The heavy rain we received mid-last month has devastated our lives. Apart from sweeping away my crops, it also destroyed our house and property. I feel terrible about it, and my family and I are currently seeking shelter at my relative's house since our home is uninhabitable. For the coming year and beyond, my dream is to relocate my family to safer ground where flooding cannot reach us. To achieve this, I plan to put more effort into my eatery business and farming, saving as much as possible. My goal is to buy land and build a house for my family, ensuring we have a secure and stable home. Despite the challenges, I am determined to create a better future for us, free from the constant worries of being swept by floods.

The GD officers who handled the registration did an excellent job educating us on how to transact money from our phones and keep our funds safe. Their patience and clear explanations made us feel confident in managing our finances. They provided this guidance in a manner that was easy for us to understand. I am deeply grateful for their support and the knowledge they shared, which has empowered me to make smarter financial decisions for my family's future.

When I received the third transfer, I sat down with my spouse to plan carefully, knowing it would be our last. Our two children in secondary school needed money for their fees, so I used $150 to pay for part of their education, showing the school our commitment and determination. This ensured that our children could stay in school without interruptions. I plan to pay the remaining amount from my savings from my food-hawking business. I allocated $100 to prepare and plant maize on our two acres, which was crucial as we heavily depended on the harvest to fund our children's education. Unfortunately, heavy rains caused Lake Baringo to flood, destroying our crops. I had high hopes for 25 sacks of maize per acre, and seeing those hopes washed away was heartbreaking. I felt so bad about it, but there was nothing I could do. When the water recedes, I will gather my energy again, hoping to find the capital to replant. Additionally, I used $140 to improve my small eatery by replacing rusted, leaking iron sheets and adding more food stock. This made the eatery look better and more appealing to customers. Lastly, I used the remaining amount to buy new clothes for myself. With them, I looked presentable at functions, replacing my old and outdated wardrobe. It felt wonderful to finally have decent clothes and feel confident in social settings.

From the first transfer I received from GiveDirectly, I allocated some cash to agriculture, planting two hectares of maize. When I harvest, I will sell a portion of it and purchase a cow, something that will remind me of the unconditional cash. As my business grows, I will use the earnings to build myself a good house because the one I am living in now is not in good condition.

I am filled with joy and gratitude towards GiveDirectly for helping me achieve my dreams. I no longer rely on casual labor; instead, I wake up each morning to fetch water from Lake Baringo for my household and go to look after my farm and attend to my business as well. Thanks to GiveDirectly, I am freed from the exhausting work on others' farms. Without their assistance, my child wouldn't have had the opportunity to attend a national school. May God bless you abundantly, and may your organization continue to expand.

Receiving a blessing from GiveDirectly has brought immense joy into my life. Their timely financial assistance arrived when I was struggling with how to pay my daughter's school fees following her exceptional performance in the KCPE exams. Scoring 370 marks, she was appointed to join Utumishi Girls National School in Gilgil. I allocated $360 for her fees. Initially, I was relying on community fundraising to cater to it. Also, I took $20 and started a small, home-based business cooking porridge and chapatis, which I hawked to sell at farms. This allowed me to contribute towards my daughter's education and household expenses without solely depending on fundraising. Before this support, I was doing casual farm work to make ends meet, while my husband, who once cherished livestock rearing, had to abandon his passion due to past bandit attacks that resulted in the loss of our 50 cows five years ago. With a family of eight depending on me, I felt the weight of responsibility. Thus, with the remaining $70, I invested in a goat because I had two previously. This decision not only promises a future source of milk but also reduces our reliance on purchasing from shops, bringing hope and stability to our household.

My husband and I were at our farm, returning to collect my phone from charging. I was filled with joy when I saw a message from GiveDirectly, stating that I had received $180.1. Immediately, I offered a prayer of gratitude to God and expressed my thanks. My husband and I shared a moment of pure happiness, realizing that this was the beginning of a brighter future for our family. Our initial thoughts centered around utilizing this financial support wisely. The first thing on our minds was to finally plant the 2-acre land we had been longing to cultivate for six years. This opportunity meant not only fulfilling a dream but also addressing other pressing needs within our family. The prospect of creating positive change filled us with hope and optimism. We extend our sincere appreciation to GiveDirectly for this blessing.

Receiving money from GiveDirectly has made great difference in our lives. One of the most significant changes has been the ability to finally cultivate our neglected 2-acre land, which lay barren for six years due to a lack of resources. We had been reliant on unstable income from casual jobs and fishing, which was not sustainable in the long run. What truly amazed us was the opportunity to plow the land with machinery, something entirely new to us. In the past, when we attempted to plant crops, it was always through manual labor. This newfound blessing fills us with hope and belief that our future will be different. With this support, we're optimistic about the prospects ahead.

Upon receiving $180.1, I strategically allocated $115 to tend to our neglected two-acre land for planting purposes. This distribution included $75 for ploughing and $40 for seeds. For years, we had been unable to afford the costs required for planting, leaving our land barren for six long years. The support from GiveDirectly served as a pivotal moment for our family, breathing new life into our aspirations. Our maize crops have reached the crucial weeding stage, and our hearts are brimming with joy and gratitude. I allocated $50 for food. Ensuring food on our table has been a persistent challenge. To make ends meet, I've been taking up casual work while my husband focuses on fishing to sustain our family. With eight children, three in high school, three in elementary school, and two at home. Providing for them has been an ongoing struggle. Even paying school fees became an uphill task. Their clothes had worn out, adding to our concerns I spent the remaining $15.1 to purchase clothes for three of our children, providing them with a renewed sense of comfort and dignity and the rest to endure the situation we faced. The support from GiveDirectly was more than a financial boost; it was a lifeline. It has allowed us to cultivate our land and also provided a glimmer of hope in the midst of our challenges. We are immensely grateful for this transformative assistance that has touched every aspect of our lives.