There could be worse surprises (EP)

Hey so I am a noob because I didn't even make that poem rhyme. Sorry Danielle I am ashamed. Just wanted to get that out there. I wasn't totally ignorant of my non-poetic performance, just rushed.

Now for the miracles.

Joey was baptised and confirmed this weekend. He has joined the fold!

We called Joey on Monday Night and asked him what he thought about moving his Date to this weekend the 26th of June. He liked the idea, but he asked what else he would need to do. We ran through the

requirements with him over the phone. He had some concerns with a couple of them. Naturally. I would be blown away if he didn't have any concerns.

The whole week turned into a battle with Satan! Every day Satan had something to throw at us, and something to throw at Joey. We had lessons, cry sessions, a couple of blessings to be given. Tons of stuff. I had a little thing in my mind that would say, it would just be easier to move his baptism to the 4th so it would relieve some stress on us and the members who we were rallying to help us. Than I would have a counter thought. Do you have the faith to make this happen? President Rasmussen sent us this challenge by revelation, "From the pool of investigators in your area, prayerfully identify one who will appropriately complete all events that lead to baptism and confirmation as listed in the daily planner and invite them to adjust their date and prepare to be baptised at a baptismal service held on June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 or 28th."

He knows that we can do this. The Lord knows that we can do this.

Holy smokes. Elder Boshard and I looked at each other on Monday night after planning. "Do you think we could move Joey to this weekend?" Elder Boshard asked me. I was daunted even thinking about it. "Yeah, it is possible. He's been to church twice already." Trying to have a faithful outlook. "I'm going to call him!". We took note of concerns he had and began praying immediately that Joey would stay with us. Not falling away from the path of investigating.

I questioned myself every day this week saying "Do I have the Faith needed to do this?" I should. I know that God can do anything. I tell that to my investigators a lot! Than I would keep going forward. Trying to make everything work out in the best way for a baptism.

We ended up miraculously having a ward activity on Saturday night which had been announced on Sunday. We decided that it was the best way to get as many members as possible at the baptism. Bishop Baker agreed and lent us his full support to have the baptismal service right after the activity. It worked out well. Up to the very last
moments there were struggles and temptations. My biggest temptation was to give up. I'll be honest.

Elder Boshard performed the baptism. We had a great turn out and the ward is so great here. Some were a little surprised by a baptism but hey, there are worse surprises out there.

I honestly have never had a greater test of faith in my whole mission.

Hey Padre! Happy Fathers Day!! There is no day that goes by that I don't think of something you have taught me. So, well done on the practical side of parenting. I'm applying it and surviving. Also, I know that you love me so well done on the nurturing side. Ya Done Good. Ya done good.I love you Dad.

Last week, due to my poor time usage I neglected to tell yall about our meeting with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland! This is probably old news if you've read elder Boshard's emails, but Elder Holland visited our mission and we were all able to shake his hand. He told me that he was supposed to give me a hug (from Grandpa Packer) when he saw me. I didn't ever have a chance to get that hug, but it is the thought that counts. Thanks Grandpa! Happy (Grand)fathers' Day to you!

The conference was awesome though. It was super sad because of the group that will be leaving this transfer. around 30 missionaries gave a 1 minute power testimony. They are my good friends. I'll be so sad to see them go. The next sad thing is that President Rasmussen and Sister Rasmussen gave us their departing testimonies. We're getting a new mission president. weird. 

Love,

Elder Packer

(Burton on Trent)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIELLE!! (EP)

A BIRTHDAY POEM TO DANIELLE:

I have a sister named Danielle,

she has two hundred things to tell

She is thirteen, a ripe young age

I was much older at that stage

She has a bajillion friends

And so much to do

She can count the people to love

and she loves them all

She cannot count something so real

despite her new maturity

which is the love for her I feel!

Love, 

Elder Jake Packer

Hope you  had a good Birthday Danielle!

This week has been a good one. Joey our investigator is doing amazing. That guy went finding with us. Haha, he is a legend. Please pray for our man Joey. He would appreciate it I'm sure. He is aiming for the4th of July to be baptised.

My companion is a stud. I love him a lot. Well done Boshard crew for bringing him up right.

Love,

Elder Packer

p.s. please feel the sincerity in this email. I know it is short, but I mean every word.

What happened?! (EP)

Dear family and friends,

Greetings from Burton upon Trent!

Here we go. We had some awesome contact with some less-active and part member families this week. Particularly this couple that live about a 30min cycle from us. The first contact we had with them was through a member who asked us to assist in giving a blessing to the wife of the family. She is a member but hasn't been to church for many years. Her husband is hilarious. We gave the blessing, and saw that they were doing some work on their back deck. We offered to help with it, they didn't think we were serious, but when it comes to giving service we are pretty adventurous so we agreed to help before we even knew what we're going to do.

We ended up staining their newly cleaned deck. We did one coat on Thursday but ran out of stain so we went back on Friday morning to finish up. These were probably the warmest days I've had here in England. My arms and neck got sunburnt. My hands have colour!

We need to get a picture with them. We will go back to teach them.
They said we're welcome anytime.

Our good friend Joey has been doing well. He is legendary, we had an awesome lesson with him on Saturday night.  We read Mosiah 27 with him. It taught me a lot to read it with him. We took a lot of thought in planning that lesson and I'm confident that we did what Heavenly Father wanted us to do for that lesson.

- Elder Packer

Sent from my iPad (Note from Mom:  They just got iPads in their mission 2 weeks ago--technology is changing the way missionary work is tracked and can assist in teaching lessons as needed.  Very exciting!!  Also, these pictures count as June 1st letter--I think there might have been a letter that was supposed to come with it as it was entitled "Pictures First"...but you never know with these busy missionaries!)

Obviously a missionary meeting : )

Elder Packer and Elder Boshard working hard!

I believe this is the deck that they stained.

pictures:) (EP)

Dear everyone,

I have some good pictures. I really want to share some experiences/thoughts I've had but I don't have much time right now. Thank you everyone for your emails!

We got our iPads this week too. It finally happened.

Elder JONES is back and is in my district!

Just know that the church is true. Following the Spirit is the best. The Lord will never send you the cheap way, always the best way.

Love,

Elder Packer

Elder Jones, Elder Boshard, and ?

In back, Elder Boshard, ?, ?, Elder Jones.  In front, ?, Elder Packer : ) Burton-Upon-Trent

Another week in Burton!

To start, here is a nice tree with the rain drizzling down.

We have had an OK week. Lots of learning curves, and lots of traveling. We traveled outside of our area on five different days for doctors appointments, district meetings and exchanges.

I went on exchange to Rugeley, it is part of Cannock ward. I was with Elder Balzen from Boise, Idaho.

Rugeley is a nice little town. It is beautiful, there aren't tons of people, but it is nice.

We played football with Jordi on Friday, that was good fun. We also started doing an English class. Jordi was the only one that came. Next week will be better. I improved in my English for sure. 

We aren't teaching the English class, Sister Rooney is, she is a senior sister missionary.

Welp, we're going to go eat lunch! Have a great week everyone! 

-Elder Packer

That felt good:) (EP)

Dear People,

It was a good skype session. Of course I wish I could have spoken to you all individually a little longer, especially Courtney and BreAnne... Eden tried. I love you all. I feel like I can keep going. I'm focused! It is worth it being a missionary!

Claire and John Wright took pictures of us yesterday at church. Most of you saw those anyway.

Pictures:

The other one is the first day with Elder Boshard.

The awesome guy that is darker than myself... a lot darker is Jordi! The girl is Rebekah, she is a great member.

Skype Time! (EP)

Final Decision! 

Skype at 7pm works great. We'll do it at the Berry's home. 7pm Burton on Trent time!

Love,

Elder Packer and Elder Boshard:)

ELDER BOSHARD IS MY NEW COMPANION/HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! (EP)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA! I can't even adequately describe it here, I am planning on sending you a card:) Just know that I thought of you yesterday and yelled "Happy Birthday Mom!" 

ELDER BOSHARD IS MY NEW COMPANION! He is from Draper UT. Turns out he lives close to the Gabrielsons:) Small world. 

Yep. That is the biggest news of the week:) He is a beast. We are already getting work done. He's got the faith and he's fearless. 

Oh and we got Jordi on a baptismal date for the 30th of May!!!!!! He came to church yesterday and loved it. He's working on understanding the English but it was a great experience. He will do it, the only concern he has so far is that he won't know what to say to his friends if they ask him about his new religion. Pray for Jordi por favor!

Oh how I wish I had my camera. I would send some pictures, but alas, I must send them next week.

My week long exchange with Elder Hern was one of the best things of my mission. I loved it. We basically consider ourselves companions now.

The other miracle is a sweet lady named Liva walked into church. She is so nice, we are meeting her tonight and hopefully we can teach her family as well. I'm so excited for her.

Thanks everyone for your prayers. Keep them coming, the Lord is working miracles here in Burton on Trent!

-Elder Packer 

Burton on Trent

with Elder Boomer Boshard

P.S. KORI, I read this scripture and thought of you:) 1 Peter 2:18. Go ahead, look it up. (Lydia and Jessie, this may apply to you as well) If you need a hint, let me know.

Weirdo Transfer Schedule! Holiday in Wolves! (EP)

I'm here in Wolverhampton with Elder Hern. I'm on a 4 night exchange with the guy. He's an English Bloke from Newcastle in the North of England. I'll explain why this has happened.

Because our mission will be getting iPads, President Rasmussen has been called to a meeting in Germany to get appropriate training and instruction. The meeting he is going to is happening on Wednesday, so our transfer schedule was thrown off. We had transfers yesterday.

The weird bit is that the new group of missionaries don't come in until Friday. I'm training a new missionary by the way. Elder Huff transferred to Rhiwbina (to my beloved Cardiff zone!) yesterday. Naturally I needed a companion until Friday. Elder Hern is also training so we were paired together for a few days. We'll travel to the mission office on Friday and pick up the new missionaries.

For now we're just getting each other psyched out for training! We've only been with each other for about... 20 hours and we've already done some weird stuff together.

Elder Packer and Elder Hern

I just barely took this picture her in the library. He's a funny dude. The English humor and wit are highly entertaining. We work well together. 

He had this work out DVD called getting the perfect bum or something... We tried it. I reckon I'll give it a few more tries to see if it really works.

I'll let you know about the new companion next p-day. I'm excited! Keep praying for Jordi and the Polish family!

-Elder Packer and Elder Hern.

FDhfad;jf;dsjfadjs;f (EP)

Hey everyone!

Hey so Mom, I felt the same way about General Conference.

I wasn't tired, I just soaked it in. I tried a new method of taking notes. I didn't write down quotes or words from the talks. I just wrote down things that I felt the Holy Spirit was telling me. My general Conference Notes have never been so simple and easy to read before. They also were pretty random, but MOST IMPORTANTLY THEY WERE RELEVANT TO MY MISSIONARY WORK AND MY INVESTIGATORS.  It wasn't the usual list of cool thoughts and scripture references. It was actual revelation for my current situation that I could apply immediately.

We taught my man Jordi! He is from Spain. He is so awesome. Spanish class has come to the rescue once again! He felt the spirit strongly in our lesson. He can't come to church until the 26th because of work. I'm so excited for him though.

We also taught an awesome Polish family. They are hilarious, they are working on learning English. I'm working on learning Polish. I tried to read the Polish Book of Mormon out loud to them and they were laughing so hard. Whatever it takes to get them open to it:) They have two kids, one who is 8 years and one who is 18 months.

On other news, we are at the Lichfield chapel right now. We are going to play sports for district p-day. 

I went on exchange with Elder Sorenson this week. We had a good time.

Oh and I met an Elder that was in the Fishers landing ward in Vancouver WA! His name is Elder Jarvis.

-Elder Packer

Before hair cut...

After hair cut.  I don't know why I look so sad.

Elder Sorenson and Elder Page at District meeting. Yes that is an energy drink. It describes our district meetings perfectly.

Elder Jarvis from Vancouver, WA and Elder Packer (who used to be from Vancouver, WA)

Elder Sorensen in the middle with the glasses

Introducing President Mark A. J. and Jane P. Leppard (EP)

Dear Elders and Sisters,

We are pleased to announce and introduce to you President Mark A. J. and Jane P. Leppard.  Effective 1 July 2015, they begin their service as the new mission president and wife of the England Birmingham Mission.  President and Sister Leppard are from Tadworth, Surrey, England.  Attached to this message are their brief biographical sketches and pictures to help you become better acquainted. 

President Mark A. J. and Sister Jane P. Leppard

President Mark Leppard is a Fellow of the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management and employed as the Director of Sales for Ascom UK Limited. Sealed in the London Temple to Jane Patricia Thurlow.  Served as a Counselor on Stake Presidencies, as a Bishop and Ward Mission Leader. Former missionary in the Canada Toronto Mission.

His wife Sister Jane Leppard, a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and formerly a qualified State Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife. Served as Ward Relief Society President, Counselor on Young Women's and Primary Presidencies, Gospel Doctrine Teacher and Stake Representative for LDS Family Services.

They are blessed with 4 children and a growing number of grand children."

I'm alive! (EP)

Hey, sorry I didn't email you on Monday. I'm alive, the computer I was using just died so I couldn't send one off. President told me to send out a quick email letting you know that I'm all good:) 

Have a great day everybody! I'll email you on Monday!

-Elder Packer

Burton-Upon-Trent (EP)

My new address is this:

86 Caroline Court

Burton upon Trent

Staffs

DE14 4NZ

We've had an awesome week. It is the foundation for a great transfer here. Someone walked into church! What the heck?

Something happened that has never happened before to me.

Someone called us that wanted to know about the church. Just because they found one of our little business cards. That NEVER HAPPENS!

He was Scottish as well, so it was fun to talk to him.

Those thousands of cards I've given away didn't go to waste! Yay!

-Elder Jacob Packer

I was kidnapped. (Kind of...) (EP)

I've been moved to Burton-Upon-Trent. Aka Burton.

Burton is a city in the Lichfield Zone. I've never been in or around this zone before so it is new territory for me. We are in a District with Cannock. I'm not sure why, the locations are a bit strange to be grouped together, but I'm glad to be here! I'm pumped to white wash this area with my new companion ELDER HAYDEN HUFF from Pocatello, Idaho. (Please refer to the picture where we are sitting in a posh waiting room together.)

We are the only team in this ward. There used to be two but Burton B closed down for the time being.  We just lost a massive group at transfers so it will take a couple transfers to stock up enough missionaries to re-open all of the areas that closed down.

Our flat is nice, it was just messy when we arrived. Loads of confetti... the things missionaries do before they go home. 

Our Bishop is solid. This entire ward seems solid and well organised. It is beautiful. The only thing we are here to do is bring new people in and bring some less-actives back while we do it. This ward deserves some intense success. Prayers will be needed 100% of the time.

Burton is a nice place. It is pretty compact as well, so we don't have to travel crazy far to get to the main parts of our area. It is nice not having to worry about area boundaries.

Oh and we got kidnapped!

It was on Thursday. We had arrived at the Lichfield Bus station and we were looking for the bus stop that would take us to Cannock for district meeting. I was reading a sign when someone, a man, middle-aged looking, tapped me on the shoulder and beckoned me to follow him. He didn't say anything, just acted like he was in a rush. I had no idea who he was. 

I looked over at Elder Huff. Elder Huff's face showed that he recognized the guy (so at least I know he is a friendly), but he still looked very confused as to why this man was there. (Elder Huff has been in this zone for a while so I automatically assumed he might know who he was). He was in a suit and he had a missionary badge (which I didn't get a chance to read).

He proceeded to get into the drivers seat of his car which was still running. He looked up and saw that I hadn't moved. I just stared at him expecting some sort of... explanation? Is that the right word? He started waving me over mouthing the words "get in." through the closed window.

Confused, I slowly walked over to him while he rolled down his window. I assumed he was there to pick us up for district meeting, but we hadn't arranged a lift. (I've been in this area for less than 24 hours!) I stood a few feet from his window. I asked "Where will you take us?". 

"To your district meeting." He responded, as if I should have known all along. I could tell I was frustrating him just by asking. "Ok I said". We got in the car, slowly. I looked at Elder Huff. I was convinced that Elder Balzen, one of the Cannock missionaries had arranged this lift for us with this senior missionary. We started going to district meeting.

I sat in the passenger seat. Elder Huff sat in the back. I read his name badge. "Elder Rooney" I said, "It is good to meet you."... a moment passed. "Did Elder Balzen speak to you?" I asked. 

"Who is that?" he asked while shaking his head. he was focused on the road. 

Yellow Flag (Not quite red yet).

"Elder Balzen" I repeated, thinking he misheard me. 

"I've never heard of him. Who is he?" He said.

Red flag.

Ok. I know we are in the wrong place by this point. Elder Huff was totally silent in the back so I just kept going.

"Are you taking us to Cannock?" I asked, trying to fish out an explanation.

"No," He explained, "we are going to the Lichfield chapel".

"Well, we are planning on going to Cannock for our district meeting." I responded.

Now he looked confused. "You're [the missionaries in] Tamworth aren't you?".

Now we're getting somewhere. 

"Nope. We are Burton.". I said. 

"Oh" he said... "That is why you looked so confused."

We explained that we were planning catching a bus at the Lichfield station. He took us back to the bus station where he looked around for another team of elders. 

The little joy ride lasted altogether about 5 minutes. He apologized a bunch and called his wife saying something about not finding the missionaries... As we rode our bus out of the station we saw two confused Elders run over to brother Rooney's car.

He was just going to a different district meeting. It will be fun to see him at Zone Meeting next month.

-Elder Packer

Elder Hayden Huff from Pocatello, ID sitting in a posh waiting room with Elder Packer (Burton-Upon-Trent)

Cleaning up the apartment decor left by the previous missionaries (Burton-Upon-Trent)

Nottingham Castle and 3 exchanges and Elder Wright (DEAN) (EP)

OK.

First of all, I went to the Nottingham Castle and took pictures by the classic Robin Hood statue etc. It was pretty cool. The view from the balcony is incredible. I can see the beginning of Leicester from there (at least that is what I think I saw)!

Nextly, I did go on three awesome exchanges this week. I went with Elder Lindquist on Wednesday so that I could do a baptismal interview for an investigator. I saw a member of the Westcotes ward there, Brother Jarrom. He works at the University of Nottingham where we were working. He was super generous and bought us lunch.

The second exchange happened after zone meeting, I went with Elder Tupou and Elder Dean Wright. Let me explain about Dean Wright!

Dean Wright has been a mini missionary this week. Doing everything with us. He even stayed in our flat. He did the first half of the week with Elder Nogueroles and Elder Tupou in their house, then the second half with Elder Winder and myself in our flat.

That exchange went well. We sang loads of songs while we were walking and made some people happy. 

The next day we did some service with Brother and Sister Hall, the day was beautiful so the gardening was a pleasure. (Mom I forgot to take my medicine so it was an interesting day from the start!)

That afternoon I went with Elder Nogueroles and Elder Wright in my area. Thus began the third exchange. We went to a DA and taught a lesson. The next day we did some killer finding in Broxtowe with Dean. He is a beast at finding. People like talking to him, and then he relates super well because he is English! They just seem to trust him.

That evening we exchanged again at a baptism for the person I interviewed. Stacey! She is so great, and she is so converted. After the interview I thought to myself, "I want my investigators to be as prepared as she is for their baptism". That night we ate McDonalds and I was finally back with Elder Winder and Elder Wright. That was Saturday. That night, before bed, we had a semi-massive rubber band war and nearly lost an eye.

On Sunday we went to church. Ola and Scott came! Oh man, we had a great lesson with Ola, I'm totally going to give him a hug before I leave, that is.. If I leave. DUN DUN DUN! Dodge night is tonight and I'm not sure if I'm leaving. It is a fifty-fifty chance. We'll see.

Ola's lesson was great. Scott is doing amazingly. He is set for baptism on the 28th.

It was a party week. So much fun. So much random adventure which was very interesting. I love being a missionary!

-Elder Packer

Nottingham Castle, Nottingham England

Robin Hood Statue in Nottingham, England

Not sure about the hair--but a typical way to feast amongst Robin Hood's Merry Men!