BLOG 52, OCT 2 - OCT 8, 2023

1 YEAR ON OUR MISSION

Tuesday, October 3^rd, we arrived at our 1 year mark from when we arrived at the MTC in Provo, UT. We arrived in Lyon on October 20^th of 2022. We have 6 months left of our mission and much to do in this short time.

In one year, so much has happened, but it is us who have been blessed, strengthened, stretched, humbled, and inspired. In the end, this too will become another place in France where we left our hearts and testimonies.

Our wonderful MTC 1st week District a year ago!

SEARCH FOR THE CHATILLON FAMILY FROM CONFOLENS FRANCE

The search is on to find the Pierre and Gisèle Chatillon family that Steve first met in 1977 as a BYU Folk Dancer in Confolens, France, whom he stayed with for a week and got to know well during the international dance festival there.

This was an article of the BYU Folk dancers in Confolens, but in 1982, but one of the same outfits when Steve was there. 

Then 9 months later during my BYU Study Abroad in Paris and engaged to Steve, I met them as well. I had a most remarkable experience with Gisèle and her family for three days. The love felt between each of us was very tender. We are now searching to find anyone in this family, since it’s been 45 + years and we have lost track of them. We’re getting a bit closer, and we do know that Gisèle passed two years ago at age 77, but we are not sure about Pierre.

This story is far from complete, so we’re going to leave you hanging while we continue our search. All I know is that the Lord has guided my search for this family for divine purposes. Stay tuned.

SELF-RELIANCE AND ENGLISH CONNECT COURSES UPDATE

We are seeing wonderful results from the varied courses being taught in Self-Reliance and English Connect. We have now capped registration for the classes and will be opening up new ones for next February that members and friends of other faiths can start registering for. We have 166 individuals who have now registered for 17 classes. We are not sure how many are consistent in attending, but we’re grateful for the success.

DISTRIC COUNCIL TUESDAY

There were beautiful messages and thoughts that came out of this week’s district council. Here are a few of them……

• Pray to  have a prompting every day.
• We must be willing and have a lot of faith and hope.
• Increase your spiritual muscle memory by following the promptings of the Lord each time He speaks. I believe He is speaking more often than most realize.

Our awesome and fun District Council

GUIGNOL PUPPET THEATER AT TÊTE D’OR

Located in our beloved Tête D’Or park is a well-known puppet theater, which opened in 1948.

We attended a puppet show Wednesday early evening for memories sake. It’s very French, and the children love it, and it was delightful for me because of memories, but also because of watching and hearing the children’s reactions and laughter with their parents and grandparents. 

Guignol puppet theater brought back many memories.

The children were giggling throughout!

Oops, the head got chopped off! 😜

While living in Paris in 1978, as a Young Single Adult, right across from our apartment, in the Luxembourg Garden, was another Guignol Puppet Theater, which is now housed in a building for easier watching in bad weather. But it had always been outside since founded in 1933. If you’ve ever seen the movie Charade, with Cary Grant and Aubrey Hepburn, you’ll have seen the very one I’m talking about in Paris.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A BRIEF SAMPLE OF THE SHOW WE SAW

STAKE CONFERENCE PRE-WALKING EXPERIMENT

Stake Conference is this Sunday and knowing it was being held at an Event Center this time, and not far from us, we decided to take a brief walk from our apartment to the location. It was very straightforward and took us 20 minutes and then on our way back, we walked through Tête D’Or park with it just being a few minutes longer. Once a year, they hold Stake Conference in a large Event Center and then the other time it's held in the Stake Center, where it’s televised for people further away to view it from their building or in their homes.

These are large African trees.

FALL IS UPON US

You can feel Fall is definitely in the air, the trees turning colors and the weather a bit colder, but it’s beautiful and so delightful to walk around in. From here on out, we know what to expect for weather, since it’s now been a year we’ve lived here. We know that we’ll most likely be wearing jackets when going out and coats as it gets colder. But the beautiful thing is that everything we need, for the most part, is close enough to walk.

Our morning walks continue to still be such a delight and the flowers in one part of the botanical gardens are still alive and well, and in another part of the gated botanical garden, lush greenery that fills the rocks and cracks and streams.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO, "COME TO MY GARDEN" BY THE TABERNACLE CHOIR

Obviously, I'm enchanted with these gardens. 

The zoo always fascinates me as well.

PRIESTHOOD DEPARTMENT DEVOTIONAL

We were grateful to be able to listen in on a wonderful devotional Friday, held in Salt Lake City (via Zoom) for the Priesthood & Family Department, where leaders shared their notes and impressions from the last General Conference Leadership Meeting. It was powerful and inspiring as to what we are able to do right now in blessing all of God’s children to feel loved and welcomed, and to strengthen our homes and church members. We learned of the importance of reverence and joy and power in partaking of the Sacrament. We gained a greater understanding of how our meeting houses can be more inviting and Christ-centered. How we can minister to better help others feel like they belong, etc. Much more was shared that will soon be disseminated.

Jaron was asked to sing in the musical number for this devotional. He's in the middle with the orange tie. 

Leaders who helped present at the leadership conference review.

Elder Richard Heaton

Sister Tamara Runia

Sister Susan Porter

Elder Michael T Ringwood

This part of their presentation was also presented by our Elder Hänni in Lyon with the same presentation.

SATURDAY STAKE CONFERENCE IN ÉCULLY

We picked up Elder and Sister Hardy, the mission office couple, to drive with us to the Lyon Stake Center (our building) for the Saturday Night Adult Session of Stake Conference.

Before we entered, I was so excited that my 1^st cousin once removed, came up to me. I hadn’t seen her since we served our mission in Paris. They live in the Lyon Stake, but not really close. Darlene Thia Soui Tchong. Her dad is my mom’s nephew.

My dear first cousin, once removed, Darlene Thia Soui Tchong from the Valence Ward.

We were pleased with the attendance, as adults from all over the stake attended. It was a beautiful and inspiring meeting and the last hour was hearing from Elder Thomas Hänni, from Switzerland. Though he is from Switzerland and speaks German, his wife is from Spain, so he speaks fluent Spanish. He also speaks wonderful English. They lived in Spain for many years where he served as a Stake President. Recently they moved to Switzerland, where he was then called as an Area Seventy.

His talk in English was translated by President Obrecht. It was so inspiring, but what we loved about his talk is that he was basically covering what we heard Friday at the Leadership meeting. It was a second witness to us and my ears were already very peaked on Friday and then again on Saturday.

• Notice those who are alone and need comfort and our love.
• Out of little things, great things happen.
• Teach the Doctrine of Christ to our families.
• Our homes should be the combination of Sacred Times and Holy Places.

Elder Hänni sharing a part of a quote by Elder Holland about his dear wife, who recently passed.

Elder Hänni sharing the second part of the quote by Elder Holland about his dear wife.

We love our photo bombers!

Elder and Sister Hardy who drove with us to the conference.

Elder Hänni after the Saturday Conference.

SUNDAY STAKE CONFERENCE

As planned, we took a lovely walk to the Event Center, taking us about 25 minutes through Tête D’Or park. It was a crisp and beautiful morning. Expecting it to be a bit serene in the park, we noticed large groups of people gathering for a race inside the park. It was fun to see such a hustle of people, young and old for such an event. Our walk back was as the race had just completed.

The conference was amazing. It was wonderful to see hundreds of families and individuals gather in the Event Center for Stake Conference, just one week after General Conference.

At the beginning, there were a few people who were sustained for various callings, but the one that caught our attention was the new Stake Patriarch. They have a current Stake Patriarch but he and his wife will be serving a mission and that prompted a need for calling a second Patriarch. As soon as we heard a new patriarch would be called, the face and name of Pierre Brenders came to me. That was who the Stake President did, in fact, call to be Patriarch, but as he spoke of Pierre he became quite emotional and could not speak for a while as he had strongly felt revelation for this call. Pierre is beloved by all and everyone who knows Pierre would understand President Jubault’s emotions. Pierre was the first Stake President in of the Lyon Stake, also later became the Bern Temple President. He and his dear wife were also dear friends of my parents and now have become dear friends of ours. It will be very tender for him and the stake.

The meeting started with a Primary choir singing, so tenderly and sweetly, “I Will Walk With Jesus.”

I Will Walk With Jesus - YouTube

It would be hard to summarize what we felt and experienced in this meeting as the spirit was so strong and there were so many emotions from many of the speakers, but the talks were wonderful, from young people to older, and Stake Leaders and also again from Elder Hänni. Elder Hänni’s message in particular was a third witness of what we’ve heard from the two days previous and has instilled a strong determination of improvement in particular areas. We feel rejuvenated. Here are some random thoughts from the conference.

• See through the spirit but go a bit deeper.
• Christ is the focus we speak of and believe.
• Build an unshakable faith that Christ is our Savior.
• The bird still sings in the dark because he knows that the sun will rise, so can we know Christ will rise, even when things may seem dark.
• We can feel home at church, and church in our home, and help them both feel like a temple.  
• Begin to utilize children, youth and YSA more often and help them to feel a sense of belonging and prepare for life ahead to be strong and faithful.
• Quoted several times today and this weekend from President Nelson, April 2018 General Conference, was the following. It is quoted often!
• “Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

President Obrecht, interpreting for Elder Hänni, as he speaks English, but his main language is German and Spanish.

I wanted to capture the three individuals here who were 3 of the former 5 Stake Presidents in Lyon, with Pierre Brenders, on the left, the first Stake President of Lyon. 

President Léporé, Elder Hänni, President Jubault and Pierre Brenders, first Stake President of Lyon. There were two others.

Wonderful leaders of the Stake with Elder Hänni.

Pierre Brenders, new Stake Patriarch with the current Patriarch, who is leaving on a mission with his wife. 

Elder Hänni requested that we have a photo with him, as he wanted to share it with Alan Packer, who was the Mission President in Spain and Elder Hänni was his Executive Secretary. Steve is related to Alan Packer but does not know him personally. 

Elder Hänni with our beloved Mission Leaders, the Léporés.

President Christian Pascaud, new Branch President of the Chalon Branch and requested that we help him with a project on Family History in January. 

Sisters Miner and Blake

WALK HOME FROM CONFERENCE

We stood out a bit differently for all those in the park, as so many were dressed for running, we were dressed in our Sunday best, but the walk in the park was spectacular.

 A small portion of the runners finished from the race. 

We have rarely seen the boats used, but maybe Sunday is their big day. 

These fun bicycles have just recently come out to be rented. 

At the end, we went outside the front gates of the park and took a photo of where my parents had a photo of them. I just had to capture the same about area as they did. 

These glorious front gates of Tete D'Or

Renée and Steve standing in the front gates of Tete D'Or

Renée's Parents in front of the gates of Tete D'Or, 20 + earlier.

CHILDREN/GRAND CHILDREN/FAMILY MOMENTS

Birthday this week

     Camille Duckworth – October 8^th (today) is our oldest daughter Camille who lives 20 minutes out of Vancouver, WA. I am so grateful for the amazing daughter, wife, mother, sister and friend she is. She serves like no one I’ve ever seen, has a big heart to help anyone. Enjoy your special day, this day of Sabbath, and the rest of the week! 

Birthday girl, Camille is on the left, with Becca, me and Janine - Love these three daughters and all my daughter in laws. 

     Brent’s design drawer pulls and spice drawer.

Brent has been working on several projects on his home building and one of them was his pewter drawer pulls and spice drawer. He designed the pulls by making a mold from a piece of wood he carved and then in a special combination of pewter and some other product, poured the liquid in the molds. They turned out incredible. His big project next is to finish the roof. He’s halfway! He’s hoping to be done by Halloween.

Brent's innovative drawer pulls that he designed and made out of pewter.

The drawer for spices.

     Jacob Packer’s qualification bike race

Jacob qualified for State and will be racing in Cedar City in 2 weeks. Go Jacob!

Jacob Packer - a champ bicyclist. 

     Aaliyah Packer’s ‘RaceCats’ Running Team

Aaliyah joined an all-girls running team and came in 6^th place of 28 girls and was one of the youngest of the group. Go Aaliylah!

Aaliyah Packer came in 6th of 28 girls competing.

     Bowen holding a frog for the first time!

We love catching a glimpse of the grandkids doing cute things, like Bowen holding a frog for the first time. He was brave and seemed so excited to hold it. He must’ve gotten this excitement from his Gma Mémé. I loved frogs, snails and such critters as a young child.

Brave Bowen holding his first frog!

      Sister Maliyah Duckworth missionary email thoughts

“I want you all to know, I LOVE THE WORK!!! I love teaching. Even when I don't always know what to say. I've realized all I need is my testimony, the spirit, and the scriptures. I don't need to know every Book of Mormon story, or every scripture reference, I just need my faith. I know thay my faith is sufficient and that through my faith and willingness to serve the Lord, He can work miracles. I know that none of it--none of the success comes from me!! It's all from Him. I've felt sooo much joy this week from the times I've been able to see people slowly start to light up about the gospel and come closer to Christ. I can't wait to become a better missionary and teacher, with time, and see more miracles start to unfold! This work is good and it is needed.

GENERAL CONFERENCE was soooo so needed. I literally was so sad when it was over haha. It rejuvenates my soul and just inspired me to be better. I'm so grateful to have a living prophet and apostles on the earth today. I love them. I know they speak the words of God, through the Spirit. I know the things they say are directly for us; to guide us, help us, encourage us, and heal us. A talk I reeeeally really loved was Elder Sabin's, when he talked about how when "nothing is expected and everything is appreciated, life becomes magical." And something that's cool is Elder Sabin is coming to our mission next week for zone conference!!! I'm super super stoked to get to see and hear from him again:)”

Maliyah and Sister Louis.

Maliyah's District Council PDay

     Elder Kyson Duckworth - missionary email thoughts

“I think by far one of my favorite talks I heard this year was the very first one: Elder Bednar’s talk "In the Path of Their Duty" about "the People of the Last Wagon."

I've always had such respect for the pioneers and early Saints of the church. The hard times/people they dealt with, traveling I don't know, more than halfway across the U.S. by foot, and many coming from England as well.

But I especially have so much love and respect for the people who's stories go unspoken of, those of "the last wagon." Who never get recognized because they did anything "grand or marvelous." But that, my friends, is a lie. They had faith in Christ and God. They acted on that faith. And they were blessed for it. That's pretty marvelous, I'd say.

People of the last wagon still exist today, and it's hard. It's so hard to endure to the end when you aren't ever recognized for it by people around you. I loved what Elder Bednar said here:

"I am grateful for the millions of members who today are coming unto the Savior and pressing forward on the covenant path in the last wagons of our contemporary wagon trains - and who truly are no less serviceable. Your strong faith in Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and your unpretentious, consecrated lives inspire me to be a better disciple. I love you. I admire you. Thank you. And I commend you."

Never feel like you are no less serviceable. God knows exactly what your capable of and built you for the work. He loves you and will support you every second of the journey. Even if it is in the last wagon.”

Division Lunch with Kyson's District Leaders

Teaching the gospel to a horse.

Kyson holding Pizza boxes from their apartment.

GOSPEL STUDY REVIEW

     Book of Mormon

• Sore afflictions often cause us to turn to God and repent.
• The Lord’s mercy is for anyone who is willing to turn their hearts towards Him, and they will be freely forgiven.
• Always strive to turn towards Him to receive His grace.
• Become as a little child, submissive, meek and mild.
• The Lord’s compassion changes hearts.
• The good we do for others is a way for us to Glorify God, not ourselves.
• Judging produces bad fruit!
• Build on a strong foundation of Jesus Christ.

     Come Follow Me

• Remain close to the Spirit to know the Lord’s desires for us.
• The gospel of Jesus Christ has the greatest blessings for our lives in these latter days.
• We always have need of prophets and apostles, as they are the conduit from the Lord for our day.
• The armor of God will help protect us from evil.
• President Nelson stated, “I am a child of God, I am a child of the covenant, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.”
• Be one and unified, yet we may be different in our thoughts, capabilities, and responsibilities.
• Improve relationships and strengthen and be kind to one another, be tenderhearted and forgive one another.

Conclusion:

Now that Steve and I have passed a year on our mission here in Lyon, it’s amazing to reflect on how blessed we truly have been in so many ways. Day by day, week by week, and month by month one could easily let the remarkable joys of serving a mission get lost in the everyday work. But we can testify that the tremendous blessings, tender and sweet spirit, many miracles and joys we have experienced here are real. We have also seen beautiful and miraculous blessings with our family back home, whom we love and miss dearly. We testify that miracles happen, and we have felt the Lord by our side, lifting and strengthening us on a daily basis. How we love serving together, side by side, hand in hand, heart to heart! ♥

The Lord is also by your side, lifting and strengthening you through the beautiful and peaceful blue waters or tempestuous seas. We all experience both, and so, for that we trust the Lord, keep our covenants and build a strong faith in the Lord.

 

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