MEET THE TEAM TUESDAY - MACHARIA SAMUAL

"Machaa," a native of Kijabe, Kenya, was nurtured in the town where his mother was and still is a vegetable vendor. From a young age, he could be spotted assisting his mom, hauling vegetables around town. It was during these formative years that Elaine Barnet, the visionary behind Shepherd’s Little Lambs, took a keen interest in Machaa. She not only encouraged his academic pursuits but also fostered his spiritual growth in his relationship with Jesus.

Elaine played a pivotal role in ensuring that Machaa had the opportunity to attend college in Nairobi. At that time, Shepherd’s Little Lambs had already been established. During school breaks, Machaa would return to Kijabe and spend time with Elaine and the other children under her care. Upon completing his degree in accounting and business, he was presented with a promising job in the city. However, after prayerful consideration, Machaa declined the offer, choosing instead to become the national director of Shepherd’s Little Lambs.

In 2016, Machaa tied the knot with Gracie, and they established their home in the valley below Kijabe. Gracie works in an administrative role at the local hospital and has a delightful passion for baking. Presently, the couple is joyfully raising their two daughters, Janelle and Elsa.

We consider ourselves immensely blessed to have Machaa at the helm of Shepherd’s Little Lambs, leading the impactful work on the ground in Kijabe and Nakuru.

MORE RAIN, MORE DEAD

With additional news of continued rain and more dead a happy post seemed to be out of place this week. We have first hand reports of more rain and another mudslide. This one in Kimende, a village above Kijabe. Our first hand report tell us that 3 were buried alive. News reports say 5 have been killed.

Please pray that the rain stop now and that the healing and rebuilding can begin. So many have lost so much that it breaks our heart.

MEET THE TEAM TUESDAY - SUSAN

Let me introduce you to Susan Wangari, an incredible soul and a vital part of our Shepherd’s Little Lambs team. Born on November 23rd, 1961, in the serene Rikia forest of Nakuru County, Susan is the fifth of 12 children born to the late Francis Wanderi and the late Agnes Muthoni.

Susan's educational journey began at Rikia Primary School in 1973, where she showed great promise. Despite facing financial constraints, she completed her Certificate of Primary Education in 1979. However, her path took a turn when she had to leave Mau Narok Secondary School in her junior year of high school to care for her ailing mother and support her family's café business.

In 1986, Susan welcomed her daughter, Rachel Njeri, into the world with her boyfriend, George Kuria. Though they didn't marry due to familial circumstances, Susan poured her love into raising Rachel, cherishing every moment they shared until Rachel's passing in 2013.

Susan's resilience and strength carried her through life's challenges. In 1990, she found employment at the National Cereals and Produce Board, where she crossed paths with her future husband, Justus Kinyua. Their union was blessed with two sons, Francis Muriithi and Kevin Wanderi, who continue to bring joy into their lives.

In pursuit of new opportunities, Susan moved with her husband to Nakuru in 1999, where she ventured into entrepreneurship, running a clothing and later a fruit stall at the local market. Despite facing setbacks, Susan remained undeterred, channeling her energy into community projects and making a difference wherever she could.

It was through her involvement in community work that Susan's path intersected with Shepherd’s Little Lambs. Bonding with Gladys, the center supervisor, Susan found herself drawn to the organization's mission of nurturing and nourishing vulnerable children. In 2005, she officially joined the Little Lambs family as a cook, later stepping up to replace Gladys as the supervisor in 2006—a role she holds with pride and dedication to this day.

Susan's journey is a testament to her resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving God and others. Let's celebrate Susan for her remarkable contributions to Shepherd’s Little Lambs and the community at large!

BURYING THEIR DEAD IN MAI MAHU

No words are adequate….

MUD, MUD EVERYWHERE

Today we had a WhatsApp video call with Machaa and his wife Grace. Machaa and Grace seemed in good spirits as we chatted and are very grateful that they are safe. We are also grateful that no additional loss of life is reported.

The rains continue though there has been some sunshine. The forecast is for better weather soon. The situation in Kijabe is muddy to say the least. The paved road from the escarpment to Kijabe has lost a lot of its tarmac but is navigable. The dirt road from Kijabe down to the valley where Machaa and family live, is completely impassable. They now walk from the valley to work in Kijabe each day. For those of you who have been there that is no small feat.We are often astounded by the resilience of the Kenyan people.

We are waiting until the weather improves to do a final assessment of the damage to Little Lambs grounds. We know we lost some fence posts to erosion and the gravel road to our grounds will need significant repair.

Please continue to pray for the families devastated by recent events. Also pray that the weather clears and meaningful progress can be made on clean up efforts.

We will keep you posted. If you would like to assist with the clean up financially you can make a onetime gift by clicking this GIVE button.

What’s left of the road surface at the junction by the gas station in Kijabe

Some silt and water made in under one of the bay doors at KPG. Michael is working to clear the mess.

This is the mud covered road between the high school and KPG.

A FRIEND LOSES HIS HOME IN THE FLOOD WATERS

Paul has been a friend of Shepherd’s Little Lambs for years. His full time job is in Kijabe at the children’s hospital. He lives in Old Kijabe Town. When we have a large team Paul is often the driver of the second van. He is welcome addition to teams with his humor and patience.

Pauls family was spared, but his home was swept away by the flood waters early Monday morning.

Paul said, "I am grateful to God that we were able to receive a phonecall in the early hours of the morning and we left the house, alerted our neighbours on time before the floods hit our houses!"

The stories we hear on the news become very real when they hit our friends. Please continue to pray for Paul, his family and others devastated by this disaster.

LITTLE LAMBS NATIONAL BOARD MEMBER LOSES THREE FAMILY MEMBERS IN FLOOD

This morning we learned that Lydiah Wangari Githinji, one of our national board members lost three family members in the flood that swept through Mai Mahiu early Monday morning. Lydia’s younger brother’s wife and one of his children were killed in the flood. Her older brother also lost his wife to flood waters.

The death toll continues to rise as rescue workers search for survivors. Information from people on the ground in Mai Mahui set the numbers at 71 dead and over 110 injured. National and international news outlets have told very different stories. Even the cause of the flood is in dispute.

Here is what we know. Many are gone. Many more are hurting, and the people of Kenya need our prayers!

42 CONFIRMED DEAD IN FLOODING NEAR KIJABE

We received word this morning that the Kijabe dam broke during the night. This sent floodwaters thru Kijabe old town and into the valley village of Mai Mahiu. The death toll at this moment is 42 lives lost. Some Kenyans who work at Rift Valley Academy in Kijabe and live in Mai Mahiu have lost spouses and children along with their homes.

To our knowledge all of our children, staff and their families are safe. Please be on your knees for the people of Kenya and especially those in these flood ravaged towns.

We will update our web and Facebook pages with news as we get it.

We believe this is looking up at the ravine through which the floodwater came when the dam burst.

When the dam burst is cause flash flooding that caught everyone off guard.

The floodwaters reached and flowed over Mai Mahiu road.

NEWS FLASH - FLOODING IN KIJABE

Casualties caused by flooding in Kenya and Tanzania have been reported on national news outlets. We reached out to our team to ensure everyone in our areas of service are safe. The day after we received the all clear regarding flooding in Kijabe and Nakuru we received this email from our National Director Machaa Samuel.

“Yesterday after my email, we experienced quite a downpour that created havoc in and around Kijabe. The bridge towards Kijabe girls high school was swept, the road to Blasto’s house is covered by debris swept by the floods and a land slide just a few meters from his house. Another land slide on the road to Kijabe from the highway among others. Here are some images of the aftermath. Thanks to God there are no casualties.”

The roads that have been damaged or taken out are the main arteries into Kijabe. Please be praying that the flooding stops, that no additional casualties occur and that the roads can be repaired quickly. All of these requests, if granted will be a miracle, so we know who gets the credit!

Kijabe Road below the railway bridge and above AIC Kijabe Church

Kijabe Road near the turn off to our Green Pastures property

Mudslide on the road Leading to Blasto’s house.

MEET THE TEAM TUESDAY - TERESIAH (Mama Duncan)

I'd like to introduce you to Teresiah Nyambura, a remarkable member of our Shepherd’s Little Lambs family. While her exact birth date is unknown, Teresiah was born in 1983 in Makuyu, Murang’a County, to Stanley Kiarii and Mary Wanjiku. As the eldest of five siblings, Teresiah embraced responsibility from a young age.

Unfortunately, financial constraints prevented Teresiah from attending school, but she poured her energy into supporting her family. Throughout her childhood, she assisted her mother with household chores and tended to their small farm. Her nurturing spirit extended to caring for her younger siblings until, at the age of 15, she entered into marriage with John Kariuki.

Blessed with five children—Philip Muiruri, Stanley Kiarii, Henry Ngugi, Judy Mugure, and Duncan Wanderi—Teresiah's focus remained on providing a loving home for her family. However, her marriage was marred by violence, leading to her courageous decision to part ways with her husband to protect herself and her children.

In pursuit of better opportunities, Teresiah and her family relocated from Murang’a to Kijabe, Maingi. While her husband sought casual employment, Teresiah found solace and purpose in volunteering to cook at Mama Beth’s, where Shepherd’s Little Lambs initially began. When the organization moved to the former Green Pastures location, Teresiah's dedication continued, though initially as a casual worker on various farms.

In 2010, a shortage of cooks at Green Pastures presented an opportunity for Teresiah to join the Little Lambs team officially. Since then, she has been an integral part of the organization, serving as a cook at Green Pastures.

Teresiah's journey is a testament to her resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to her family and community. Let's honor Teresiah for her enduring spirit and invaluable contributions to Shepherd’s Little Lambs!