Despite our old age, my wife and I continue to support each other and care for our two grandchildren. As small-scale farmers, we focus on maize and beans production and also keep livestock. The first and second transfers from GiveDirectly significantly boosted our activities. With the final transfer, I bought a $160 water tank to address the severe water issues in our area, especially during droughts when we have to travel long distances to fetch water, which is difficult for us. Additionally, I spent $200 to build a pit latrine. We had been sharing one with our neighbors, but their refusal at times pushed me to construct our own. The remaining $9000 was used to address our food problems. Thank you, GiveDirectly.

I appreciated the education from GiveDirectly before enrollment, which enlightened us about the organization. They taught us security measures to keep our money safe from theft and provided guidance on proper spending, which helped many in the community see positive impacts. GiveDirectly officers continued this education during enrollment, ensuring I understood the process fully before enrolling. They gave me the chance to decide with my wife. The enrollment process was private, as each individual or household was served separately. I hope GiveDirectly continues with this great approach.

As a farmer, I face many challenges with my temporarily fenced farm made of thorn trees and shrubs. Roaming livestock constantly threatens our crops, requiring us to guard them diligently until harvest. In our community, livestock are left to roam freely in search of pasture. My wife and I alternate this duty, but given our age, it is quite exhausting. I plan to fence my farm with a permanent structure once I have the necessary finances.

Upon receiving the second transfer, I had specific plans in mind for the $450, aiming to address pressing needs in our family of four. Recognizing the high cost of buying milk regularly, I decided to prioritize purchasing a heifer for $260, hoping to enhance milk production in the future. While the heifer is not yet producing milk, I am optimistic about its service and subsequent contribution to our milk supply alongside the other three cows we have. The challenge of fetching water from distant streams, especially in our old age, prompted us to invest $178 in a plastic water tank and gutters. This setup efficiently collects rainwater from the roof, eliminating the need to spend money on water transportation. Since its installation, we haven't incurred any expenses for water, and we hope it will continue to sustain us even after the rain stops. We wisely used the remaining $12 to purchase foodstuff, which is supporting us while we await the maturity of the crops we planted using the first transfer. Overall, the second transfer from GiveDirectly has significantly improved our living conditions, addressing key challenges in our daily lives.

Since I received the initial transfer until now, my life has undergone a remarkable transformation. Each investment I have made has turned out to be impressive, and together with my spouse, we have witnessed numerous positive changes in our household that we are truly grateful for. GiveDirectly brought in a unique form of aid that we never thought possible since our childhood, and to our surprise, we received everything as promised and eagerly anticipate more. We have diligently adhered to the terms and conditions provided, ensuring that the money has a meaningful impact on our lives. GiveDirectly has surpassed our expectations so far, and we have no complaints, only gratitude for the positive changes that have occurred and those yet to come, including in the new villages they are yet to visit.

Despite the challenges of aging and the difficulty in maintaining our previous level of provision for our families, we persistently strive in various sectors like livestock and subsistence farming to improve our livelihood. Utilizing part of the second transfer, I invested in a heifer, foreseeing it as a future asset for both milk production and the potential sale of offspring when the need arises. Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my primary focus is on sustainability through small-scale farming and livestock production. I aim to ensure that the modest harvest from these endeavors is sufficient for my family of four and can also contribute to covering school fees for the two grandchildren under our care. I appreciate the significant impact of the support I have received, evident in the addition of a cow and the installation of a water point, streamlining water access for us at a reduced cost.

Spending $80 on food was not just a necessity but a strategic move, given the recent challenges with my health and the limitations it imposed on engaging in casual work, compounded by the aging factor of my spouse. This allocation aimed at ensuring a steady and reliable source of nutrition for both of us. Simultaneously, investing $70 in the construction of a pit latrine reflected a forward-thinking perspective. As we grow older, the convenience, hygiene, and accessibility it offers become increasingly valuable. This improvement not only addresses our health concerns but also provides comfort, especially when we have visitors around. Adding a goat to our household for $50 was more than just acquiring an animal; it was a deliberate step toward future financial stability. With the expectation that the goat will breed and multiply, it becomes a long-term investment, potentially generating income and contributing to the overall economic resilience of our household.

In the realm of peace and satisfaction, having our food stored is like an assurance of tranquility, especially given our advancing age and persisting health challenges. The profound peace of mind that accompanies the knowledge that we are not tethered to the worry of the next meal is truly priceless. Amid the goats we already tend to, each addition, including the recent one, is symbolic of more than just an increase in livestock numbers. It's a deliberate step, a strategic move towards bolstering our financial stability in the years to come. Every new member of our livestock family is a seed planted for potential income, forming an integral part of our careful planning for a secure and stable future. The transformation witnessed by GiveDirectly transfers gave a sense of direction to most of us who never knew what tomorrow would look like and promised to move forward with the same energy so we can sustain the new lifestyle.

Receiving the message at 3 p.m. while I was at home brought a wave of relief and happiness. The constant worry about what to eat, especially considering my recent health challenges and impaired vision, had been a heavy burden. Knowing that I could use the funds to purchase a stock of food and ease that constant concern brought a sense of peace and comfort. It was more than just a financial boost; it was a reprieve from the daily anxieties about sustenance.