At precisely 3 in the evening, as I made my way to my neighbor's home to check on their ailing daughter, a notification lit up my phone. As illiterate as I am, I patiently waited until I returned home to ask my son to decipher its contents. With a sense of anticipation, he revealed that it was an MPESA message from GiveDirectly. A rush of joy flooded my heart as I grasped the significance of the moment. I knew that this unexpected windfall meant more than just financial relief; it signified the end of an era spent enduring the discomforts of a grass-roofed house, which leaned precariously with each rainfall. Imagining the security of sleeping under an iron roof, I felt a profound sense of gratitude and hope, knowing that this gesture would bring not only shelter but also newfound stability to our lives.

For over a decade, the weight of hardship burdened every day of my married life. Living on family land was supposed to be a blessing, but instead, it became a battleground rife with conflicts and frustrations, each day a struggle to maintain our place amidst claims we should vacate. This made me worry a lot for my family of six, which is growing. Adding to our woes, our house was a grass-thatched one, and it could leak terribly during the winter seasons. I was hopeless and a sad mother because these conditions used to affect my children's health, leaving me feeling hopeless and despondent. The arrival of GiveDirectly transformed our lives in ways I could never have imagined. With their unconditional cash transfers, we were empowered to purchase our own land, marking the first step towards a brighter future, and I am now in the process of building a new house on it. No longer bound by the shackles of uncertainty, we're escaping the clutches of familial conflict and the humiliation that once plagued us. GiveDirectly didn't just provide financial assistance; they restored our dignity and ignited a flame of hope that had long been flickering in the darkness.

Investing in a better future for my family has always been my priority. With the recent cash transfer, I took a significant step towards securing stability. Purchasing an acre of land for $200 was a pivotal moment, freeing us from the frustrations of residing on family land with a contentious owner. Owning this land brings a sense of relief, knowing that my children will have a place to call home without the looming threat of displacement. Alongside this investment, I diversified our income by purchasing two goats, envisioning them as a source of additional funds for my children's education in the future. With the immediate needs addressed, I directed a portion of the funds towards ensuring my children's education remains uninterrupted. Paying $90 in school fees for my three kids alleviates the burden that often hinders their academic progress. Now, with the assurance of settled schooling, I anticipate a brighter future for them. Finally, investing $200 in materials for our upcoming house project filled me with excitement and anticipation. Moving away from our grass-thatched house symbolized progress and a newfound sense of stability. As my husband and I navigate through various job opportunities to make ends meet, the prospect of finally owning a decent house fills us with hope and determination. No longer will we sleep in a grass-thatched house; instead, we will soon move into a home that symbolizes progress and stability for our family of six.