After some research, I've decided to open a grocery store because vegetables are scarce in our village. I have some money saved from the second transfer to help me achieve this goal. I intend to use some of that money to start this business. Because I have some business experience, I am confident that I will be able to sustain it for the benefit of my family.

Giving unconditional remittances was a smart move by GiveDirectly in my perspective because various people have different requirements and it would not matter if there were any limitations on how much money recipients may spend. The transfers are made in lump sum payments, which makes it easier to plan for any personal developments we might want to undertake.

I decided to renovate my house after receiving my second transfer. Termites had eaten away at the door and windows, causing them to fall apart. I can't say how much money I spent on this because I delegated control to my son. They are all fixed as I speak, and I am very happy because I am staying in a safe house, as opposed to before when the door and windows could not be closed; it was not safe. I also paid $30 in school fees for my elementary-aged grandson. Apart from purchasing two chickens for $10, I used the remaining funds to support the family because we were without food due to a lack of rainfall.

Due to my old age, I do not carry my phone when leaving home. I remember it was around 3 pm when I followed my grandchildren to the river where they were going fishing. Upon returning home, my helper informed me of a message on my phone from GiveDirectly confirming that I had received the first transfer of $550. I was overjoyed and ululated in happiness to learn that the registration was a legit thing since I initially thought it was just a scam like the other organization which came with empty promises.

Initially, hunger was not a stranger in our family, going without food was almost a norm. We used to go up to at least two days a week without getting some food. Since I am very old, I depended on my co-wife who is a casual laborer for survival. As of now, I am very happy that as a family we are getting our daily meals since the time I received the transfers. In addition to that, I sleep well and comfortably. All these could be impossible if it were not for GiveDirectly.

Upon getting the transfer, I first decided to invest in hybrid goats which are marketable during festive seasons. Therefore, I bought two goats for $160. I am optimistic that, these goats will multiply and they will be a source of income for my family because they can be converted into monetary value when the need arises. Thereafter, I bought a bed and a mattress though I cannot tell how much they cost since my daughter is the one who keeps the records for me. I opted for the bed and the mattress because I used to sleep on the floor using some worn-out mats. This was a pathetic situation and very exhaustive since I used to wake up very tired every morning. Currently, I am very happy because I got a nice bed and a mattress courtesy of GiveDirectly. I sleep well and comfortably unlike before. Since our area has some swamps and stagnant water, I bought a mosquito net to prevent myself from malaria. Lacking a defined and reliable source of income, I opted to buy stock of some foodstuff and also kept the remaining amount for the family's upkeep.