At around 4 p.m., as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over my humble abode, I received the unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly. The weight of my daily house chores, which had left me feeling perpetually weary and hopeless, lifted in an instant. The notification brought a surge of emotions, and an overwhelming joy washed over me, realizing that I now possessed the means to secure a new home for my family of four. The previous dwelling, cramped and insufficient, had long been a source of worry and discomfort. In that moment, the promise of a brighter future and the tangible hope of a more spacious and secure living space enveloped me, filling my heart with gratitude and optimism for the days to come.

The most significant change in my daily life since I started receiving unconditional cash transfers from GiveDirectly is the newfound sense of security and stability that comes with having a home I can genuinely call my own. The initial dwelling was precarious, on the verge of collapsing at any moment, and the constant fear for my two children's safety haunted me. In my seven years of marriage, peace of mind had been elusive, with the dilapidated state of our home inviting mockery and ridicule from others. The transformation has been profound; I now bask in the joy that my children are no longer susceptible to cold-related diseases as they were before. I am not just a content mother; I am a happy one. The gratitude I feel towards the organization that made this possible knows no bounds. Their intervention has not only provided a physical shelter but also restored dignity to my family, shielding us from the judgments and scorn that were once a daily ordeal. I can't express enough how this change has not just impacted our living conditions but has given us a renewed sense of hope and pride, for which I am eternally grateful.

The recent unconditional cash transfer opened a door of possibilities for me, and I decided to invest in something that could provide both immediate relief and long-term stability for my family. I fulfilled a long-held desire to own livestock, particularly goats, by using a portion of the funds to purchase two goats for $50. These goats were a strategic choice, as they are well-suited for the conditions in my region and are known for their rapid reproduction. I envision a growing herd that can serve as a financial safety net for my family in times of need. This move towards livestock ownership brings a sense of empowerment, allowing me to contribute actively to sustaining my family's well-being. In addition to the goats, I allocated the remaining portion of the cash to procure all the necessary materials for building a new house. This included iron sheets, building poles, timber, and nails. The dream of constructing a two-bedroom house for my three family members is now becoming a reality. While joblessness has been a challenge, I've found hope in this endeavor. Currently, relying on my spouse's income from selling charcoal, which amounts to around $2 a day, has been insufficient for our basic needs. However, with the new house taking shape and the prospect of a growing goat herd, I feel a renewed sense of optimism and purpose despite the uncertainties that come with being unemployed.