Kenyan nanny Roseline ‘Rosie’ Atieno, who recently gained viral acclaim for her emotional farewell in Lebanon, shares her inspiring life story.
The mother of three from Siaya County sheds light on the trials that led her to work abroad, her emotional departure, and plans for a heartwarming return to the Lebanese family.
Roseline’s tears during her departure were not just a farewell to the four children she cared for in Lebanon but a culmination of two years away from her own children.
In an interview with Expeditions Maasai Safaris CEO Pancras Karema, she expressed the overwhelming mix of emotions upon being reunited with her family.
“I cried because I had mixed feelings about meeting my children after two years and leaving the children I had taken care of for two years who treated me like their parent,” Roseline explained, offering a glimpse into the emotional complexity of her situation.
The journey that took her to Lebanon originated from the challenges in her personal life.
Roseline, facing difficulties in her marriage, decided to seek better opportunities abroad to provide her three children with a brighter future.
Departing Kenya in October 2021, she embarked on a journey filled with hopes and prayers for a nurturing family.
Despite initial fears, Roseline’s prayers were answered when she met the Lebanese family at the airport.
Describing them as “good people” and well-known content creators in Lebanon, she highlighted the immediate connection with the children and their mother.
“The first experience with the family, when we met at the airport, the mother of the children just said ‘wow’ when she saw me. We clicked from day one,” Roseline recalled, emphasizing the heartwarming bond that developed.
Roseline fondly reminisced about her time with the children, emphasizing how they became a source of comfort, filling the void of missing her own children.
Expressing deep affection, she even extended an invitation for the Lebanese family to visit Kenya and meet her children.
While in Lebanon, Roseline felt a sense of belonging, noting, “I felt like I was at home. The only difference is that they pay me. The children appreciated me for who I am.”
Despite planning to return to Lebanon, she hasn’t set a date, intending to continue working with the family until the children are a bit older.
Recognizing Roseline’s extraordinary dedication, Expeditions Maasai Safaris expressed their appreciation by booking her family for a tour of the Masai Mara.
CEO Pancras Karema stated, “We believe in celebrating people like Rosie whose dedication and kindness inspire us. This trip to the Masai Mara is a small gesture to honor her incredible spirit and the profound impact she makes every day.”
Roseline’s journey exemplifies resilience, sacrifice, and the universal language of love that transcends borders.
Her story, from tearful goodbyes to plans for a joyous return, resonates as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and thrive in the face of challenges.
