BLOG 39, JUL 3 - JUL 9, 2023

SOCIAL MEDIA DINNER CHEZ NOUS

We are so grateful to work with an amazing Social Media team, working on a new project with Joshua Boswell using Social Media to further the work with Sharing Church Resources. They will be a huge blessing to this effort.

We had them over for dinner so that we could have a better discussion and get to know them, and they know us better.

Elders Nielson and Karlinsey and Sisters Wall and Morgan

 

This was the appetizer, far left was a spicy artichoke dip and chip.

Sisters Wall and Morgan

Elders Nielson and Karlinsey

4^TH OF JULY CELEBRATION IN THE U.S. – NOT SO HERE!

France of course does not celebrate the 4^th of July, but we’ve been delighted that people in France know what it stands for and are so kind to mention to us personally. It was a normal day, but we loved getting texts here and there with the families’ get-togethers and then of course more pouring into my messenger by the next day.

These were the only photos I got from half of our family, but so fun to see the joy they had with their families. 

SOCIAL MEDIA ZOOM WITH JOSHUA BOSWELL

Today was our day to meet with Joshua B with our social media Team. Sadly, President and Sister Léporé were not able to join us, as they had interviews going on. No decision can be made, but we learned more about what plans Joshua has for us.

Our dear Social Media team, the ZL's and Joshua Boswell.

JOHANN AND BETTY CHUPIN SCR PLANNING

That same evening, we met with the Chupin couple and got so much done to get things going again for this fall. They are a fun couple and we enjoyed going to their home again. Little by little they are getting the spirit of this work in their heads and in their hearts.

Johann Chupin and Steve - forgot to take photos of the women! 

LAST MINUTE DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR SCR

We received a quick note this last Wednesday morning from Elder Cheney, our DL, to ask us all to join him for a brief District Council meeting. We had no idea what the topics would be and even though it was meant to be brief, it was probably an hour long. His main objective was to talk about Sharing church Resources and the Member Training PowerPoint we had sent out to our Zone Leaders to share with the districts and to start using it. One of the main reasons for it is to train those missionaries who knew nothing about it. He was so excited about this and what he shared was awesome! Now is the time we’re trying to gather our momentum again and help build that in our district and the Zone. We were so proud of him and his enthusiasm.

Our fun District!

EVENING WALK IN THE PARK

Since our day started earlier with meetings, making it so we could not go walking in the morning, we took an early evening walk together in the park. It was just what we needed. The ever-growing array of flowers amazes us!

The gardens are so inspiring and beautiful! 

We have never seen the giraffes this far. It was a lovely scene to see them eat from the trees and shrubs. 

My one and only favorite date partner!

10 DOZ COOKIES BAKING MARATHON

I was asked by the Zone Leaders if I would make my White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies that I’ve made before for Zone Conference. We also had to make some for the Ward Activity that night. I ended up making more than I needed (a total of 10 doz.), but between missionaries and members, we didn’t worry about them not getting eaten.  

ZONE CONFERENCE & WATER GAMES

Zone Conference was especially wonderful this time. It wasn’t because there was anything unusual, except for the activity after lunch, but there was a special spirit in this conference that we felt wash over all of us. We learned the importance of a humble heart. Is it broken enough to learn? Power comes from a broken heart, a humble heart, an abiding heart and a heart that hearkens = Power! Focus on the Doctrine of Christ, teaching with the Spirit, and setting goals. We then listened to a small section of a talk by Neal A Maxwell, titled, “But for a Small Moment.” I’ll put the link down below. I’ve listened to it twice and will listen to it again and with the transcript next time.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN ONLY TO THIS TALK BY NEAL A MAXWELL

CLICK HERE TO WATCH AND LISTEN

The Léporé’s kept a special surprise from all of us, that the special ‘service project’ would get everyone very wet and they may need two changes of clothing. Every missionary and some of the Senior Couples came prepared. The service project was the Senior Missionaries serving the younger Sisters and Elders with fun outdoor water games. There were several stations, which I did not get to see much of, except the one I was manning, as I couldn’t leave my post. It was hot, but they had a blast. They then each got a matching T-shirt that says, DIEU T’AIME (God Loves You), that they could wear the rest of the day to start up great conversations on their way home.

Zone Conference taught here by AP's

Zone Conference Surprise! Water Fun!

This was the area that I manned! With the wind and the wet table, the cups did not want to stay stacked or stay on the table! They were to defend the temple from being destroyed. 

The goal was to shoot down the temple of cups!

They did everything they could to keep them from falling off the table. 

Getting ready for the water balloon fight!

We know that God loves us and He loves you too!

Elder McNevin and Mueller

Awesome musical number.

At the end of each conference, we get in a circle and have a group hug! It was awkward to take a photo! 

This is our District, but the other senior couples are not able to join us in our weekly district council!

WARD ACTIVITY – NEW FRIEND!

Once we got back from Zone Conference, we ate dinner and got ready, with 2 dozen cookies to bring to the ward activity. We met a woman and her 15 year old daughter who is here for 1 month. She is a lawyer from New York and periodically travels to do her work remotely. She is a single woman, and her daughter has major social anxiety and would not speak with anyone. But she warmed up to us a bit and we caught a few smiles. Her daughter loves horses and Lyon is known for their Equestrienne courses, so that is why they chose Lyon.

DATE IN OLD TOWN & SILK SCARF PURCHASE

We spread our date out in chunks today, with a walk in the park, a walk through Old Town finding needed postcards for family. We also walked by the silk scarf store that we often walk by and have only browsed inside, but today I finally purchased a beautiful silk scarf.

Lyon is known to be the capital of production of silk. The history is fascinating and goes back to the 1500’s.

“The silk industry in Lyon began in 1536 when François I invited two Italian merchants to teach poor, local girls how to weave silk. Lyon became Europe's silk capital in 1540 when King Francois I decreed that all raw silk entering France must first pass through Lyon. Silk threads were transported all the way from China and Japan along the ancient Silk Road and upon arrival in Lyon were spun, woven and dyed to clothe the wealthy.” francetoday.com

 CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF SILK MANUFACTURING IN LYON

Old Town Square

This is where I bought my silk scarf.

They are not cheap, they range from $50-$150

A child's barber shop! So cute!

SUNDAY WORSHIP & ERIC LÉPORÉ’S HOMECOMING

Sunday, July 9^th, we attended the mission report for Eric Léporé (son of our mission leaders), who served in Tahiti. He spent a few months in Paris, France at the beginning, and then finally went to his assigned mission in Tahiti. It was so fun to see three generations together at the meeting.

Eric leaves the following day to fly to Utah to begin his schooling at BYU. There were a few emotions of his coming home for 10 days and then leaving so soon. They were grateful for the time they had with him.

We enjoyed visiting the Écully ward, which is in the same building we attend, but earlier in the morning. We met new people and visitors from the  US.

These two couples were visitors on a 6-day bike tour in Europe. 

Elder Léporé, President Léporé, Gpa Léporé

SCR GUIDEBOOK PROGRESSION

We continue to work on the SCR Guidebook, which will be of great value once we are finished, for Stakes in this mission or elsewhere to know how to move forward with Sharing Church Resources. We have felt the Lord guiding our efforts all along the way with this project and pray we can finish soon for translation.  

CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN MOMENTS

      Happy Birthday Maddie

Maddie Packer, oldest child of our oldest son, turned 19 on July 7^th. She is heading into her second year of college, to Utah State this time in the fall. We love you beautiful Maddie and your fun and loving nature. Maddie is our second grandchild.

Maddie Packer!

     Kyson Duckworth’s Mission Updates

Kyson had his farewell today (Sunday, July 9). We were so proud of him and his powerful message of faith and testimony. He spoke of his life changing experience he had while participating in the Nauvoo Pageant which was exactly a year ago this week and next. It had a huge impact on his determination to serve a mission. It’s so beautiful to see the sweet love he has for his sister who is serving a mission as well. He was then set apart as a missionary and we were so honored to watch and listen in for this sacred experience. He was given some very personal blessings that will help and bless him on his mission. The Stake President recognized the many special gifts he has that will enable him to be a remarkable missionary. This was truly remarkable being so far away, to think the Lord has made this so available for us. We are so proud of him and his desire to serve the Lord. It was also so sweet that Maliyah was able to join him during his setting apart. She received an email from her MTC Branch President’s wife, who she loves them both dearly. She let Maliyah know that Kyson will be in their Branch, which is amazing since there are so many in the MTC.

Emma Duckworth gave a beautiful talk

Kyson sharing his amazing farewell talk

Savannah and Jayden Duckworth sang a beautiful duet!

Kyson's setting apart for his mission. 

Kyson's setting apart with his sister, Maliyah on her mission. 

     Sister Maliyah Duckworth Mission Updates

We love getting her letters and here’s a little segment from her email.

“It's JULY!! Time is going by so fast and just never stops. This week I've been learning to just appreciate every moment and every situation. And to figure out how I can learn or grow from them. Especially from the harder ones! I don't want to come home the same person I was when I left, so in order to prevent that I'm working on not letting a day, or even moment go by, without me figuring out what God is trying to teach me. He knows better than I. It's been a really cool paradigm shift that I've been learning to apply and it's honestly so encouraging! This week I've learned it's not about me. None of this. As I focus on others and put my selfish desires or wants aside, that's when the miracles and growth happen. That's when I'm able to feel the most love and Christlike charity for those around me.”

“To wrap this up I just wanna end by saying "His grace is sufficient". I mess up all the time as a missionary and it's so easy to put myself down, and feel less than I am, and feel like I'll never be a good enough missionary. But because of Christ, I don't have to be perfect. I just have to keep trying. And He makes ALL the difference. He doesn't only make up the difference, but He IS the difference. I must mention I'm making references to a BYU devotional by Brad Wilcox haha [His Grace is Sufficient]. If you feel so inclined, make time to listen to it!!!! It's a beautiful reminder of Gods plan for us and the never-ending love and forgiveness that He has to offer us.”

The Mission President and wife gave the sister missionaries a tour of Adam-oni-Ahman and other sites on their p-day. 

Maliyah on the left!

The quad companions!

     Gpa Wood’s transplanted raspberries plants

Several years ago, when Becca Packer Lattin traveled with us to see my mother, she went in the backyard and picked out several raspberry plants to transplant into her backyard. It has taken a couple of years to get them to produce but Becca’s hard work has paid off, as they are doing amazing. I can’t help but think of my dad and a few times going out with him to pick from his bounteous produce of raspberries. When I look at Becca’s bounteous harvest, and seeing Henry helping to harvest them, I can’t help but be so grateful for my parents and their love to produce what they could and see it handed down to their posterity.

These are the raspberries that came from the starts of my father's bushes in Burley, Idaho. Becca has taken great care and now produces a ton of berries. 

Henry loves helping his mother pick the berries and knows which ones to pick. Cutie!

GOSPEL STUDY REVIEW

     Book of Mormon

• How can I know that God hears and answers my prayers? I must ask, seek, knock, listen and have faith and He will answer me in His time frame. I can testify that this is true!
• How can I give back to the Lord when He has done so much for me? If I place Him first every day of my life and serve His children on both sides of the veil.
• Follow wise judges to be our rulers. A righteous leader follows God’s commandments.
• Freedom is of greatest importance so that we may enjoy and receive religious liberty.
• We need to be willing to fight for right and defend our faith and freedom. Whatever that looks like.
• Be steadfast in faith and immovable in keeping the commandments.
• Believe the righteous traditions of our fathers.

Come Follow Me

Cherish all the truths that I have received and live them fully so that I may live with Him and with my spouse and family for the eternities.  

• The Doctrine of Christ is foundational in our daily lives so that we may return to live with our Father in Heaven.  Faith * Repentance * Baptism * Receive the Holy Ghost * Endure to the End.
• I can become a testifier of Jesus Christ as I go about doing good.
• The standard works are relevant and applicable in our lives today.
• Be humble by asking inspired questions with the intention to learn.
• God can speak to each of us in our own tongue.
• Learn about those we love to be able to teach better.
• Repentance means a change of heart as we turn to move towards Christ and make the focus of my life on Him.
• Do not inhale praise and adulation, as President James E Faust and Elder Uchtdorf spoke of, meaning, do not take credit for the Lord’s work.

 

I am so grateful to know that life is about growing in Christ, gaining confidence in one’s abilities, learning to not take life so seriously that we can’t enjoy the ride, and to keep loving those around us, and see only their strengths, as we are here to help and lift one another! We love you and feel your support, your love and your goodness! We feel blessed knowing each of you! Have a wonderful week!

 

With all our love,

Elder et Sœur Packer                                                                                          Grandpère et Mémé

801-336-6153 (Steve’s)

801-564-1332 (Renée’s)

Address below: Please include the name and address as stated

Les Missionaires – PACKERS

59 rue Bossuet

69006 Lyon FRANCE