Packers France Paris Mission Blog 82

Packers in Paris Blog 82 – Sept 30th – Oct 6th, 2019

STEVE’S SOLO TEMPLE TRIP

On our PDay, we were looking forward to attending the temple together, but I woke up with my cough too persistent and I felt I should not attend. Steve then ventured on his own. This gave me a chance to rest and get on top of taking care of myself. I’ve had more coughs here in Paris and they definitely last much longer than they do in Utah. There are so many pollutants in the air and  that may be the reason, as others struggle similarly.

My training is working though, as Steve remembered to take photos! 😉
My handsome Steve - carrying on for both of us! 


ANSWERS TO PRAYERS

We have been fasting and praying for a very important future decision and during the past few days, we were so grateful for the peaceful and comforting answer that came to us! Each of us have the privilege of seeking for answers to our prayers and whatever it might take to receive those answers, and no matter how long, it is only our deepest desire to do what He would have us do, as nothing else really matters as much and we always feel so much more joy as we do.

ZOOM CONFERENCE WITH BROTHER LÉPORÉ AND SYLVAIN HOUMEAU

Above the chapel of our church building and right next to us, is our Institute Building on the second floor. The Institute hosts the 3 Paris Stakes with Frère Sylvain Houmeau as the director and instructor. He is dearly beloved by the students.

We were grateful for the Zoom Conference that Steve and Brothers Lepore and Houmeau had last week to discuss some of the ways the Institute could help us with our center and how the YSA’s could possibly help in other ways, and how we might be able to help them. There were some great resolutions that will help us move forward in some of our needs.

LOVELY EVNING WITH ELDERS AND SISTERS CONLIN AND ANDERSON

Once in a while you will meet someone and feel an instant sweet and eternal connection with them. I personally have known Scott and Gerri Conlin through the years as our children went to school together and were all in the choral programs together. I had recently reconnected with them as we would see them at different church events or at the Church Office Building.

It was fun to hear about the Conlin’s mission call, prior to our leaving on our mission, where they had been called to serve in the Frankfurt, Germany Area Office, with Scott called as the Executive Secretary to the Area President. Besides the fact that it would be a daunting assignment, their stay in Frankfurt has been filled with amazing experiences and blessings. Gerri is very involved with her many assignments that keep her very busy. They are extremely grateful for their involvement with the 25 other Senior Missionary couples that work in the office in Frankfurt.

During General Conference, the Area Presidency were all in Salt Lake for General Conference, so the senior missionaries could take a little break. The Conlins came to Paris with Elder and Sister Anderson, as Elder Anderson serves over Technology for the whole Europe area of the church and was a professor at BYU in this field. With both of these couples their responsibilities are immense and vast, and are greatly blessing the church here in Europe!  

We enjoyed a wonderful visit with them Friday evening in the Center and then went out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants, Paris Beaubourg!


MURDER ON THE ISLAND, TOTAL LOCK DOWN ON THE ISLAND

Last Thursday, Steve had gone outside for exercise and all was well, but by the time we left our apartment to go to the Center, our guardian told us that the whole Ille de la Cite (Island of Notre Dame) was on lockdown! We were told we must come back to our apartment and stay there all day.

About 1:00 pm an employee stabbed and killed 4 police officers inside the compound of the Paris police headquarters, which is right next door to us! The attacker was then shot and killed. Our hearts are saddened for the senseless loss of lives and the pain of their families and co-workers. Paris already is struggling with poor working conditions for policemen and policewomen and there have been at least 50 suicides this year within the police force because of it.

I had a scheduled Dr appointment that we ended up canceling, but we were grateful to be safe in our apartment.  

Paris Police Headquarters - photo by Renee



Memorial flowers left at the Paris Police Headquarters

DINNER WITH MISSIONARIES WITH OUR ANGEL CHINESE SISTERS

Friday evening, we were treated with a delicious Chinese dinner by our Sisters Ding and Li. We must have been so wrapped up in our meal, that I completely forgot to take any pictures, but just a few at the end. These two women, among a few others are constantly thinking on how to bless and serve others.
Sister Ding, who is always in the kitchen and serving! She works like a machine but with a big heart! 

Sisters Dingi and Li - someday these two women want to serve a mission together! They will be dynamite! 

Elders Poulin and Jones - our Mandarin Elders 
CONFERENCE WEEKEND AND TIME WITH THE HERWAYS

Twice a year, for two days, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and anyone throughout the world, may gather together to participate in listening to prophets and apostles and other church leaders, to give us counsel and direction on improving our lives, strengthening our families and invite us to bless the lives of others through ministering.

The profound truths and teachings that we receive are so inspirational, leaving us filled with not only gratitude, but greater enthusiasm to give more of ourselves to the Lord. For any of you who have not had a chance, or are not aware of these semi-annual conferences, click on the link below to access them. There is something of great worth for everyone!

We were grateful to have Tom and Anita Herway (Steve’s sister and her husband) join us again for another night here in the Packer Hotel, and to join us for one session of General Conference on Sunday (morning session at 6:00 p.m. Paris time). They spent Sunday night prior to leaving the next morning to fly back home! They always bring love, great conversation, stories of when they lived in Brussels, Belgium for almost 3 decades and the fun stories of their recent travels and any news from back home! We loved having them with us! 

Conference with the Herways ! 
Farewell! 

They loved our elevator! ;)
WE THANK THE OF GOD FOR A PROPHET

We are most thankful for our living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson! This man, at age 95, has such clarity of mind and revelation that blesses the church and all those who abide by his counsel. He has the energy of a 50-year-old and a genuine love for all mankind. His heart is so big and so filled with joy all the human race.

This conference he spoke on several occasions and topics, and each time I felt of his personal love for me and that the topics he spoke of were directed just to me! I believe we all feel that from him. This is one of his many gifts.
President Russell M Nelson and his wife, Wendy
RENÉE’S PARENTS ONLINE CHURCH NEWS ARTICLE


Thank you sincerely to Richard Romney for writing this beautiful article of my parents, for the online church news, (and these beautiful photos he also took), from his personal interview with them several months ago and from the book my sister, Janine Green, had compiled and written so beautifully 1.5 years ago. Richard has stated that it will likely be printed in the Church News (Deseret News Publication) shortly as well.

I am deeply grateful for my parents, Picola and Elden Wood for their devoted service to the Lord, family and community throughout their lives. It has left a legacy to their posterity like none other. We are where we are on our mission because of their tender love and poignant example. To have them both alive at their young age of 89 and 94 is remarkable and we look forward to seeing them once we return. We love you Mom and Dad!


BELATED ZONE CONFERENCE PHOTO

There are times we don’t get Zone Conference photo, but when it does come it’s going to go in the blog even if it is out of order. We love having these ever-changing photos since no one stays in one place, except for usually the senior couples.

Paris Zone Conference

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Our hearts are yearning to see family, knowing we will soon be for Becca’s wedding, and then come back to serve for two more months. Our hearts are torn though between two loves! I remember my parents often speaking of how hard it was to leave each mission they served in. I don’t think that part ever got easier as I heard them say this very thing on their last mission.

We love the people here in France, we love the blessings of working with the center, we love our missionaries, we love France, we love our daily walk and the people we meet along the way, and have gotten to know and love, and we will miss the extreme blessings that have blessed our lives and that of our family.  Our hearts will forever be etched on rue du marché neuf and every cobble stone along every step we have taken during these very brief moments on our mission. Don’t ask if I’m feeling melancholy, because I’m sure I’ll lie!


Nous avons toujours prié pour le (We Ever Pray for Thee),

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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