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!
MEET THE TEAM TUESDAY - PETER
Peter Njoroge was born in 1955 in Kijabe (Maingi), Kiambu County, but the exact date eludes memory. He was the sixth child among seven siblings, born to the late Benjamin Mwangi and late Peris Wairimu.
In 1961, he enrolled at Kiambogo Primary School, completing his Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) in 1967. His secondary education took place at Olkijuado Secondary School from 1968 to 1971, culminating in the East Africa Certificate of Secondary Education (later renamed Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education). Throughout his schooling, his mother shouldered the burden of his fees, following his father's passing in 1957. Tertiary education remained out of reach due to financial constraints.
After completing his education, he tended to livestock and worked on the family's small farm until 1976. Alongside his elder brother, he ventured to Garissa in the North Eastern region to explore employment opportunities. With their combined savings from herding and farming, they established a retail shop, which they managed until 1992. However, escalating political unrest prompted them to close the shop and return to Kijabe.
During occasional visits to Kijabe while operating the shop in Garissa, Peter met Loise Njoki, whom he married in 1985. They were blessed with five children: Benjamin Mwangi (who sadly passed away a month after birth), Peris Wairimu, Priscah Njeri, Rachel Njeri, and Stanley Ngugi, aged 37, 35, 32, and 29 respectively.
Upon returning to Kijabe, Peter attempted to start another retail venture, but poor business conditions forced him to shut it down quickly. He then turned to farming and herding on their family's land. His elder sister, Rachel Njeri, worked as the center supervisor at Little Lambs Green Pastures education center, and Peter would occasionally visit her workplace. Through these visits, he engaged with the children and staff. In 2005, when a need arose for a night watchman, Peter expressed keen interest, receiving unanimous support from the staff to take up the position. He has served in this role ever since.
Peter’s story is one of persitence and dependance on God. We are blessed to have Peter as part of the Little Lambs team!
MEET THE TEAM TUESDAY - PAULINE
Today we want to share a bit of Pauline's remarkable journey with you.
Pauline Njeri's story begins on February 26th, 1992, in Githabai, Kinangop, Nyandarua County. Born to Hellen Nyambura, Pauline grew up in a modest household with two siblings.
She embarked on her academic journey at Githabai Primary School in 1998, where she excelled despite facing financial hurdles. Unfortunately, her education was cut short after completing grade 8 due to the inability to afford secondary school fees. Undeterred, Pauline returned home to support her mother on their family farm and care for her youngest sister.
In 2010, her family's dynamics shifted when her mother married John Mwangi and relocated to Kijabe, Kiambogo. Pauline remained in Kinangop under her aunt's care, but continued to visit her mother regularly. It was during these visits that she crossed paths with Earnest Kinyanjui, whom she married in 2014.
Despite the joy of starting a family, Pauline faced challenges in her marriage and eventually separated from Earnest in 2019 due to domestic violence and abuse. Finding herself at a crossroads, Pauline sought solace and purpose in her interactions with the children and staff members of Shepherd’s Little Lambs, located near her former residence.
Recognizing her warmth, dedication Pauline seamlessly transitioned into a role as a cook at Little Lambs. Her commitment to serving others has since made her an valuable member of the team, enriching the lives of children and staff alike.
Let's celebrate Pauline's journey and the impact she continues to make every day!
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LITTLE LAMBS - TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY:
College Scholarships for Shepherd’s Little Lambs: Turning Dreams into Reality
As our young lambs approach the milestone of high school graduation, inquiries about funding for college have become a common query. While our heartfelt desire has always been to support their higher education aspirations, our commitment has primarily been focused on ensuring our students attain their high school diplomas, given our limited resources.
An exciting development has unfolded through our recent collaboration with the East Africa Partnership (EAP). EAP, has a well-established college scholarship program. This means each of our ambitious graduates now has the opportunity to apply for one of these scholarships!
This partnership serves as a compelling testament to God’s divine hand in our new relationship with EAP. Stay tuned for upcoming reports as our students embark on this new chapter by entering the scholarship program. With God’s help and yours, we are nurturing dreams and paving the way for brighter futures.
MEET THE TEAM TUESDAY - WINFRED
Today, we're diving into the inspiring journey of Winfred Wanjiku Kariuki, a true powerhouse at Shepherd’s Little Lambs in Kenya.
Winfred was born in 1976, in Mariani, Murang’a County, Kenya. Winfred's early years were marked by challenges. Raised by her mother, Lucy Wangui, after her father's abandonment, Winfred faced financial struggles that affected her education. Despite these obstacles, she attended Mariani Primary School and later Kionjoini Secondary School, though she had to discontinue her studies in 1991 due to lack of school fees.
Winfred's resilience shone through as she supported her family and tended to their small farm. In 1995, she ventured out on her own, marrying Samuel Kogii and raising two wonderful sons, Bryan Mwangi and Boniface Mwangi. However, in 2002, Winfred faced heartbreak when she parted ways with her husband after he married her sister, leaving her and her boys without a home.
Seeking refuge, Winfred found solace at Mama Beth’s house, where Shepherd’s Little Lambs began. There, she found purpose in cooking for the children and gradually became an integral part of the ministry.
In 2014, Winfred's dedication and potential were recognized when she was chosen to join an early childhood development course. She graduated in 2015 with a certificate, paving the way for her current role as center supervisor and teacher at Little Lambs.
Winfred's journey is a testament to God’s goodness and her strength and resilience. Her story inspires us all to overcome obstacles and find purpose in serving others. Little Lambs is blessed to have Winfred on our team! #MeetTheTeamTuesday #LittleLambs #
Winfred - Alaways ready for a hug!