Missionary Spotlight: Get to Know OHI Missionary, Robin Turk

Over the years, Robin Turk has found OHI San Diego to feel like a second home to her. “I first learned about OHI when I was 21 years old,” said Robin. “I was having a lot of health issues, and I learned about OHI’s raw vegan program through my macrobiotic studies. Over the years I have returned to OHI several times, and I even brought my daughter, mother, and grandmother with me for several trips. My most recent stay was at the end of 2023. I was having health issues related to the high stress of my career that was taxing my immune system and adrenals. My doctor wanted to manage my health through pharmaceuticals, but I knew that wasn’t the right path for me. I went to OHI for a 2-week stay for a mind-body reset, and then applied to the missionary program. I spent three months at OHI, and it was exactly what I needed. I have stopped taking all medications, and my neuropathy is virtually gone. I feel 30-years younger, and I know I’ve reset this next chapter of my life to be more vibrant. I always knew the power of the raw vegan diet, but three months of clean eating showed me how completely my body can heal when given the right fuel. It was amazing.”

Robin found the missionary program changed her approach to her own healing. “When you go to OHI as a guest, you set your intention for your stay,” said Robin. “Whether that intention is to heal your body, heal from an emotional trauma, or deepen your spiritual connection to God, most people come to OHI with expectations. When I started working as a missionary, suddenly my focus wasn’t on myself. I needed to devote my time in service to others. Just being present for guests helped me heal in so many ways, because it forced me to let go of my own agenda and fears. By flipping my priorities and making others the focus, this beautiful feeling of calm came over me. And that’s when I realized that the calm was there all along. I just had to be open to it. At age 61, I know the next chapter of my life is going to be all about service to others.”

Robin took the opportunity to dive deeper into her education while a missionary. “I have taken some classes at least ten or fifteen times,” said Robin. “I always leave the Vocal Toning class feeling like a new person. And the Digestion and Elimination classes are packed with great information. No matter how many times I take them, I always learn something new about how the body works and how it reacts to food. I look at food totally differently now. I can honestly feel the energy of the food I eat. It makes such a difference to infuse my body with active nutrition from live food. And just knowing where the food is grown and how its handled has entirely changed the way I eat. Now I only eat what is locally grown and in season. I used to avoid sprouts, but now my body craves them. When I’m traveling, I will only eat raw hummus, sprouts, beans, and organic produce. Overall, I eat a lot less, and my body feels better for it. During my missionary program I lost 35 pounds, and without all the inflammation and toxins in my body, I now have naturally high energy. I’ve learned so much during my time as a missionary, but I know I still have so much more to learn.”

Robin had such a profound experience as a missionary, that she is planning to do it again soon. “Over the years I have always gone to the San Diego campus as a guest as well as a missionary,” said Robin. “Next, I would like to spend three months as a missionary at Austin and then another three months as a missionary at San Diego. I think six months as a missionary would give me an even greater opportunity to work in service to others. Not only would I like to connect with guests, but I would also like to tackle big projects. I would like to rebuild the herb and veggie gardens at San Diego. I enjoy gardening, and I think many other guests would find it healing to work in the garden as part of their stay.”

Robin has simple advice for those considering joining the OHI missionary program. “Sign up as soon as you can. You won’t regret it,” said Robin. “Working with the kitchen staff was great. They are such a tight-knit team. And I loved the friendships I made with the core staff. They truly care about helping others. When you follow their lead, you grow as a person.”

Thinking about applying for OHI’s Missionary Program? Call us (800) 588-0809.