Jessica Robbins

It’s been about 3 days now.  It seems like longer than that.

It wasn’t until the last 2 shorter flights here that a bit of reality began to settle in and I started to get excited.

Before that there were so many checklists and goodbyes and logistical things to take care of I didn’t have a lot of extra room for taking in what was about to happen.

After many “see ya laters”, 4 flights, 3 layovers and several movies and attempts at sleeping I finally looked out my window to see the island.

I was picked up from the airport by a familiar face around 3 pm on Thursday and taken to my new home.

There were so many things to take in.

This experience has been so different than my previous missions’ experiences in the sense that my perspective is quite different.

Every new place that I’ve arrived in I’ve known that I would leave shortly afterwards.  This time I was taking everything in through the lens of “this is where I live now.”

That was a bit scary to be honest with you.

The first couple of days were a bit overwhelming.  The combination of jetlag and meeting people and unpacking and a touch of culture shock made for an interesting combination.

My mind is settling down now, and I’m happy to report that things are getting easier to take in by the minute.

I think after just a few days I’m already adjusted to the 14 hr jump ahead in time.

It’s been interesting to be back in a few places where I remember the Lord speaking so specifically to me.

I had many quiet times with the Lord on those rocks back in July 2011…

It’s been surreal.

The Lord has shown me His faithfulness.

He called me a year and half ago and has orchestrated everything perfectly.

My timing was not His, and I’m so thankful for that.  It’s given me opportunities to grow in ways that I didn’t know I needed to.  It’s been a time of developing significant friendships.  It’s been a time of shedding old things and stepping into more of who I am in Christ.

It’s been a time of refinement and seeking and trusting, and for that I am thankful.  I wouldn’t have chosen it and I didn’t even know at the time that I needed this past year and half to prepare, but the Father did.

I’m very slowly settling in to my new home and community.  I’m learning things like where the grocery store is, driving tips and cultural norms.  I have a long way to go, but overall I’m excited.

After 3 days I don’t have things figured out yet, but I have a deep, steadfast peace that I’m exactly where I need to be.

He has it figured out, and that’s enough.

Thank you so much to everyone for your prayers and support.  I would not be here if it weren’t for you!  I plan to post regularly on life and ministry and what the Lord is doing in Penang.

My prayer request for now is that I will not be distracted by business, but that I will focus on the Lord and be attentive to the specific places and people He would have me to minister to.  Pray that I will be intentional with my time and resources.

There are many opportunities.  Please pray for discernment to know which roads to take.

I love you all and am excited for all that’s ahead for us!

“So is my word that goes out from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”   Isaiah 55:11

Be encouraged today!  He is faithful!!!