I have been hiring oxen from my neighbours' during the cultivating period, which was expensive and costly for me. Therefore when I received my transfers purchasing my oxen was the first thing I did since most of my money went to hiring labor. I believe that by acquiring my own will greatly relieve me from a lot of expenses and help me earn more instead. To me owning this pair of oxen is the biggest difference in my daily life.

I received the notification early in the morning. On checking to confirm, It was a message from GiveDirectly notifying me that my first transfer had finally been sent to me. I was happy and thankful to GiveDirectly for financial support. I remember I started planning how to spend the transfers. I knew my life would change the moment I received the transfers.

I spent part of the first transfer on buying a pair of oxen which will help me plough my farm. I used to hire casual laborers which was expensive for me. Even though I could get a good harvest I could not enjoy because the money I could spend huge amounts of money on labor in the next season. Having my oxen in my home is the biggest achievement since I will no longer be hiring labor. Instead, I will use my oxen to cultivate other peoples farm and earn some income. I also replaced my old bedding that had worn out. I bought a mattress and a new bed. Now I can sleep comfortably without backaches or catch a cold due to torn lights sheets and blankets. I also paid for school fees for my grandson. I wanted him to continue with his studies without being distracted by being sent home due to lack of school fees. I had a desire to also start a business that would enable me to generate income to supplement my casual labor jobs. I therefore invested part of the transfer coconut business. So far the business is doing well. I believe I will have something to sustain me even after the Give Directly has gone. I am proud I now have something that generates income.