F.A.Q.'s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What made us want to serve a mission in Wyoming? 

A:  In 2011, we celebrated Randy's retirement from the police department and my graduation from nursing school with a long road trip from North Carolina to Utah.  We savored historical sites along the way. We decided that it would be adventurous to follow the Mormon Pioneer Trail.

We walked in the wagon ruts. 

Guernsey Ruts

We read the names carved in Register Cliff and Independence Rock and wanted to know more about these people.

As we followed the journey of the pioneers, we saw the scenery they saw, we imagined what it might have been like for them, and our appreciation and respect for them grew.  I have pioneer ancestors who made tremendous sacrifices including the heartache of burying their baby girl who died while they were on the trail headed to join with the Mormons in the West. 

When Randy and I arrived at Martin's Cove in Wyoming, we were greeted by an elderly man on a tractor who was wearing bib overalls, a cowboy hat, and a missionary nametag.  We asked where the Oregon/Mormon trail is from here, he answered, "You're standing on it."  It was overwhelming to think of the Western Migration taking place on the spot where we stood.

We toured the Visitor's Center at Martin's Cove, near Alcova, Wyoming, and learned the role of the couple missionaries who serve there.  Randy and I looked at each other and smiled. We were thinking the same thing.  We continued our journey to Sixth Crossing, and we tried to drive to Rocky Ridge, but it was late May and the road was blocked by snow.  We have talked about serving a mission there ever since.  Now, nearly five years later, it is becoming an exciting reality. 

Q:  Why are we only going for 6 months?  Don't missions last up to 2 years?

A:  This particular mission only runs for 6 months a year.  Wyoming has a very short Summer (I heard it arrives on a Wednesday this year, and ends on Thursday afternoon, ha ha). Also, the Treks for the Youth are held during the Summer Months when school is out, and that is when we are needed the most. We are entering the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on March 28, 2016.  We haven't been given a completion date yet, but it is anticipated that we will serve 6 months.

Q:  Can friends and family visit us while we are on our mission? 

A:  Of course! We would love to see you, but please let us know in advance and try to plan your visit over a Sunday when we are typically off, except for the rare occasion when it is our turn to work in the Visitor's Center on a Sunday. Our weekly "P-day" (Preparation Day/Day Off) will rotate each month.  So, if ours is on a Saturday or a Monday, we can get a 2.5-day visit with you:   Friday afternoon through Sunday, Saturday Afternoon through Monday.  Check our blog for updates on our P-day schedule.  We have been told that we might be able to trade P-days with other couples, if necessary, but remember --- the sooner we know you are coming to visit, the better.  We will be living in our camper at Missionary Village which is 10 miles West of the Martin's Cove Visitor's Center.  We are happy to email driving directions.  Do not use our mailing address because this is several miles away from our physical residence.

Q: What will we be doing?

A: We will be doing whatever we are asked to do.  This includes upkeep of the trails and the facilities, giving tours, serving as Trek Guides twice a week (walking 5 to 7 miles per day, and crossing the Sweetwater River on foot), teaching Sunday School, speaking in Sacrament Meetings, teaching the history of what occurred there, sharing our testimonies of Jesus Christ, and serving wherever we are needed.  

Q:  How can we be reached?

A:  US Mail, Email, and Cellular Telephone.  Verizon Wireless does not work in that particular area, so we will be suspending our Verizon service for 6 months.  We will be getting phone numbers from Union Wireless and will inform our family and friends accordingly. 

Our U.S. Mail Address is:

Elder Randall Lee Cecil
Sister Linda Joy Cecil
Wyoming Mormon Trail Mission
47600 W Hwy 220
Alcova, Wyoming 82620

Our Email Addresses are:
lindacecil@gmail.com
rlcecil@northstate.net

We hope to hear from you :)  We are very grateful to have this opportunity.  We plan to post often so we can take you along with us on our journey, as well as having this blog as a permanent record of this experience.