In the coming year and beyond, I would like to get married. I have been feeling so lonely for the last ten years since my first wife went to be with the Lord. It has been a tough experience, and I have been thinking of changing my status for the sake of my well-being and that of my seven children in particular. I am planning to sell some of my goats once they increase in number so that I can pay the dowry, which I believe will soon be attained.

In my opinion, GiveDirectly has been doing great in my village by ensuring that they visited all the households without any discrimination. Also, the officers made it clear that they conducted a follow-up survey of all the beneficiaries to be sure if we received the cash and how it changed our lives.

I spent a portion of my second transfer on paying for my son's medical bills. He was involved in a road accident that almost paralyzed him. This happened when I was going through financial problems, and for a second, I thought he wouldn't be treated. He has been the family's breadwinner, and I was worried that it would be difficult for me to provide for the family's basic needs since I am jobless. I only survived with some help. I am at peace now because he was treated and is recovering well. The doctor also assured us that he would soon be back to his normal condition with time. If it were not for them, my son would still be in agony and lying in the hospital untreated. To add to that, I bought a dairy cow, which cost around $190. I am planning to spare some litres of milk for my family's consumption and sell the surplus to the dairy shops. I believe that by selling milk, I will earn an income that will help me cater to my basic needs, which has been a challenge. Finally, I was able to construct a pit latrine. Previously, my family and I used to relieve ourselves in the bushes, which was unhygienic. Therefore, most of the time, we were exposed to the risk of being infected by diseases like cholera. Having the pit latrine has ensured safety for me and my family from contracting waterborne-related diseases. What I have accomplished, words are not enough to express my gratitude towards GiveDirectly.

While enjoying the company of my grandchildren who had come to visit me during the December holiday, a message popped into my phone at around 4 pm. I did not hesitate to check. Upon checking, my face brightened for the good news. It was the first transfer from GiveDirectly. My heart was filled with joy and thanksgiving since I thought it was just a formality of registration but the ones to be assisted were already known; it was not the case. Involuntarily, the mood of the stories we had with the grandchildren changed and we became happier than before.

Living in an insecure house was risky for me, though I had to take it since I had no alternative. Burning charcoals for sale was the main source of income I had which could not support renovating the house. Getting the transfer was very significant to me it came at the right time when I needed help the most. As of now, my life is secured. I was able to construct a good house and I sleep in a secure place. I am grateful to GiveDirectly because I am pretty sure if it were not for the organization then I would not have managed to build the house. Probably the one I had could collapse while I am asleep, but GiveDirectly rescued me.

When I withdrew the money, the priority was a house since the one I had was old and full of cracks thus unsafe to dwell in. Therefore, I bought 14 pieces of iron sheets for $126, poles for $60, and rafters for $20. I constructed the perimeter of the house by myself. Since I am not an expert in roofing, I paid someone $50 to fix the roof for me. Currently, the house is almost complete and I am very happy about it. Once my eyes land on the house I see GiveDirectly. I am very grateful for that. Thereafter, I opted to buy a cow that cost me $180. The reason for buying the cow is for milk purposes. Buying some milk for my family has been very expensive and I thought it would be prudent to buy a cow that will serve my family. I also gave my son $120 to boost his marriage appreciation since he wanted to pay the dowry for his wife. As of now, he is very happy that he managed and he is living with his wife.