As I reflect on the path that lies ahead in the coming year and beyond, I find myself envisioning a new and empowering chapter of my life. Currently jobless and dependent on my children for survival, I am eager to reclaim my independence and contribute to our family's well-being. In the next few months, I hope to embark on a venture close to my heart: the business of selling vegetables and fruits within our neighboring town. The prospect of being my own boss and providing for my family fills me with a renewed sense of purpose. With the unwavering support of my children, who have generously offered to provide the initial capital, I believe this endeavor will not only bring economic relief to our household but also pave the way for a brighter and more self-reliant future for all of us.

Receiving GiveDirectly's unconditional money has been a true blessing for us. The money arrives promptly and without any hassle, ensuring that everyone gets their share equally. One of the things I appreciate the most is the freedom they grant us in deciding how to use the funds. With each household having unique needs, this flexibility allows us to make choices that work best for our families. It empowers us to address pressing matters, be it investing in education, improving our living conditions, or securing a stable source of income.

With the recent unconditional cash transfer from GiveDirectly, I finally had the means to improve our living conditions. I allocated about $100 of the money to purchase essential building materials like sandsoil for completing the construction of a new permanent house. Our previous dwelling was on the verge of collapse due to its age, causing us great distress during the rainy season with leaky roofs and health hazards from dust and soot. Now, with a sturdy and safe home, my family can rest easier, protected from the elements and their detrimental effects on our health. The remaining portion of the cash transfer was put to immediate use, attending to my spouse's urgent medical needs. With an advanced age and suffering from issues with his urinary system, he required costly medical treatments and medications. The $100 I spent on his medical expenses brought much-needed relief to both of us. Additionally, I ensured that our family of two had enough food by using some of the funds to buy provisions. As my husband and I were both jobless and our children also faced financial uncertainties, this financial assistance played a vital role in providing stability and hope for our family's future. Thanks to GiveDirectly's unconditional cash transfer, we could address our most pressing concerns and look forward to a better life ahead.

Around 8 o'clock in the evening, as I was cooking dinner, my phone immediately beeped with a message. I asked my aide to check and translate the message for me because I am illiterate. She checked and told me I had received my first $550 transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart melted with joy and gratitude at receiving such a sizable sum of money. Knowing that some of the things I have been unable to do because of a lack of money were going to be addressed made me ululate with joy.

My interlocking brick house is the most noticeable alteration after the shift. Compared to how it was initially before GiveDirectly helped me, I think of it as a permanent home. I am glad and appreciative that I live in a sturdy structure that can withstand even a strong wind. Again, I have hope that things will improve so that I may launch the milk business that will help me provide for my family.

I decided to transform my temporary home into a permanent one after I withdrew the money. My house was mud-walled, so I spent $200 to create some interlocking bricks. My home is now more resilient as a result. Because the roofing was lacking 10 pieces of iron sheets, I also paid $85 for them. I decided to spend $48 for two bales of maize flour because it was a drought season and I needed to feed my family of eight. Because I used to sleep on a mat, I also spent $40 on a mattress. After that, I decided to put on hold my desire to launch a milk business. I stopped because of the lack of milk in our area as a result of the protracted drought. I decided to save the balance while I waited for a prosperous season to launch my milk vendor business.