This year, my main goal is to take good care of my cow and goats. I hope to see them multiply, and the thought of achieving this brings me joy. The growth in their numbers is not just about having more animals; it represents a solution to my problems. With their increase, I can sell some and use the income to address various needs, including the education of my children. It's a simple yet meaningful plan that holds the promise of a better future for me and my family.

GiveDirectly has made a significant impact on us and our community. Many people, including myself, often express gratitude, saying that without GiveDirectly, they wouldn't have been able to achieve important milestones like buying a cow, educating a child, or building a house. The support provided by GiveDirectly is highly appreciated, and it has become a source of positive change in our lives. The sentiment in the community is that GiveDirectly is doing exceptionally well. Their assistance has not only transformed individual lives but has also contributed to the overall well-being of the community. The ability to acquire a cow, educate children, or build a house signifies the tangible and positive outcomes of GiveDirectly's programs. The impact is clear, and the community acknowledges and celebrates the positive changes facilitated by GiveDirectly's support.

Upon receiving my recent transfer of $450 from GiveDirectly, I felt a great sense of happiness. In making thoughtful decisions for the future, I allocated $220 to purchase a cow and $150 to acquire two goats. The choice to invest in livestock is strategic, as I anticipate that they will multiply over time. This not only provides a potential source of income through selling the animals but also ensures a sustainable means of supporting my family. The cow and goats represent more than just livestock; they symbolize opportunities for future financial stability. The income generated from selling these animals could be used to buy food or contribute to the education of my children. This thoughtful allocation of funds reflects a strategic and forward-looking approach to securing a better future for myself and my family.

My goal in the coming year is to engage in goat farming, aiming to secure a source of income that provides financial freedom. To realize this aspiration, I intend to use my third transfer to purchase goats. I am confident that with discipline and focus, I can achieve my dream within the desired timeframe. Above all, I am grateful for the progress I have made so far.

The assistance provided by GiveDirectly has been a blessing in our lives, bestowing upon us financial independence. Additionally, they provided us with crucial security information to protect our funds, emphasizing the unconditional nature of the transfer. In conclusion, I am confident that the program's implementation is impeccable, addressing any concerns that may arise.

Upon receiving my second transfer, I identified the urgent need to prioritize the construction of a decent house, as my current one was old and made of mud walls. Since my income mainly comes from sporadic casual jobs, earning $3 per day, it often falls short of covering essential expenses like food and medication. This made it challenging to save for construction costs. As a result, I used $300 to build a new house and saved $150 for purchasing goats. At the moment, I am still single. I am immensely relieved to now have a decent house, all made possible through the assistance I received.

I felt immense joy when I got my first payment from GiveDirectly around 3:00 p.m. With my phone in my pocket and not anticipating the money that day, I did not check each message that came in and thus missed the instant confirmation of the initial transfer. It was not until later that evening, about two hours later, that I noticed an Mpesa message that piqued my interest, prompting me to look into it. The realization that GiveDirectly was delivering on its promise excited me, and I was thankful. Living alone and having enrolled independently, I could not share the news, so I proceeded with my plans to collect the money, which I did a week later once I was prepared to utilize it.

The biggest difference in my daily life is my capability to kickstart the construction process by acquiring essential building materials, enabling the commencement of a new house. Previously confined to an aging and deteriorating structure, I am immensely grateful that the opportunity to improve my living conditions has materialized. Undertaking this endeavor without GiveDirectly's support would have been a hard task, making me deeply thankful for their generosity, which is progressively elevating my quality of life.

Following the receipt of my initial transfer, I approached the task of collecting the funds from the mobile money shop with a relaxed attitude, as my plans were flexible and not bound by strict timelines. After waiting patiently for a week, I proceeded to the nearby shopping center, where I withdrew the money from my mobile wallet and simultaneously made purchases of construction materials. Among these, I acquired eight iron sheets for $88, an essential investment as I aimed to replace my current house, which suffered from deteriorating mud walls that allowed in both cold and the threat of nocturnal intruders. The transportation of these iron sheets incurred an additional $10 fee, delivering them right to my doorstep. To add to my existing livestock, I acquired two more goats for $80, envisioning them as a long-term venture to breed and later sell, thus addressing various financial needs. The remaining $22 was thoughtfully allocated towards household essentials, encompassing groceries and toiletries, which continue to serve me to date.