedient, we only walked to the middle of the bridge,
but it was fun to look over to Germany, knowing that the river shared borders
with Germany and France.
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| On our way to The Two Rivers, we saw this circus school for young people |
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| The circus school for young people |
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| On our way to The Two Rivers we saw beautiful flowers and they were calling my name! |
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| The Two Rivers Bridge |
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| From the France side of The Two Rivers Bridge, looking into Germany |
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| From the France side of The Two Rivers Bridge |
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| From the France side of The Two Rivers Bridge, looking into Germany |
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| From the France side of The Two Rivers Bridge, looking into Germany |
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| The Two Rivers Bridge map - left side is France |
We
left early Tuesday morning for Colmar and once again didn’t know what to
expect. It had a similar appeal as did Strasbourg, but with other charms, like
their Little Venice. We were once again enthralled. They also had several
beautiful cathedrals.
The
weather was cloudy and at times misty, and then gradually began to rain more,
but never uncomfortable.
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| Walking through RUPP Plaza from the Train Station to the old village of Colmar |
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| RUPP Plaza in Colmar, France |
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| RUPP Plaza park in Colmar, France |
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| RUPP Plaza - Tour de France came through in July of 2019 in Colmar, France |
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| Colmar, France |
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| Dominican Church in Colmar, France |
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| Dominican Church in Colmar, France |
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| Saint Martin Collegiate Church in Colmar, France |
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| Old Town in Colmar, France |
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| Old Town in Colmar, France |
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| Old Town in Colmar, France |
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| Proud that the Tour de France came through in Old Town in Colmar, France |
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| Old Town in Colmar, France |
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| The Tanners Quarter in Old Town Colmar, France |
Their
Little Venice was a small area in the village, where it had an Italian flair and
you could take a 25-minute boat ride along the channels, not quite like the gondolas,
but good enough.
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| Old Town in Colmar, France |
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| Old Town in Colmar, France |
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| La Petite Venise in Colmar, France |
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| La Petite Venice in Colmar, France |
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| La Petite Venice in Colmar, France |
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| La Petite Venice in Colmar, France - This is where we started our boat ride |
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| La Petite Venice boat ride in Colmar, France |
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| La Petite Venice boat ride in Colmar, France |
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| La Petite Venice boat ride in Colmar, France |
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| La Petite Venice boat ride in Colmar, France |
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| La Petite Venice boat ride in Colmar, France |
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| La Petite Venice boat ride in Colmar, France |
SPICE SHOP
GLORY
On
our way back after Colmar we passed a Spice Shop in Strasbourg that was
incredible. The smell and varied flavors piqued my interest. I had the woman
put together several herbs and spices for me to make an Italian Vinaigrette
dressing. That night we watched the new Mary Poppins Returns movie, in English!
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| Spice Shop owner! She knew her spices well! |
BECCA’S
COLLEGE GRADUATION SURPRISE PARTY
Our
daughter in law, Shalamar and our daughter, Janine, organized a surprise
graduation party for our youngest daughter, Becca! Becca’s boyfriend, Brian
had it all planned out how to bring her into the surprise, and was she ever
surprised. It touched her heart to see all of her family from Utah in
attendance. There were only a few photos (not with all of them in though) and a
Marco Polo taken, but nevertheless, they are the best to honor this girl and
her hard work! Proud of you Becca!
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| Becca and Shalamar at the Graduation Surprise for Becca |
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| Becca and Dixie at the Graduation Surprise for Becca |
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| Emma, Janine, Becca and Shalamar at the Graduation Surprise for Becca |
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| Brent, Becca and Austin at the Graduation Surprise for Becca |
Wednesday
morning, we packed up, and walked to the train station to drop our luggage in a
storage unit and took the train to the Alsace region to visit the Château du
Haut-Kœnigsbourg. We thoroughly enjoyed learning the history behind this historical
chateau, which was originally built in the 12th century, but
besieged during the 30-year war and then rebuilt in 1908. That story in itself
is remarkable and worth reading more about.
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| Internet photo - CHÂTEAU DU HAUT-KŒNIGSBOURG IN THE HEART OF ALSACE |
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| Internet photo - CHÂTEAU DU HAUT-KŒNIGSBOURG IN THE HEART OF ALSACE |
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| CHÂTEAU DU HAUT-KŒNIGSBOURG |
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| Fireplaces like these were found throughout |
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| The outlook from all the windows were incredible |
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| If you read the lower pat in English it will give you a little history of what it took to rebuild |
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| Pieces of the puzzle |
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School group gathers for a learning session
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| Walking into the gardens of the Chateau |
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| Lizard spotted by Steve! It mixed right in with the rock from a distance! |
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| The Garden area was not only interesting, but very informative! |
WEDNESDAY
RETURN TO HOME SWEET – PARIS
After
our beautiful three days, we took off back to Paris. The train ride was much
too short and we weren’t quite ready for the three days to end, but once we hit
Paris soil, we were ready to start back to work.
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| Sélestat Train Station to bring us back to Strasbourg |
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| Home again! |
THURSDAY AND
FRIDAY – MORE MIRACLES
We
have been praying desperately to receive extra help in the center with the many
responsibilities that we have, that one couple cannot handle. We received the
news we’ve been praying for that the Maxwell senior couple will be joining us
and working part time in the center and then helping with other assignments.
They will be such a great addition with all of our many needs.
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| Sisters Maxwell, Tabiliran and Doughman help this man with his first experience with FamilySearch! It was most interesting, because he doesn't own a computer, not a cell phone and we had to make up an email so that he could even get an account. He was amazing though how prepared he came and how excited he was to continue! |
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Steve helping Elder Maxwell with showing him how the large screen works
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We
are always in contact with Roland Léporé in Salt Lake and he continues to pour
down blessing after blessing and miracle after miracle. He must be doing extra
spiritual push-ups to earn these miracles on our behalf. We can’t thank him
enough for his tremendous help as he also continues to work on many other
tasks! It is because of him that we are able to do what we do!
Anne
Metcalf, a FamilySearch employee from Salt Lake, stopped by with a friend and
wanted to visit us, as she was told about our center from Roland Léporé! Her cubicle
is right next to his! She was delightful to visit with and had some exciting
things she’s been working with on the marketing end of FamilySearch even for
our own use! Thanks Anne for the great visit!
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| Packers with Anne Metcalf |
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| Anne with a traveling friend, sorry for forgetting his name! |
LAST SWAN LAKES GOLF GAME FOR THE BOYS!
With
Swan Lakes Golf Course closing its doors after about 25 years, our 4 Utah boys,
Brian Lattin (Becca’s boyfriend) and our pro golfer grandson, Jacob Packer, all
went for the last time to Swan Lakes golf course to say goodbye to this legend.
They took many Marco Polos to honor Steve so that he could watch some of their
plays. We have four generations of golfers in the Packer family, starting with
Steve’s dad who was a golf coach all the way to our grandson, Jacob, is who
ranks 6th in the state of Utah for his age. It did our heart good to
see them coming together and having so much fun and bonding.
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| Nate (in front) Brent, left, Brian Lattin back, Austin and Jaron and Jacob in the front middle! He and Brian are the top players, I've been told! |
PRAYERS FOR
ELDER MCDOUGAL AND MANY OTHERS
While
in Colmar this last week, we received an unexpected phone call from one of our
recently released missionaries, Elder James McDougal, telling us that he was
back in Paris as his brother who has been serving in the Ivory Coast on a
mission had been medevac’d to Paris
having the Dengue fever. His condition is critical and he was going into kidney
failure. He is now showing improvements and out of the induced coma and
breathing with some help. Paris is known for specializing in African diseases.
His parents have joined him from Salt Lake.
Last
Friday James M. and his mother stopped by to say hello and for us to meet
Sister McDougal and see the center. What amazing people they are and holding
strong through this tremendous trial. The Mission and the Stake held a large
fast for him this last Sunday and our prayers continue.
I
just received an update as I was typing, that they have found the specific
bacteria in his blood that was more than just the dengue fever problem. They
will have an antibiotic created specifically for it. It’s a long journey of
healing though and he’s a fighter!
We
also are praying for several other missionaries in our mission where family
members are going through very tough health challenges.
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| Recent former Paris Elder, James McDougal and his mother here for their brother and son who's in the hospital in Paris critically ill! |
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| These two people from China were brought in by this gentleman in the middle! They are interested in learning more about the church. Though they live in China, they live very close to Hong Kong and have the ability to go to Hong Kong to be taught! |
AVARZED –
OUR MONGOLIAN FRIEND FINDING HOPE
Last
Friday, prior to the McDougal’s coming in, our dear Avarzed came into the
center. Our hopes have been to help get her the needed help to move forward to
get the surgery she needs.
Once
again she left with no answers, because it’s a long and hard process. We were late
at the center trying to figure things out for her and by the time she left,
with the sadness we were feeling about her and Elder McDougal, I became
emotional, though also elated by the immense miracles that had happened this
last Friday again! Such a range of emotions were felt!
SUNDAY BLESSINGS
There
are many blessings, more than we can list, but having a host of BYUI students
flood into our Visitor meeting was fabulous. It was going to be a very small
group, until they came in droves all at once (possibly 40-50). Their spirit and
sharing of their testimonies was so revealing of their lives of hardship,
growth, love and testimony.
On
Sunday, we found more hope, as we were able to do a messenger video chat with
two members of Avarzed’s bishopric in Mongolia, with Avarzed, us and our ward
clerk (all others were not available). The first counselor from Mongolia on
Sunday morning moved her records to Paris, which will help. To have help with
translation, their support and their speaking so highly of this dear woman, was
so welcoming and helped more than anyone could ever imagine. We knew that she
was such a good woman, but her struggles here have been horrific. We finally
made great strides. We are finally going to be able to get her the help that is
needed.
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| Our great YSA members, some of them leaving for Utah for school! |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Message of
Hope and Faith!
May
each of you know that no matter where you live, whatever struggles you may be
going through, we have no doubt, that the Lord is mindful of you, that He cares
deeply about you and there is great hope ahead if not right around the corner.
We witness this daily and striving to live our own lives of faith and works, and as we
pray for and help and lift others, be it for our own family, who struggle with their health, and other challenges,
and with the many we witness daily here in Paris. We can’t do this without the
Lord and His merciful Atonement. We are most grateful for this knowledge and
for His love and that of our Father in Heaven. We pray for you, we love you,
and know that He loves you too! Have a wonderful week!
Le sacrifice apporte
les bénédictions du ciel (Sacrifice brings forth the blessings
of heaven),
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
We are 8 hours ahead of Mountain Standard
Time
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