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Ahh, home sweet home.

For the last 5 weeks I have been living in a real house—getting used to hot water, carpet, mom's cooking, an excessively large bed, friends, family, familiarity. I’ll never forget the strange sensation of getting to Holland and knowing where the roads would take me—recognizing buildings and intersections and knowing where to turn. For the last year there has been no routine—everyday we head into the unknown. I have loved life on the road, but I won't lie, it can be exhausting—this has been a very nice break. We have traveled hard for a long time and it feels good to take a little breather. After 14 months of preparation and a year on the road, the whole Lost Bus project is already 2 and a half years old. It is absolutely unreal how fast that time has slipped away. So far, everything has gone incredibly well—this last year has far exceeded my expectations in every way. It has been amazing to see this thing go from an idea to a dream to a reality, and now, after our year on the road, our original goal is complete. We successfully spent our year traveling the USA (and a little Canada too), meeting great friends, exploring, and helping out along the way.

We always imagined that after a year on the road we would be content to call it quits. Well, we’re not sick of it yet. In fact, we are all still loving every minute of this crazy lifestyle. It’s time to head back for round two. None of us know what this next chapter will look like, but that’s how we like it. For the last year we have gotten used to living in the moment and not looking too far ahead. Our current plan is to not make a plan. I am sitting in Chicago waiting to board a plane bound for L.A. We’ll find our bus back in Ontario, and from there, well; it’s an open book.

Thank you all for believing in our dream—for showing hospitality and generosity as we traveled all over this country. When we left, we basically threw up our hands and counted on others to take care of us (we only had enough money to get to Florida). Well, one year and 15,000 miles later, people have stepped up and God has provided every step of the way. It has been amazing to see the goodness of people—everywhere. The adventure has proven to be the best education I could have ever asked for. I feel so blessed to be living this lifestyle and I’m excited to see what's in store. Here comes the next chapter in an open book. Stay tuned—if 2011 is any indication, I’m thinking it will be a pretty wild ride. It’s really sinking in right now how excited I am about it all—Life is good!

Thanks, Michigan, and all you Michiganders—it was a really wonderful home-visit thanks to you.