April 25, 2013

Ever since we arrived here, Carlos in his usual friendly manner has made lots of friends at the Junta Central Electoral (JCE) where we are digitizing the documents.  The marriage records are pretty much completed as work has been going on here by FamilySearch for several years, however the birth records have only been done up until the early 1940’s.  There has been a problem trying to get permission to work on those records even though the Church has had a contract with the JCE for many years to do all the birth, death, and marriage records. Well, after many meetings with the people in charge over the past several months, we are finally allowed to do the birth records.  I can say that this has only been possible because of Carlos’ friendly manner and ability to persuade and inspire.  So here are some photos of some of these records.  Some of the books are 600 pages and take a while to do especially when the paper is brittle and crumbles in your hands.  We have to be very careful.

A hole in the page.  During these years  (1940’s) a type of ink was used that had a chemical in it to prevent the ink from running and smearing on the paper however that chemical also began to eat throught the paper and make holes.

Clipping the piece of a page so it stays in place.  Some pages have to be literally put together like a puzzle.

This one is in really bad shape. Carlos brought this one to a recent meeting to remind the officials that their sacred responsibility to their country is to preserve the records, something which hasn’t been done.  The restoration department is ready to go to begin restoring documents like this one however the funding hasn’t been granted.  After this meeting it looks like things will get rolling. Carlos can get away with this because he is not an employee and he is an outsider. The employees of the department have told him that they fear they would be fired if they complain about anything.   It also looks like this one got wet. The books used to be stored on shelves next to windows where the heavy rains would come in and get them wet. The windows are such here that if it rains hard the rain comes right in through the sides. They don’t seal well when the window is shut.

We have been home this week are part of last week as Carlos is down with a first-time flare-up of diverticulitis.  He has been on a liquid diet since last Thursday and hopefully will be able to begin regular food tomorrow. 

With much love and friendship,

The Yturraldes

This young lady will be the first missionary from the small branch we attend in Ingenio Quisqueya.  Her papers were turned in a few days ago. She just turned 19.