The prospect of expanding our millet and maize farming to feed my family of four fills my heart with determination and optimism. These crops, known for their drought resistance, hold the promise of a bountiful harvest even with limited rainfall. I am glad my family will have food on the table. To make this vision a reality, I intend to take on casual jobs, such as weeding, to earn additional income. Together, these efforts will provide not just sustenance but also a sense of self-reliance and security.

With GiveDirectly, people have been able to access capital to start businesses, and it has positively changed their lives. Access to capital can indeed be a transformative force, enabling individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, support their families, and contribute to their communities. Unfortunately, there are a few who misuse the funds, bringing harm to their reputation. I am glad GiveDirectly strictly monitors such transfers and pauses them. My suggestion is that such transfers be redirected to those who genuinely use them to support their families.

From the humble remnants of a life once battered by the elements, I embarked on a journey of transformation. When I received my transfers, I spent $200 on constructing a two-roomed iron-walled house for my family of four, a safe haven that stood tall against both rain and termites, unlike the previous mud-walled house. In addition, I bought three goats for $60, which became not just livestock but a source of income and nourishment for my household. Inside our new home, I also invested $100 in simple yet cherished furniture, a symbol of comfort and stability. The rest of our resources were channeled into securing food for the household. My family of four depends on cultivating groundnuts and millet, yielding not only food but a sense of self-sufficiency. As I gaze upon GiveDirectly's assistance, I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and accomplishment.

As soon as I get some money, I want to purchase a dairy cow. I decided on this investment strategy since the cow will not only provide milk for sale but also family usage. I estimate that I would need at least 20 liters per day to support my family, and a liter costs $0.5, therefore selling would help me to raise some money to do so. I'll be able to easily meet my family's necessities thanks to this, which will make me about $10 every day.

I believe GiveDirectly does more than just good. I never received any help that would have allowed me to purchase the things I needed, such as a bed, house supplies, a cow, or even the materials to build a house. This is something to be grateful for. I cannot see what GiveDirectly is doing incorrectly. It is crucial to aid those who are struggling with poverty in finding consolation.

Since I had initially bought some building materials such as blocks, the next step was to purchase the remaining materials and construct the house. Upon getting the recent transfer, I used $165 to purchase 15 pieces of iron sheets and $50 was the contractor's labor charge. I decided to build a new house because the old one was leaking profusely and the rainwater had destroyed the walls thus renovating it was more expensive. Currently, a two-room block house shines my home. I am grateful and happy for GiveDirectly for enabling me to construct a nice permanent house. I cannot tell how long it would have taken me to build such a house considering that I am just a casual laborer. Thereafter, I bought two goats for $70 for investment purposes. As of now, I am happy I have a herd of 9 goats courtesy of GiveDirectly. I also used $65 to buy a sack of maize and some furniture for $46. For the remaining amount, I kept it for the family's emergencies.

Receiving my first message after enrollment brought immense joy and fulfillment. With high hopes and the pressing need for a house, I eagerly anticipated this message, which finally arrived at around 4:00 p.m. The entire village shared in this collective excitement, and the atmosphere was filled with celebration. In the presence of my spouse and children, I had to confirm its legitimacy before sharing the news. Fortunately, they too were overjoyed upon learning about our timely receipt of the transfer, as we had already made joint plans regarding its spending. Due to the late hour of receipt, I couldn't immediately withdraw the funds and thus patiently awaited the following morning.

I am incredibly grateful for the immense impact that the GiveDirectly transfer has had on my life. It has brought about significant changes, especially in terms of food security and the prospect of building a new house. The construction project represents the biggest difference in my daily life. Previously, my family of four resided in a cramped single house that seemed to shrink with each passing day. However, the joy of embarking on the construction journey, having already begun by purchasing materials, fills me with a sense of hope and excitement for the future.

With unwavering energy and enthusiasm, I wasted no time after receiving my first transfer. The very next morning, I headed to the nearby shopping center and purchased 13 iron sheets for a total of $121. These sheets would be crucial for the construction of my new house, which I plan to start once the second transfer arrives. However, there's more to be done. I still need to acquire additional construction materials like roofing frames and more iron sheets. Recognizing the importance of providing for my family, I allocated $27 to buy 50 kg of dry maize grains, ensuring a steady supply of food. Up until now, I had been relying on daily wages from casual labor to buy more household goods and food for my family of four. Determined to secure a better future, I invested $50 in purchasing two goats. With these additional goats, joining the existing six, I could use them to cover various expenses, including fees and other household bills in the future. I am grateful for the support I have received so far from GiveDirectly and have great hope of doing better in the coming few months.