We would like to thank the Mission Foundation- Salvatti.pl Foundation for enabling this mission and for supporting the purchase of sewing equipment for our pupils in Kenya. 

Thanks to the direct commitment and passion of the volunteers, it was possible to purchase professional equipment for our studio. We received, among others: sewing machines, irons, a washing machine and the necessary materials and tailoring accessories. This equipment has significantly raised the standards of our girls’ work. 

We would like to express our gratitude to Kasia’s volunteer. Her knowledge, openness and direct contact with the beneficiaries turned out to be invaluable. 

Kasia not only shared her experience and practical abilities, but also inspired new ideas and projects. This allowed our pupils to improve their craftsmanship, acquire new skills and look more boldly to the future. 

Your concrete and tangible presence has breathed new courage and self-confidence into our pupils. It has created a space for the development of talents and nurturing dreams. The activities of volunteers from Salvatti are not only material help – it is primarily building self-esteem in girls and young women. 

We wholeheartedly thank you for your mission and real, lasting help! 

Thank you, Mission of Love Foundation

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The ceremony took place in Lipnica Mała, at the founders of the Foundation – Dorota and Mirosław Gwiżdż, where it all began. 

We celebrated as a unique group. We hosted the missionary Amabilis Agnieszka Gliniecka, Father Charles Kibe – bishop’s vicar from the Murang Diocese in Kenya, and Faith Rugu – our social worker from Kenya. There were also many wonderful friends of the Foundation and our vice-president, Ania Kanios-Zakrzewska. 

With great joy in our hearts, we thank you for all the good that we could do with you in this third year, helping the poorest children and families in Africa in the name of the commandment of love! 

During a five-week stay in Poland, our guests from Kenya had the opportunity to get to know our beautiful homeland, its culture and tradition – from north to south. They visited Gdańsk, Warsaw, Siedlce, Wrocław, Kraków, Zakopane, Oświęcim, Sosnowiec, Częstochowa, Wadowice, Zakliczyn and many smaller towns. In each of them, they were provided with care and hospitality from the friends of the Mission of Love Foundation. 

The joint time was also filled with important discussions and plans for the future. 

Missionary Sundays in Czarna Woda, Poizdów and Zakliczynie brought a lot of good and hope for families in Africa – for which we would like to thank you! 

An exciting moment was the meeting of our guests from Kenya with the Bishop Artur Important in Sosnowiec. The main purpose of the conversation was to establish cooperation and revive the missionary animation between the diocese of Agnieszka’s origin and its present diocese in Kenya. The meeting was held in a very friendly atmosphere, which favored the exchange of experiences and rose hope for a fruitful, common future. We trust that this is the beginning of a beautiful cooperation that will connect many hearts in the name of Jesus’ love. 

We help because we love!

We started the celebrations with a Holy Mass to thank you for all the good that flows on us thanks to you. Thank you for every donor! 

There was also a common meal, music and loud laughter during joyful games. We thank you with all our hearts! 

It is thanks to your sensitivity that these poorest children in Africa have beautiful days, full of wonderful memories, and most importantly – they feel loved and visible. Let us remember that for many of them it is the only such day of the year! 

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the missionary Amabilis Agnieszka Gliniecka for her efforts and preparation of this holiday. 

We help because we love! 

Join.

It is a wonderful time with extraordinary people who have been supporting children in Kenya with us for several years. It is a beautiful time to discuss our activities, plans and joy of what we have already managed to do together for the children from the Upendo Children’s Home in Kenya and all the Foundation’s beneficiaries. We are happy with every new open heart that joins us and we invite everyone who has ideas and big hearts to help children in Africa. 

In June 2024, the bonfire of the Friends of the Foundation in Ireland was special because our Missionary Amabilis Agnieszka Gliniecka from Kenya was with us. She told us many amazing stories about our beneficiaries, about living conditions, about needs. Thank you Amabilis, for giving your whole heart to serve the poorest children and families in Africa, the beneficiaries of the Mission of Love Foundation. 

Thank you for taking such wonderful care of the children at the Upendo Children’s Home and taking care of all their needs every day like a mother. Thank you for opening our eyes to see how many people need support and a helping hand from another human being. 

TOGETHER WE CAN DO MUCH! 

Join us! We help because WE LOVE! 

My name is Łucja Gliniecka, I am a pensioner and the mother of Amabilis Agnieszka Gliniecka, who as a Missionary serves the poorest in Kenya. My first trip to Kenya was somewhat accidental. 

A friend of our family knew that I missed my daughter, that I would like to visit her, see where and how she lives. He also knew my financial situation, which did not allow for this trip to Kenya. He helped me. He bought me a ticket. It was a great surprise and my dream became a reality even though I didn’t even have a passport. 

It’s the beginning of 2017, I’m quickly getting a passport and I’m on the road… A journey full of nerves, because earlier it seemed to me that I would not be able to go on such a long journey alone. Transfer in Frankfurt. However, I was not alone, I felt the care of God’s Providence, so I reached my destination safely. Here I was surprised, because a warm rain greeted me. Emotions subsided, there were tears of relief and joy from greeting my daughter. 

For me, Kenya is primarily my daughter, children, people and nature. 

The greatest and saddest impression for me was made by a visit to a sick woman, Lucy. I was horrified to see the conditions this woman lives in. 

On our next visit Lucy got a new bed with mattress, pillow and blanket. This greatly improved the conditions in which she lived. 

I was not able to see her again because Lucy died. 

I also met good people in Kenya. An auto repair shop owner, Salim, gave me 10,000 shillings to help the poor. In agreement with my daughter, we decided to buy beds for two brothers, Mwanga and Joseph, who were looked after by their grandmother. 

In addition to beds, the children received school uniforms and some groceries to take home. The joy of smiling faces and cheerful eyes of the boys – priceless. 

My first three weeks in Kenya passed like crazy. I was still there and I already miss it. I decided that I would do everything to return to Kenya. I dreamed about it, and as you know – dreams do not come true by themselves, but if you want it so much, you can make it come true. 

Since October 2016, I have been retired, somewhat forced by my management. Now I see that there is nothing bad that does not come out for good. I can manage my time and I try my best to fulfill my dreams of coming back to Kenya. 

The years 2018 – 2022 were my three stays in Kenya, which are related to the UPENDO Children’s Home. There I became a grandmother to the girls who live here. A grandmother for children disadvantaged by a cruel fate. For children for whom UPENDO provides, above all, safety and also thanks to the financial support of UPENDO Friends, material things and education. A stay at UPENDO is a chance for a better tomorrow for the girls. 

My role as an ordinary grandmother is to be with them when they need it. Girls love to knit and crochet. It’s really a big deal for them. Bundles of wool in their hands turn into pretty, colourful hats. They love to solve puzzles and their favourite game is the memory game. Angela is the champion. I admire her because she found a nice trick to win. I am convinced that children need closeness. An example would be meeting with Angela… 

We are sitting on the balcony, she took my hand and began to tell her story. He knows I don’t speak English, but that’s not a problem. When she was done, she asked me to tell her my story. I know she doesn’t speak Polish, but that’s no problem. She listens to my story with concern on her face. The most important thing was not the words, but the fact that we were close, together. 

Or Emilka. Walking past our house to the toilet at school, she always stops and calls grandma, grandma … It’s important that I’m standing on the balcony. The important thing is that I nod to her and she already knows that she is important to me. 

We also have cooking classes with the older girls. They like to bake cakes, cookies and even bread. Joyce is a master at this! She bakes better bread than I do. 

Children need attention, closeness, heart. 

And I, as their grandmother, need it too. I miss my girls so much, my granddaughters. 

Every day I miss my daughter Amabilis, or rather Agnieszka. During each of my stays, I try my best to help her, at least with the housework. I know, because I saw how much work she does day after day. I admire her dedication, care and heart she puts into caring for girls and people who need help and support every day. And the children? They just love her like a mother. 

These memories and many, many more are written in my heart, and it all started with a ticket from a Friend. 

And I? I will come back to Upendo, because when saying goodbye in January I promised the girls that I would come back! 

A Promise is a Promise! 

My name is Agata and I want to share my experience of volunteering in Kenya. As a volunteer of the Mission of Love Foundation, I was at the UPENDO children’s home from 14.10.2022 to 15.12.2022. I spent 10 weeks there. Before leaving, I was both stressed and happy because after 5 years I could go back there again and help children in such a tangible way. I couldn’t wait to see how much some of Upendo’s beneficiaries have changed over those years. 

In fact, it’s hard to describe in words the things or situations I saw and experienced there, especially since there were so many of them. 

I’ll start with the everyday experiences. 

In addition to school, girls have many other responsibilities that they must perform. The day has its own specific rhythm, thanks to which they learn regularity and duty from an early age. 

From Monday to Saturday they get up at 5:30am, each of them has a separate part of the house to clean before going to school, which is just behind the fence. There is also morning prayer and of course breakfast. 

They spend most of the day at school. They return home in two rounds – younger children finish their lessons faster. All the girls wash their uniforms and shoes right after school. It would seem ‘funny’ that it is necessary to wash uniforms every day – but due to the climate, regardless of the season, it is necessary. Then time for tea and homework. Later dinner, and at the end of the day, before going to bed, they pray an evening prayer in the home chapel. 

The day is full to the brim. 

Sunday, however, is a completely different day, you can sleep a little longer and prepare yourself to go to the Holy Mass. The church is about a 30-minute walk from UPENDO, so it’s quite a distance to walk, considering you still have to go home afterwards. The Eucharist itself looks a bit different than the one we know. It lasts up to 2 hours – it is enriched with dancing and singing, which amazed me every time. All this makes you come home at lunch time. After lunch, there is a time for games and activities that the girls love. Here, their creativity and imagination know no bounds – and joy and laughter are endless. 

This is what a ‘standard’ week looks like. It happens that Saturdays or other days are free from school – then sometimes guests come, or there is an opportunity to work in the garden or kitchen, or just spend more time together. 

What stuck in my memory the most? The most was how much the girls were thirsty for closeness, love and attention. Not only the younger ones, but also the older ones. Each of them, whenever it was possible, wanted either to be held by the hand or hugged, or to look at her while playing or having a meal. Such a cliché, such nothing, but I still have an image of their joy in such moments in my head. More than once I noticed a twinkle in their eye or a smile on their face – a smile that rewarded all my hardships, a smile that gave me strength and energy to continue, a smile that made me smile myself. 

I’m thinking about my next visit… 

POLISH HEARTS in KENYA – this is how the report about our activities was named, during which we could talk about our mission of love in Africa. 

We talked about our children from the Upendo Children’s Home in Kenya and the surrounding area, about the projects and activities of our Mission of Love Foundation. We would like to especially thank the host, the amazing Wise Grandma Beata Borucka for inviting us to the program and the entire Silver TV Team for such a warm welcome and surrounding our representatives with such a warm, family atmosphere. And we were represented by our volunteers – Grandma Łucja Gliniecka and Alicja Szostek, thank you. 

Our Missionary Amabilis Gliniecka connected with the children online straight from the Upendo Children’s Home in Kenya, talking about her mission in Africa, the living conditions and needs of the poorest children and orphans she takes care of every day. 

It was happening!! 

And we experienced MUCH GOOD. 

During the interview, artist Voytek Sokolnicki noticed us and proposed a charity concert for our beneficiaries. 

It was an incredible experience for all of us FRIENDS OF UPENDO to see live how beautifully our little dreams are coming true, how much good has already been done and how many decisions have already been made and actions have been taken to support us in implementing this great work of missionary aid in Kenya. 

Such images INSPIRE us to work even harder to build a community that brings love and goodness. 

We help because WE LOVE!

Join us and become a Friend of the MISSON OF LOVE FOUNDATION! 

TOGETHER WE BRING LOVE AND HOPE! 

August 16, 2024 

2nd Anniversary of the Mission of Love Foundation this was the second year of joy, gratitude and summaries. 

We celebrated it, like last year, in Lipnica Mała in Poland, in the hometown of the co-founders of the Foundation. 

This time too, Missionary Agnieszka Amabilis Gliniecka from Kenya was with us. 

Of course, our Foundation’s Friends and donors were with us. 

With the sparks of a bonfire and joyful singing, we summed up the second year of work and made plans for the next year. 

For the second Anniversary of the Mission of Love Foundation, a campaign was initiated – donate a BAG OF FLOUR, CORN, BEANS, RICE to the poorest children in Africa. 

Thanks to the openness of many hearts, we managed to buy as many as 33 BAGS of food, filled with love, thank you. 

The 2nd Anniversary of the Foundation was also celebrated by our beneficiaries in Kenya with Missionary Agnieszka Amabilis Gliniecka. 

We help because we LOVE! 

We ENCOURAGE you to help! 

We would like to thank the Principal Agnieszka Adamska, all teachers, children, parents, volunteers and those who came. 

Our Foundation was represented by one of the founders of the Foundation Dorota Gwiżdż and Volunteer Anna Starostka. The day was very beautiful and successful, moods were good and hearts were opening.

You are wonderful and you have huge hearts! 

We promoted our project – EDUCATION WITHOUT BORDERS. 

This is our key project, because only through education and acquiring a specific profession can children of Africa escape the cycle of poverty, because this is their only hope for a better life. 

Every child deserves happiness and love! 

We thank you with all our hearts for the support from the sale of items.  

We help because WE LOVE! 

Kenya is a beautiful country, but its social diversity means that it needs support. 

Our president of the foundation, Agnieszka Amabilis Gliniecka, performs miracles here that give children and their families a real chance to regain control over their lives. She gives them strength, love, support and faith in a better tomorrow. People in the worst and most difficult situations can regain light and shine. 

Help of our foundation is through education, nutrition, independence, but also friendship, a warm word of support, a smile, prayer and even a shared cry or simply the presence of another person. 

Our foundation Family creates a HOME to which each of our beneficiaries can always return. 

Our Foundation is finally Us!!! 

These are the hearts of all those who open up to others through every gesture of good will. 

Helping others is one of the most beautiful gestures of love. 

I am honored to have the opportunity to create such a wonderful community and be part of this beautiful history that our Foundation creates. 

Thank you all for being here!  

We help because we love! 

Ania Kanios-Zakrzewska, Vice President of the Foundation