Safety in Montelibano, Colombia What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
We never felt unsafe in Montelibano, but we also never went anywhere without the whole team and our host. It was a quaint town and a peaceful house.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Montelibano, Colombia Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
We were only in Montelibano serving at a brand new YWAM base for one week, on assignment from YWAM Medellin. This base had been established only two weeks prior to our arrival. Ruby, the site manager, arranged for us to speak/teach at 4 different afterschool programs organized by Compassion International and 1 church in 6 days. It was a beautifully chaotic week. We did a day camp-like program with silly songs, a Bible story, a craft, and games at each church.
4 – We would absolutely recommend that WR teams serve with Ruby and YWAM in Montelibano! They have such a great vision for this base and ministry within the community. They are eventually want to open an orphanage for neglected children and a life-skills program for young mothers, but they are currently building relationships and networks with churches in the area.
Lodging
Lodging in Montelibano, Colombia Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
We stayed in a large house that also doubles as the current base office. Our team was split between two rooms with fans and four bunk beds each. We shared one bathroom that had an overhead shower and a Western toilet – don’t flush the TP. There is ample space to hammock here. Tap water is NOT safe to drink/brush teeth with. No WiFi. Electricity available. We did not pay for lodging here since we were on assignment from YWAM Medellin.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Montelibano, Colombia What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
Our food budget for the week in Montelibano was $5/person/day, but we only ate breakfast and dinner at the house, which were prepared by staff; the schools we were serving at each day prepared lunches for us. I don’t remember what we were served for most meals, but we ate very well this week.
Transportation
Transportation in Montelibano, Colombia What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
We took a bus from Medellin to Montelibano (and back), but I do not know the cost because YWAM paid it for us with the money that was wired to them. Once in Montelibano, three different men that Ruby (the host) knew drove us from the base to ministry. I’m not sure if they were paid or volunteered their services. There are taxis and tuk-tuks in Montelibano, but we were not there long enough to require them.
Medical
Medical in Montelibano, Colombia Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
Health Concern: We were told that mosquitoes here carry the Zika virus, so bring bug spray with Deet. You can buy some at the local grocery (Olimpica) if needed. We did not have any medical needs while in Montelibano, so you’ll have to ask your host for emergency information.
Communication
Communication in Montelibano, Colombia Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
There was no wifi at the YWAM house. I’m sure wifi could be found in town somewhere, but we did not go looking for it. Our cell phones with Claro SIMs and minutes worked fine.
Financial
Financial in Montelibano, Colombia Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
Colombia uses Pesos and the exchange rate is 3,000 Pesos to 1 USD. Banks and ATMS (“Cajero” in Spanish) are easily found; all ATMS have a transaction fee, but I don’t remember the amount. Money can be exchanged at the airport in Bogota and possibly at larger banks.
Translators
Translators in Montelibano, Colombia List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
For our time here, we were told that our host, Ruby, would be our translator, but we quickly found out that she knew very little English for translating church services and Bible lessons to kids. She called some friends that she knew in the area, and was given the name of a family with college-aged kids who spoke English. I recommend contacting the bilingual school in Montelibano to see if a student could translate for you.
Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Montelibano, Colombia What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
We were only in Montelibano for a week, on assignment from our time in Medellin, so we did not have any off days while here. We were told there is a club swimming pool that you can pay per day, a park with ziplines, and a place to rent canoes.
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Montelibano, Colombia Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
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Tips
People’s Opinions
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Additional Info
Additional Info in , Colombia Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?