Guyla Thurgood
Sarah and Richard were like an extra set of grandparents for me. I was the only member of the church in my family and when I received my mission call to serve in South Africa- back in late 2001, they swooped me up under their wings and I quickly became “family”. Knowing that I had some debts to pay before I could leave on my mission, they offered me to stay at their home with them- to save money. I was there in between 5-6 months. Not only did they give me a home, but we enjoyed meals together, many prayers, and gospel conversations. One thing that I distinctly remember was that they would always play the hymns in their home. I remember drinking fresh cows milk that they would get from their neighbor. Eating Sarah’s yummy canned peaches. And them driving with me to the Portland temple so that they could be with me when I took out my endowments. THEN, they drove me in their camper- to Provo, UT (from Joseph, OR)- when it was time for me to enter the MTC. They were the ones that put in the time and energy to help see that I made it there. I was almost 22 years old and they meant the world to me. They still do- after all these years. I will forever be grateful for them and cannot wait to see them again someday. They are family to me…