"Joy!" (SP)

Guten Tag Familie!

It's been a good week.  The sun has been shining a lot and it's been beautiful!  

Sorry it'll be shorter this week, but I wanted to tell of some miracles that happened.

We taught our miracle investigator Joy from Africa and her daughter Jennifer.  She is AWESOME.  She wasn't feeling super great, but still had us over to teach her.  We taught her about the Book of Mormon and the importance of reading and praying together.  She then said that her friend that we'd offered to pray for, asked to borrow Joy's copy of the Book of Mormon to read it.  Joy told us as if it was normal, and almost appologetically that she'd get it back and then read our assignment to her or else borrow one of ours.  Little does she know how we were screaming inside over it.  We promptly gave her two more books, one for her and one for Jennifer.  She committed to be baptized!  It started out that she said she wanted Jennifer to be baptized when she turned 8.  We asked her, '' Well, Joy, why do you want her to be baptized?  Would you like to be baptized?''  So cool!  Father is so cool sometimes :).  

I learned that even if we don't see a TON of progress all the time, it doen't mean that our efforts aren't going somewhere.  Joy is our only major investigator but that's still HUGE.  If we bring but one soul to Father how great will be our ''Joy''!  I love being a missionary!!

Love,

Sister Packer

Oh, p.s. I GOT MY PACKAGE!!  It was so beautiful!!!!!  Thank you!!!!   

3 whole days without rain! (EP)

Dear everybody,

It has been an interesting week. Lets start with Monday. After playing Zone Football (Soccer) in Cardiff we came home, did our shopping. We missed the bus home so we called a member for a ride. We went to a Family Home Evening down in Llanyrafon (about two miles from our flat). At the end of it we dressed in Non-Proselyting clothes (shorts and T-shirts, and running shoes.) We ran home.  

I thought Elder Ferrell was joking when he said we would. But then we did. Haha it was fun. Very memorable. 

Big news! We had 3 whole days without rain! It has been incredible. Everyone outside was... happy! Even if they still rejected us, everybody was happy.

It was an extra blessing that it didn't rain because my bicycle brakes were nearly gone. Once your brakes are bad and it rains you're toast. The rain just eliminates any friction between the brakes and rims. 

I ended up getting new brakes and everything, but not without a few close calls and a couple of hard stops using my feet. (By the way Mom, my shoes are holding up great! It's like they were meant for this!)

I can't remember anything too specific from the rest of the week so I'll skip to Sunday. On the way home from church we GQ'd a few people. Usually it is about a 15 to 20 minute ride home. It took us 2 hours! I'll tell you why;

-We GQ'd someone on a horse (Yes! My knowledge of horses helped!) 

-GQ'd several other people until we came to a lady who was really nice, and the spirit was right so we taught her the restoration right then. Complete with an opening an closing prayer. 

-Then we met this older gentleman. He introduced himself to us as one who loves Jesus. We taught him about prophets (Once again with an opening and closing prayer). Turns out he has been given the gift of poetry. He was incredible! He probably recited 10 poems to us while we spoke to him, all of them about the gospel! It was great, we'll be seeing him again soon.

Other than that... we had a drop lesson with a really nice lady we'll call her name Ann. It was hard. But the spirit was there and I think she will make the change sometime in the future. Being bold is ESSENTIAL in missionary work. It is the most sure way of getting the spirit in the lesson (reminds me of  the term "Content-Communication" -Dr. Lund).

Oh yeah, Elder Ferrell cut my hair today. That was scary. But it looks good. Elder Ferrell is a man of many talents.

I Love you all! 

Elder Jacob Packer

Oh yeah, I've been hearing that the weather is Horrible in the U.S. is that true? We missionaries don't get to see the news. 

Abc spray sickness (SP)

Fam!

 

I am so excited for this year.  Man, it would have been SO cool to spend my WHOLE 21st year out on my mission.  I actually woke up at 5 this morning and stayed up until 6:30 just so excited about the work.  Hahaha sometimes that just happens. 

 

This week we were a little sick and it went around to a lot of missionaries.  An elder actually sprayed everyone's food at an eating appointment as he coughed in between drinking AND chewing.... that was.... ahem, awesome.  He was sitting at the end, perfect place to apply his abc substance aaaaaalll over everyone and their food, took a swig, coughed, and sprayed.  The moment after it happened, we all had stopped chewing, eating, everything, looked up, and then at him with only the sound of the skillet on the table sizzling.  Then we all awkwardly and then uncontrolably started laughing.  Ahhhh, the joys of sick missionaries.  Needless to say, he took home half of the dinner just for himself and we all got sick after that.  Goooood times :).  So, Sister Clark and I were sick with a cold this last week and then Sister Green got sick. Our numbers have been down because of this and we had to cancel appointments so that we wouldn't get other people sick. But we're doing better and ready to get out there and work! I haven't been sick since coming on my mission so I'm grateful for the very few times I've dealt with it! But it was also during this time that I really relied on the Lord and remembered the song ''I Need Thee Every Hour.'' I'm happy for those reminders :).  Sometimes having a break is OK, OK??  Hee hoo, I just had to keep telling Sister Clark and myself that.  We were going crazy not working like normal.... ha it's a good problem :).  We're just finally happy to get going again :).

 

It's been so interesting working in an International ward.  First of all, remember Mom and Dad how I wanted to go to Latin America at some point?  Well, it's not Latin America, but they are a lot of Philipinos here who are THE FUNNIEST people ever!  I love this ward so much it's rediculous.  It's been a challenge to find people to teach because anyone we find that's German speaking we hand over to other missionaries, which doesn't mean we don't contact like crazy, it just makes us think deeper about how we can find those ready and English speaking.  Usually that means working through our members which is how it should be anyway!  I'm so excited and grateful to learn how this process and relationship with the members works!  Get to know the missionaries in your wards/stakes!  Trust them and trust that they were called by God to teach your friends.  The Lord's prepared the way.  New Year's resolution!  Give out a Book of Mormon every month!

 

I love you all so much!  Vienna is so beautiful it's UNREAL.  But the Gospel is more beautiful :).  

 

Love,

 

Sister Coco Packer  

Here in Wales the Heavens weep... more like an emotional breakdown.

Dear Everyone,

The rain has been insane here!  It has been hailing a bunch too. It was pretty funny, we were on our way home and the hail was blowing everything over. I was pretty much 30 yards from the house. I jumped off my bike and turned my back to the wind because it hurt so much. It was like getting an airsoft gun volley to the face!

The people here say this is way worse than normal. That's a relief. If it was like this all of the time... shudder.

When it isn't hailing though, it is just really wet. Lots of rain, lots of wet socks. It is fun though, the people are sometimes nicer when we knock on their doors because they feel sorry for us.  Yep, it is all part of the plan. 

I'm continually convinced that every single thing that happens is all part of Heavenly Father's plan. I love being a part of that plan. Even if it means changing your socks three times a day :)

I love being a missionary!!

I love you all!

Elder Jacob Packer

Pictures are better than words! At least when I have no time to write a full email:) (EP)

Dear Family!

I have loved all of your emails! Thank you! Actually I don't really have time to read all of them so I take pictures of them so I can read them later. 

Today we climbed a Welsh mountain! A member in the ward took us to a lookout point where we can look over Cwmbran and Newport, and you can even see the Bristol Channel. It is only about 1500ft high. So, not exactly Timpanogos but its pretty high for Wales! 

I'm hoping this coming January will have many baptisms! We've been doing a lot of work towards it. Miracles WILL happen! Thanks for your prayers and keep them coming!

I love you all! Thanks! Just let me know if I forgot to include anything you asked for in these emails, I struggle with remembering those things sometimes!

-Elder Packer

Meeeerrrry Chrisssttmaaaaass! (SP)

Holy COW Christmas Day is already passed.  I remember being so excited for the morning of Christmas, waiting waiting waiting, and then it was over so quick. But what I'm so grateful for is how it CAN last all year and it's totally in my power to keep it that way.  I'm so grateful for the time I get to serve His children and grow in love, spirit, stature, and knowledge. 

Well hey family!  How's it going!?  I just saw ya like yesterday!  That was SO weird by the way.  It was like a dream.  It's weird to think it actually happened.  I could have talked all day, but I'm glad it was short so that I could focus on the work!  We'll have all eternity to catch up, if not right after I get home :).  I want to make some great memories this my 21st year!!  Some things I forgot to say (as Jake so cleverly put it haha)

A funny story: we got a bottle of vodca with our tree that my sistermates in our apartment bought.  The man INSISTED they take it.  It of course went down the toilet, but not before we took pictures and laughed about it.  I guess I could have legally.....

I met a return missionary yesterday who was just visiting our ward who was TOTALLY in the same district with Jake!!!  Elder Schenk.  WHAT THE??!  I was so grateful for Heavenly Father's little gift to say hello :)!  And there's an elder in my zone that was in the MTC with him.  HOLY COW!!  

  

Welp, now I'm 21.  And I feel NO different.  Adult?  Kind of.  Hopefully...  The only thing I could think of that's different is that I am legally allowed to drink which isn't that cool, but then I remembered that I'll be able to sit in the car with a 15 year old driving with their permit!  YES!!  Thank you for all the birthday wishes and thoughts!  It's so great to know my family cares!  For my birthday I went to a member's home and ate Philipean Chinese.  SO good.  'Nuff said.  And I also got to watch the new Les Miserábles!  I liked it!  Sketchy scenes were skipped thanks to other missionaries that had already seen it.  It was a different approach than I've ever seen, but it seemed more real and I was impressed with how well people could sing WITH all the emotion.  I loved it.  I received little presents from members and calls from other missionaries and the Presidents wife.  Heavenly Father knows how to send us what we need :).  

Happy Birthday Garrett!!  (27th Dec) My cousin, I'm so proud of you for serving your mission and I wish you all the best! 

Mom, I got a little sick with Walking Pneumonia, but because I knew exactly what would happen, I've handled it beautifully and don't try to work too hard.  My companion has been SO great.  She made me knoodles and ordered me to sit and just be sick.  Ahh the sounds of home :).  At least I can't smell the smoke here in the café!  :)

My Christmas package is currently in Munich at the mission office, which is great!  But, I won't see it until the second week of January when we have Zone Training.  Oh, the joys of a HUGE mission :).  But it's great.  I have had SUCH a fun and wonderful Christmas with all the members and missionaries and thoughts of Christ.  I'm so grateful.  And I feel very loved and watched over :).  

I watched a Mass!  We went to Christmas Mass at Stephans Dome at 12:00am and it was SO cool.  I don't think I even realize how cool my exeriences here are.... I'm in Vienna... at Christmas... watched Mass... in German.......  teach the gospel... work with these members and missionaries that I love so much... learn the gospel... pray more sincerely... receive more willingly... give more readily...  love more openly... serve more righteously... blessed more abundantly... It's just been incredible.  The gospel IS the true source of comfort, peace, and satisfaction.  I love this work :).  Til next week!  Thank you for all the cards and wishes Lindon 16th Ward family! 

Love,

Sister Packer

Of course I think of things to say now (EP)

Dear Family,

 

It was so great to see and talk to all of you! Of course there wasn't enough time to say all of the things I would like to say, I could have skyped for hours! So here are a few of the things I missed and want you all to know now.

 

Thanks for the package! The mug is awesome. And thank you so much for sending more of the paper for the Arc notebook! That is EXACTLY what needed! I didn't know such joy could come from office supplies... strange.  Elder Ferrell and I thank you for the little remote control cars. Breakfast was great this morning, it consisted of some very American, Warning-label worthy, cereal. :) Oh and the Gummy Shark (how did you know?).

 

The cards and everything were the best! And I know there are other things I haven't mentioned but there are too many to count!

 

Oh, and the Christmas Calendar... Since I opened it up yesterday I realized I was 25 days late to start it, don't worry, I'm catching up quite rapidly.

 

Lydia, Lovely pictures in the card, and I am so stoked with the Grandpa and Choir experience. Jessie, you have really great snowflake skills, I hope the iphone is treating you right. Did I see you snap-chatting me with that thing? Danielle, Your teeth look great, just don't grow up too fast. Boys are not good to hang out with. Remember that. BreAnne, I LOVED your card. You can write so well! 

 

Josh and Courtney,

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I CAN'T EVEN HANDLE IT! Keep me updated!

 

Natalie and Christian and Andi

I was somewhat relieved when I saw Andi, she hasn't changed as much as I thought. At least she is still small enough for you too hold and she wasn't talking. Thanks for the cards, I love you guys so much!

 

Mom and Dad,

I know you have done so much for me. You continually do so much for me. Don't worry, I will let you know if there is anything I need. For now though, I'm pretty much set. My shoes are working great, they will last as long as I polish and waterproof them. My bike is great, I need to oil it everyday that there is rain so it doesn't get all rusted. I don't mean to come across like I don't have a care in the world. Things do get stressful, I just am not very good on letting others know how to assist me.

I love you both so much! This is an amazing family. An eternal family.

 

I hope no one lost an eye in the rubberband wars. I hope you played dramatic background music with those cool little speakers of yours while you were shooting each other.

 

Happy Boxing Day! (I'm not even sure if people say that here).

 

last but not least, Nicole, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

 

Sister Packer over in vienna, is doing great work,

and brightening lives where sad worldiness lurks.

 

Testifying here and inviting people there,

"Come to church! Be there or be square."

 

Nobody saw her coming to the Alpine-German people,

now many more will take notice of the bright temple's steeple.

 

Probably the best birthday activity you could do is preach the word.

So selfless, so caring. Not listening is indeed absurd.

 

Carry on, carry on in this great cause!

Victory is in sight, there's no need to pause.

 

Why would you serve a mission at all? What does it mean?

You've now learned why you did. You've felt. You've seen.

 

One year older and wiser too,

a well sung song. too true, too true.

 

I'm quite upset that I wasn't able to skype you yesterday. I'm not sure what will work for you, maybe we'll be able to do it another day soon. I've already sent some other info to you so we can coordinate that whenever.

 

But Happy 21st Birthday! Does it seem like you're twenty one? No. Is that wierd to think that I'm 19 and you're 21? Yes. As far as I'm concerned I'm still 17 and you're 19.

 

Please do something cool for your birthday! Let me know how it goes! We'll talk later (hopefully via skype), just know that I love you!

 

 

I LOVE YOU ALL! Let me know what kind of things you want to know, sometimes I just don't know what you guys want to know:)

 

 

-Elder Jacob Packer

 

Christmas Skyping!

--courtesy of Jessie's snapchat. :)