This past week I logged on to Family Search and noticed that a family member whose genealogy I had been working on the previous week appeared on my homepage, under recommended task, with a “record hints available” icon next to their name. Since I had hit a dead end on this family line, I was curious to see what records were available and if these records were a match to this family member.

When I clicked on the icon next to their name, I discovered that there were 14 records waiting to be reviewed and attached, or returned as “not a match”. These records were Dutch public records, including birth, marriage, death records, and census records. I spent the next several hours verifying the information, and attaching records to this family. I was able to click on and see the actual records and view them on a Dutch public record site. I used my cell phone to take pictures of the documents on my Google Translate app, and watched while the record was translated from Dutch to English before my eyes. What a miracle!

By the time I had completed these attachments for this family, I had attached seven children to these parents, including two who had died shortly after birth. I was able to attach spouses to two of these children including adding the names of the spouse’s parents. Of those who were attached, none had any of their temple ordinances completed. I was able find second sources to attach where necessary and to request to do their temple work. What a joy for me to be able to find records for this family. What a greater joy it will be to complete their ordinance work when the temples open again.

I would urge each of you to check your Family Search account and look for family members who need records attached, take the time to review and attach these records. Many will be for family members who have already received their temple ordinances, but this may also be a way for the Holy Ghost to guide you to those who need their temple work done.

–Elaine Hardman