BLOG 56, OCT 30 - NOV 6, 2023
THIS IS A HEADS UP! WE ARE NEEDING TO RETURN HOME EARLY FOR STEVE TO HAVE A MUCH NEEDED SURGERY.
The story will unveil in this blog,
but we will be returning home this coming Friday to Utah, still serving our mission
from our home in Utah.
Nothing has been sweeter than Steve and I serving
together for the last 6 years, and 13 months of those here in Lyon with the
last 4 months of those 6 years, in the states.
We also are so grateful for President and Sister Léporé
for their inspired efforts as Mission Leaders, but also for the beautiful
friendship we’ve had with them for these last 6 years of our service. We’ve
been in this project/effort from the beginning with them. They will finalize
their 3 year mission the end of June of this coming year. We dearly love them!
We are extremely grateful for the dear people in this
Stake in Lyon (especially the Stake Presidency and other special friends) and
all the Senior Couples and Missionaries we’ve worked with. We are so blessed!
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| Our last Sunday photo in the ward. |
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| This collage of photos, with us and the Léporé's, was automatically made by google photos, compiling the many years with them. |
As much as we looked
forward to our week, visiting the Dordogne Valley (1,001 Châteaux), things took
a sudden change. Read on…
DEPARTURE FOR DORDOGNE VALLEY OF 1,001 CHÂTEAUX
Monday morning we left
for a 4-5 hour drive to the Dordogne Valley, the home of 1,001 Châteaux, but
that estimate is a bit low, as France has a total of 10,000 Châteaux and the Dordogne
Valley has 11 % of those Chateaux.
We were planning on a two
night, 3 day trip to see a handful of Châteaux, staying
in the city of Périgueux, about an hour away from the varied Châteaux in
different directions.
The 5 hour drive was
stunning, with its beautiful, lush ripple mountains and patchwork farmlands,
cows, bridges and yes, seeing castles from the distance.
On our way, we stopped at
our first Châteaux before getting to our Airbnb.
CHÂTEAU ET JARDINS DE LOSSE
We first drove to Château et Jardins de Losse. We didn’t have much history, but the gardens were stunningly mystical. I’ll take beautiful gardens any day in exchange for beautiful rooms inside a castle, though I do love both. The gardens throughout were, like I said, so mystical! I just kept walking throughout, as the whole time Steve was feeling very sick in the men’s room. I didn’t see much of the inside, and no pictures were allowed, but our visit here was kept short, for a very good reason.
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| CHÂTEAU ET JARDINS DE LOSSE |
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| This area was so amazing! |
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| We were literally running to get Steve to the car, as you can see, he's not feeling well at all, yet, still trying to smile! |
URGENT HOSPITAL VISIT
Once Steve was honestly
able to start driving (because I can’t here in France), we had an hour plus
drive to our Airbnb. The drive took even longer than planned as he continued with
the need to throw up.
I was also talking with
my son in law, a Nurse Practitioner. We both discussed what we felt it was and
he said, get him to the hospital quick. We just didn’t know which hospital we
were supposed to go to or an address yet.
Meanwhile, we were
texting our mission doctor, and he finally responded and gave us an address for
the hospital.
Once we arrived at the
Airbnb, a brother from the ward was very near us and came to give Steve a
blessing. He also helped me bring all the luggage up, which I couldn’t have
done on my own and with the urgency to get Steve to the hospital, was a blessed
help.
Hospital
We left for the nearby
hospital and checked him in, in the emergency area. He was so miserable by this
point that we were grateful they didn’t take very long to respond to him.
They found that his urethra
was completely blocked by an enlarged prostate and that his bladder contained 3
times the amount of fluid than it should normally hold. They inserted a
catheter to drain the bladder and gave him things to relieve pain and he felt some
relief, but it was very evident that he needed to see a doctor within a few days.
He was walking very slowly but felt much improved from the emergency state he
was in previously.
Pouring rain
Once we got back to the
Airbnb, we had to park quite a distance and it began to pour cats and dogs and
we didn’t have much cover, but light coats, a hood for my coat and a plastic
bag for Steve. We were soaked once we got back. We were grateful for a warm
apartment.
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| We were walking Monday night after the hospital in drenching rain, no umbrellas! We got soaked! |
HALLOWEEN DAY CHÂTEAUX VISITS
It was fun to see the
flair of Halloween in the castles this day. There’s not a huge presence of
Halloween in France, but there was some.
But many of our children in
the State did engage in their Halloween traditions.
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| Duckworth kids! |
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| Brian Lattin with his Henry and Mason. |
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| Becca with Henry and Mason and the third one in tow! |
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| Ellie and Blake Packer |
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| Lydia and Lincoln |
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| Adelaide on far right with her friends |
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| Micaela on the right with her friend |
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| Brigham going solo! |
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| Austin and Emma Packer Family |
MORE CHÂTEAUX? MIRACLE OF THE WEATHER!
Seeing that the weather
was going to be beautiful blue skies, I still let Steve decide if he felt like
going to see anymore Châteaux the next day, or should we just go home and not
worry about the rest of our trip. At this point, he was temporarily feeling somewhat
better, though it was difficult to walk and do much, he wanted to stay the rest
of the time.
What was showing on the
weather app though, from Monday through Wednesday was lots of rain the whole
time to each of the areas we were heading. But to our utter joy, the skies
parted, and we received the most wonderful gift of delightful weather, stunning blue
skies, an exquisite backdrop to all the Châteaux we visited.
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| CHÂTEAU & JARDINS DES MILLANDES |
CHÂTEAU & JARDINS DES
MILLANDES
Mainly I will be posting a
few photos from hundreds that I took of the Châteaux we visited, but not
necessarily much history, as we just don’t have time under the circumstances, nor
would you want it. With some of the Châteaux, visitors were not allowed to take
photos inside.
It is too time consuming
right now now to share more about this or any of the Châteaux, yet we loved
learning the history as we walked through them. This particular Château, though,
had a modern twist from the early 1900’s, but also learning more of the
original architecture and history was very interesting. Please look it up if
you wish.
Steve took it easy on the
stairs and grounds, and I went to a few extra places he didn’t feel that he
could. It was hard for him to walk for very long. But he kept saying he was
good to continue on. Bless him!
The gardens again were so beautiful, but much different than the gardens from yesterday. These were more elegant, stately, and grand.
CHÂTEAU CASTLENAUD-LA-CHAPELLE
Our second Château was
one that Steve definitely felt he should not go through. I’m so glad he did not.
With the inclining and declining streets, lots of stairs inside and outside the
Château it was a good thing he did not.
Meanwhile he got a good
rest in the car, while I braved the Château by myself. I enjoyed the visit and
took lots of pictures and videos for my husband. He was grateful for the rest.
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| CHÂTEAU CASTLENAUD-LA-CHAPELLE - Steve sat this one out, but I asked him to come out for a photo. |
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| CHÂTEAU CASTLENAUD-LA-CHAPELLE |
RETURN TO OUR AIRBNB TO REST
We definitely took a breather
that evening. Just outside our window is the charming Périgueux Cathedral which
is a Catholic church located in the city of Périgueux, France, since 1669. The
bells toll every hour on the hour, and half hour. Périgueux is a beautiful city,
built in the 12th Century!
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| Périgueux Cathedral out of our window in the Airbnb. |
PARC ET JARDIN DU CHÂTEAU DE HAUTEFORT
Wednesday morning I was leaving
it all up to Steve again, whether one more Chateau was feasible or not, and he
was very willing. The weather did not look good driving there and even once we
got out, it had a little rainy cloud look, and a bit chilly, but once Steve
went inside, I took off to see all the gardens on the side and back. As I
continued to walk, I kept looking behind
me and there was this beautiful blue sky and puffy white clouds that
started to move the way of the whole area of the Chateau. It was incredible,
where once it was cloudy and dismal, it became so beautiful and brilliant.
The gardens at Parc et Jardin di Château de Hautefort
were so exquisite and the castle inside was wonderful and so fun to take
photos inside as well. The Chateau itself was so magnificent and the history
and preservation was incredible with what they had to do to restore it.
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| PARC ET JARDIN DU CHÂTEAU DE HAUTEFORT |
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| PARC ET JARDIN DU CHÂTEAU DE HAUTEFORT from the back. |
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| This photo shows more of the gardens in the back. |
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| Just one of many rooms. |
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| Another great view I took from the bathroom window. |
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| The history of this Chateau is incredible and so appreciated it so much more. |
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| The small cathedral inside. |
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| A cathedral near the Chateau. |
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| From a distance, the side of the Chateau. |
DR APPOINTMENT WAS SET FOR FRIDAY
Our mission doctor, Elder
McNevin, found the right kind of specialist and was able to get us in for this
Friday. We were grateful!
FAMILY COMPANY ARRIVED THURSDAY
After I was able to do some grocery shopping, which Steve was not able to join, I got things ready for our guests tonight. Steve’s sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Tom Herway, spent the evening/night with us. I fixed a dinner for them and we enjoyed a lovely conversation with them. They’ve been traveling throughout Europe and we felt grateful for their stop to be with us, prior to their traveling to Paris. It was so enjoyable visiting with them and we pray they have safe travels. With their having lived in Belgium for 28 years, they have seen Europe to the max, and they love traveling yearly to see familiar, or new areas each time. We have a fun fact nearer the end about them and us!
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| Steve and Anita - can you tell they are siblings? |
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| Tom and Anita visiting us for one night and morning! We loved having them. |
DOCTOR’S VISIT
We visited a specialist
for Steve on Friday (45 minutes away) and it was quite clear that he would need
surgery. Appointments were made, medication prescription written and we went on
our way.
All the way driving home,
I felt a gnawing feeling in my heart that we needed to do this in the States.
With my not being able to drive, the distance of many places, not understanding
medical terms in French, and the unknown, I felt more and more that it would be
wise to do this in Utah.
As we got back to our
apartment, Tom and Anita, who had taken a walk in our beloved Parc de Tête D’Or,
were back and we discussed with them the circumstances and they agreed it would
be wise to return. It’s hard to explain, but this is not the States, and trying
to communicate in medical jargon and my getting him where he needs, none of it
made sense to do it here. Ward and Stake members aren’t just available to help you and drive
you whenever, since they all live further away. And the office missionaries can’t
as well.
CALL WITH OUR MISSION LEADERS
Steve and I made the
decision we needed to go back to Utah, as much as we hated to finish this
early. It was an urgent matter that could not be ignored. We texted our Mission
Leaders to discuss this with them. They weren’t back to their home till about 9:30
p.m. as they were finishing a long day with new missionaries that had come in.
They had spoken with us
earlier in the week and we told them once we met with the specialist we would contact
them.
They both agreed that a
return would be much more feasible for Steve’s recovery and my ability to help
him. They asked if we could return to France afterwards, but being so unsure of
how it’ll all work out timing and the recovery, hard or easy, we felt we
shouldn’t.
President Léporé asked us
if we would be willing to continue our mission even from our home in Utah,
which is exactly what we were hoping, as we have still much to do.
We had already talked about it, and knew that it would be very easy, since so
much of what we do during the week is training via zoom meetings. We were so grateful
for his recommendation.
We had not intended to interrupt
our mission like this, but it will work very well, once Steve is recovered, and
we’ll be back on board as missionaries, still able to see children and be
closer to them.
We both felt so much
peace moving forward.
SATURDAY IS PACKING DAY
Not knowing our return
date yet of this coming week, I began to pack and clean the apartment to make
sure we were ready on a quick notice, as early as next Tuesday through Friday.
It felt good to start and
begin this process and know what to leave and what bring with us. I felt good
for our efforts.
1952-1954 PARIS MISSION MIRACLE WITH JEAN CLAUDE
AND JEANNINE ROUX AND FAMILY
For some time, I have
been meaning to meet up with Jean Claude and Jeannine Roux and their family
since I realized who they were and that they were in Lyon. They all attend the
Porte des Alpes Ward in Lyon.
The story behind this
family is incredible and though I can’t give it justice in a small space of
writing, my heart is filled with so much joy for our time with them, Sunday
morning. Their story and that of my parents are an incredible one. Jean Claude
and Jeannine are both 87 years old and were both baptized in 1951, at the age
of 15 years of age, Jean Claude in Angoulême,
France and Jeannine in Nancy, France.
While my dad was serving
his first mission in Paris, he traveled throughout all of France, as he was the
treasurer for the mission. My father met Jean Claude and got to know him, and
they never forgot each other through all the years. Jean Claude remembered that
at the time in Paris, my dad was married and had two children back at home.
This was at a time after Korean War when they needed missionaries, even married
men for 2.5 years in the field, which was quite a sacrifice.
Then during my parents
mission in Lyon and Bern, the Roux and my parents became dear friends again,
all living in Lyon, each were parents and grandparents.
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| My parents in Lyon, that I believe Brother Roux took this photo. |
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| Sister Jeannin Roux with my parents in Lyon. |
Knowing we were going home this coming week, I knew I would always regret it if we didn’t take the time to visit with the Roux family. They attend the Porte des Alpes ward, about 15 minutes from our place. I communicated most of our meeting with them, through their son, Christian Roux. We worked out the timing of when we would meet at the Porte des Alpes building. Jean Claude has been very ill with a bad leg and usually is not able to attend church, but his son, wife and grandchildren would be there and we would then drive afterwards to their apartment.
As it turned out, Jean
Claude made great efforts to get ready and be at church for us to meet them all
at church and have our visit in the Family Search room. As we entered the
building, there was Jean Claude prepared to greet me and we embraced immediately.
It was a sacred moment, where I then hugged each and every one of his family,
but especially Jean Claude and Jeannine. They loved my parents so much as did
my parents them, but even Christian and his wife knew them very well when they
were in Lyon as I believe they were all in the same building/ward, the one where
we go to church now. Then they kept in touch during their mission in Bern.
It was as if we’ve been
dear friends all along. I asked a lot of questions and took many videos and
photos and our emotions got the best of us. I kept thanking them for taking of their
time for our sweet visit, but they insisted it was they who were grateful to
have met me, the daughter of their very dear friends. They were not only
gracious, but the goodness of this family was so evident. To meet their amazing
grandkids, faithful and strong, their recently returned missionary grandson who
spoke perfect English, as did Jean Claude and Jeannine and Christian. Though we
easily went back and forth from English to French, it was all one beautiful language
of love, no matter which language.
Jean Claude and Jeannine
Roux served 3 consecutive missions in the Bern Temple. They stayed in the same
housing that my parents did, in fact, their third mission was during the time
my parents were there. They became very close, having this connection from 1952.
This was incredible.
I never thought I would
EVER get to meet someone from my father’s first mission in Paris, who was still
alive. It was a most remarkable feeling that transcended time from these three
missions.
I then learned something extraordinary
that touched me so! While the Roux were serving their 2nd mission in
Bern, while my parents were living in Lyon, in a small hotel for the main part
of their mission, and not an easy situation. But while the Roux couple were in
Bern for their mission, they invited my parents to live in their home for the
remainder of their mission. It was so much nicer for my parents, more comfortable
and spacious. I believe this was at the same time my father was asked to be the
Branch President in Chalons sur Saone, which was over an hour away during
weekends. My parents and the Roux, as well as other families that my parents
became dear friends with, are all such faithful and devoted people, disciples
of Christ, who know that their sacrifice is their way of glorifying God and to
bless others.
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| The apartment that the Roux live in (not sure which one), that my parents stayed in for 6 months while the Roux were on their second mission in Bern. |
We regretfully had to say goodbye, as I had so many other questions I wanted to ask, but it was amazing at that. My heart is filled with so much gratitude for this tender experience, which I shall never forget!
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| The Roux family. They do have a daughter that lives elsewhere in France. |
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| Jean Claude and Jeannine Roux - such amazing and delightful people. We loved them from the beginning. |
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| Christian and Isabelle Roux |
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| Johan Roux |
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| Granddaughter Roux |
SUNDAY WORSHIP IN OUR WARD AND TESTIMOMIES
We then drove to our own
ward in Lyon and knew that we would be sharing our farewell testimonies, of
which no one in the ward knew that we were leaving. It was kind of like the band
aid effect, where you rip it off fast and it hurts, and just then bid everyone
farewell.
I had not prepared what I
would say, which you usually don’t for a Fast and Testimony meeting, but when missionaries
leave or come home, they are at liberty to share more. My heart knew what I
wanted to say and to share my thoughts and testimony and I felt the Lord guide
me. Though Steve and I both kept them short, I was most grateful for Steve’s
words of love and testimony that was so touching to me and everyone. It was
choice to hear how far he has come with French.
When we were set a part
as missionaries by our Stake President in Syracuse, Steve was blessed with the
gift of tongues. Steve has worked so
hard on the French language in our two France missions, but this one in
particular he has given so much to strengthen his skills and it has been so evident
that he has truly been blessed with the gift of tongues, where he’s able to
speak so much more than ever before and understand better than ever before. I
have seen this grow in the last year like never before. He doesn’t see it like I
or others do, but there’s no doubt it’s been a beautiful thing to witness. Is
he fluent? No, but then neither am I. Can he pray and testify and share and
understand? Yes, and it’s incredible.
After Sacrament, many of
us met in the foyer to give our farewell hugs and selfies. Steve asked
President Jubault if he could give him a blessing. Presidents Jubault and Simonet
are both in our ward and so they were right there. We went inside the bishop’s
office, where the blessing was given. I was so touched by the love that was
shown of faith, tender words and emotions by President Jubault for Steve, and for
the Lord’s blessings to be upon him. We all embraced with tears of gratitude,
sadness for leaving so soon, but knowing most likely we would continue to serve
and do necessary training along the way.
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| Our dear beloved sisters of the ward we love - Sisters Stewart and Manate |
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| Our bishop interpreted for Emanuel as he spoke only English. He is a recent member and loved all the people sharing their testimonies and wanted to go up himself. It was amazing. He's such a good and kind man. We've had him sit with us the last two Sundays. |
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| Michele, the mother of Denis Pierre Couche. We love this woman! |
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| Dear Patience, who knew and loved our parents. She's the kindest soul on the planet and I love her! |
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| Veronique Couche and Rachel Rodriguez |
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| President Laurent and Catherine Jubault family - at least part. The daughter, Julie, standing next to President Jubault has just returned from London, England from her mission. |
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| Presidents Simonet and Jubault, such men of God who gave Steve a much-needed blessing. |
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| Emma Watcher, who is going to make one of the most amazing sister missionaries soon. |
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| Our AP's, Elders Marler, Lauener, and Hunsaker |
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| Kim Setchfeld - she is the Stake YW President and a woman of faith and vision. We love her and her family dearly! |
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| Ghislaine and Marianne Simonet, mother daughter duo, who does music for Primary and Sacrament Meeting. They are the dearest friends, we will miss greatly. |
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| Our chapel, the one my parents attended for 2 years. |
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| Memory lane photos! During our drive today, we went by our blessed park! |
RETURN DATE AND WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AS
FULL TIME MISSIONARIES FROM HOME
Sunday evening once we
got back, we received word from President Léporé that we will be able to
continue to serve as missionaries from our home in Utah, of which we were so
grateful. We have much to still do.
We also received, later
that evening, the itinerary of our return in Salt Lake.
The date of our return is
Friday, November 10th. The coolest thing is that it’s the same
flight that Steve’s sister, Anita and husband Tom will be on. I’m afraid we may
want to continue partying on the plane. Actually we didn’t party here with them,
but enjoyed wonderful discussions about everything in life.
Our hearts are filled
with so much gratitude for all that has transpired to help get to this point,
so that we can take care of Steve and his needs, allowing me to be more
helpful, than if we were in France. We believe the Lord has accepted our offerings,
of which we are very grateful.
CHILDREN/GRAND CHILDREN/FAMILY MOMENTS
Birthdays this week:
Aaliyah Packer (7) – October 30th
Aaliyah is the sweetest
friend to everyone. She is an amazing climber, runner and has 4 brothers, who
are pretty sweet to their little princess. We love you so much Aaliyah!
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| Our 7-year-old birthday girl, Aaliyah! |
Austin Packer – November 6th
We are so grateful for our last son, 7th child, who has a spirit of love for everyone, his family and even to strangers. He’s so good with people, is such a loving father and husband and son. He loves golf and is rock star on his cello. We love you Austin and enjoy this, your special day!
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| Our son, Austin with his father-in-law, Dan Howes. These two love to play golf. Steve can't wait to go golfing with them someday. |
Jacob
Packer –
“For those who don’t know he will be having a major surgery that day (Nov 10th) that will require him to be syringe fed for the first month. He will have his upper jaw/face bone cut basically from ear to ear. There will be a metal halo screwed into the outside of his skull that will hold it in place as they move and adjust it into proper position. This will be until mid-February.
He will then have the
outside halo removed and only wear an internal brace that won’t come off until
May.
He will be able to slowly
move from liquid foods to possibly soft food like mashed potatoes around
Christmas. He will have to keep it to soft foods for months. He won’t be able
to eat really chewy foods for 9-12 months. This has been a horrible surgery to
anticipate, and he does not want to go out in public during this time. (He also
needs to be protected from sickness…if you can imagine what that would be like
with all of that!)
This has been a major
stress for our family, and we would love all the prayers you can offer in his
behalf.”
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| Jacob - the one who is having the major surgery this Friday. |
Maliyah was transferred this
last week to Marina, California. No email this last week!
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| This woman on the right posted this on Facebook, as Maliyah had been in her ward and loved her. |
Elder Kyson Duckworth - missionary email thoughts
“One of our investigators showed up to church today and I'm not even gonna try writing her name, I can't even say it. But she loved it and thought it was amazing. And honestly, sacrament meeting today was just AMAZING. They based the whole topic on "Thinking Celestial" and I loved every word that was spoken... and that I understood lol, but I understand a ton more now! The language is coming great!”
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| Kyson with a family playing ball. |
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| Looks like a mall to me! |
GOSPEL STUDY REVIEW
Book of Mormon
- Doubt nothing and be believing.
- Always turn to the Lord for guidance for compassion and that our tongues may be loosed.
- Inquire of the Lord.
- What kind of vessel am I preparing to carry me and my family across the depth of hardships.
- Be humble before the Lord.
- Treasure the truths that we do know.
- Write the things of God, the sacred and timely things.
- Be tight like unto a dish, meaning, keep your faith so intact that you cannot let the worldly influences penetrate.
- Repentance and turning our hearts to God will spare us from unwanted afflictions and from poor judgement. We will prosper in the things we need.
- We can only worry about ourselves, judge ourselves, but strengthen and love each other.
Come Follow Me
- The Savior is our advocate, our Savior and exemplar!
- Let us not waste the Savior’s Atoning Sacrifice in our life.
- Be teachable, willing to submit to the Lord, always repenting, and calling upon Him in daily prayer, seeking His word and serving others and glorifying God.
- Am I going through my trials or growing through them?
- What more can I do to prepare for the Sabbath so that it may be a pure delight.
- Christ received His priesthood from God, just as Melchizedek did.
- Build upon the Doctrines of Christ.
- Suffering and obedience are essential in our progression and refinement.
Conclusion:
This blog is filled with so many emotions and sweet memories, miracles, meeting someone from my dad’s first mission, a convert at age 15 (incredible). It’s been filled with the hard and the good of departing to come home early, for Steve’s medical purposes. We are filled with so much peace and we are grateful that the Lord is allowing us to continue to serve from home as fulltime missionaries till our mission has completed (March 5). Most likely this may be our last blog, but not positive. But please do not hold your breath! 😉
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
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