Safety in Tocoa, Honduras 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
Robbery. Two girls on team were robbed at gunpoint in town, near ministry site. Town is VERY dangerous and has a drug smuggling reputation. Do not leave orphanage after dark. Contact has been robbed in past.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Tocoa, Honduras 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
The ministry has a girls’ home, orphanage and two feeding stations.
The girls’ home is a safe house for pre-teen/teenage girls.
They are in the process of building a church at the moment.
Currently there are approximately 51 children in their care.
Lodging
Lodging in Tocoa, Honduras 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
In studio apartments on orphanage site. Cold showers, refrigerator, hot plate, and microwave.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Tocoa, Honduras What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
Cooked our own food on hot plate, and microwave. Purchased at Super Mercado, and Dispensa Familiar.
Food was not cheap. Mainly rice and beans and stir fry vegetables.
Almost no meat.
Transportation
Transportation in Tocoa, Honduras 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
Comment
Medical
Medical in Tocoa, Honduras Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
Ministry contact has referral of local doctor.
Pharmacy located in nearby mall.
Communication
Communication in Tocoa, Honduras Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Comment
Financial
Financial in Tocoa, Honduras Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
Comment
Translators
Translators in Tocoa, Honduras List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
Walked and taxi.
Most taxis are 25 Lempiras per person to any destination in Tocoa.
Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Tocoa, Honduras 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
Not much in Tocoa, Trujillo is a beach town about 45-60 minutes by chicken bus away.
La Ceiba, a town approximately two hours away, has a rainforest and hiking.
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Tocoa, Honduras Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
Lauren Keck—Main Contact for Open Door Ministry in Honduras
Penny Compton—Main Contact for Open Door Ministry in USA
Barry Compton– Main Contact for Open Door Ministry in USA
Dan Osczepinski– Friend of Open Door, Has own Ministry called My Brothers Keeper. Potential future host for WR teams.
Tips
People’s Opinions
Contact Lauren early and plan early.
Contact is too busy and has a hectic schedule for last minute planning. Set expectations and plan projects as early as possible.
Additional Info
Additional Info in Tocoa, Honduras Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?