Packers in Paris Blog 90
–Nov 25th – Dec 1st, 2019
THE
ANTICIPATION OF OUR DAUGHTER’S WEDDING!
There
are not many other things in life more joyous than a wedding for your child,
and the last one at that! We have anticipated this day for a very long time and
having all our family together, enjoying one another and rallying together to
help in any way, was a most beautiful sight to behold. Our joyful bubbles were
ready to burst a million times over!
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| Photo credit: Camille Duckworth who took many of the photos, that weren't cell phone! |
DIXIE IS
AMAZING! SHE SAVED MADDIE’S DAY!
Because
of Maddie being in the hospital, she finally began to feel better, but there
were no doctors to check her out in time to drive home for the wedding, but the
nurses told Dixie, to go ahead and they would be there for Maddie. So, from East
Salt Lake, to the Ogden Temple, Dixie made it for the sealing. Then,
afterwards, she quickly drove back to the hospital to pick up Maddie after she
had been checked by the doctor and drove all the way to North Ogden to the
luncheon so that Maddie could be there! That is incredible devotion and LOVE.
We love you Dixie and Maddie for all your efforts to be with us that day! It
meant so much!
BECCA AND
BRIAN’S WEDDING DAY
Getting
up early, exciting jitters and seeing everyone get ready for this big day, is the
best! I wish I could’ve had several of me and Camille, to go around taking
candid shots of everyone in their own surroundings, of every moment to capture
this beautiful day!
Steve
and I drove up with Becca in her car to the temple, where we met up with Brian
in the parking lot. We then walked into one of our favorite temples, Ogden, and
went through a familiar scenario that I have personally done before as a temple
worker, taking brides to the office to make sure all the papers are correct and
then direct them to the brides room to change and so on.
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| Brian and Becca meeting at the temple! Making sure the right bag for the honeymoon is in Brian's car! |
Finally,
there I was in the temple bride’s room with my own daughter, helping her get
ready for her wedding/sealing to Brian, something I had only done twice before with
our other two daughters. Becca looked like an angel in white, and she had a sweet
confidence that she was doing the right thing, at the right time, with the
right person, in the right place. I was so proud of her and Brian!
As
we finally separated, Becca meeting up with Brian to visit with the sealer, I
then met up with family members in the Marriage Waiting Room, where I was able
to greet everyone. I was so grateful for all the sacrifices everyone made to be
there. My sister, Lucie, and her husband, Barry, my sister, Claire, and her
husband Steve came, and my brother Alan, and Steve also had his two sisters
there, Suzanne and Anita. We had all our children in the temple, with one couple
in the waiting room downstairs with all the grandchildren. As we all entered
the sealing room in the temple, the light from outside was pouring in through
the beautiful stained-glass windows, illuminating the room with a glow and radiance,
as if from heaven.
As
I looked around the room seeing Becca’s and Brian’s family and feeling of
everyone’s love. I knew that this would be one of the happiest days of our lives!
As
Brian and Becca were brought into the room they took their place on the
comfortable ‘love’ seat, with Becca sitting next to me and Brian’s mom sitting
next to him. The sealer spoke for a little while sharing beautiful comments and
encouragements. Then he had them both come up to the alter and kneel to begin
the ceremony. It is sacred, it is filled with love and it is something that
cannot compare! It was so tender to watch Brian’s eyes tear up during the sealing ceremony! On the other hand, there’s no question I was in tears way before it
started! Steve and Loren (Brian’s father) were the witnesses sitting by the
window!
After
the ceremony we all shared our love and best wishes to the new couple, and then
we went downstairs where I helped Becca get ready to meet up with Brian to go
outside for photos.
With
all the forecasted cold and snow, the wedding day little by little began to
change in our favor to be blessed with the most beautiful sunny weather. It was
quite magical and a special gift to have the blue skies, and snow-capped
mountains. We were thankful for Melissa McCallister who was the second photographer,
and grateful for all of Camille’s efforts with the photos, as she will also be
doing mega editing of everything any of us have taken. Bless her for this immense
and wonderful gift, along with all else she has done! She is such a gifted
photographer!
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| My sister Lucie Gibbons, Maliyah Duckworth and Janine Hunsaker |
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| Becca with her brother Brent |
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| The Steve and Renee Packer Family (minus 2) |
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| Becca and Brian with their nieces and nephews from both sides! I think they could handle a large family just fine! |
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| Steve keeping grandkids warm! |
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| Jordan and Larissa Family (Lincoln and Lydia) |
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| The newlyweds with the Lattin Family (I don't have all the photos) |
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| Our baby is married!!! |
Wedding Luncheon
Following
the photos we took off for the canyon, at the Timbermine Restaurant for the
luncheon. Thanks to Larissa and Janine, the restaurant was beautifully
decorated on the tables and with some photos (we just ignored the restaurant’s
Christmas decorations).
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| The Duckworth Family |
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| Maddie is grateful to be to this wedding event, since she had been in the hospital! |
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| Michelle and Steve Martin Family, this is Brian's sister |
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| Janine Hunsaker and part of her family (Micaela and Brigham)! |
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| Jordan photo bombing! |
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| Loren and Karma Lattin - parents of Brian |
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| Parents of Becca |
The
luncheon was a beautiful event! Thanks to Loren and Karma Lattin for their
graciousness in providing the luncheon and venue. We are so thrilled to get to
know them even better, as they already feel like family! We heard throughout
the afternoon the tapping of the glass cups, the kisses that followed and then
the program of speeches and special video that Jordan Packer, our 6th,
put together. We’ll share that with you below!
Janine
made the wedding cake and it was so delicious. We don’t do gluten, but Steve
and I decided we would break it this time, to ensure it was acceptable! 😉 It was amazing!
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| Wedding cake by Janine Hunsaker - Wooden Topper by Brent Packer |
The
newlyweds took off after the luncheon sporting their new matching T-Shirts that
Janine made! They were off to Southern Utah for hiking and beautiful scenery.
Not sure about hiking and scenery because the weather wasn’t so great, but they
had each other, and that was all that mattered!
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| T-shirts iron ons made by Janine Hunsaker |
There’s
a song that has always touched me from the time since I was a young girl, but
especially as our children began to marry and then even more so when our last
child joined with the others in being married. This song fills me with such
sweet emotions of gratitude and awe!
Sunrise, Sunset
Jerry Bock
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older,
When did they?
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn't it yesterday when they were small?
Sunrise sunset, sunrise, sunset,
Swiftly flow the days,
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers,
Blossoming even as they gaze...
Sunrise sunset, sunrise, sunset!
Swiftly fly the years,
One season following another,
Laden with happiness and tears...
One season following
another,
Laden with happiness and tears...
FAMILY TIME
AFTER THE BRIDE AND GROOM LEFT
Once
we were through with clean up and getting everyone down the mountain, we went
to change, and then the Packer clan showed up at our clubhouse for an evening
of games and food! At one point while we were sitting, watching our sweet group
of families playing with one another, Steve and I gazed at this site with such joyful
smiles of gratitude, thinking how blessed we are! They are the most wonderful
sight ever! I know being gone has increased this gratitude, but our hearts were
filled to overflowing seeing our family at the temple and on this night!
EACH DAY WITH
FAMILY MATTERS
With
the wedding behind us, several family members gathered in North Salt Lake for a
tour of Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Chocolate factory! Wow, her story, her chocolates and
her factory were amazing! We had fun taste testing their chocolates and then
purchasing some afterwards (all dark chocolate for us, is the best)!
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| Emma and Bowen looking at the chocolate treats! |
We
used this day to also run a few errands and prepare any last-minute items for
Thanksgiving the next day!
FULL OF THANKSGIVING
Dixie
put so much effort in pulling off Thanksgiving this year, held at her church building!
Everyone brought plenty of food, and there was enough and then some to spare. But
most of all we just enjoyed being together again! Hands down, Adam’s smoked turkey
was the best! How can we convince him to cook all the turkeys each year!
Before
leaving on our separate ways we had our annual homemade Christmas gift exchange
from all the adults, minus Steve and I, as we opted out during our mission.
Each year the loving efforts that go into this exchange is incredible. Each one
was such a thoughtful gift, and love shown through their efforts! My sister Claire
and her two daughters, Clarissa and Amanda Kate came to join us to see our
family. We won't show all the gifts shared, but these give you an idea!
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| String Art for Austin by Larissa Packer |
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| Janine and Adam wearing their new aprons made by Jaron Packer |
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| Becca, the bride did a drawing of Brent and Shal's temporary home (a 5th wheel) after selling their home, deciding where to go next! He owns his own business! |
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| Camille had made a beautiful magazine of the last family reunion last summer and we ordered enough for all families! This is their first time seeing the magazine! |
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| Clarissa, Amanda Kate and Claire (my sister) Prigmore |
By
the end of the evening we may have been full in our stomachs, but most of all we
were full of gratitude for family, for our time together and for the joy they
bring us!
We
said our goodbyes to most of our family, knowing it was the last time to see them
for a while! We stopped at Nate’s to bring back items and to say one last
goodbye to others. Our only saving grace is that we are coming back in two months,
but then I’ll not want to be leaving Paris, so we’re in a fix!
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| The Jaron and Vanesa Packer Family |
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| The Jordan and Larissa Packer Family |
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| The Brent and Shal (she was working) Packer Family |
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| The Nate and Dixie Packer Family |
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| The Brandon and Camille Duckworth Family |
LEAVING ON A
PLANE FOR PARIS
Thanks
to my sister, Claire, who we were staying with, who brought us to the airport. Thankfully
we were in good shape getting the luggage to the airport this time. One last
goodbye to Claire and we were on our way. The snow was heavy as we approached
the airport and somehow with large snow shovels and a deicing station, we were
safe to take off!
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| Salt Lake Airport! |
I’ve
always had a hard time sleeping on airplanes, but this time I was determined to
beat jet lag going back, so I did the eye mask and the ear plugs and closed my eyes.
I ended up sleeping about 5 hours, which I was most thankful for! Steve, on the
other hand, was not able to, because of the crying and kicking child behind
him.
SANTA CLAUS
HAS COME TO PARIS
Because
we had room, we brought several packages for four different missionaries, with
medicines, special needs and for one sister, her whole Christmas! Steve did
feel like Santa for a day or two as we make sure they all get delivered!
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| The Allreds (parents of our Sister Allred in our district) dropping off a package in Syracuse |
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| Santa Claus making a delivery for our missionaries! |
SABBATH GRATITUDE
It
has been great to be back! Seeing
everyone at church and feeling like we really were back home. It is going to be
challenging to leave in two months. We love this Paris Ward, we love the
members, and all those who come periodically as visitors. We love the fact that
we are so close to the church building and our center and will miss our
surroundings and people! We will mostly miss our work and working with the missionaries!
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| The Packers and Standings |
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| Alice and Nathan Standing (our dear former sister missionary got married 2 weeks ago) |
AVARZED IS
GOING TO SPAIN
We
didn’t know if this day would ever happen, but Avarzed came to us in the center
and promptly told us that she wanted to get a train ticket for Spain. The only
way we could confidently know what is truly going on is to call one of her
former bishopric members (who speak both Mongolian and English) to communicate
with her and us. I believe her sister talked her into coming at this time and
we needed to buy her ticket with the euros she had. She didn’t have a lot of
money, but we knew she had a lot of luggage. We called the bishop and he said
he would pay for the train ticket to where she was meeting someone who would
take her to Spain. It’s a long story, but Steve went ahead and bought her
ticket and then we worked out that the next day she would arrive at the center with
all her luggage and that there would be a sister to help her get to the train
station. Steve called a taxi and told Avarzed she had to take it because there
was no way that two women could take her to the train station with 7 large
pieces of luggage on their own on the metro. Once she arrived at the station
she didn’t want to pay for the taxi, but Sister Ding convinced her she must!
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| Avarzed leaving Paris to go to Spain! |
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| Avarzed and Sister Ding (who accompanied her to the train station with her 7 pieces of luggage) |
We
heard that she did make it on the train and we just pray she can get to Spain to
be with her sister and mother. We have experienced 8 months with Avarzed and
have seen her grow and gain confidence, but her journey is far from over. She
is now going to have to start over with making new friends in her new ward, and
build her confidence there! Our prayers are with her!
PILOT REVIEW - INCREDIBLE!
After
two weeks of our pilot with our missionaries, we are in absolute awe of the
dramatic change. What was normal and still good, they would get 10-15
registered for courses at the center during the week, compared to 58 registered
the first week of the pilot with the two districts, and then 71 registered the following
week. When we spoke with our district on Sunday, they were a completely
different kind of missionary, filled with so much love and confidence in this
approach. We’ve been trying to get them to this point for months, and finally
it seems to have happened. They are
amazing and so happy to be involved and see the incredible blessings of
contacting this way, so that we can help people. Still about half of those who
register overall want to learn about the church. These statistics are remarkably
high! We are in hopes that we can continue this pilot here on out!
~~~~~~~~~~~
The
end of our mission is quickly approaching, but as we approach the conclusion it
is with immense love and gratitude for this work, for our family and loved ones
and most importantly for the Lord for His immeasurable guidance and help and
blessings! We are most thankful for each of you, our family and friends for
your love and support! We are going to give it all we have these next two
months and appreciate your patience through these lengthy blogs! We pray for you
and your joy in life no matter the trials that come your way! It is possible, the
joy is there, because of the Savior, Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for
each of us! He has been in our shoes and knows our joys, pain and sorrows! We
have everything to be grateful for!
Venez vous remercier
les gen viennent (Come Ye Thankful People Come),
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
BECCA AND
BRIAN’S WEDDING DAY 
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