I’ve been on such a genealogy-high since getting my DNA results back. I honestly didn’t think I could get much more excited until…first contact!!!!! I had pages of hints to review from AncestryDNA and as I was beginning to review each match on my DNA profile I received an email through Ancestry from one of my matches! And…poof! Just like that I was conversing with a fourth cousin through a branch of the family I hadn’t done hardly any work on because most of the line had already been traced. And if that wasn’t exciting enough I learned that he was located only about an hour away from where I live (near where some of that family branch were buried) and some of his family actually lived in my area as well.
Until I received first contact I’d been a little hesitant to contact anyone. Once first contact had been established I started going to town sending Ancestry messages to close matches. And now it’s a waiting game to see if anyone responds back to any of the messages I sent out. Meanwhile I’ll continue to explore the DNA profile to see what additional information I can gain from the DNA test. Not one to remain idle, I’ve been working to get my raw data and GEDCOM file uploaded to GedMatch. I’m still in the early learning stages of GedMatch and how to use it but I’ve heard it’s a very good resource. And, of course, I’m also starting to explore the DNA, Genetics & Family Health section of Cyndi’s List, which has a dedicated section for GEDmatch & Other Analyzing Tools. There is so much information on Cyndi’s List alone I’ll be occupied for a good, long while.
On a slightly different note, I’m also very excited to have been accepted into one of the upcoming Gen Proof Groups! For those who don’t know the Gen Proof groups are small study groups who meet in an online forum and study the book Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones, PhD, GG, CGL, FASG, FNGS. I’m looking forward to fine tuning my current genealogical skills as well as adding new skills.