I was curious to read through a message from one of the Mpesa service providers after seeing it pop up, thinking it was one of the random fraud messages we had been receiving. Because I was expecting to receive the exact amount indicated in the message, the indicated amount was a clear indication that it came from GiveDirectly. I double-checked my account balance, and I was ecstatic to see that I had $550 in it. It was around 4:00 p.m., and I was with other family members who I couldn't tell. My husband was not at home, so he had to call to let us know we had received the money. He was equally delighted and eager to follow through on the budget we had established.

The most significant difference in my daily life is my hope of learning tailoring skills at the new school I have enrolled in. I believe this will provide me with the necessary skills to open my own tailor shop in the future, allowing me to serve the community by both repairing and making new clothes for them. I was almost out of hope, but I am grateful to have received the funds that allowed me to break out of my routine and try something new.

Even though we had not planned for any emergencies, I am grateful that the first transfer arrived when we needed to take our son to the hospital for a dental problem. We sought a good hospital that we believed would provide the best services at reasonable prices because he was in pain. The entire process cost us $200, and I am relieved that the problem has been resolved and my son is now safe. I also enrolled in tailoring school after paying a $20 registration fee and still owe $180 to finish the course. I am excited to learn skills that will be useful in the future. I also spent $80 on new clothes for my three primary school children, $4000 on a visit to my parents' house, and the remainder on food for my family of six. My husband works in administration and has been extremely helpful with bill payments. He was also grateful for the support because we could handle all of the plans together.