Ready Set Go

Once again, we are off on another adventure. This time, we are following in the footsteps of some of my ancestors. Being that I am truly a mutt, I expect a lot of travel in my future. First, we are headed to Scotland. We will begin by going to Edinburgh. We shall leave the Highlands, Shetland Islands, and the Isle of Skye (I have several ancestors from this area) for another time. However, trust me when I tell you — it will happen. I have too many great-grandparents to ignore. Secondly, we are going to Ireland, and being that I am 70% Irish, well, it's a pretty important trip for me. It seems that most of my family came from just south of Dublin, and then some from Galway. Of course, both will be visited this trip. 

My husband laughed at me the other day when I casually mentioned that I hoped some of the Irish people looked like me. They won't, but I can dream. You see, I take after the Cherokee side. My dad is Irish and Cherokee, and I look just like him, and he looks full Cherokee, even though he is mostly Irish. Genetics--they are so very interesting to me. Our brown eyes and hair vs my mom and sisters' blue eyes and blond hair. And, on a side note, my mom is 1/3 Irish. I am still searching for her Irish ancestors. I have found most of the English ones. Ancestry.com and I have become close friends.

This trip will be a fact-finding mission. Once I had my DNA tested (by 3 different companies), I became so curious about my heritage. I thought I knew who I was and what I was made of. However, although the nationalities were correct, my percentages were off. I seemed to have absorbed much more Irish than I thought. Hence, this trip.

So far, I have found family crests, clan mottos, tartan colors, and places of origin. And as I visit these cities, towns, and villages, I will be hyper-aware of surnames and the like.  I have pictures of churches and cemeteries, along with photos of my ancestors' graves.  It's a strange feeling. Knowing that I will be entering some of the buildings where they worshiped, shopped, and lived--it is exciting to me. Walking the same streets, maybe eating some of the same types of food. 

It makes me wonder — will my great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren have questions about me?  Will they be interested in reading my blog? Finding out about my interests, thoughts, and beliefs?
Will they want to know more about what similarities we might have?   Genetics is a powerful thing.

So here I am, all packed and ready to fly out. My excitement is abundant. Adventure awaits. I have prayed for safe travels, that none of our luggage is lost, and that we have an awesome time. I am ready to once again--travel, explore, and learn. I am ever ready.  Which, by the way, is the Burns clan motto. How cool is that?