Rhonda,
I reside in Brussels (Belgium) and do have my roots in the NE of Gent (Lochristi, Laarne, Lokeren). It did take 10 years before I could find someone with some common roots, to exchange research.
The surnames De Vetter (Lochristi), De Backer (NE Gent) and Walgrave (Laarne) are familiar to me. They do appear in collateral branches, who I don't research actively. I do research somewhat actively the surname Goethals (Lochristi) and Goossens (Lokeren).
Post on this board, but also on the BELGIUM-ROOTS-L mailing list your intrests. Post one surname (or family) and don't mix branches nor post many queries in a short period.
Mention for each surname the place/region and the time frame.
When you post on these boards, be sure that you have completed the field "Surnames". As I'm the board administrator, I've done that for you (I can't change the content of the posting).
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Query on the page
http://users.skynet.be/sky60754/genealbe/online.htm the first database for each surname. Use the variation with or without space for name starting with VAN and/or DE. You will find researchers who are actively searching that suranme, with indication of the time period and places/districts/provinces.
Query the third database, to know where persons with the same surname are residing (municipality level around 1997).
Try to figure out the modern spelling of the place names:
Aeltre -> Aalter
Ruysselede -> Ruiselede
Ursel -> Ursel
In your case there is the genealogical documentation center for the Meetjesland, located in Aalter, listed on the page:
http://vvf.debaets.be/centra.htmFor Ruiselede you could contact the local history association mentioned on the page
http://belgium.rootsweb.com/bel/3wvl/37/37012/index.htmlSomewhat problematic is that your relatives did reside in the area between Brugge, Tielt, Eeklo, Deinze and Gent. Data could be found in on of those documentation centers and isn't concentrated in one.
Greetings,
Luc