BLOG 19 - FEB 13-19, 2023

HOW TO DUMP LARGE GARBAGE ITEMS IN LYON

Moving large garbage items was much more complicated than we thought, but at the same time, we were amazed at the process of how they have been able to make this work so efficiently. The city of Lyon is so condensed that they would not have room to have a landfill, like we are used to in Utah.

We had to borrow the mission van so that we could load all of our major garbage boxes from IKEA. Once we got to the proper address, we wondered how in the world is this going to work, there are buildings surrounding this area.

As we drove in, we noticed portals for the varied types of items to be disposed into large cargo car, that were on railroad tracks. Once full, they are then sent to a large landfill out of the city for waste and sorting. We could clearly see, though, that some people did not follow the rule, as the one for plastic had a large leather couch inside. Mainly, we deposited all of our cardboard in one cargo bin, and the plastic in another and so on. It is completely free to dispose your items and because they recycle as much as they can, it was a brilliant way to organize and then send off to the appropriate places for recycling.

One our way to the dump, I had to take yet another Muriel on a side of a building. 

Condensed garbage boxes from IKEA

This was the place for cardboard.

For plastic but notice the leather couch sectional! ;)

The other numbered areas for all types of garbage

MONDAY EVENING WOOD SIBS ZOOM WITH A REQUEST

We have all enjoyed our monthly sibling zoom visits. Each sibling takes turns being in charge. Lucie, the youngest was in charge this time, and she had previously sent out a 2 part question for us to then discuss in our visit. It was inspired and so beautiful to then share our thoughts on her questions. The questions were: 1 – Have you seen the hand of the Lord in your lives? 2 – Afterwards, (and perhaps even during) did you feel prompted to do anything?

We were all amazed at the conversation that took place from these questions and what tender and beautiful stories and experiences were shared. It was a spirit filled visit and one that we hated to see go, but after an hour, there were two of us who needed to leave. I have a deep and abiding love for my siblings and for their goodness in so many areas in their lives.

Top left to right - Janine Green, Me, Claire Prigmore, Lucie Gibbons, Alan Wood, Ann Harper

     Janine Green’s new assignment

I reminded my sister, Janine Green, during our zoom call, to let everyone know about her new calling in the church in her stake. She was called two weeks ago to be the new director of the FamilySearch Center in Nauvoo, Illinois, which is right across from the temple and a brief walk down the street from her home. This is no small task, or responsibility. Knowing her, she is extremely qualified to manage such a place, even if there are many things that are new to her, she is ever qualified to get things done and to learn what she doesn’t know. I was so happy and thrilled for her. She will be incredible, along with her many hours of serving in the Nauvoo Temple. She is in her sweet element living and serving in Nauvoo.  

Family Search Center - Nauvoo Temple across the street

Family Search Center

ZOOM CHAT WITH COURT AND JANAE NAUMANN

Court Nauman, formerly from the Priesthood Department, but since retired, reached out to us, not knowing we were now on a mission in Lyon France. He was formerly over Church Open Houses and loved the concept of having Open Houses for Sharing Church Resources. He wanted to catch up on what’s happening as he and his wife are considering a mission soon. 

Court and Janae Naumann

CLEANING OUR CROIX ROUSSE APARTMENT – FOR A NEW SET OF SISTER MISSIONARIES

We finally had the opportunity to thoroughly clean our old apartment in Croix Rousse. We have been blessed there for various reasons and we hold fond memories from our 3 months in this apartment and in the Croix Rousse neighborhood.

This was where our car was parked in our old apartment.

Unlocking the door for the last time...

MISSION PARTING FAREWELL

For all missionaries leaving home, they have a special farewell for them. We only knew one of the missionaries leaving, which was Elder Bugnet. The testimonies were so powerful how their mission changed them, how they were a part of seeing major changes in the lives of those they taught. 

First page of missionaries from the whole mission

President and Sister Léporé

VALENTINE'S DAY

After a long day of errands and cleaning, it was so nice to finally relax with Steve for a sweet night to celebrate Valentine’s Day. I had earlier found a restaurant that I thought Steve would enjoy. Even though I’m on a stricter health diet, I knew that this would mean so much to go to this Vietnamese Restaurant. We learned to love Nems while serving in Paris.

We loved our walk around the streets of our apartment before getting dinner.

Nems, the only thing missing was the mint leaves. We got another dish as well, but these are our favorite.

Flowers from Steve ♥

MALIYAH’S MISSION CALL RECEIVED AND ANNOUNCED

Even though Maliyah opened up her mission call on Valentine’s night, it was at 4:30 am Wednesday morning FOR US. We got up, and pretty much stayed up, minus the fact, that we both took a nap later on.

We have anticipated this day for quite a while, hearing about a few delays, and it was so amazing that she finally received her call.

Maliyah is going to the California, San Jose Mission, starting April 24^th, but with the first 4 months serving in the Missouri Historic Sites. This little addition to her call will add a sweet and glorious opportunity for her in some amazing historical sites of church history. We are so proud of her and so grateful that she is on her way. Her brother, Kyson will be turning in his mission papers in the next little while as well.

Some of the family and friends were able to attend.

This is a pure joy face from Maliyah.

Camille had printed her calling off, as they are all online now. 

Maliyah is going to be such a dynamic missionary.

IKEA CAME AND WENT, ALMOST!

We had anticipated our IKEA pick up (for the double order previously delivered that we didn’t order nor pay for) on Wednesday evening, hoping it would’ve been sooner than later, but it was what it was. It started to get late, and we were a bit afraid they weren’t coming. We ended up calling IKEA and kept trying to give them the order number, but the reception was horrible, and he could never get it. We had received two calls during our call with IKEA. We tried to call them after we had hung up with IKEA, and sure enough it had been the people to pick up the order. They were not happy and didn’t want to come back. I was kind, but very persistent that they absolutely had to come back, they weren’t that far from when they last called. They reluctantly came back, picked up the huge load of IKEA boxes and we were so happy to see them gone. It felt like another tender mercy/miracle for sure.

This may not seem like a ton, but actually they must weigh a ton all together.

THURSDAY DRAPERY HARDWARE INSTALLED

We’ve been anxious to get all the rest of our hardware installed so that we could hang our simple drapes and cover our large windows that were open to the world, it seemed. It feels so good.

Monsieur Gerrard Egea on the right and his partner Steve on the left. Once I called out my Steve, and this Steve came into the kitchen to answer. We all laughed.

I had a great visit with the business owner, Monsieur Gerrard Egea. Long story short, he is a faithful man, divorced and engaged to another very good woman. We spoke briefly about religion, and the need of trust and goodness in people. He spoke of his concern for his older children who have gone the way of the world and not good people. His 14-year-old son may still have hope. This small company has been so good to work with and we have given his name to the mission office, to be used for other maintenance work. I may have to ask him if he wants to take an English Connect course through us, which we start shortly.

DINNER WITH VAL DE SAÔNE MISSIONARIES

The same day our handy man helpers came, we had prepared a delicious meal for the Val de Saône Ward missionaries, Elders Steffensen and Keiser and Sisters Diatel and Connors. We had such a wonderful time with them, and knowing most likely Elder Steffensen and Sister Diatel would be transferred, we wanted to make sure we had them over. This was one of our most favorite things to do during our Paris mission. These missionaries were so gracious. I had loads of fun preparing the meal, as I haven’t cooked much except for Thanksgiving.

I forgot to take photos of the breadsticks, but they were a hit! 

This is NO typical spaghetti dish. The flavor of this spaghetti sauce is one you'll never forget (the recipe is in my head). Back story, we ate at an amazing Italian restaurant in Brussels with Steve's sister and husband over 32 years ago. It was one of their favorite restaurants because of this spaghetti dish (they lived there for 28 years). I was smitten and went home and figured out the recipe and it's a hit each time we make it. 

Here is the recipe in English, though it's a French recipe. I also made it GF and Sugar Free and it was incredible!

                 CLICK HERE FOR ENGLISH VERSION RECIPE

These are the best! Sisters Conners, Diatel and Elders Steffensen and Keiser

MIRACLE PROTECTION WITH OUR SON, BRENT AND FAMILY

On Friday, Brent Packer’s birthday, our 5^th child, was traveling on a very slick road and you’ll see how they were protected from what could’ve been a scary ordeal.

WATCH BRENT TELLING THE STORY OF WHAT HAPPENED

FRIDAY’S SENIOR COUPLE RETREAT

It has been in the plans for a couple of months for all the senior couples to gather for an afternoon, evening retreat. There were 12 couples, counting, President and Sister Léporé, minus one couple from Corsica, who could not make it (it is a 20-hour trip one-way, 12-hour boat ride and 8 hours in the car afterwards).

This retreat was just what we all needed. Every time a new set of new young missionaries would come into their mission, the President and his wife would give them a tour of the Old Lyon, along with beautiful insights that teach beautiful gospel principles behind these sites. We’ve been waiting for this opportunity ever since we got here.

The detail of information with the sites we saw are too vast to share adequately but filled with a tremendous appreciation for the historical ties to the gospel here in Lyon. Since President Léporé is a lifelong resident of Lyon, he knows his history as does Sister Léporé during their many years living here, though they met in Salt Lake where he served his mission.

After our visiting sites, we went to the mission home for a special dinner and chance to visit more. It was a glorious experience!

President and Sister Léporé giving us some general instructions. We started at a church house and then went via metro all together. 

The day was so beautiful and here is a photo of one of the rivers we see whenever we get out. 

The were starting off telling a powerful story that related to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, as only Christ could bear the sins of the world. Can you imagine holding, with your arms stretched out, holding the weight of yourself, but Christ did this for all of us? This is part of the story shared.

Behind is a baptismal font, which was underground. This is very familiar to us since our temple baptismal fonts are also underground. Baptism by immersion used to be what they did. 

Here is the baptismal font, perhaps dated in 170-190 AD.

Elder and Sister Munns, tasting the delectable treats. 

The history of where we were standing felt very sacred, as we were told what took place here. 

The heads of all of these statues of some apostles at the Saint Jean Cathedral were specifically knocked off by the Germans during WWII.

This is where the treats were bought that looked absolutely amazing. This is one of the most delectable places to buy them in all of Lyon. 

Inside underground tunnels built to transport silk, coming out into these courtyards, but then during WWII it was used for the resistance. 

Crêpes

At the Ancient Roman Theaters, Elders Rellaford and Reneer acting out on stage in a Shakespear scene. :)

La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière

Appetizers

Place setting for 24

SHOPPING AND OUR EFFORTS MOVING FORWARD

Saturday was a day getting caught up by shopping at the mall, at the Carrefour grocery store. 

We also made sure to continue putting more things in order in our apartment and are finally feeling more at peace with our home in place.

We also worked on our mission efforts. Some people wonder how we like working so much from home, as this is our office. This is what we have done for the past 3 years since we returned from our Paris mission, serving in the Priesthood Dept of the church to develop training material and then training varied stakes in this concept. We may love getting out, but our work in the past 3 years have continued to keep us busy right in our own home. This is what we’ve been called to do and it’s gratifying seeing it come to pass.  

     Gift from the Association President

Saturday night, as we were in our PJ’s, we get a ring at our door, not something that ever happens, but it was the President of the association of the apartments (who also speak very good English), with electronic key fobs to unlock the entrance door so we no longer need to fumble with our keys. We asked him how much we owed him, and he refused any payment. He has been an absolute blessing to us, as he’s helped us in so many instances and answered lots of questions.

SABBATH WORSHIP – KEEPING THIS BRIEF AGAIN!

Today was Sister Diatel and Elder Steffensen’s last Sunday with us. I wasn’t able to get photos of the Elders, but we had them over Thursday for dinner. We will miss these transferring missionaries dearly and I especially grew so close to Sister Diatel. Our hearts just seemed to be connected. We love Sister Connors. She was feeling a bit forlorn, as her twin sister just got married yesterday.  

Sister Diatel (going to Geneva) with Sister Connors staying here waiting for her new companion, whom we will love as well.

I was able to find a Young Single Adult after church who is willing to teach English Connect for the youth. This will be so helpful.

Mariel Leclerc - our new youth English Connect instructor.

COME FOLLOW ME STUDY

• Joy comes from trusting the Lord. The peace we receive from trusting Him far outweighs the struggles that come to us and helps us get through our struggles.
• Be not salt that has lost its savor, and good for nothing. I have great worth and must do all I can to preserve and keep pure my efforts for the Lord, just as salt is of great value, when preserved free from impurities.
• The law of Christ supersedes the law of Moses, as his law was given by Christ, and was fulfilled once Christ came to minister. The Lord has a plea for us to live above the law of Moses and look outward, bless and serve, and live the law of sacrifice, giving of our time, talents and means to bless others.  
• Complete perfection is achieved after the resurrection and thus we must be persistent, but patient in our efforts to continually, incrementally perfect ourselves.
• The Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes should be a pattern to perfection.
• The Lord can change and edify us one day at a time, but we must be aligned with Him, by keeping aligned to the gospel teaching/principles of the gospel. Follow His example.
• The beauty of parables is that they can teach us personally, individually, with whatever it is we are going through. We can learn and apply them in our lives.

We are privileged to call you our family and friends. Whoever may be reading this blog, may you know of our love for you and our appreciation for the good and faithful people you are. No matter what each of our journeys are, we are all are worth every effort that our loving Savior Jesus Christ has made in our behalf. If you are interested in more photos, the photo dump is further below.

 

With all our love,

With all our love,

Elder et Sœur Packer                                                                                            Grandpère et Mémé

801-336-6153 (Steve’s)

801-564-1332 (Renée’s) 

ALERT! New Address below: Please include the name and address as shown.

Les Missionaires – PACKERS

59 rue Bossuet

69006 Lyon FRANCE

PHOTO DUMP HERE:

Elder and Sister Munns with Sister Léporé photo bombing! ;)

Sister Nicole wanting to share her piece.

Sister Hardy showing off her treat, as they were all different.

In the front courtyard of the Saint-Jean Cathedral - built on the ruins of a former 6th- century church that occupied the same site. 

C

Tram to go up to the Notre Dame de Fourniere and other sites.

The Ancient Roman Theater

The Ancient Roman Theater

The Ancient Roman Theater

Notre Dame de Fourvière

The other Eiffel Tower - next to the cathedral

Lyon is a beautiful city that has captured our hearts.

C