Pretoria 2023

Over the years, working in the field of genealogy since 1988, I realized the value that genealogy contributes, not only to my own and other people’s lives, but also to our cultural heritage in a broader sense.
 
Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) said in his book Mere Christianity (1952): “Human beings look separate because you see them walking about separately. But then we are so made that we can see only the present moment. If we could see the past, then of course it would look different. For there was a time when every man/woman was part of his/her mother, and (earlier still) part of his/her father as well, and when they were part of his/her grandparents. If you could see humanity spread out in time, as God sees it, it would not look like a lot of separate things dotted about. It would look like one single growing thing – rather like a very complicated tree. Every individual would appear connected with every other.”

So genealogy (literally the study/knowledge of family) is about the study of individuals in the context of families, the tracing of their lineages and family history. Our families are central to our existence, the people that have a special place in our hearts. Learning more about them, gaining insight into their lives and preserving their stories for future generations is such an enriching experience.

People often ask ‘where do I start?’ Start with yourself, start with what you know, but most importantly start now, whilst family members are alive and can tell their stories.

My invitation to you is: contact me via e-message via the website and do not waste time to start your journey to build your family puzzle. You will meet many kindred spirits, willing, eager and capable to help to get you going, or to lend support if you are already on this journey. Looking forward to here from you!

Kind regards
Isabel Groesbeek nee Bekker