Kenya – my longing. The story of volunteer Łucja Gliniecka

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!