We screeched into Michigan with brake pads nearly gone, headlights barely functioning, and stomachs craving egg sandwiches and broccoli casserole.  The Smith family house was exactly what we needed and Jeff and Jackie kindly welcomed us and all of our dirty laundry with open arms.  By the time we left Michigan our brake pads were replaced, headlights rewired, clothes cleaned, and tummies full of delicious food–thanks Jackie and Jeff!

Of course, it wasn’t all work.  We spent plenty of time “Up North” at Higgins Lake cruising around on the boat, tubing, kneeboarding, and water skiing (which I discovered is the cheapest way to get a high powered enema).  We also managed to squeeze in a few days at Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan.

With the end of our trip looming overhead, we also started to think about the inevitable–finding work.  So, in the midst of all the fun and games we managed to apply for a job of sorts.  In the spirit of adventure and up-for-anything attitude that has led us halfway around the world, we tried out for a TV show–The Amazing Race.  Our cousin Alex told us that we would be awesome for this show, and then by a stroke of luck there happened to be an open casting call in Michigan just days later.  It didn’t matter that we had never heard of the show or watched it.  We figured we’d trust our family’s advice and just go for it.  Stay tuned for an update on the job search!