BLOG 21 - FEB 27 - MAR 5, 2023

VIDEO CHATS OVERLOAD      

     Steve Packer Sibs Chat

Monday night, Steve held a bi-monthly zoom call with his siblings. Scott was not able to attend, but they enjoyed a wonderful catch up. Steve asked everyone to share a sweet memory of their parents. I was not able to attend the whole time, but I was listening in, and it was so beautiful to hear their special stories and updates.

Steve's siblings, minus Scott

     Paul Obrecht

We started our week with another great meeting update with Paul Obrecht, 2^nd counselor in the Stake Presidency. We are amazed at his vision, zest and vigor for Sharing Church Resources with the Stake. When we told the Stake that they needed to own this effort, he and the Stake President took it seriously. We are still guiding them, but he is on board constantly and daily working through this effort with each ward.

Paul and his wife are document translators for the church, and Paul teaches a professional online English course, plus substitute teaching. They have been so successful, especially as they have felt that putting the Lord first in all they do has brought the greatest blessings.

Meeting 1 this week with Paul Obrecht

     

Meeting 2 this week with Paul

     President and Sister Steele

Periodically the Steeles reach out to get an update on SCR. These are friends we met in Nauvoo during the Pageant. They are from Wichita, Kansas, serving in the Mission Presidency. They requested a little zoom chat to hear of any updates with SCR. They always leave motivated to continue their amazing efforts in the community!

President and Sister Steele

     Elder and Sister Foote

We were grateful to have another zoom chat with our dear friends in Frankfurt Area Office, Elder and Sister Foote, who leave in less than 4 weeks. We love the tremendous efforts they have made during their time here, for the Europe Area. They will be greatly missed.

Elder and Sister Foote - Area YSA Couple that we dearly love!

     Elder and Sister Riley

This dear couple, serving in Corsica, have major stresses, yet they are feeling a sense of peace during it all. Sister Riley has been made the RS President and right during major hardships in the branch. Elder Riley shared other hardships going on with the members and yet, he’s feeling peace. That is what we learned this week during our Come Follow Me Study, as Christ calmed the tempests. He is there ready to do the same for us.

Elder and Sister Riley in Corsica

     Elder and Sister Sumner

We are going to miss this dear couple, as they will be leaving from their mission, having served 18 months in Rodez, where he served as Branch President, and they did so much good in the time they had. They are going home to some challenging circumstances and are greatly needed.

Elder and Sister Sumner in Rodez, leaving us soon! We will miss them and our sweet conversations with them.

TUESDAY DINNER WITH OUR AWESOME MISSIONARIES

We felt that it would be helpful to have our Val de Saone missionaries over for dinner, and break in Elder Loisel in our cooking and give them some training on SCR. I forgot to take any pictures of the meal, minus the cookies at the end, and you’ve all seen my cookies.

We had appetizers of carrot and celery sticks, cheese balls and crackers. I served delicious oven baked wings, with ranch dressing and an incredible tomato soup that is our families favorite, with the Lion rolls. I was most pleased that Elder Loisel liked it all, being the Parisian eater he is.

Our main purpose of having them over was to give them a brief presentation of Sharing Church Resources that the Stake will be in full swing here very shortly. They love it, especially because Elder Loisel’s dad is the first person up on the Paris videos, as he was our Stake President while on our Paris mission.

Elder Loisel, eating a sweet Celestial Sugar Cookie for the first time! 

These sisters had not had my cookies either! And, yes, they all loved them!

Is your mouth watering yet?

Learning more about Sharing Church Resources

Sisters Zumbach, Conners and Elders Loisel and Keiser

WALK IN PARK TÊTE D’ÔR

We finally took a walk together in the park since Thursday was finally warm enough to walk during the day. Mornings are still very cold, but I believe it’s going to change soon.

Tete d’Or is such an amazing park and the more we get to know we are so entranced, but especially when it gets warmer, when there will be leaves on the trees and flowers blooming.

The park is 290 acres big, compared to Central Park at 842 acres. This is no small park. We loved discovering their small zoo, free to all. There is much more to discover in the coming months.

We are so grateful that we’ll be able to start walking to the park daily as the weather improves. One nice thing is that there are NO big hills to walk up or down, as was in our last park at Croix Rousse. I do believe Steve really liked the hills at Croix Rousse!

Seeing these animals in the Zoo, warmed our hearts knowing how close the park is to us, and we can visit frequently. 

It was such a lovely day, to finally get out and enjoy the beauty in the park and these beautiful animals. 

One of several openings of the park

PACKAGE FROM HOME

This week we received a wonderful gift package from my brother Alan. He had ordered a special French movie, with English Subtitles that I was anxious sometime to watch. It’s called, “Les Choristes.” For those who know me, will know that I have a very tender heart for choral conducting, and especially children's voices. We are now finding a DVD player to watch it. Thank you, Alan, for your thoughtfulness!

Excited to watch this beautiful movie that Alan, my only brother, sent us! He also sent some of his artwork for us. Thanks to my awesome brother, Alan!!!

TEACHING ENGLISH CONNECT 1 COURSE

You’d think that for someone who speaks English, and even French, this should be a breeze, but don’t be fooled! Thankfully, we had been given a wonderful PowerPoint from Wendy McNevin, one of our Senior Couple sisters, who has been teaching this for a few months and shared her efforts.

We were expecting 7-8 people but ended up with 5. We had several challenges for varied reasons, such as zoom with many participants who struggled with all sorts of problems, and also, not being able to hear or understand everyone, as they were either speaking mumbled or too soft. At the end, we had the Elders join us to share a 10-minute gospel message. It left us wondering if we really could do this, but the Elders later told us that they would be happy to help us out and attend the entirety of the next few courses. Bless them!

English Connect 1 - These kind individuals were so good to us, but it wasn't near as easy as their kind faces were, thankfully the Elders will come to our rescue us next week. Each personality was so unique and some challenging, hard to hear, etc. We will survive!

TRAINING AND SUPPORT FOR SELF RELIANCE LEADERS FOR FRANCE

Thursday evening, after our English course, we were invited to attend a zoom meeting with Momo Djemai, who was giving specific training to many Welfare and Self Reliance Leaders in France. Even though this is not our call, he wanted us to know of what was being shared and then introduce us to them. He then invited us to give a presentation this coming Thursday to share with them and other leaders in France the concept of Sharing Church Resources. We are grateful for all his support. In attendance was one of the Stake Council members from the Paris East Stake who had heard our presentation last week! He shared with everyone in the meeting what a great presentation it was. This was so kind of him.

Momo Djemai's zoom meeting, allowing us to meet many of these individuals working with Welfare Self Reliance. 

FRIDAY DISTRICT COUNCIL

We attended another great district council online with these great missionaries. We look forward to being with them and the rest of the zone next Wednesday at our Zone Conference.

District Council and it was lovely having another Senior Couple, Elder and Sister Reneer

OFF TO CARREFOUR ON MY OWN

We usually go shopping together but at times we have had to go on our own. Steve had to stay home for a package arrival and shopping needed to happen. So, I took off for the brief walk to the mall, where the large grocery store is located. It’s a beautiful and close walk. Bringing the grocery rolling tote cart with me, I took off for my little adventure. Sure enough I bought more than I could really handle in my container, but was able to get it down to the main floor. Steve met me just inside the mall to walk home with me, carrying the heavy load. I should always be more careful of my back with heavy items.

I didn't get lost in the massive mall, and it's just a short walk from our new apartment. 

SATURDAY FAMILY ZOOM CALLS

     Jaron and Vanesa Packer

Early Saturday morning, we had a lovely chat with Jaron and Vanesa while it was late Friday night for them. Jaron had reached out to me on my Saturday morning wanting to chat to share some fun news with us.

He works with the Publishing Department within the new Hymn book division and also working with youth music. It was so fun to get caught up with them. He then shared some other sweet moments with us from his work that had to do with our efforts here (which was a fun surprise). We then heard the latest about their family. It does my heart good, like none other, to chat with our children and grandchildren.

This was the only photo that was remotely ok. Loved our visit with them though. They shared some amazing things going on their lives, work and family.

     Jordan and Larisa Packer

Later in the afternoon Steve and I visited with Jordan’s family. They too had great things to share that warmed my heart. Like Lincoln giving his presentation on Thomas A Edison. Wow, he did amazing! Lydia also shared a piano solo and then a duet with her dad. They are all doing great! Jordan will be performing as John in the Lamb of God in the next couple of weeks. He had another part last year when we saw him. Lydia is memorizing all his parts. So cute!

Lydia, Jordan, Lincon and Larissa Packer 

Lydia playing her solo for us and on the next piece, her dad joined her. Such a treat!

     

     Brent and Shal Packer

We had a fun visit with Brent’s Family, but sad we weren’t able to gather them all together for a photo, o hopefully a crazy collage will work. We loved getting caught up with everyone, where some kids were just waking up, others getting their chores done, and the normal Saturday scene. Shal is still enjoying teaching 5^th grade. Brent showed us his great progress on finishing their home with putting up kitchen cupboards. It’s not too far from getting done, but they are ready for the dust to be behind them. They are growing and doing well.

Shal, Ayden, Olivia, Allen and Brent Packer - the family that knows how to have fun while working or playing!

SATURDAY FUNERAL VIA ZOOM

Saturday evening, we attended an online zoom funeral for a man who was our 7^th child’s mission president in Italy Rome Mission. Thomas Kelly was a beloved person, who died much too young. He was the founder and owner of Jet Blue and was the most gracious and kind person. Austin was asked to play his cello as prelude and accompaniment for all returned missionaries from his mission. Sadly, we could not hear the music, but only the speakers, as the sound only worked for the podium. We enjoyed the beautiful remarks and hope that at some point, there is another recording. I’m grateful Austin was able to attend.

Austin playing prelude for Thomas Kelly funeral - President Kelly was Austin's mission president in the Italy Rome Mission.

Austin accompanying the returned missionary's choir.

MISSIONARY SUBMISSION SENT

Kyson Duckworth, our 3^rd grandchild and brother to Maliyah, who is going on her mission in 7 weeks, just submitted his papers Saturday evening. Camille sent a brief video of him pushing the send button. We are excited to have yet another missionary out in the field. We now just wait through the remainder of the interviews and process.

Kyson Duckworth having just submitted his mission papers! We're so proud of this boy and know he'll be incredible. 

SUNDAY WORSHIP – MIRACULOUS STORY

Another beautiful sabbath, with sweet testimony messages and an awesome Sunday School Class by our great friend, Denis-Pierre Couche.

After church I was looking for Kim Setchfeld, our Stake YW President to talk to her about youth music that our son, Jaron, talked to us about. I finally found her in a classroom, where others were conversing with each other.

I told her of our conversation with Jaron and how powerful it is when more youth are singing these youth songs the church is putting out, or any music of great worth. I mentioned the 2023 youth theme song and that we got to hear it with a French singer instead. She then said, “Well, there’s the woman who sang it.” This was a bit bizarre, that the very woman we had heard the recording of was in the same room. We know this woman from our Paris Stake (Laura Simonet Caussé), but her parents are in our ward here, Phillippe and Ghislaine Simonet, dear people and friends of my parents when they served here. Laura’s husband, Adrian is the son of Bishop Gerald Caussé. Yes, it’s a small world in France. Later Sunday night, Kim sent me the video recording of it all in French, that had been put on the France Area Facebook page. It is powerful.

CLICK ON LINK TO WATCH THE THEME SONG AND HEAR LAURA SING!

Adrien and Laura Caussé - she's the voice behind the church's video link above. 

The 2023 Youth Theme scripture

In French

STICKER HELP FOR OUR PASS ALONG CARDS

Meanwhile, after church Steve and the 2 missionary companionships in this ward met in a room to start putting stickers (with the QR code for the WebPage) on our pass along cards for our training this coming Wednesday for Zone Conference. I joined them once I was finished with my visit with Kim and Laura. It was wonderful to have their help to get this finished.

In not too much time, the job was done, thanks for all their help!

BROKEN DOOR

Elders Loisel and Keiser mentioned just before we left to go home about them being locked out of their apartment. That got our attention and as they told us the story, we decided to take them to their apartment and see if we could help in any way. The latch to the door handle completely broke and no matter what Elder Keiser or my husband did, they could not get the door to open. It was quite hilarious to watch all the varied ways, but no matter, we didn’t have the right tools. We then took them to the Zone Leader’s apartment where they’ll spend the night and will call our trusty repairmen tomorrow to get it fixed. To call a locksmith here would cost well over $1,000. The mission office warns the missionaries all the time on the high cost of locksmiths here in France.

Story above, but there was nothing that their bare hands could do no matter how hard everyone tried! 

SUNDAY CALL FROM HENRY

While writing this blog Becca, our youngest, called out of the blue to say that Henry wanted to talk to Mémé. This cutest boy loves to jabber, at least with us she says, and as soon as he saw us, said, Papa and Mémé. He then continued with all sorts of stories in his cutest babbling voice, and we responded as if we knew exactly what he was saying. My grandma’s heart melts each time! Thanks, Becca and Henry, for making our day!

Henry loves his Mémé and Papa and we loved hearing him say our names too! Such a darling boy and mommy!

Becca's beautiful inside and out and is an amazing mom, wife, sister and daughter that we really love and miss!

COME FOLLOW ME STUDY

Here are a few of thoughts form our study this week in the New Testament, following in Matt 8, Mark 2-4, and Luke 7.

• The Lord took time to heal and bless all those who suffered to come to Him for healing.
• Jesus came not to condemn sinners but to heal them.
• Being a disciple of Jesus Christ, means that I put Him first in my life. What am I putting first in my life before Christ?
• I have found through the years that the storms of life that I encounter are for my good and that I’m actually fortified, humbled, and more willing to find peace in the midst of these storms of life.
• Physical miracles are beautiful, but the ones that have the greatest impact, is when the Lord forgives sin. Knowing He can forgive, and cleanse is the greatest miracle of all!
• Christ can calm the storms. As we have faith and trust Him, He will continue to bring about miracles that change us.
• Stay with Him, even when it’s the hardest! Only God can really calm the raging seas.

 

May each of you know of our love and gratitude for all of you. Our weeks and months are passing by so quickly and we want to make the very most of all we have here, while still enjoying this beautiful country. Hopefully weather and time will permit.

 

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 stated

Les Missionaires – PACKERS

59 rue Bossuet

69006 Lyon FRANCE