One of the most exciting things had happened while we were getting our missionary prepared to enter the MTC was that while we were compiling his four generation pedigree chart, we got hooked on family history again.
He had a four generation pedigree chart that he had prepared for the Boy Scout Genealogy merit badge, but we had purchased a new computer since then and there is now new genealogy software and downloads available at http://www.familysearch.org./ So we needed to update our information.
According to Mormon.org, "The site is one of the most popular online genealogical services and is free of charge. It’s operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is linked to the world’s largest collection of genealogical resources and a global network of research centers. It contains a billion names from over 110 counties and territories including those found in the 1880 United States Census, the 1881 Canadian Census, the 1881 British Census, the Ellis Island database and the Freedman’s Bank Records. The Church is currently working on a massive digitization project of microfilmed and other records that will bring even more billions of names into the collection over the next few years."
After entering the information, we already knew into our Personal Ancestral File software, and we just started downloading and linking information we found at familysearch.org. On one line, we were able to link back to the year 0965. It was crazy. We spent about seven hours total before we exhausted all the available information. However, on two of our ancestral lines, we were lucky to know enough information to complete the four generation pedigree chart. So do not get discouraged if that is your circumstance, just do what you can do, and consider all the exciting work you have to look forward to in the furture.
Also, I guess what I'm saying is that family history and genealogical research would be a great way to prepare your child for a mission. Start now!
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