Immanuel Church 2025 Team - Day 7 — Shepherd's Little Lambs Kenya

November 13, 2025 - Nakuru Center Day 1

Today we breakfasted at the hotel before heading to the Nakuru center. Upon our arrival, Machaa was smothered with hugs from the kids and so were we!

Again, the children and teachers welcomed us with songs. And it never ceases to put a smile on our faces.

It was then time for morning chai and the kids also enjoyed porridge.

After their breakfast, as we settled our supplies in and name tags were distributed, two groups of children performed dances. They are all so talented and it’s always fun to see them out those talents on full display.

Then Debbie went into her dental hygiene discussion. The discussion involving questions and answers regarding the function of teeth, what they are made of, and how to keep them healthy. Then each child had disclosure solution put in their teeth (it’s a bright pink oral dye that shows plaque on teeth). Each child was challenged to make sure their teeth were sparkling after brushing off the disclosure solution which included new tooth brushes for all the kids.

Debbie thanked the center for having us and sent along updates on Cindy Richter and Doug Gillaspie, both board members, neither of which were able to come during this trip but were asked about by both teachers and students.

We then began our VBS program. Yamille, again, did an excellent job of introducing the theme of Forgiveness and with the help of Debbie, did the first run through with the kids of the song “My Lighthouse”. After the song, Diana introduced the verse of the trip (Ephesians 4:32).

Then Yamille, with the help of Machaa’s translation, told the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. This time the story was broken up by the introduction of the wordless book. That segued into the kids making the wordless book bracelets from kits the team prepared. They were supplied with one woven bracelet and supplies to make two beaded bracelets. The intent is for the students to wear one and give the other two away as an opportunity to explain the meaning of them.

After the story was completed, the kids had a pre-lunch sweetie (candy) as a demonstration of the “sweetness of forgiveness”.

After lunch, the kids joined Yamille in an impromptu practice of “My Lightbouse” and it was great to see so many catching onto the lyrics and motions!

Then the children colored the coat of many colors coloring page. It was obvious that coloring was not only enjoyed by the little kids but by the older kids as well.

Once all the art was complete, Yamille, Debbie, and Heidi taught the kids how to create colorful rubber band bracelets. Once the skill was learned by the kids they took of with it!

You may be wondering what Lynn and Steve were up to. Well, Lynn spent the morning working closely with one of the teachers, Jacinta, in the classroom. That worked resulted in a pivot of sorts. At Lynn’s inspiration, the decision was made to paint the classroom. Machaa ran out for supplies during lunch and by the time the kids were coloring pages, Lynn, Steve and Diana were painting the classroom.

Though it was uncertain if the room would get completed in the short time before the end of the day, they were able to get one coat on all the walls. Leaving the opportunity for touchups tomorrow.

After we wrapped things up at the center we had a little time back at the hotel, then dinner nearby, and blessing time as a team before we reset for tomorrow and headed to bed.

Tomorrow is Day 2, our final day at the centers, in Nakuru.

Many thanks for Gods perfect timing in a few different things from the number of bracelets kits that were prepared to the ability to paint a classroom. Big and small, God has got it all!

Prayer requests for health as a few team members ares struggling with some congestion and cold-like symptoms. Prayers for the children, teachers, and cooks at Nakuru. It is incredible to see what the center has done with what it has.

Zaidi kesho (more tomorrow),
Debbie, Diana, Heidi, Yamille, Steve and Lynn