Packers in Paris Blog 100
–Feb 3rd – Feb 10th, 2020
THIS IS THE
LAST!
100
weeks of serving our mission is a celebration in our eyes! Thank you for allowing
us to share one last blog with you! We feel blessed, tired in the work,
grateful, and stronger than ever! We feel that we have literally been touched
by angels along the way, received pure guidance from above, and felt His loving
and helpful hands that led us along uncharted paths.
We have great hope in our
next assignments that these same blessings will await us, similarly down
uncharted paths, but we are ready and the Lord must have known to not give us
much of a break (less than a day) so that we would not lose this momentum.
MONDAY
PREPARATIONS MAKE IT REAL
While
I worked on the blog last Monday, Steve was hard at work doing the final deep
clean throughout the apartment. We wanted to make sure it was ready for the
next missionaries.
 |
| Dior came to say goodbye and then I gave her a lot of food items she could use! |
DINNER
WITH PRESIDENT AND SISTER SORENSEN AND FAMILY
We
were so grateful for the opportunity to have dinner with our Mission President
and his wife and family Monday night. The President is exceptionally busy, and
we were honored that they would take this time to have us over.
Our
time with this dear family gave us a personal evening to get to know them
better and discuss future plans of what we will be doing with our work for
growing these centers. It was so helpful, as President Sorensen is so
supportive and very helpful to work with, that it was extremely beneficial to
discuss how it will continue to bless missionary work in the future. We also
told them of our other call with the Nauvoo Pageant.
They
are such a beautiful and tender family whom we have grown to love deeply. We
have been nurtured and blessed in countless ways by them, as we have navigated
our efforts in Paris. We will miss them, miss their spirits, their great
inspired instructions and their compassion for all the missionaries.
 |
| President and Sister Sorensen |
TUESDAY
FINAL PACKING!
Though
we went through a ‘mock packing’ a week prior, we really hadn’t thought of all
things and so when it came down to the end of packing, we were adjusting every
little thing and taking things out that we could leave, give away, or throw
out. At the end, we were done! We were slightly under weight for all the bags and
by evening time we were ready and a sense of relief was felt!
MEETING
SISTER TARDIEU
Before
we left for dinner, Sister Tardieu and her daughter who drove her to Paris from
Lyon, France and a friend of theirs from Germany, came into the apartment to
drop off all her luggage prior to going to the MTC in London for a week. She
then will occupy the apartment for 2.5 months. She is a very sweet person and
no doubt she will take great care of this, what was our beloved apartment. You
could not have asked for anything better than to live right next to the Seine,
on the Ille de la Cite, or the Island of Notre Dame, truly the center of Paris!
How we will miss everything, but especially our work and the people and
members!
LAST
NIGHT’S REMINISCING
Tuesday
night for our last meal in Paris, we chose to go to the very first restaurant
that we had eaten at the very first night we got into our apartment, that the
senior office couples had taken us to. It’s one we’ve gone to before several
times, but it’s very close to our apartment, and for sentimental purposes, it
fit our gushy and emotional hearts! As we walked back, we took one last look at
Notre Dame! Ok, enough with the gushiness! I’m afraid it doesn’t end here!
FAREWELL
PARIS - FLYING HOME
Early
Wednesday morning, on February 5th, exactly 23 months from when we started
our mission at the MTC in Provo, UT, we were picked up by Elder and Sister
Harmon, our mission office couple, in their big white van, to help us load all
our luggage and close up and give our apartment key to Elder Harmon.
As
we drove away in the dark, our minds were thinking forward and we were finally
ready to say goodbye! We could not have asked for anything more or better!
On
our way, we picked up Sister Tardieu at her hotel and then we all took off for
the CDG Airport. We can’t imagine how we could have done all of this without
Elder Harmon! This is what they do for missionaries when arriving and departing,
thank goodness.
Once
we all said goodbye, and found our appropriate luggage check in, we could
finally relax a little!
It’s small world!
Just
when we thought we were going to sit and wait for our gate to open, we met two
men who were returning to Salt Lake from Ireland from a business trip. We began
asking them questions, and they would ask us about our mission. Then, suddenly,
Kyle Revell stared at us, seeing our name tags and said, “I met you in Paris at
the very beginning of your mission while going to church with my wife.” He then
pulled up the very picture that he took with the center right behind them. The
more we talked the more we remembered him and his wife as well.
 |
| Kyle Revell and his wife, back in February of 2018, shortly after we got to Paris! |
As
we continued to talk, he asked about what we would be doing when we got home
and we told him of our next two assignments. He lit up when we talked about
Nauvoo. He said that their Stake was doing a Youth Super Conference to replace
this year’s Pioneer Trek. They will be coming to Nauvoo to see the pageant and
many other church history sites, using 8 charter buses. He is the bishop of his
ward and looks forward to coming on this grand adventure of a life time.
200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST VISION
With
this being the 200th anniversary of the First Vision, many areas are
celebrating in a wonderful way to honor this great event that changed the
history of the world! If, for any of you who are not aware what that is, I will
put a link below to share the profound event that took place in Palmyra, New
York.
AIRPORT
JOYFUL & TEARFUL WELCOME HOME
Our
flight was uneventful, and though we attempted to rest, the excitement of
seeing our family was enough to keep us from the long rest we should’ve taken
to help ward off a worse jetlag.
 |
| Off we go! |
 |
| Love the Paris view! |
 |
| Utah landing! Love those mountains! |
The
excitement as we neared our landing was filled with so much quiet anticipation.
We only expected a few of our children to be at the airport, but what a shock
to see many more of our family. Going through customs, and luggage pickup at the
new international terminal is a bit different BUT, it was fabulous, because
since we were last, we had our own quiet and secluded gathering while we
entered to the shouts and hollers of our family with their banners!
My brother, Alan, was taking videos just prior to our entering into the larger
area where our family crowd was quietly waiting for us! The eruption of joy
from all the grandchildren running up to us was so overwhelming that I didn’t
realize how much we needed this, how much we needed to feel of their love in
person having just completed two years living abroad!
 |
| Shocked to see as many as we did! It was supposed to be a small crew this time! |
 |
| These feelings were so real! |
 |
| Us with the some of the grandkids! |
 |
| Alan Wood, my dear and only brother! |
 |
| Part of our Family with my brother, Alan on the right side! We're missing about 15 people! |
 |
| This is the insane side we could've been in, but we got the quiet spot, which we LOVED! |
 |
| One car full of crazies, that we LOVE! |
There
are no words! The love we have for our family is so enormous that the reception
of love was such a sweet and joyous experience. We finally got our luggage in two
cars and took off for our home sweet home!
 |
| Poster also made by Becca! |
 |
| Becca drew this for our return! |
A
HOME IS WHERE YOUR HEART IS!
Prior
to our coming back from our mission, some of our children came to our home for
a couple of days to get it all back in order, with plastic sheets taken off,
water and heat turned on, dusting and mopping and beds made with fresh linen! We
feel spoiled, but I hope it’s because they just love us!
 |
| Our home was so welcoming when we walked in! Wht a special gift! |
OUR
RELEASE AND THE SUPPORT OF FAMILY
Once
we got home and got situated, and Camille began dinner preps, family members began
to show up again for the release of our mission. We did not look forward to the
part where we had to take off our tags when we were released as missionaries.
President
Davenport, our Stake President came at 5:00 p.m. We were the very first
missionaries that he had set apart two years ago, as a new Stake President.
The
blessings that he gave to both of us separately were beautiful and comforting
and yet hard when he stated the words, “You are hereby released as a missionary
for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” My emotions swelled and
yet I felt peace that honestly we aren’t done and that the Lord has plans for
us to continue to serve and all is well!
 |
| President Davenport sharing thoughts prior to our release! |
We
enjoyed the rest of the evening with family, playing games and laughing and
just ignoring all the suitcases that needed to be unpacked. We couldn’t get
enough of family!
SETTING
APART WITH ELDER OCHOA - ONE OF OUR NEXT ASSIGNMENTS
Just
when we get released from one, not even 24 hours later, we were set apart for another
assignment. Who would’ve ever thought or guessed? We are so grateful that the
Lord is in charge and that we have faith in His plan for us. It has brought us
more joy and peace and blessings than ever doing things we want or would have
planned.
Because
of bad weather, the only child who was able to come with us was Camille. Her
kids stayed at our home and were wonderful. Our appointment was for 1 p.m. but
we left early knowing the roads might be bad. They were fine nonetheless! We
arrived in the parking of the Church Office Building and went straight to the parking
lobby of the Church Administration Building, where we would wait until we were
called. We were so grateful that the other two couples of the Presidency came,
who made a great effort to attend our setting apart.
The
time came for us to go up to Elder Ochoa’s office. Having met him once before
back in November when he extended the call to us, we were grateful to finally
come to the point to make it official.
After
a brief visit with him, he then started with setting apart Steve first and then
I was next. They were such beautiful blessings and very spirit-led and specific
for our needs! We are eternally grateful for the peace we have received.
Afterwards,
Elder Ochoa took us on a tour of the main floor of the Church Administration
Building, as he invited us to see the room next to the Prophet’s office where
the twelve apostles sit in council, and to feel of the majesty of that room,
was solemn and sacred to us. He shared personal stories with us that were so
beautiful!
 |
| Steve and Renee Packer, Elizabeth and Alan Gudmundson, Elder Ochoa and Roger and Maureen Peterson - new Nauvoo Pageant Presidency and companions |
There
is so much more he shared with us, and we’ll never forget the peace and holy
feeling we felt that day! How grateful I was that there was one of our children
with us (Camille 38), who was able to join us.
Afterwards
we went to the Lion House for lunch and held our first official (impromptu)
presidency meeting. What wonderful people the Gudmundsons and Petersons are,
and it will be so sweet for us to work with them. Camille was quietly being the
fly on the wall, being a part of this sweet experience.
Next
we went to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building onto the Mezzanine level, where
Camille took Presidency photos. No Photos of this yet!
MORE
UNPACKING AND SURPRISE VISITORS
Friday
we finally were able to dig into unpacking, which wasn’t very easy when you
think of living abroad for 2 years. We knew this would take time and patience
and that it wouldn’t happen all in one day.
Saturday’s get ready for Sunday and our
surprise visitors!
Saturday
was definitely the day we got ready for Sunday, errands, buying the rest of the
food and Camille and her crew went to the club house to perform magic!
By
evening I called my parents and my sister, Ann, answered and said that my dad
was not doing well at all! It almost sounded like he may have had a stroke. My
heart sunk and right then the door opened, and our son and his wife, Jordan and
Larissa surprised us from Parker, CO. What a surprise, but I needed to rush
into a different room to have my sister finish telling me what had happened. At
this point, there was nothing I could do, but it certainly caused my heart to
sicken!
I
was able to finally talk to Jordan and Larissa and to welcome them and thank
them for this sweet surprise! They didn’t bring their kids, which we certainly
understand, but to know that each of our children were with us for this
Sunday’s meeting meant the world to us.
 |
| Our surprise visitors, Larissa and Jordan Packer |
BLESSINGS OF
THE SABBATH AND OUR REPORTS!
Sunday finally came and we did not know what to expect as
far as who might attend. With Steve and I speaking, there was also a young
woman who was speaking and preparing to leave on a mission. Needless to say the
meeting house was packed clear onto the stage.
Little by little, we would see friends, family and
missionaries walk into the church. We were overcome as we kept seeing faces we
had no idea would come, let alone family that we were so grateful to see.
Our messages were shared and concluded with a brief
testimony in French. We felt love from all those in attendance.
FAMILY,
FRIENDS AND MISSIONARIES! – TIME FOR GATHERING
We
were so grateful for all the help given us in the preparation for this Sunday’s
report and gathering. The food preps and getting the clubhouse ready for this
event was not simple, but I never felt the stress of it as Camille and her crew
of family were amazing!
Afterwards those who were able to join us headed over to the
clubhouse to enjoy visiting with each other. The setting was so beautiful, and
the food was amazing. Camille and Janine outdid themselves. I had asked Janine
if she could make her famous French macarons. She made 200 and those
missionaries were in heaven, as we all were. Thanks to Camille and all of our
children who helped and brought the spirit of our mission into this large gathering
place to honor us.
 |
| Photos by Camille! |
 |
| Janine's French Macarons |
 |
| Most of our children and spouses! |
 |
| Part of the Packer Family |
 |
| Marie-Claire and Floyd Parker and Steve and Renee |
 |
| Roland and Amie and Steve and Renee |
 |
| Suzanne Stott, and Anita Herway and Tom Herway! (These are Steve's sisters) |
 |
| My dear cousins, Maurvene, Marilyn, Scott and his wife and Karen |
 |
| The food table |
 |
| More of the food table |
During the luncheon, we loved visiting, taking photos,
eating, crying and taking more photos. We had at least 24 young missionaries who came
and loved sitting together and reminiscing. They were such a bright, shining
beam of happiness!
 |
| France Paris Mission Returned Missionaries |
 |
France Paris Mission Returned Missionaries |
 |
| France Paris Mission Returned Missionaries |
Seeing Baby Rose
for the first time!
Our sweet baby Rose was about a month old before our getting
to meet her and she is absolutely adorable! Sunday evening after the day had
slowed down, we left with Jordan and Larissa to see her! We are in love with
this dearest little angel! We are so grateful she is doing so well! The
miracles that happened while serving our mission, have been so remarkable, and
this little girl is one of these many miracles! We love you little Rose and
your dear family!
 |
| Baby Rose with Steve |
 |
| Baby Rose with Me |
Sunday evening everyone began to leave and we said goodbye
to our family! We love you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If we were to wake up tomorrow morning and find that these
past two years were all a dream, we would not be surprised! Only in our dreams
could this possibly ever happen, but it did, where we found ourselves in a
place that will always hold our hearts, and a people that have left an
indelible print in our souls, and a purpose that has changed our lives forever!
I got to dream with Steve, which was the best of all! Thanks to each of you for dreaming with us! You are among our choicest friends and family.
Thank you so much for sharing of your love these past two years and for giving
so much of your time to support and lift us! We love you! Au revoir!
Dieu soit avec toi
justqu’au revoir (God Be with You Till We Meet Again),
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
FAREWELL
PARIS - FLYING HOME
Comments
Post a Comment