I got the notion to create a shop where I'll be selling quickly-moving goods like food and personal stuff after seeing how well my grocery store is doing. I chose this field of employment since I had significant business leadership experience and there is little competition in our area. I have a plan of making some savings from the grocery that will enable me to realize my ambition of opening a shop. Before the year is through, I want to launch the business.

Given that we do not have the same difficulties in life, GiveDirectly performed a good job of providing the money to us in cash. People in our village have varying levels of empowerment, and I have accomplished a lot of what I have always desired. My life has changed for the better, and going forward, I will put in a lot of effort to make sure that I keep moving forward financially to keep things as they are.

Since I have been operating a grocery store for a living and to provide for my family's needs, I saw it prudent to add more stock to add life to it. When I received the recent transfer, I opted to use $29 in buying more stock for the business. Having a variety of leafy vegetables and fruits in the store attracts more buyers, and the more buyers the higher the profit. As of now, the business is flourishing courtesy of GiveDirectly. This business aids me to provide for my family's needs. I also used $25 to buy a bale of maize flour to ensure food security at home. Since I do not have a young child who is still in school, I used $90 to pay school fees for my grandchildren whom I stay with. For the remaining amount, I saved it for the family's upkeep.

While relaxing at home at around 2 pm, I heard my phone ringing. Since I am illiterate, I requested my helper to check for me who was calling only to inform me it was a message tone. He went through the message and informed me that I had received the first transfer of $550 from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with happiness for receiving a massive amount of money in my old age. My happiness grew when I figured out how I was going to change my life for the better by equipping my business which was almost collapsing yet I fully depend on it.

The main difference that is vivid is my stable business. Initially, things were not adding up since it was on the verge of collapsing but after the transfer I restocked it. Again the second investment of livestock keeping gives me an assurance of good life ahead courtesy of GiveDirectly.

Since my sardine business was collapsing yet it was my only source of income, I gave it priority. When I withdrew the money, I opted to invest more into it by adding enough stock. I used $120 in restocking the business. I did this to ensure that I get enough income from the business because I sell to retailers. After that, I bought three goats for $120. I chose goats over a cow because they have a faster birthrate compared to cows. The goats will serve as an investment too. After all, as they will be increasing I will be in a position to convert them into monetary value because they have ready markets. To appreciate my grandchild who is also my helper, I opted to assist him in the construction of a house. I boosted him with 10 iron sheets which cost $80 to complete the roofing of his house. This act gave me peace of heart after seeing how happy the boy was. For the remaining amount, I decided to buy some food for $20 and saved the rest for the family's upkeep. As of now, I am very happy to see my business progressing well knowing that I have a stable source of income.