So, lastly is South America! While in South America, I will be going to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
So, first up for South America is Colombia!
MAP OF COLOMBIA IN SOUTH AMERICA
MAP OF COLOMBIA
Summary
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From the Andes Mountains to the Caribbean coastline and the Amazon Rainforest, Colombia is one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world.
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It is also home to unreached tribes, a large student population rapidly rejecting the Gospel, and thousands of children living on the streets.
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Colombia sits at the crossroads of Central and South America, allowing for a wide spread of cultures as vast as its natural resources. The nation is also influenced by Native American, Latin, European, African, Middle Eastern, and American cultures.
Area
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1,138,910 sq km (Colombia is about 2 times bigger than Texas!)
Culture
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Most Colombian people are Catholic (about 80% of the population). 16.7% of the population claims Christianity, with only 4.7% claiming to be agnostic or atheistic.
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Colombia lies at the crossroads of Latin America and the broader American continent, and as such has been hit by a wide range of cultural influences. Native American, Spanish and other European, African, American, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern influences, as well as other Latin American cultural influences, are all present in Colombia’s modern culture. Urban migration, industrialization, globalization, and other political, social and economic changes have also left an impression.
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The people are very friendly, especially towards “gringos” which is a term given to Americans, or Caucasian people in general. The word is not typically an insult, but just a way the Latino people may refer to you by. They are from a Latin culture. This means that Latinos are a much more “touchy-feely” people group than most Americans are used to. Do not be surprised when talking to a Latino if they leave you very little personal space.
What I am going to do there?
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I will be partnering with Ciudad Refugio (City of Refuge) in Medellin. Ciudad Refugio is a holistic ministry focused on restoring individuals and communities. The ministry has recovery programs, feeding programs, homeschool, spiritual formation, microenterprise, a homeless shelter. It is a hub for a variety of ministries around the city.
Climate
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The climate is very warm and tropical on the coast and in the north, with a rainy season from May to November. Though the temperature varies little throughout the year due to Colombia’s proximity to the equator, it does vary according to altitude. It is cooler in the upland areas and cold in the mountains, and in the cooler times of the year, the nights can be freezing. Medellin is always spring-like, with cool days and crisp nights, though when the sun is shining the days can get quite hot. The Amazon region generally stays warm and wet year round.
Language
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The official language of Colombia is Spanish.
Fun Facts
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Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, after only Brazil which is 10 times its size. It is one of only 17 “megadiverse” countries in the world.
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Colombia is part of the Ring of Fire, a group of countries in the Pacific Ocean vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
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Colombia is the only country in South America that has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
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Colombia is the oldest democracy in South America.
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During major events, the government imposes a temporary ban on alcohol. This is to avoid violence. This has been enacted during the World Cup as well as political elections.
Is it safe?
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Yep!
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