In the upcoming year, I have ambitious plans to expand my tailoring business further, aiming to provide additional support for my husband, who serves as a pastor. To accomplish this task, I plan to allocate $400 towards the growth and enhancement of my tailoring venture. To raise the necessary capital for this expansion, I am considering selling the cows that I currently have. This strategic decision not only provides the financial means to invest in the business but also leverages the assets I possess to fuel its growth. The goal is not only to contribute more substantially to our family's income but also to create a more stable and thriving business that can serve the community. By investing in the expansion of my tailoring business, I aim to take on a more active role in supporting my husband's pastoral work and ensuring a more prosperous future for our family. With careful planning and the right resources, I am optimistic that this expansion will be a successful and impactful venture, providing both financial stability and an avenue for me to contribute more actively to our family's well-being.

Experiencing GiveDirectly's assistance has been nothing short of life-changing for me. Personally, I have been able to acquire valuable assets like cows and goats, transform my farm with proper fencing, and even purchase a sewing machine, providing a means to earn income for my family of four. These changes have not only brought tangible improvements but have also uplifted the overall well-being of my household. I find immense satisfaction in the fact that the organization's approach allows for the flexibility to make choices that suit my specific needs. The unconditionality of the support has empowered me to invest in areas that have the most significant impact on my family's life. As I reflect on the positive outcomes, I feel content with the way GiveDirectly operates. Everything is fine, and I believe that the current approach, characterized by direct and unconditional financial assistance, is effective and beneficial. The support has made a lasting difference in my life, and I'm grateful for the positive changes it has brought about.

Receiving the transfers marked a turning point in my life, allowing me to make meaningful investments that have positively impacted my family of four. Recognizing the importance of self-sufficiency in my profession as a tailor, I allocated $150 to purchase a sewing machine. This acquisition not only enhances my skills but also eliminates the need to rent a machine, providing a significant boost to my business. In addition to investing in my profession, I allocated $200 towards acquiring a heifer, a valuable asset that holds the potential for future income and sustenance. Another $50 was dedicated to purchasing clothing for my family, ensuring their well-being and comfort. Additionally, $50 was wisely spent on acquiring a goat, contributing to our overall financial stability. As a family dependent on my husband, who serves as a pastor, for our livelihood, these investments provide added layers of security and opportunities for growth. I am grateful for the positive changes these transfers have brought into my life, serving as a blessing that has uplifted our circumstances. The newfound assets and stability represent not only a financial improvement but also a source of joy and gratitude for my family.

In the upcoming year and beyond, my goal is to elevate my sewing skills by acquiring a reliable tailoring machine of my own. Currently, I have been renting one, which proves expensive and limits my profit margins due to the unpredictable availability of customers on certain days. By owning my machine, I aim to establish a tailoring business in the nearby shopping center, making it known to the community that they can consistently rely on my services for repairs and other tailoring needs. Additionally, I plan to invest in a cow to augment the three I already have. The savings accumulated from my tailoring endeavors, after factoring out the costs of renting a machine, will be strategically set aside to achieve these goals. This step not only enhances my sewing business but also opens up opportunities for diversification and sustainable growth in the future.

GiveDirectly is making a commendable impact that is widely appreciated in our community. Individuals have taken responsibility for the cash support, demonstrating prudent spending. Many households have addressed water scarcity by investing in tanks, while others have chosen to invest in livestock and businesses. The autonomy to make decisions tailored to individual needs has contributed to the varied and positive outcomes. I express gratitude for everything and remain hopeful that our projects will thrive in the future, standing as testimonials to the amazing and generous support provided by GiveDirectly.

Taking care of my family of four, and providing a balanced diet is sometimes challenging. With the second transfer, I boosted our food supply by purchasing a $43 sack of maize, which we still use. Additionally, I invested in 2 chain links ($30 each) and a $26 barbed wire to complete the fencing of our compound, preventing invasion by stray livestock and facilitating grass growth. Allocating $150, I bought a bull for breeding purposes, eliminating the need to pay for bull services. Addressing my children's needs, I spent $50 on clothing, including two pairs of shoes and essential household items. I also used $40 for tithe as an expression of my gratitude to God for this provision, contributed $10 to a fundraiser for my sister's event, and saved the remaining $65 for labor charges to complete the compound fence. The support has not only addressed immediate needs but also contributed to the overall well-being of my family.

It was around 3:00 p.m. and I had just returned from gathering firewood in the nearby bush. I was in the process of kindling a fire to prepare porridge for my two young children, aged 3 and 1. They had been crying due to hunger since morning, and I wanted to soothe their hunger with some porridge, as it was the only meal we had at the moment. We were awaiting my spouse's return in the evening, hoping that he would bring flour for a proper supper. Suddenly, my phone alerted me with a notification, indicating the arrival of an SMS. Without delay, I reached for my phone and eagerly opened the message. To my astonishment, it was an Mpesa SMS confirming the receipt of GiveDirectly transfers. A surge of joy overwhelmed me as I realized that my children would no longer have to go hungry. I wasted no time in calling my husband to share the wonderful news with him.

Currently, my life is filled with a sense of peace, and the burden of worrying about providing food for my children has significantly diminished. We've managed to purchase a sufficient quantity of food that will last us for the next two months. This has brought a newfound sense of contentment to our family. We are now able to enjoy our meals together, fostering a happier and more harmonious atmosphere at home. Moreover, this change has positively impacted the nutrition of my young children. Their diet has improved considerably due to the availability of better and more nutritious food options. This has translated into healthier and happier children.

I allocated a significant sum of $115 to procure food for my family, which consists of four members. This was a pressing necessity, given the circumstances. It has always pained me to witness my two young children relying on porridge for lunch. Our financial situation is challenging, as I work as a village tailor and earn as little as $0.5 on a daily basis. Similarly, my spouse, who serves as a pastor, receives a meager monthly income of around $50. These incomes are insufficient to meet our basic needs adequately.By using the funds to purchase food, I have been able to address this crucial concern. Observing the positive changes in my children's health and their increased happiness brought by adequate nourishment brings me immense joy. With the remaining $75, I opted to invest in chain links. Our plan is to establish a permanent fence around our 2-acre land, primarily for millet farming. This fence will play a crucial role in preventing animals from encroaching on our land and causing damage to our crops, a common issue we face.