A TALE OF TWO FAMILIES:



How the Internet is Making
Life Easier for Everyone

From staying in touch with church members and children, to booking concert tickets and airline tickets online, the Internet has certainly changed the way families conduct their affairs. There is a wonderful World Wide Web out there for families around the globe to experience and enjoy – and here are two families who are doing just that.

For Sara and Randy Bulow of Superior, Colorado, the Internet has been a great way to stay connected. And with five children, a job that requires frequent travel for Randy, and extended family members a state away, staying connected is important.

"Colorado recently had a major snowstorm. Naturally, all our friends and family members were wanting to see the piles of snow outside our house, so we e-mailed a lot of pictures that week," Sara said. "After living in three different states over the years–and having met wonderful friends in each of those places­e-mail has been a great way to stay in touch."

In addition to e-mail, Randy reviews stock quotes daily, reviews business-related message boards, does his banking online and also checks in on his favorite college football team. While e-mail is Sara's primary use, she says they also check up on medical conditions, plan trips and receive prayer requests though their church's e-mail prayer chain. Sara also helps the little ones log onto the PBSKids.org website, and helps the older children conduct research on the Web for their homework assignments.

"Amanda wrote a history paper about Corrie ten Boom and found everything she needed on the Internet. Ben just finished a homework assignment where he had to create a Colorado travel brochure, and the Web proved to be a tremendous help for him, too," she stated.

When Randy recently surprised the family with a puppy, they went right to the Internet to learn more about the breed. After a little time surfing the Web, they were able to provide their veterinarian with some helpful information about the dog.

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As natives of England, both Sheila and Ernie Rogers of Oxnard, California maintain a keen interest in the happenings of Great Britain. With the Internet and e-mail, it's never been easier to keep up on those happenings.

"Our favorite soccer team is the Arsenal from London. Ernie is constantly checking soccer scores online to watch the progress of the team," Sheila said. "And with my brothers and much of our extended family still living there, the Internet has been just wonderful. From the news, e-mail, and catching up on our soccer team, let me just say–I love my Internet!"

The couple recently returned from a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia–a trip that was researched and planned over the Internet. They also enjoy shopping for gifts, finding recipes at foodnetwork.com, and purchasing airline tickets online as well. Recently, Sheila also bought theater tickets online for a Barbara Cook concert that she attended with her sister-in-law. Sheila added that she enjoys instant messaging with one of her daughters in Los Angeles, as well as playing online games against the clock.

"There are a lot of different games online, but probably the two games I enjoy the most are Wordwhomp and Slingo. They really seem to keep my brain going," she said.

With everything going on in the world today, the Rogers also find the Web a great resource for international news and events. Sheila said she also enjoys having the opportunity to express her views via the Web–an opportunity that was a little more difficult before the Internet.

"I am a big fan of Fox News and like going to the foxnews.com website. I can vote in their online polls, and I think being able to express your opinion about things is important, especially in this day and age," she concluded.