Family Finder

I mentioned a while back that I have done a couple of DNA tests.  The first was with my mother; in the future, if I am able to have a test with someone (siblingship test or paternity test) it seems to be helpful to have the mother's DNA, if possible. 

The second one I did is called Family Finder.  Family Tree DNA does this test (and other DNA tests) and takes the results and enters them into their data bank to check against other participants.  I am still learning about this site and what all it offers, but I've gotta tell you that I'm really impressed with it.  I've gotten 160+ matches and the list is growing.  I haven't found anyone closer than a 3rd cousin yet, but I'm very hopeful. 

Throughout this crazy journey of being donor conceived, God has sent several people to help me with whatever it was that I needed at the time; emotional support, a direction to look, ideas on looking, financial gifts to pay for DNA tests, etc.  The people that I've met have been wonderful folks that I wouldn't have known otherwise.  I'm thankful to God for sending these people into my life. 

The latest person is a man named Brian, whose father has shown up on my list of relatives as a distant cousin.  Brian was able to read the proverbial writing on the Family Finder wall for me; my biological father is Jewish.  I was both surprised and thrilled with this knowledge. 

It feels so good to know something about this man who helped create me, but it is also wonderful to know this about myself; I have a history.  I have a people.  I was not raised Jewish, but I guess you could say that it's in my blood.

Brian also did a little digging for me about my mother's family, too, and I was surprised to find out interesting things about that line.

Even though this isn't a commerical for FTDNA, it's going to sound like it...if you are interested in genealogy, do this Family Finder test.  If you want to find your biological family, this is a good place to start.  If you just want to find people you share ancestors with, do this.  I can't recommend it enough, and I don't even fully know everything that this site does yet!  There are all kinds of cool tools that can be used to reconstruct a family tree.

So to Brian who helped me more than he knows, and to the one who made it possible for me to take this test, thank you.