Christmas 2014 "Quorum of Ties"

The joy that we felt when we were able to see Elder Workman on Christmas Day is absolutely incredible. I was actually stunned numb. For a day or so I couldn't figure out why? Then, I realized it was because he has grown so much. He has the same beautiful face and smile looking at me but he has changed into such a wonderful young man. He carries the Light of Christ in his eyes and has such a strong, beautiful testimony. It was almost as if a stranger was looking back at us. He is amazing!

His mission President, President Russell sends us an email each week and this week he let us know that all of the missionaries in the Oregon Eugene Mission will be off of Facebook for a season.  (I'm sure Elder Workman is doing backflips for joy! He would comment that is hard to be on Facebook as it is worldly in many ways and somewhat of a distraction) We will miss his great posts and thoughts but know that this is truly inspiration from a wonderful man.  

(In this letter, the word SICK is in reference to something wonderful and amazing. Just so you don't misunderstand his lingo.)

His address for letters is the Mission Home address as follows and his email is terry.workman@myldsmail.net

Elder T Brayden Workman

Oregon Eugene Mission

55 West 29th Ave Ste A

Eugene, OR  97405

December 27, 2014

Wow what a week it has been. So much has occurred in the past week it's insane ! I'll have to make this email quick, because I don't have much time to write it.

First I will start off by saying it's been an amazing week full of much love. I cannot believe how fast Christmas has already gotten here and pasted. I've had a lot of fun caroling and going to Christmas Eve parties with the Medford third ward. I have been greatly affected by ward members this past week and not just here in Medford, but in Riverton, Utah as well. I must thank all of you who have made my holiday season better by sending me letters and family Christmas cards. You have no idea the joy you have brought into my heart. And I am sincerely thankful for the love and support I have been given out here on my mission.

Christmas Day was amazing. In fact the best Christmas gift I have ever been given in my life was given to me. While talking to my family I had the opportunity to open a couple of the gifts my family had sent to me. One of which was called the "Quorum of Ties".  My mom wrote an amazing poem and had several men swap out one of their old ties for a new one. She asked 12 men to write a little note to go with it and sign the back of the tie. I can't express the spirit and love that came with this gift. It is indescribable. Lots and lots of tears of joy came to my eyes as I opened ties and got stories behind these ties from men in my life I have looked up to. At this time in my email I would like to thank all those who gave me a part of their past, something endowed with a spirit of work, diligence, obedience and sweat in many cases. I am so thankful for my father and brothers, Bishops, friends, family, neighbors, scout leaders, home teaching companions and my grandpa. (Who is now on the other side of the veil) I know these ties are material things, but I feel such strength and power that comes from them. From the bottom of my heart thank you for making the best gift I have ever been given. I have enjoyed reading all the letters and stories attached to the each tie. I feel so honored to know so many incredible men in my life.  (I was so overcome by the spirit when opening them I cried haha :) good times. :)  Trust me, I know exactly who sent which tie and who is with me for the day! 

 

My Skype call was sick and I love my family so much. I'm extremely thankful for my family. Now only 5 more months till I can talk to you again. We got to watch “How to Train Your Dragon 2”. Which is sooo sick! I loved it ! Than we went over to the Wright family and had a Greek Easter dinner. Which was awesome because I used to have it every year on the 6th of APRIL. I was taken care of big time on Christmas. Including a nice lunch. I love Christmas in the mission field. It was amazing !

I got a new companion a week ago, Elder Howard. So this week is transfers and I figured I was out of the running to get transferred. But President Russell is pressing restart on our mission and has changed everything up everywhere. It's crazy! So now I am off to Cottage Grove with Elder Bilmire. A greenie. I had always said if I was going back to the Eugene Zone I wanted to go to Cottage Grove. In fact it's my favorite area in the mission. I can't believe how blessed and lucky I am to have my prayers answered. I will miss Medford third ward. But the work must continue :). Also again I want to thank all of you who sent me Christmas cards, gifts, money, pictures, and letters from your families. You have truly made my Christmas season amazing ! I love you all and thank you for all the love and support.

GRIZZ aka: Elder Workman

 

A Quorum of Ties

Twas some time before Christmas and I thought I’d ask,

For a tie from some men that are part of your past.

Men who I know are all special and true

Could they part with a tie especially for you? 

A tie that was donned with their hands on your head. 

Or others sat next to you while breaking the bread.

Embraced you and taught you, interviewed too.

At meetings, the temple or serving like you. 

My prayer for you son, as you dress for each day,

Is that you feel the love coming your way.

This tie will be on you in all that you do,

Through studies and prayers, and finding the few.

So pause for a minute, when tying this tie,

Remember the love that comes from this guy.

He sends his support as you "Hasten the Work”.

And changes your look with his tie on your shirt. 

And just as the wind will toss it around

Our brethren are lost and wait to be found. 

So gather the tie and his flock to your chest

Keep doing His work and He’ll do the rest. 

Written by Diane Workman 

for my son Elder Brayden Workman

December 1, 2014