Having already invested in a small herd of goats, my eyes are set on a clear goal for the future of expanding that herd. The notion is simple but profound. With a bit more financial support, I envision adding more goats to my fold. It's more than just a business move; it's about securing my home and family, especially in times of adversity. Their market value remains steady, promising a safety net for my loved ones. By bolstering my herd, I am not only growing a sustainable source of income but also cultivating a shield against life's uncertainties.

The impact of the financial support has been nothing short of transformative for our entire community. From providing opportunities for education to creating sustainable businesses, GiveDirectly's kindness has touched every villager's life. We are elated and proud to be associated with such a thoughtful organization. The once-distant dreams of sending our children to school and breaking the cycle of poverty now seem achievable, thanks to GiveDirectly's unwavering commitment to improving lives. Your direct approach to assisting us has not only alleviated immediate financial burdens but has also instilled a renewed sense of hope and dignity within us.

My heart ached as I saw my child's dreams of education fading away due to unpaid school fees. With $350 of the cash transfer, I rushed to the school and settled his outstanding fees. The relief and joy I saw in his eyes when he returned to his studies were indescribable. Education is a treasure, and I'm grateful to GiveDirectly for helping me preserve that treasure for my son. To secure our future even more, I decided to put $100 of the money into buying four goats. It might seem like a simple thing, but those goats are more than animals to us because they're a step towards self-sufficiency. Goats can reproduce and provide us with meat. This small investment feels like planting a seed that, with care and time, will grow into a tree of stability for our family. Moreover, I used $60 to buy a comfortable bed. It's funny how something as basic as a good night's sleep can make such a big difference. The old bed was like a thorn in my side, but this new one feels like a cloud beneath me. As I lay down at night, I reflect on the changes the cash transfers have brought into our lives. It's not just about the tangible things but also the hope, dignity, and empowerment they've given me.

It was in the afternoon when I decided to go to the nearest center where my sister has a shop to kill the afternoon boredom. Along the way, I met my uncle, who was heading in the same direction, and we started chanting stories as we laughed. When he mentioned to me if I had gotten the message from GiveDirectly, I quickly removed my phone from my pocket and passed it to him to check it for me because my illiteracy could not allow me to realize that. He pressed the buttons of my phone, and suddenly he wore a huge smile, which was a clear indication that he had seen it. I asked him in an exciting manner if what I was thinking was true, and yes, he confirmed that the money was there. I couldn't explain the feeling within me by then because all I remember is going back home and trying to imagine how true it was. This took me to an ocean of thoughts on what I had desired to have. I had taken iron sheets from a nearby hardware store and had not cleared the amount, so I went back immediately to the hardware store.

So far, I have some of the things I desired to have, like the carpentry tools. This has opened another great opportunity for my skills and financial growth. I will also be in a position to buy livestock, as I have always wanted to, because in this community of ours, respect is accorded in terms of how many cows or goats you have. I might even find myself among the elders in the community discussing issues hitting our people, which will bring me so much joy.

I used $11 to pay the debt I had from the hardware stores, where I had taken 21 pieces of iron sheets to cushion the part of the house that had fallen due to strong winds, and some were for building a new house. So far, the house I am building is almost done, and it has cost us $20 so far. This means so much to me as a father with five children living under one roof. It has been difficult all along, and we have been trying our best to save some money so we could build a room for them with no success. On the other hand, some years ago, while I was doing my carpentry work, some thieves just walked in and took all my tools. I could not do my daily jobs as usual, and this affected our household income. When I received the transfers from GiveDirectly,I used $10 to replace the carpentry tools. This has brought back the motivation in me to pursue more different designs in carpentry work, with my family having so much trust in me. Finally, I had to spare some money so I could purchase chickens. I spent $15 on them, which would save me a lot, especially when I have visitors coming home and I do not plan on spending much on them. In terms of financial income, I will be in a position to sell them and cushion myself financially when need arises.