Safety in Planeta Rica, 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
Planeta Rica has a small town feel. Gringos certainly stick out as you walk around town. We were always accompanied as we walked from church back home after services in the evening, but walking in a group of 2 or 3 during the day was always fine. We felt safe and never had any issues.
Everyone knows everyone in Planeta Rica and they all know when the Gringos are in town. We lived about 15 minutes (walking) from the church and we walked from home and back many times a day by ourselves. We would have to walk past a few bars, but we never had any problems. Overall, its about as safe as you can get.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Planeta Rica, 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
Ministry consisted of attending three feeding programs in the neighboring towns throughout the week, preparing for Children’s Church with games and bible stories, giving mini sermons or talks for Youth Ministry, doing Sunday Devotionals before church, preaching at neighboring churches, singing with the praise team, and creating a welcome billboard.Pastor Amoury made sure to give us a schedule at the beginning of each week and would inform us of changes as they came up. Our days started at 8am, where we would meet at the church for breakfast. Due to the heat we would have siesta everyday from about 12-4. Our day would usually end around 9 in the evening.Another aspect to the ministry there was spending time with the people. They will often invite you into their homes. We took advantage of this and were able to quickly build bonds with the people in the church. This allowed us the opportunity to pray for them and their family members
Ministry changes from day to day. Pastor Amoury did a really good job at making sure our days were full, but also restful. We started around 8am everyday for breakfast at the church, we would typically visit a few houses in town, come back for lunch and siesta, and then either visit some more houses, different churches, teach English or attend church. Church services are required and they are Sunday morning and night, Thursday night, and Saturday night. We would typically only sit in the Sunday night service all the other services we were sharing with the youth or children.We visited surrounding areas and put on a few youth programs at their churches and also participated in Bible Studies. They church community is close, they all do everything together and they’ll throw you right in. For example, our beach trip with the family consisted of 35 members of the church. They will all try to make plans for you, but just make sure to let them know they have to schedule it with Pastor 🙂
Lodging
Lodging in Planeta Rica, 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
Our team has 7 members and we were split up into 3 groups. We stayed with members of the church. We were no more than 10-15 minutes walking distance from the church. When we arrived one house wasn’t ready so one group of 3 stayed at the church using our hammocks and tents for the first 9 days. We later discovered that the house was being built and the couple had a desire to house missionaries there. That house was the most modern. We were all able to shower and had adequate sleeping arrangementsWe would meet every morning at the church for breakfast and would then stay in the back of the church using hammocks or chairs. Most siestas were spent at the church. . Laundry was also done at the church. They would rent a machine and we would wash and hang up our clothes to dry.
We were a team of 6, 4 of us lived in one house with Marina and two others lived with Wilson and Miriam.We all had beds – Colombians would never allow you to sleep on the floor. 🙂Marina’s house is the poppin’ house in the community. Children are over every night but they’re really good at leaving when you ask them. Marina loves people and she loves you, her stuff is yours and sometimes your stuff is hers. She’s open and welcoming she just doesn’t speak and English. She has two bedrooms, one with a king sized bed, one with a full. Laundry is done by Marina’s house keeper, showers are buckets either inside or outside. Running water is rare, but she has a “well” in the back. We showered every day.Wilson and Miriams house is the complete opposite. They have two younger sons, it’s quiet, you have your own bedroom and bathroom, but they serve you in every way possible. Running water is also rare, but they do have a washing machine in their home. They also have wifi available.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Planeta Rica, 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
All of our meals were prepared at the church by Lucia or other ladies. It’s fantastic! They’ve had feedback before about limiting soups because it is so hot, but if that’s what you want, let them know. Portions also tend to be huge, so if it’s too much just tell them, they’ll adjust and they’re always willing to serve you want you want. Most meals consisted of rice, plantains, a salad and some sort of meat. Oh and juice, a lot of fresh juice.There are two ice cream shops on the same road as the church. One is outside and is cheaper, but the one a little further down has air conditioning and is a little more expensive, but the ice cream is better.Street food is legit, in the center you can buy fresh produce and fried everything. Try it all 🙂
Transportation
Transportation in Planeta Rica, 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
Unless we were going to the farm or another town, we walked everywhere.
Medical
Medical In Planeta Rica, Colombia Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
We had a few bug bite situations and instead of going and paying for a doctor they will find a friend who knows one to come visit you. You can also go to any pharmacy and they will diagnose and prescribe you something.
Communication
Communication in Planeta Rica, Colombia Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
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Financial
Financial in Planeta Rica, Colombia Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
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Translators
Translators in Planeta Rica, Colombia List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
You will need a translator. Our team leader was fluent and we would have been lost without her. We met maybe two or three people in the entire town that are fluent in English.
Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Planeta Rica, 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
Because most of our ministry days had a 3-4 hour siesta we only had one full off day. We still had to walk to the church for all three meals, so we spent most of our days in the sanctuary in our hammocks on wifi. Pastor will take you to the farm for a day which is another off day and it’s amazing, he will also take you to the beach. It’s a full month filled with a lot of people time. Take your siesta’s seriously!
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Planeta Rica, Colombia Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
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Tips
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Additional Info
Additional Info in Planeta Rica, Colombia Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?
People’s Opinions
It’s hot. Like crazy hot. You sweat a lot, but they also expect you to dress up for a lot of events, so just embrace the nastiness of it all.Pastor, his wife, and his children are amazing! They don’t speak English but we built the greatest relationship with them. We cooked for them a few times and took them to ice cream with us. Just be honest with them and really push past the uncomfortability and it will be a fantastic month!