Yikes...contacting strangers

One of the things I struggle with the most, is contacting people I don't know to tell them we're related.  I am not a very social person, choosing to be a homebody rather than a social butterfly.  So working up the courage to call people that are possibly related is so hard for me.  Sometimes, I have to just decide to call someone and not spend to much time thinking about it or what I am going to say.  I "sike" myself out if I think about what I should say.

Today, I heard from the Josephine County volunteer again, and she had a lead on John Freeman in Grants Pass, Or.  Working up the nerve to call a stranger and say "Hello, I think you might have been friends with my 2 Great Grand Uncle and his wife" is so hard.  BUT...I did it!! First time I called they picked up and hung up all in one second...I think they thought I was a telemarketer.  I didn't give up though and called right back.  I got the lady of the house and she said that John wasn't home.  I asked to leave a message and when I told her why I was calling, she said that I had the wrong guy.  Her John was never married to a Minnie.  Sadly, it was another dead end.  But I will not despair. :)

I also took the time to write to the Grandson of Isaiah Timbrel.  I can write an email anytime of day but have me call or handwrite a letter and my little girl nerves come out full swing. lol.  Crazy....yes, I know! Well, I got the letter written and will put it in the mail tomorrow.  Best I can tell, he will be about 82 years old.  I am excited and hopeful.  I hope to share the photo of Mary Jane Timbrel, his Great Grandmother with him.  And maybe learn from him about his family.  One thing I love about this work, is the opportunity to meet new family members. I find it interesting that Claude (Isaiah's son, the father of the man I am contacting) ended up in Oregon.  I wonder if my Grandpa Lloyd knew that he had family living there when he was there.  My Grandparents lived in Oregon for a few years in the 70's I believe.  Did he ever call on them?? Did they get together and visit?? I'm thinking I need to ask one of my aunts or my uncle who was with them when they lived there.....