With the pressing issues now addressed, my plan is to continue harvesting sisal from the bush and selling it to sustain my family. Given that my daughter-in-law is also jobless, I intend to involve her in the sisal harvesting process. By working together, we can increase our sales and generate more income for our family. Moreover, I am hopeful that the goats I purchased will multiply abundantly and contribute to addressing our financial needs through the sale of their offspring. Rearing goats not only provides a potential source of income but also offers opportunities for diversifying our livelihood. Additionally, involving my daughter-in-law in these activities not only fosters a sense of shared responsibility but also strengthens our family bond through collaborative efforts toward financial stability.

GiveDirectly's approach of providing direct cash transfers to individuals in need is indeed commendable and has shown promising results in addressing various challenges faced by communities. Their method empowers recipients by giving them the autonomy to determine how best to utilize the funds according to their specific needs and priorities. I would not wish for any changes with their approach.

My husband and I live miserably as we're both jobless. Blessed with two grown sons who are occupied with their own affairs, we struggle to make ends meet. To earn a living, I sell sisal harvested from the bush, but it's barely enough to cover our pressing needs and buy sufficient food. The second transfer was transformative in our lives. I allocated $70 to purchase a mattress, a significant improvement from the worn-out sacks I used to sleep on which would make my back hurt in the morning. Now, I wake up feeling refreshed after restful nights. Additionally, I allocated $50 for household utensils like a wooden mortar and pestle, which were lacking. To address immediate food shortages, I used $30 to purchase food since we hadn't harvested crops from our farm. I also invested $100 in two female goats, hoping they'll provide additional income through their offspring. I also contributed $50 to help my son pay his wife's dowry, preventing my in-laws from taking her back due to his outstanding debt. I set aside the remaining funds to address any future pressing needs.

On December 13th, I was at home, sitting with my husband and our daughter, who is also my trusted helper, when I received the life-changing message confirming that I had received $550 from GiveDirectly. The excitement and gratitude that flooded over me were indescribable. With my husband and helper by my side, I immediately Imagined a brighter future. My first thought was to use the transfer to secure a piece of land, a dream that seemed unattainable until that moment. To mark this significant turning point in our lives, I couldn't contain my joy, so I decided to celebrate with my family by buying a chicken for supper. It was a simple yet profound gesture that symbolized the newfound hope and possibilities that the unconditional cash had brought into our lives.

The most significant change in my life since receiving payments from GiveDirectly is the acquisition of a plot, a tangible dream that once seemed unattainable. The constant stress of not having a place to call home has now been replaced by the joy and relief that my family and I feel knowing we have a secure space. It's a happiness we never imagined possible. Clearing the debt for the plot, a goal I've already embarked upon, will be the ultimate joy and priority for me in the journey ahead. The second transfer from GiveDirectly will play a crucial role in realizing this dream, bringing us closer to a life free from the burden of homelessness and providing a stable foundation for our family's future.

With the recent unconditional cash transfer, I prioritized securing a stable home by allocating $300 to pay for a piece of land, finally escaping the risky life as a squatter. Determined to invest in a sustainable future, I used a portion of the funds to purchase a plot, a small piece of land that holds promises of stability and growth. Recognizing the need for financial security, especially with my husband's disability after a prolonged illness 16 years ago, I invested $150 in acquiring three goats. They now serve as a vital financial security, providing a semblance of stability in our lives. As the sole provider for my family of four, with my husband unable to handle strenuous jobs, I find myself navigating the challenges of being the primary breadwinner. Currently, I'm in the forest, diligently searching for sisal to sell, which has become my primary source of livelihood, though the daily earnings of $3 may not be sufficient for our daily sustenance. With $110 still at hand, I plan to allocate it wisely, focusing on meeting the immediate needs of food for my family. Unfortunately, my children remain financially unstable, grappling with unemployment, adding to the complexities of our journey towards a more secure and prosperous future.