I was at home in the evening, relaxing after a long day. Suddenly, my neighbor's son, who often comes to stay with me during the day, burst in and shouted, "Grandma, bring me your phone! I need to check if the money has arrived because people at the center said the GiveDirectly money is here!" At first, I refused and told him, “No, you’re lying; there’s no money.” But then my neighbor, who is a teacher, returned from school, and I asked her to confirm it for me. To my surprise, she said, “Yes, the money has arrived; I received mine too!” In that moment, joy flooded through me. I felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over me. The first thing I thought about was purchasing food, as my house empty with no food, and I was feeling very sick. I knew I couldn’t go out to look for casual jobs, so having the money meant I could finally take care of my basic needs. It was a moment of hope, and I couldn’t wait to make the most of it!

The biggest difference in my life after receiving the cash transfer is having enough food at home. I am very happy because I no longer have to stand in the hot sun to find casual jobs just to eat. Sometimes, I would go out to work even when I was sick because I had nothing to eat. Now, I thank God that I can enjoy my meals comfortably three times a day. Before, I only ate once a day, which made my health worse. Now that I have enough food, my health has also improved significantly.

That day brought a surge of emotions, marking a turning point in my life filled with relief and hope. For so long, I had been trapped in a cycle of pain and struggle, burdened by serious health issues, particularly chest problems stemming from an accident when a tree fell on my back. This injury left me unable to perform heavy tasks, forcing me to rely on my neighbors for help. The cash transfer felt like a lifeline, allowing me to spend $70 on medication that would help me manage my health better. Finally, I could take a step toward feeling better, lifting a heavy weight that had long burdened my heart.Furthermore, I used $20 to buy clothes and shoes, essentials I desperately needed. Without proper clothing, I often felt embarrassed, especially during vacations when I faced others who seemed to have it all together. I also spent $40 on kitchen utensils, as I barely had any left after moving to this borrowed place. Cooking had become a challenge without the right tools, but now I could prepare meals more comfortably, which brought a small sense of normalcy back to my life.Most importantly, I allocated $70 for food since my cupboards were empty. I often depended on my neighbors for meals when I couldn’t find casual jobs. Living alone after losing my husband and two children has been incredibly painful; my only surviving daughter is married and lives elsewhere. The memories of my loved ones haunt me, so I chose to stay far from our previous home to help me heal. I even borrowed a piece of land away from their graveyards, hoping to forget those painful memories. This cash transfer not only helped me meet my immediate needs but also rekindled my hope for a better future.