In the coming year and beyond, my main goal is to work towards building a new house closer to my children's homes, as I have been feeling insecure living alone. The purchase of the five sheep with the final transfer from GiveDirectly was a strategic investment to secure my future. I plan to take care of these sheep and grow my livestock holdings, which will provide me with a source of income and security. With my children's support, I intend to use the savings I have set aside to construct a new house that will bring me closer to my family. This change is crucial to me, as, in my old age, I long for such company and the comfort of being closer to my children.

GiveDirectly is doing an excellent job in our region, particularly in the villages they have already visited. I am genuinely thankful for being part of their beneficiary program, as it has allowed me to make significant changes in my life and still leaves room for further progress with the savings. The freedom to spend the money at my own pace and according to my priorities sets GiveDirectly apart from other forms of support I had received before. Cash support is unique and versatile, capable of addressing a wide range of problems. I have no complaints about the organization; I am just hopeful that they will continue to come up with even more innovative ways to help us overcome poverty.

I decided to invest the final transfer from GiveDirectly by purchasing five sheep for $220. Initially, I had plans for my children to construct a new house for me, but I thought it would be wise to start with livestock and postpone the construction for later. I already have a house near the road, but I have been feeling insecure living alone, especially when my grandchildren come and go. My wish is to relocate closer to my children so we can share a compound together, making me feel safer and more connected to my family. Therefore, I saved the remaining amount from the transfer to use for labor and materials when we eventually start building the new house. This change is important to me because, due to my old age, I want to be closer to my grandchildren for companionship and security, as I have been living alone or with my grandchildren in a separate house.

Looking ahead to the coming year and beyond, my primary objective is still centered on realizing my plan to acquire sheep to add to the herd of sheep that I currently have. This endeavor holds great importance for me, as it will contribute to a secure future while I continue to accommodate my grandchildren. Additionally, I have a strong desire to construct a small kitchen right on my doorstep. This kitchen will not only serve as a cooking area but also provide an additional room where my grandchildren can sleep comfortably during their visits.

At my elderly age, the concept of receiving unconditional cash support without having to work for it or go through the hassle of visiting government offices for registration seemed unimaginable to me. However, GiveDirectly has successfully addressed this issue and significantly eased my life. I am grateful for the support I have received thus far, as the promised amount is delivered directly to my phone with minimal effort on my part. I haven't encountered any negative aspects or unfairness with their approach, and I appreciate the positive impact it has had on my life.

Upon receiving the second transfer, my initial plan was to use the funds to construct a cemented floor. However, I had a change of mind and decided to pursue my long-term goal of venturing into livestock farming. Currently, I am successfully raising four goats that were purchased by my grandson. Although I haven't acquired any sheep yet, I am confident that once my grandson completes the demanding task of harvesting tomatoes on his own farm, he will return to our original plan. Being 93 years old, I am aware that I cannot accomplish everything on my own and require support from my grandchildren. Thus, I advised my grandson to hold onto the funds and use them to purchase at least seven sheep. From the second transfer, I allocated $100 towards purchasing food items such as maize, milk, beans, and sugar, which we are still having with my grandchild. Additionally, I spent $50 on new clothing to replace my worn-out garments. With $300 remaining in my account, I intend to combine it with part of the final transfer to fulfill my long-awaited dream of acquiring the sheep.

I was overwhelmed with happiness when my grandson informed me that I had received a cash transfer from GiveDirectly. It was 4 p.m. and I was sitting outside my house, trying to escape the heat inside. I couldn't believe it because I had never experienced such a generous act before. The support I received came at a crucial time during the drought season and has greatly improved my life. I am incredibly grateful for this assistance.

My life has been transformed significantly thanks to the transfer I received. One of the most notable changes is my improved sleeping conditions. I can now sleep comfortably on a bed rather than on the floor, which is a great relief. In addition, I no longer have to worry about food insecurity, as I was able to purchase enough food to sustain myself. This is a significant improvement compared to the past, when I used to go hungry. I'm incredibly grateful for this positive change in my life. It has given me hope and a brighter outlook for the future.

After receiving my first transfer, I decided to prioritize my most pressing need, which was purchasing foodstuffs worth $40. Secondly, I invested in a comfortable bed that cost me $65. Lastly, I bought some plastic chairs and saved the remaining money for future use. In the past, achieving these goals had been quite challenging due to a lack of reliable income streams. At my advanced age, I no longer have the energy to work, and thus I rely on my grandchild to make ends meet. However, I am grateful that I was able to accomplish these tasks and feel content and delighted with the results.