Packers in Paris Blog 98
– Jan 20th – Jan 26th, 2020
MOST EPIC
AND SACRED MOMENTS OF OUR MISSION
What
defines, most epic and sacred moments of our mission, in our books? It
has to be when epic and sacred collide together at the same time and have such
significance to us (maybe not to anyone else), that we shall never forget what took
place, how we felt, and how it has the potential to bless many, many others! It
also touched the hearts of those we had no idea that it would and all those
involved were benefited in a profound way by the events of Thursday and Friday
of this last week!
Nothing
else in the week may compare but I will still share the marvelous things that we
would like to remember or reminisce of the last weeks of our mission!
THE LOUVRE
VISIT FOR THE LAST TIME
I
was quite determined to go one time to the Louvre The only problem is that I did
not feel like going on my own. I called Sarah Covert, who I was hoping could
join me. She was so dear and said, “YES!”
As
Sarah and I met near our apartment, we ventured a brief walk to the Louvre
(just .6 miles) for a most treasured experience. Sarah Covert is a 41-year-old mother,
wife and college student, soon to get her MBA in counseling. We had the most
delightful and adventurous time. She and her family have lived here for two
months so far, with only a month left, for her husband’s work (Marcus is a
professor at Stanford University, but teaching for a semester here at some
college). Both she and her husband speak French fluently.
Our
walk through the Louvre was so educational, as she took me through areas I had
not yet seen and loved every bit of it. But, the one thing that we did not
expect to happen, was to see the Leonardo de Vinci private exhibition at the
Louvre. She had free tickets for last Saturday, but because of the strikes the
Louvre was closed that day. These are free reserved tickets! She called her
husband and asked him and their two children to come to the Louvre to see if
they could get in by chance and ask if I could join them with my year pass. Before
too long they showed up and we all headed towards the exhibition area. They
showed their tickets for last Saturday, and I showed them my year pass and
voila, they let us all in!
The
exhibition was amazing, where they displayed some never before seen artwork
from private collectors along with others they brought from other museums. It
was fascinating and displayed respectfully for this great master. I thoroughly
enjoyed my time with the Covert family! They are so smart, kind, energetic and
full of love!
NEW COUPLE
TO REPLACE US – COMING SOON, KIND OF!
We
had hoped to have the new couple to replace us come before we leave, but this
was not to be. After many prayers and seeing the Lord’s hand in all things, I personally
had felt much peace and reassurance a few days before finding out, that all
would be well, no matter. Though Elder and Sister Maxwell will be in the center
as temporary directors of the center until the next couple comes, they will
have more responsibility now and no doubt since they’ve been working with us
for the past several months, they will do a good job. We dearly appreciate all
that the Maxwells have done for the center during these months we’ve worked
together! They will not be in the Paris Ward, however, nor in the District with
our missionaries, but will handle the day to day affairs of the center.
Tuesday
evening, we had a Zoom Conference with Mike and Carol Dyer, who have been called
by our Mission President to be the new directors of the Family Resource Center
here in Paris. They will be arriving here in Paris around April 24th.
They originally had been assigned for YSA, just as we had, but now with the
need for a couple to replace us, their assignment has been changed. Gratefully
they live in Bountiful, Utah, so that we will be able to train them in person
before their mission, and also via facetime once they get here. They are a
delightsome and wonderful couple. They are a younger couple, and that will help
with the energy it takes to run the center. We look forward to meeting them in
person once we get home.
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| Mike and Carol Dyer from Bountiful, UT - Our wonderful replacements - Carol is the one who is the French speaker and her husband speaks Italian. |
MUCH TO DO
IN SO SHORT A TIME!
Wednesday,
as Steve began his more in-depth training with Elder and Sister Maxwell, I was
able to work more on needed items here in our apartment, one of which was to review
our notes for our interview on Thursday or Friday. It was a much-needed retreat
free of distractions. Steve has the training information all down and I’m so
grateful for all his effort in organizing this!
THE EPIC AND
SACRED TWO-DAY EXPERIENCE
What
we kept saying over and over, after our experience Thursday and Friday, was
that there were no words to truly express what had just happened. I have
captured last Thursday and Friday in my journal in much more detail, which I
will not do here (thankfully). What I will share though will be brief and will
leave out most of the sentiments and the tender stories and glorious miracles
that have taken place and those leading up to these two days. Most people
will never know what we’ve shared here in our blog or from this epic and sacred
week, but it is the record we wish to preserve of our mission. Thank you for bearing with us!
Why
is the Family Resource Center so important and what we do here? Why would anyone
really care to put this all on film? Some of the Church leaders in Salt Lake
knew, and that is why they came, thanks in great part to the immense work and
efforts of Roland Léporé and then more recently Mike Madsen in Salt Lake, to
make everyone aware of what has been taking place here at our Center in Paris.
Maybe some of our readers will care, maybe no one else really will, but what
happened during the filming was a blessed two days of sharing by many, their thoughts, their feelings, their gratitude and the lives that have and
will continue to change. We have also been in awe of the mighty changes that have taken place with our missionaries in our district and how their hearts have enlarged in a remarkable way. They all know it and can't deny it's because what they have been asekd to do! We
have gained so many lessons of our purpose and how others have and can be blessed
with this new, first of its kind, Family Resource Center.
At
about 1:15, the crew from Frankfurt arrived, Brian Cordray, Massimo Chriscione,
and Joel Mawlam. These were the videographers. They were masters, and so very
kind, patient, fun and very loving towards everyone they worked with!
 |
| Massimo, Joel, Roland, Mike, David and Brian - The two on the left and the one on the right are from the Germany office |
Then,
the Salt Lake crew arrived at about the same time, Roland Léporé, Mike Madsen
and David Clare. We would not be doing what we are doing without Roland! This
is his baby, as it is ours. He has done more good in Salt Lake than anyone I have
heard of. In the shortest amount of time, he has moved mountains, softened
hearts, opened doors and created an amazing stir with all the right people, one
miracle after another. He talked with the right people at the right time. Mike
Madsen, who is over all the Face-to-Face events in the church (which he began
4-5 years ago) was the interviewer for the most part, and then Roland also did
some. Mike is the expert interviewer, and Roland was a natural. Then, lastly
was David Clare who is over all the Family part of the Priesthood/Family
department of the church. He was a quiet observer, and a huge supporter of what
is happening here. And we loved listening to and learning from him.
Thursday,
we started around 1:30 p.m. with the film crew from Frankfurt and the team from
Salt Lake to help put together a video to share. Mike Madsen told the missionaries
that this video will first go to the Quorum of the Twelve for approval, and then
to each of the Area Presidencies throughout the world. They want this concept
to be priesthood-led and driven from the top down! Much of the videos will also
act as training for future centers throughout.
On
Thursday the missionaries were interviewed first, each companionship
separately. We were so proud of them and how incredible their messages were. They were amazing and the spirit was so beautiful, causing
me to tear up often throughout the two-day ordeal.
Those interviewed
on Thursday and Friday:
-
The eight missionaries in our
district – Elders Poulin and Jones (who was transferred the week before, and
the President allowed him to come back just for the filming), Farnsworth and Sun,
then Sisters Moon, Lofgreen, Seversen and Allred
- - Sylvain Houmeau – Institute Director
for 3 Paris Stakes
- - Georgette Lalaus, Heirani Tiaihau
and Christine Tetumu – Three women’s amazing story connected through the Center
- - Gina – one of our new Chinese
converts because of the Center
- - President and Sister Sorensen
(Mission President and his wife)
- - Momo Djemai (Director of
Welfare/Self-Reliance for Europe)
- - Bishop Scott and Becky Stonehocker
- - President Frédéric Loisel (Paris Stake
President)
- - Steve and Renée Packer
- - Roland Léporé
- - Many others not listed helped with
the various “B roll” positions where they are part of the silent scenarios to
show examples of what was talked about in the interviews
- - Mock classes of English and Self-Reliance
courses were filled by many who offered to help
Throughout
each day we kept looking at each other in amazement of the things that were
being shared, the spirit and love from all those involved, and the purpose behind
this sweet work. Roland Léporé interviewed the three women. Their lives have been
influenced separately and collectively in an immense and amazing way. They are three women,
out of many who have been affected so positively by the resources and blessing
of the resources of the church and friendship in the wards or branches. Roland’s
ability to speak French with these women was a powerful help and he connected
with them so tenderly. It was hard to hold back the tears when listening to their poignant testimonies and stories that so many shared, or the miracles received through
the Center.
Mind
you that the immense positive outreach is from just 1 district (4 sets of
missionaries). It’s been a positive pilot which the President is very supportive and excited
about. Every person that the missionaries speak with is a positive one now. People are left seeing our name tag, as a church that helps, that loves and that lifts
people, not just to teach about the restoration, or to come to church or to
read the Book of Mormon (all of these are great things to do, but most people
in France are not receptive to this approach. People do respond however to love,
kindness, sincerity and offering a solution to the needs they have. This has
been leading more people to want to know more about our church and their
foundation in these resources are stronger and they now have shared experiences
with other church members. Thanks to Maryn for all her images (credit is for her images are mentioned).
 |
| The three women during their interviews - Photo credit: Maryn Tann |
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| Photo credit: Maryn Tann |
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| President and Sister Sorensen during their interiview - Photo credit: Maryn Tann |
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| Momo Djemai interview - Photo credit: Maryn Tann |
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| Gina's interview - a recent convert through the Family Resource Center - Photo credit: Maryn Tann |
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| Freddie Tann helping with the interview for Gina, as he needed to use his Chinese skills - Photo credit: Maryn Tann |
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| Mike Madsen, Gina and Freddie - Photo credit: Maryn Tann |
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Bishop Scott and Becky Stonehocker - Photo credit: Maryn Tann
|
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| Elders Farnsworth and Sun |
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| Sisters Moon and Lofgreen |
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| Sisters Seversen and Allred during their interviews |
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| Elder Jones with Elder Poulin |
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| Elder Packer with Sylvain Houmeau - Institute Director for all 3 Paris Stakes |
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| Christine, Heirani, Georgette and Brother Momo Djemai |
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| President Loisel - Paris Stake President |
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| During our interviews |
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| Roland Lepore |
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| Heirani with her two sons - their stories are incredible and still evolving! |
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| Elder and Sister Maxwell - Family Resource Center couple and temporary directors till new couple arrives |
CELEBRATION
OF GRATITUDE DATE NIGHT
On
the last day, Friday, once everyone left, Steve and I went back to our apartment
and made plans for our date and to celebrate the completion of this big
project. It was months in the planning to help gather everyone's thoughts from questions
we asked them, secure everyone’s time slots, gather individuals for extras
and remind them throughout. We were spiritually and emotionally exhausted and
left with so much gratitude for the Lord's blessings!
 |
| Crème Brûlée - this was our special dessert after dinner to celebrate the end of the two days of filming! |
JACOB AND
JARON PACKER ON THE GOLF CHANNEL
After an amazing last week, as plans described in Blog 97, Jacob and Jaron Packer were finally interviewed on the Golf
Channel. Here is the link to their interview. It's pretty sweet!
 |
| While Jacob was at the hospital getting his weekly infusion, this is where his dad told him about his awesome travel plans for the Golf Channel and Miracle Network! |
CHINESE NEW YEAR
CELEBRATION
Saturday
afternoon we were invited to a Chinese member’s home for a big celebration for
the Chinese New Year! She had us start with the dessert, then one by one, kept
bringing dish after dish. We kept thinking it would end, but it did not! We had
to leave before it was all over, but there was so much delicious food! Bless
her! The sweet part at the end was what her boyfriend said. He said that this
dinner was a gift from the funds of his deceased mother, who died a year ago. There’s
so much he could do with that money, but instead, he shared it to bring
happiness to others.
Gina,
the dear Chinese member who prepared all the food, is an amazing artist and art
designer as well. She is remarkably talented. Several months ago we each got
one of her home made scarfs, shown in the picture by the sister missionaries,
and then also shown is some of her Chinese art work and scarfs.
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| The group of people Gina invited for the Chinese New Year! |
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| Another one of Gina's creations |
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| This scarf by Gina is first painted by wax and then the stain to create this image. It's not cheap (I asked)! |
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| Gina's art and skills are remarkable! |
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| Gina with her artistic creations |
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| Sisters Lofgreen, Moon, Severson and Allred - all wearing their scarfs made by Gina |
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| Gina in the middle - the host of this beautiful celebration |
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| Elders Farnsworth, Dunn, Poulin and Sun |
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| Gina on the far left, as she was finding some Chinese music for to dine with! |
MEETING ROSE
REBECCA PACKER
Through
a Facetime visit, we were finally able to meet our newest grandchild, Rose. She
is doing so much better and is nearly finished with needing oxygen. She is so
precious and her older brother, Bowen, is so tender with her, always wanting to
hold her. We can’t wait to hold her in our arms very shortly.
Rose
is, I believe, the 7th great-great grandchild of Velma Drake, our
neighbor in Syracuse. She must be hanging on, till all 5 generations are
together for a photo. They thought she wouldn’t make it this long after her
terrible fall, heart attack, and much more. She’s only 98 years old and
amazing, but her time is near and Emma’s mother is flying in on the 28th.
Thankfully they will all be together! This is a photo of a lifetime!
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| Emma, Bowen, Rose and Austin Packer |
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| Rose and Emma |
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| Bowen holding his little sister, Rose |
SUNDAY
BLESSINGS!
Tender
farewells have been happening more and more each week! These dear people mean
so much to us and we don’t know how we’ll separate from them. We love each of
them dearly!
I
love seeing families come into the Family Resource Center. Dear Sarah Covert
and her two children (her husband was at the airport to get his mother), Peter
and Anja, absolutely loved the discovery activities with FamilySearch. They also
started their own accounts and were immediate naturals!
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| Sarah, Peter and Anja Covert |
OUR BABY GIRL’S
27th BDAY
Sunday,
February 26th, is our youngest’s 27th birthday. Becca and
Brian are in Hawaii right now celebrating, as Brian is the master of getting the
cheapest tickets through his SkyMiles and a cool program he does. One never seems
to get rid of the baby status if you’re the youngest, but she is far from being
a baby! She has always held her own, has been tough skinned with her older 5
brothers (who loved teasing her) and is everyone’s favorite aunt or babysitter.
She is an all-around gift to everyone who really knows her. We can’t wait to
see her and get to know her dear husband, Brian, better, and whom we adore so
far and are so grateful for the two.
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| Becca and Brian |
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| Becca and Brian on their Hawaiian trip for Becca Birthday! One of Brian's Free Flight Deals! |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I
would like to close with sharing my deepest love and gratitude for my dear
husband,
Steve.
Our love for each other is sacred and filled with the sweetest memories! He has
been such a blessing throughout my life and that of our family and also throughout
our mission. Steve is such a hard worker, he is so obedient, he is so generously
kind and helpful to all and is so devoted to the Savior first, then to me, his
family and this work. It has been the sweetest and most tender blessing for us
to serve together, one that I highly encourage anyone and couples to do. It
doesn’t happen without a price. The price is devotion to the Lord first,
devotion to one another, family and then devotion to the work, whatever that
work is! We love one another so deeply and with gratitude, we will continue to
serve the Lord! We certainly love and appreciate all of you and know the Lord
is blessing you for your sweet devotions to God, wherever that may be!
 |
| During our interview |
Plus de sainteté me
donne (More Holiness Give Me),
Elder et Sœur Packer
Grandpère
et Mémé Packer
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
OUR BABY GIRL’S
27th BDAY
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