In the days that lie ahead, my main dream revolves around acquiring a pair of plowing bulls. The bulls will not only till the farm for my crop cultivation, ensuring a steady supply of food for my loved ones, but they will also stand as valuable assets for hire. Every coin earned from my animal vending business finds a secret home in my savings, nurturing the seed of this aspiration. One day, as the sun bathes the land in a warm glow, I'll see my fields thrive under the careful guidance of those two noble bulls, their strength mirroring my resolute spirit, and their plows turning the soil into a canvas of sustenance and prosperity.

What impressed me the most was how the organization treated everyone ethically, especially the elderly and the young. The enrollment process was inclusive and accessible as the officers visited every home in the village. Throughout our interactions, I have not encountered anything improper. The financial assistance provided by GiveDirectly has undoubtedly transformed our lives, granting us the agency to address our own needs in the way that best suits our family. Their transparent approach and commitment to allowing us the freedom to make choices have instilled a renewed sense of dignity within our community.

When I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly, the first thing I did was buy a mattress for $40. You see, I used to sleep on a thin mat that never really gave me a good night's rest. But now, with my new mattress, I sink into a world of comfort every night. It's incredible how something as simple as a mattress can make such a difference. I wake up feeling refreshed, ready to take on the day ahead with newfound energy. With a portion of the remaining money, I decided to invest $328 in my animal vending business. I used to sell goats and cows, but the business had fallen on hard times. The extra funds allowed me to breathe new life into it. I bought more livestock, improved their living conditions, and ensured they were healthy and ready for sale. This has turned out to be a wise move, as my business has started to flourish once again. I'm not only providing for my own family but also helping others in the community get the animals they need. My heart is full knowing that my decision to revive my business is positively impacting so many lives.

I had gone to check on my sick sibling who was in the hospital, and on my way back, I received a message, and when I checked to confirm receipt, I was overjoyed because it was the message I had been waiting for. I had finally received my first transfer from GiveDirectly, as promised. I thanked them for keeping their promise and making a difference in our lives. I could now renovate my house, which had been in disrepair for several years.

My living house was built with mud, which I thought was only temporary, so I rebuilt it with bricks and cement to make it more permanent. It was also grass-thatched, and whenever it rained, it leaked. Though it was tedious, I was replacing the grass on a regular basis to keep it from collapsing. I wanted to build a decent, iron-roofed house where I could live with my family. I bought some iron sheets to renovate the roof. Because the roof is now stable, I no longer need to replace it. Sheltering in an iron-roofed house is the most significant difference in my daily life because I have a decent house to live in. This has always been my dream, and I am grateful to GiveDirectly for making it a reality.

I spent a larger portion of the transfer on building materials, including iron sheets, bricks, cement, and river sand, to rebuild my living house. It was shaky and on the verge of collapsing, and the grass-thatched roof leaked. I am now living in a decent iron-roofed house, which has always been my dream, but I could not afford to buy the materials myself. In addition, I spent KES 7000 on a new wooden bed to replace the old traditional bed that I had been using for years. At the very least, I can now sleep comfortably in my new bed. I also bought livestock, including two goats and four chickens, which I am now rearing in my compound. They are assets on which I can rely in the event of a financial crisis. My expectation is that they will reproduce and grow in number. I am confident in my ability to sell at any time to meet my financial obligations. Finally, I did some shopping for food, such as a bag of maize flour, to ensure that my family has enough food for several months.