Travel has long been a source of inspiration and joy for Reverend Robinson, who recently joined The Turners to share his experiences exploring the world.
Born into a large family of ten siblings, Rev. Robinson said he was not introduced to travel as a child. “My dad was a sharecropper, and our family…we were poor,” he explained. “We were not afforded the luxury of travel.” His first real exposure to the world came after high school when he joined the military, seeing countries and cultures far beyond his hometown. His earliest assignment took him to Vietnam, followed by destinations including Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan, and Hawaii, igniting a lifelong passion for travel.
Rev. Robinson described Hong Kong in the 1970s as a bustling, vibrant city. “Hong Kong in the 70s was like New York Times 10. It was active. I mean, you'd come out on the street at 3 o’clock in the morning, it was jam-packed.” These experiences inspired a love for exploring diverse cultures and understanding the world from multiple perspectives.
Marriage and family life deepened Rev. Robinson’s connection to travel. After marrying his late wife, Helen, the couple embarked on trips that included Jamaica and various cruises, often involving their children and, later, their grandchildren. He fondly recalled taking six grandchildren and two of his daughters on a Disney cruise, noting how profoundly the experience impacted them. “When you travel you get a chance to see other cultures and how they live…you get a chance to compare. Okay, yeah, we struggle here, but is our struggle as bad as we make it out to be?” Rev. Robinson said, reflecting on the broader lessons travel can teach.
Even after Helen’s passing, Rev. Robinson has continued to travel, finding both solace and joy in exploring new places. He described his first trip without her as challenging yet healing, often commemorating her memory during quiet moments at sunrise or sunset. Rev. Robinson now travels solo or with his brother, maintaining a flexible approach to itineraries to fully enjoy each experience.
Recent travels have taken him to Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, with Tokyo standing out as a particular favorite due to its culture, scenery, and local experiences. Looking ahead, he hopes to explore South America, including a potential trip to Rio de Janeiro, sharing these adventures with his grandchildren whenever possible.
In addition to his travel exploits, Robinson remains active in his ministry and recently launched a podcast, The Sanctity and Benefit of Marriage, which explores key principles of building strong, lasting marriages.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.