Trusting God’s plan: From loss to a family of 10

Aleksandra Konczal was born in Gdańsk, Poland, as the eldest of four siblings. From childhood, she was fascinated by dance and passionately involved in scouting. Once she learned to read, she discovered a whole new world and eagerly “devoured” book after book.

To the surprise of her friends, after high school she chose civil engineering at Gdańsk University of Technology. That’s where she met Jacek, her future husband, who took an immediate liking to her. They became a couple a year and a half later. Quickly, they discovered that they shared common values: faith, family, and a love of dance. They became involved in campus ministry and were the first couple from the community to get married.

They married in 1987 and soon joyfully welcomed Kasia and Janusz into the world. Aleksandra took on the role of raising the children, while Jacek started a business and devoted himself to work to support his family.

Unfortunately, they lost their next child before birth. It was then that Aleksandra prayed, “I can have even 10 children, just don’t make me go through this again.”

From that moment on, their lives began to take on new meaning — their children became their greatest gift and joy. And God answered generously: they experienced no more losses, and they welcomed Łukasz, Marysia, Karol, Małgosia, Antek, and Asia. The last three were born when the couple was already in their 40s.

“God answered my prayers very literally,” Aleksandra says with a laugh. “We actually have 10 children in total — eight on earth, one in heaven, and a girl from Africa whom we helped as a family.”

The children gave Aleksandra and Jacek a lot of work, but filled them even more with gratitude. Over time, the parents learned to enjoy every day. Shared prayer, dialogue as a couple, and the sacraments strengthened them in their daily lives. When their seventh child was born and the apartment became very cramped, they experienced once again that God does not abandon those who trust in Him.

It was 2007. Aleksandra felt that they simply needed more space to live. It was a spur-of-the-moment idea. She began looking for a house at a time when the market was in a unique situation—apartment prices were skyrocketing, while house prices were stagnant.

This “window of opportunity” lasted a mere two months. They sold their apartment and used the proceeds to buy a large house, with enough money left over for renovations. Soon after, house prices began to rise.

“It was the hand of God. God knew we needed space for our family,” she adds with conviction.

“I always say: when God gives children, He also provides for them—and we’re living proof of that. We never went hungry; we always had a place to live. God took care of us through other people and through specific events,” says Aleksandra.

When they watched the youngest children dancing spontaneously in the kitchen, they saw their joy for life. One of their daughters once said, “I’m glad I was born into a family like this. In another, I might not have had a chance to be born.” Aleksandra carries those words deep in her heart.

A few years later, they founded the Association of Large Families in Gdańsk. “Lord, am I really supposed to do this?” Aleksandra asked. At that time, she was particularly moved by the Gospel passage about the multiplication of the loaves. “How are we supposed to feed so many people?” the disciples ask. “You give them something to eat,” Jesus told the apostles. Aleksandra read on and realized that these words were also meant for her. After all, it is God who provides—all a person has to do is trust.

For 15 years, she served as president of the association, which helped families who had taken out loans to buy larger apartments for their children. When their payments increased, food aid allowed them to survive the difficult times and not lose their homes. Aleksandra sees this as a continuation of God’s care—just as He once cared for them, so later they were able to care for others.

Today she has passed the responsibility on to younger families.

They’ve also been part of a lay Catholic movement founded in Poland, The Domestic Church, for 30 years. When they led retreats, they heard from older couples that they felt deceived by the secular world’s narrative, which had convinced them that one child was enough.

“Tell young people that children are a blessing and that it’s possible to live with a large family and be happy,” the couple asked us.

“Relationships are the bridge to happiness. And the greatest fear of starting a large family stems from doubting whether we can handle it,” Aleksandra explains. “It’s worth remembering that when you entrust your life to God, He truly cares.”

The family motto became “A lot of children mean a lot of happiness.” Today, looking at their gatherings around the table and the 34 people at family celebrations, they see how deeply God has answered their prayer.

“Don’t wait for a better tomorrow; just live for today,” Aleksandra repeats, thanking God for an ordinary life filled with children, grandchildren, and the daily, tangible care of God’s Providence.