You guys.
YOU GUYS!!!!!
I have something so cool to show you! It’s my Ancestry DNA results! Want to see where my people come from? Check it out!
I have been wanting to do one of these DNA kit things for FOREVER and I want to tell you all the reasons why I’m so glad I went with the offering at Ancestry.com.
1. The thorough analysis. Ancestry.com’s DNA analysis looks at over 700,000 genetic markers to try to trace my ancestry. Um, yeah, that’s a lot!
2. The explanations. They give a LOT of information about your results, and how to read them. And I appreciate their honesty about how they are only giving estimates, and that they can rarely be 100% sure. In fact, of all my genetic markers, there is only 1 group that they are 100% sure about for me, and that is Irish. I happen to know that some of their other markers are also correct based on what I know about my family tree. And there were a few surprises, as well (Scandanavian? The marker for Native American being this low?). Those trace regions gave me some hints about where ancestors might have migrated to Western Europe from several hundred years ago. And they showed me where some of those vague, “We are part Native American” statements in my family are grounded, and where they aren’t (sorry, Mom). And that is SO fascinating.
3. The connection with others. Now that Ancestry has my DNA results, it can connect me with other people who have also taken the test and who they believe are relatives of mine. And you guys, they have connected me with over a hundred people that they have 95% confidence are relatives! Just like that! Boom!
4. The desire (and ability) to keep working on my tree. I showed you some of my initial findings with Ancestry.com when I started working on my tree. Having DNA test results with the company is going to help me fill out my tree even faster, as the test results came with many more hints and possible connections. I feel very motivated to steal away for an afternoon, head to a coffee shop with my laptop, and do some serious mapping. Based on my experience with Ancestry.com, I will be able to learn TONS in just a few hours!
Basically, Ancestry.com was already my jam, but doing the Ancestry DNA profile they offer took it to a whole other level. The sheer volume of information and connectedness that Ancestry.com can offer makes it a no-brainer for me. If you are wanting to see where your ancestors came from, I highly recommend this kit. They send you some instructions and a vial in the mail, and you just have to send them some saliva and wait for about 6 weeks to get your results. They come to you via the website and an email notification is sent to you as soon as they are up.
Where Do I Go From Here?
photo credit: Franck Vervial via photopin cc
I am planning on integrating more cultural awareness activities for my children based on my results. Yes, we will start to make a bigger deal out of St. Patrick’s Day, but we will also aim to learn more about the culture of Ireland, as well. And now that vague desire to see Ireland “one day” has become a very real goal, and I want my children to get to see it, too!
What do you know about your ancestry? Have you been able to visit the area(s) where your ancestors lived? How do you incorporate cultural appreciation into your children’s lives?
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