My goal for the coming year is to initiate a retail shop that will help us improve our finances. To achieve this goal, I intend to save at least some money from my charcoal business, though it will take some time. I will be eternally grateful for the financial assistance that helped me when I needed it the most.

When GiveDirectly came to our village, we were very excited about the program. We were unsure whether we would be considered. When they came to our houses, they educated us and took us through the organization's program, where our donors came from, and why they preferred to give us cash. The assistance provided by GiveDirectly improved our standard of living by transforming our lives. They empowered and supported our community without regard for race or ethnicity. I didn't point out any flaws or things that weren't done with complete honesty.

My husband and I have nine children; I sell charcoal and my husband does any available casual jobs to make ends meet. Life has not been easy because we were all reliant on our meager earnings to make ends meet. After receiving my transfer, we decided to repair our motorcycle so that my husband could use it in his transportation, for which we spent $170. It was packed at home because we couldn't afford to repair it. Second, I paid $40 in school fees for my children and then spent $60 renovating my house. Finally, I spent the remaining funds on groceries. I'm glad I was able to accomplish so much that I couldn't before because of financial constraints.

For the whole day, my phone was at the charging site since it was out of power. I picked it up at around 5 pm and upon switching it on, a message popped in. I decided to check on it so that I could proceed with other things. What a message it was! My account was positive KES 55000.00 from GiveDirectly. My heart broke down in happiness and thanksgiving for receiving such a huge amount of money at once knowing that some of the things I have been unable to do due to lack of money were going to be tackled.

The biggest difference that is vividly seen is that GiveDirectly enabled me to start a unique investment of my desire in the village. Investing in sheep is not a common thing, thus I bless GiveDirectly for empowering me. In addition to that, if it were not for this organization, I would be sleeping outside in the cold as of now since my house collapsed. Through the transfer, I was able to build a house and I am happy about it.

Upon withdrawing the money, I opted to build a house since the one I had was collapsing. Therefore, I bought the building materials plus iron sheets for KES 30000.00. I also fulfilled my desire of investing in raring sheep because they have a higher value compared to goats. I bought six sheep for KES 14000.00. Thereafter, I used KES 3000.00 in paying school fees for my seven primary school children. I also bought a solar in-hire purchase for lighting purposes by paying a deposit of KES 2000.00. The reason for buying solar is because buying paraffin every day is very expensive. I also paid a debt of maize flour bill at a neighboring kiosk of KES 2000.00. For the remaining amount, I opted to use it in sustaining my family.