BLOG 1 - September 25th – October 18th, 2022

BLOG 1 - September 25^th – October 18^th, 2022

HERE WE GO AGAIN!

Starting these blogs again is always a bit daunting, so bear with us, as we try to launch this second mission blog series.

So, how is it that we’re on another mission? There is much to this story, but we can’t deny that the Lord made it distinctly clear that it was time to serve a second mission. From that point on, it has been a sweet and memorable experience even just in preparation and visiting our children and even taking a quick belated and fabulous anniversary trip to New York City. It must be obvious we LOVE spending time and serving together. Steve is my light and joy and so grateful we have each other for eternity!

1996 Family trip to New York

2022 Recreation of our photo above!

Our Packer gang in 1996

2022 Statue of Liberty

Serving a second mission in France means so much to us, but more importantly, who we are serving and with whom, is what brings us the most joy. We are so grateful to be serving the Lord, and we are also serving in the mission of our dear friends, President Roland and Sister Amie Léporé (France Lyon Mission Leaders) and we are also so blessed to be serving the beautiful people of France, who we already love with all our hearts. Lyon France was also one of the many missions that my parents served in and loved dearly and people have already reached out to us, sharing their love for my parents.

President Roland and Sister Amie Léporé

To say we won’t miss our children, grandchildren, siblings and loved ones and neighbors, is a huge understatement. But I do believe that the technology of Facetime, Zoom, etc. was invented just for Senior Missionaries ;), ok maybe for the younger ones too. It helps us feel a bit closer to our family when so far away, than in the olden days when snail mail was all we had, but oh so heavenly. Actually, it still is, just in case anyone wonders… We LOVE snail mail, email…pictures drawn by grandkids, you get the idea…😉

So much has happened since we received our mission call, our farewell on September 25, and then entering the Provo MTC on October 3rd. I will share briefly about our MTC experience, and then at the end post other photos.

On October 2^nd, we were set apart as full-time missionaries by our dear Stake President, President Lance Davenport. The promises given were very specific and inspired.

President Lance Davenport - set us apart with much needed blessings

We spent two weeks at the Provo Utah MTC. How there can be so much packed into two weeks during the MTC training, is mind blowing, incredible and yes, quite exhausting, but utterly fabulous! We gained so much and were taught from on high. After all that exhaustion, we still witnessed every day, energetic smiles, vibrant spirits and a lot of love on this mission training campus. It’s so exhilarating. Even though it’s our second time at the MTC, it was not all a repeat and with great improvements and much needed reminders.

The Iconic MTC photo!

What we were taught in two weeks should have earned us some special degree for Senior Missionaries or something, but actually, we did earn a great degree, it’s called our name badge with the Lord’s name on it. It’s such an immense honor and privilege. If you ever doubted the honor, once you started your mission at the MTC and completed the inspired training, you would have no doubt. We also were given the opportunity to go to the MTC Tuesday Devotionals with special guests, one week with Sister Susan Porter and then the following week with Elder Ronald Rasband, both were amazing. We were given an opportunity to attend the Provo Temple, prior to its renovation, and then the Character of Christ Devotional and other learning and teaching opportunities.

Steve's says Elder Packer (spoken with a French accent)

We were grateful for our dear friend, Melissa Hawkley for allowing us to use her kitchen at times for fixing meals. She lives very close to the MTC. I’m sure most could handle the MTC food, but my stomach could not.  

Watching and working periodically with the young missionaries was so tender. These young adults in training are incredible, and we loved getting to know some of them because of some of our special assignments. We came to love each of the senior missionaries, especially the ones in our district. They are hardy and valiant saints to the core!

We interviewed this 1-week-old missionary who was so seasoned already!

Elder and Sister Norby, Branch President at the MTC - former missionaries in Brussels, Belgium, where Elde Norby was hurt horribly in the Belgium bombing. They are dear friends of Steve's sister, Anita and husband, Tom Herway. We loved seeing them again. 

Adam Wood - 3rd cousins to Beth and me - he shared the coolest stories about our ancestors.  He's an employee!

We interviewed this BYU student as part of our assignments. 

1st District photo with our morning trainer, Brother Breneman and Elder and Sister Sylvester, Elder and Sister Peterson and Elder and Sister Beech.

Elder and Sister Crawford were a couple we exchanged interviews with and taught. 

1st week district with our afternoon trainer, Sister Mando

Our 2nd week district with Sister Smith with Elder and Sister Baird, Sister Turley and Elder and Sister Hoggan.

Our second week district

Elder and Sister Peterson with us at the temple

Melissa Hawkley on the left met as at the temple. It was her home that we fixed our meals.

Between the two weeks of the MTC, we returned home to get more done and also attended an orchestra concert of our son, Austin, who had several beautifully played cello solos. I might’ve cried…

Our youngest son, Austin

We also attended church with Becca, our youngest daughter, with her family. So, I might’ve cried again.

Brian, Becca, Henry and little Mason Lattin

Our second week, we were given another exceptional new district and I was thrilled when we were placed in the same district as my dear 1^st cousin, Beth Hoggan and her husband Phil. I loved having this special time with Beth and her husband, Phil. These two are an amazing and inspiring couple.

With Beth and Phil Hogan

On Friday, October 14th we drove back home to start the arduous packing game on Saturday.

Going to church this last Sunday with Austin’s family was choice. His wife had to work at Davis Hospital. She's an amazing woman, that we love!

Austin, Bowen, Rose, and Leo (mom is working at the hospital)

We leave this Wednesday, October 19^th, arriving in Lyon, the next day.

Farewell dear family, and friends. À bientôt!

With all our love,

Elder et Soeur Packer                                                                                        Grandpère et Mémé - Address to come later

PHOTO DUMP - wish we had more photos of our kids who were with us on our farewell day. We love them each of our children and their families more than we can ever say! 

Super Awesome Brent and Shal Packer and family. How we'll miss this dear family and each of our posterity!

Brother and Sister Barnes - first time meeting them after many zoom meetings to teach a lesson to a dear friend here in our ward. They are stalwart saints. 

My dear awesome brother Alan Wood and our dear cousin, Marvene Corbit, who is also our neighbor.

Super cool Jaron Packer, child # 3 and Bob and Neola (my dear cousin), Patterson

Thanks to so many who brought food and helped to lay out a beautiful gathering. 

Beautiful Maddie Packer (our 2nd grandchild who attends Weber State)

Dearest friends from Charleroi Belgium, Marie-Claire and Floyd Parker

No one is tired here, right? I sure love Adam Hunsaker, Shal and Olivia Packer

Our dear friends, Denise and Karl Hillyard, who we served with us in our Church Service Mission for over a year. 

Brent, Steve, Micaela, Blake and Ryan - discussing, I'm sure, who is getting the last piece of candy.

Another dear cousin, Karen Nichol.

My most favorite and only brother, Alan Wood

My sweetest baby sister, Lucie Gibbons

Forever friends, Melissa Hawkley and Kathryn Lambert

How I love my precious daughters, Becca, Janine and Camille

The Incredible Brian and Becca Lattin Family, our youngest daughter. I can't get enough of them!

Benjamin, such a cool and second son of Jaron and Vanesa Packer

Marci and Eric Adams, dear friends from our Senior Service Mission - such talented and mazing people!

Vanesa and Jarona Packer - Love these two and their dear family!