BLOG 53, OCT 9-15, 2023

GRANDCHILD BABY # 31 ON ITS WAY!

A week ago, last Saturday, our daughter, Becca asked if she could give us a call. I had a small inkling what it might be about, and sure enough, she and Brian will be expecting their 3^rd child and son. They decided to wait to tell everyone till she knew what they were having. So, at the time of their call, she was already 16 weeks along. Oh boy! We are so happy for them and they are so awesome with boys. She had hoped for a girl this time, but they have a great attitude. I remember having 3 boys in a row before having our last child, Becca! Did we ever have fun!   

Henry and Mason announcing their little brother on its way!

WOOD SIBS ZOOM CHAT

We had another beautiful chat with our siblings. Lucie, who was in charge, asked each of us to share something we loved about a general conference talk. We then shared our thoughts and gave brief updates. Love these wonderful siblings!

My sister Janine shared more in detail about her new job and position as director of the Nauvoo Discovery Program. It’s a long story, but it is amazing that she is involved in this brand-new effort to invite Young Single Adults to discover Nauvoo and build faith amongst each other as they learn the history of early Nauvoo heritage. This came to her in a most profound way and threw her back into the workforce which she wasn’t planning on, but it is an amazing opportunity of a lifetime. The Lord has much in store for her, as He does for all of us, whatever that may look like and if we are able.

Wood Sibs Zoom Chat

VISIT TO CRÉMIEU

With this being one of our few last days of beautiful weather, we chose to go visit a small town, about 50 minutes from Lyon. It was so delightful, and we were able to see buildings from as early as the 12^th – 16^th century, not to count the more modern buildings of the last 1-2 centuries.

At the top of the stairs to Chateau Delphinal of the 12th Century. The Chateau is not opened for tourist. 

Original walls and stairs going up to the Chateau.

Chateau Delphinal of the 12th Century, with a chapel outside it's gates.

This is showing close up how the walls were made.

The gate was closed into the Chateau. 

Steve reaching up high with the cell phone camera to get this photo.

The Chateau from the city's ground level.

The steeple of the chapel and old town walls. 

An original spinning wheel.

Ancient Couvent des Augustins courtyard from the 14th century.

Inside Marie Cloitre des Augustins Church from the 14th century.

Explanation for the Marketplace from the 14th century.

14th Century Marketplace

This would most likely be where people would tie up their horses.

Inside the marketplace, which is used weekly still after all these hundreds of years. 

Below are images of the standardized weight system that was set up for measuring grain.

Different measure troughs for measuring grain.

MORE DOCUMENT UPDATE EFFORTS

What we’ve been involved in has been an ongoing process, preparing documents, training, following through, preparing more ongoing training for when we are finished with our mission.

ZONE CONFERENCE

We loved our Zone Conference this week, with beautiful messages to be centered in Christ and motivated by love. Here are a few thoughts from my notes.

• The desire of our heart is to be mighty in what we are currently weak in.
• Our weaknesses can be transformed through Christ’s Atonement.
• Our prayers are our living conversations with the Lord.
• We are increasing our faith when we “Think Celestial.”
• Everything of worth takes effort.
• Be diligent, faithful and prayerful with faith.

These two images here and below represent exactly 5 years since we were all together for the first time, though we had worked with Roland Léporé previously from two weeks before we left for our mission to Paris. The Paris open house for the Center was on this day. October 13th, 2018-2023. 

October 13th, 2018 - with Amie and Roland Léporé

Our dear friends and Senior Couple, Elder Mike and Sister Wendy McNevin (medical couple).

The amazing Senior Couple, Elder Brad and Sister Marné Reneer from the Chalon Branch 

FESTIVAL DES COURGES (SQUASH FESTIVAL)

On our morning walk Saturday, we noticed a festival that was being set up in the park. As we looked at the time it would begin, we decided to go home, get ready, finish our morning study and come back for two events in the park, the festival being one of them. As we walked through the festival, we loved the focus on children and the hordes of squash of all kinds for sale. There were so many other fun activities throughout and varied items for sale, and free activities for children.

Yearly Squash Festival or Festival des Courges, held in Tete D'Or

Children's activities were everywhere!

We saw a lot of fun ideas with the many games like this they had set up for future family reunions. 

This man has been carving for 17 years. He asked if we were Mormons and I told him, yes we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

I challenge anyone who'd like to try these amazing carvings. 

BICYCLE BUILT FOR 2

After the Squash Festival, we walked over to the lake area where they were renting their bicycles built for 2 (plus 2-3 children could fit if desired). It has been my desire to try it one time before the cold weather hits and we return home. Saturday would be the last possible date that we could see. It was a beautiful day for a bike ride, though we will admit the contraption was not that comfortable or easy to maneuver. It definitely took the two of us to peddle, but we went all the way around the park. While riding I also took videos and photos of our last opportunity in the park while it’s warm, trees are still green, but turning orange and yellow and the blue sky was brilliant. The melancholy in me is capturing these memories to bring back home with us.

It was a beautiful day to go biking in the park. These are just a few of the photos and videos (not posted) of our biking all around the park. 

This is how they stack them, where a company brings them in each day. These are only here for a brief time each year.

VISIT WITH PRESIDENTS JUBAULT AND OBRECHT

Before church today, we had a brief visit with our Stake Presidency members Jubault and Obrecht. It was so amazing, as we shared our thoughts on how to help the stake to move forward in this effort without a missionary couple (so as to have this be fully run by the Stake), and that there needed to be a couple or individual who could really make this happen. As we spoke, President Jubault said that a few weeks ago, he too had been thinking this needed to happen and who should take this over. It was the very couple we felt should do it, from a long time ago when we first met. We felt such a great sense of relief. Once we do leave from our mission, we will have left them with all the necessary tools, instructions and inspiration they will need. This gives us so much more peace.

FAMILY CHATS

We loved our family visits this week, some via phone calls, and others through video chats. We love being able to have this family time, no matter how different the time zone is, we make it work.

Brian and Becca, but the two little boys are not shown, but the boys helped to show us the photo of the ultrasound. 

Austin and Emma with Leo, the youngest of their three children. He was as happy through our whole conversation, smiling, throwing us kisses and so happy! Can't wait to see them in Florida. 

Rose, the middle of the two boys. Bowen is still too shy to talk to us. 

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Today the Écully and Val de Saône Wards all met together at 1:30 p.m. because of an all-morning meeting in the Stake Center, for leaders and their spouses.

It was a full house and a beautiful meeting. I’m in awe, though, when I think of how far some of these families or individuals drive to come to church each week. Their commitment and their testimonies are so rich in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

It's always so enjoyable to also see those from the Écully Ward that we only see periodically, but we’ve gotten to know some of the members which we love.

Pierre and Brigitte Brenders. They were at the meetings this morning and were still there. We love this dear couple so much. 

CHILDREN/GRAND CHILDREN/FAMILY MOMENTS

Birthdays this week:

Dixie Packer – October 11^th I am so grateful for the wonderful woman Dixie is, who is married to our oldest child, Nathan. She is such a quiet and dear soul, who does not seek for attention, but quietly serves others and her amazing family. I truly love her!

Brian Lattin – October 13^th Brian is such an awesome man. He is so thoughtful and loves to bring joy to others and his family. He teaches Spanish at school and Driver’s Ed. He and Becca are the ones expecting their 3^rd.

      Sister Maliyah Duckworth missionary email thoughts

“A couple things I've learned this week!!

"Have courage and be kind" has been one of my mission mottos as of recent. I must say, it's been soooo so incredible seeing that as I do…, even though my circumstances may not always change, or people may not always change, I AM changing. I've seen so much growth in me and my ability to press forward when things are hard, to have patience and humility, and it's been so cool seeing how as I rely on the Lord fully and completely, I'm allowing Him to refine me! Being refined isn't comfortable, but it's not supposed to be. You're not gonna grow unless you lift the weight. I find comfort in knowing that the God who literally created me, knows that my limits exceed far more than I think they do, and that through Christ I can stretch beyond what I think are "my limits"! "I can do ALL things through Christ.." (Philippians 4:13) Missions are just amazing and I'm so grateful to be on one, knowing that soooo so many others are with me in this great work.  

"Fear not, for the enemy derides, courage for the Lord is on your side." -Let Us All Press On

YOU GUYS GOT THIS!!! Turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, for anything, and He's right there!! I know that's true because I've felt His constant presence in my life (especially as of recently) too many times to deny it.”

This photo may have been in the last blog, as she accidently didn't send updated photos this week, but sent the same one from last week. 

     Elder Kyson Duckworth missionary email thoughts

“Tiffany's baptism was great, but I was even more impressed with this 9 year old girl [Tiffany] in sacrament meeting the next day.

To give a little background to Tiffany, her family has been through a ton. Living with their grandparents because her dad died about a year ago and has always been in really rough financial situations. Comes from a very inactive part member family that never went to church much. Since having been here though, everyone but the grandma is attending church weekly and are increasing their testimonies.

Anyway, in sacrament meeting Tiffany got up to offer her testimony. She got up and started talking about the Plan of Salvation, and how she knew families are eternal through Christ. In tears, she continues to testify that she will see her father again and that she will forever be grateful to Jesus Christ for suffering and giving us a way for all of this to be possible.

I can't even explain to you how I felt in that moment, seeing someone so young with such a strong belief in this eternal truth: that families can and will be together forever through Christ.”  

Kyson on the far right!

The story of this little girl is pretty sweet found in his section about his mission. 

GOSPEL STUDY REVIEW

     Book of Mormon

• Become one in Christ.
• There is only one Shepherd, and we must hear His voice.
• The time will soon come when every knee will bow and know that Jesus is the Christ.
• Christ’s mercy, love and compassion and personal ministry is what we should pattern our lives after.
• Always strive to be found worthy.
• Allow the countenance of Christ to shine through me.
• Always keep a prayer in my heart.
• The doctrine of Christ is essential to follow.

     Come Follow Me

• Be not moved and continue in the faith.
• Always depend on the Lord for our salvation, but we must be diligent in doing all we can and then allow Him to work out the rest.
• Be willing to suffer for His sake and allow His will to work through us.
• If there is anything that is virtuous or lovely, we think on these things.
• Don’t get distracted by the trappings of the world and realize our divine origin as children of God.
• Trails are what refine us and we must always seek for His help.
• We can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
• Whatever our situation in life, if our focus stays on the Savior and we strive to emulate Him, we will find joy where we are.
• Reflect the divine attributes of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

We are looking forward to the last several months of our mission, to finish all that we came here to do, to enrich our experiences with members and those not of our faith, and to work to fulfill all that the Lord has desired us to accomplish here.

We now have plans for our mission return, which is March 5, 2024. We look forward to our return home to be with all our family, our neighbors and putting our lives back in order. We feel so blessed!

 

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