Ferddie's Blue Jeans: Dreaming Big for God: The 12th International Kids Village in Sta. Cruz, Laguna

Dreaming big for God!

Practically all the International Kids Villages of the Kids for Christ (KFC) my family and I have attended have all been special and unique in their own way. Take the case for example of the 2004 IKV. That was Junior’s first out of town IKV which was held at Ilo-ilo City. It was the first time for both of us to ride a ship for a long distance travel. Going home, it was Junior’s first time to travel by plane.

Last 2008’s IKV held in Bohol also had its share of firsts. Like his older brother, this was Sonny Boy’s first and last IKV as a KFC member. Junior entered the poster making contest in Ilo-ilo for the North B sector, Sonny Boy played in its basketball team.

This year’s IKV held at Sta. Cruz, Laguna from May 1 to 3 also had its own set of “records”. It is the first IKV that Sonny Boy served in as a member of the Youth for Christ (YFC) and Joshua’s first ever IKV. At his age of 6 years and eight months, he’s probably one of the youngest official delegates of any IKV!

Our humble tent dwelling inside the Grove Hotel and Resort in Barangay Bubukal, Sta. Cruz, Laguna

Thankfully we were able to share a ride to the IKV venue that Friday morning with our KFC sectors leaders Bro. Francis and Sis. Adelle Galero with their children Dominic and Martin using a spacious vehicle provided by another KFC coordinator Bro. Niňo Guerrero.

My two kids and I got accommodations along with other North B delegates at the Grove Hotel and Resort, a relatively decent, off the highway type of budget inn that you will find that side of the Laguna province. Unfortunately, due to the high occupancy rate, we were not able to get a room for ourselves. It was a good thing we brought along our tent, a veteran outdoors equipment we used from last year’s KFC Family Ties Camp in Los Baňos. Thanks to the generosity of KFC coordinators Bro. Emil and Sis. Marijo Caling, they graciously allowed us too pitch our tent under the protection of their unit’s garage.

Since we arrived quite early, we had plenty of time to settle down and have lunch at the nearby at Chowking Restaurant inside the nearby Sunstar Mall before going to the venue proper.

Visiting the public school compound assigned to North B delegates

In the afternoon, we had the chance to visit the other delegates at the assigned public school for North B. It was the San Jose Elementary School, a fairly sized public school 2.3 kilometers away from the main IKV venue.

North B kids perform during the group dance competition

The main venue this year was the Recreation, Education, Culture and Sports (RECS) Villlage, formerly known as the San Luis Sports Complex in the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Province of Laguna.

In line with the Couples for Christ’s (CFC) theme taken from Philippians 3:13-14, “Forward in Christ”, the 12th IKV’s theme was “Dream Big!” Organizers look forward to a new generation of little Christians doing big things for God, family country and the world! Truth to tell, among these children are the future leaders of the community and of the Church in the Philippines. It’s an exiting moment to see them learn, share their talents and grow in their roles as youthful evangelizers for God!

Same North B kids in action

Singles for Christ (SFCs) in charge of transportation from the host province of Laguna (East 1 Pila, Sta. Cruz) surround Joshua

The Recreation, Education, Cultural and Sports (RECS) Village complex is teeming with KFC delegates

More delegates pour in as the 1st day progresses

It had been raining cats and dogs in Laguna during the preceding days before the IKV but thankfully the Lord blessed the event with warm sunny weather throughout its three day duration!

Munching on our McDonald’s dinner meals

It used to be Jollibee meals in the previous IKVs like the last one in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. This year, the food came from their major competitor - McDonalds’s. Still, it always brings a certain sense of enjoyment eating with family members during an IKV even if you know you’ll eat the same old deep fried chicken several times over during the event!