Having an iron-roofed house is a miracle for me. I have been living in a grass thatched house for the last three years. This is because I did not have the resources to buy building materials for putting up an iron-roofed house. The little I used to get from my farm and casual work, I would use to meet our daily needs and any kind of emergency that would arise in the family. As a result, I knew I would not manage to build an iron-roofed house until I received my transfer from GD. I was able to use the money to buy an iron sheet, nails, and timber which I used in putting up an iron-roofed house. I live in the same kind of house just like my friends. This is my pride and I feel happy anytime I walk in and out of the house.

I am very happy that GD trusted us well that we could use the money to our own benefit. In most cases, the kind of aid we have always received from NGOs are in terms of school fees which is paid at the school or you get building materials. As for GD they gave us the transfer to use as we wish which really helped us meet our dire needs effectively. I feel comfortable with what GD did.

I spent my second transfer to buy two bulls. I have always desired to own the bulls so that when it comes to planting seasons, I do not have to spend money on hiring for bulls to plough my farm. It is costly and during that time the highest bidder always gets served first. Since I did not have a good income, I would have to plough my farm late hence I used the transfer to buy the bulls. I will use the bulls to plough my farm and for others at a cost to raising an extra income. This will help me serve my family well. I also paid school fees arrears for my children who had been given a warning on the same. Two weeks prior to the transfer, I had received a letter from the school informing me that my children would be sent home for the arrears if not paid in time. I am glad I was able to clear their balance before they were sent home. The remaining amount I used to buy food for the family. We had not run out of what to eat but I just took a precaution.

Owning the house is the biggest difference in my daily life. Previously I used to sleep under a small grass-thatched muddy hut which was ever leaking whenever it could rain. This was really hectic especially for my child whenever she wanted to study at night it was difficult for her since the house was not spacious. we are now happy and safer because we are sleeping under a semi-permanent iron-roofed house which is also well plastered. My child can now study comfortably without any difficulties which are giving me hope for her bright future.

It was around 2200hrs when I received a message notification on my phone. Upon checking, I got overexcited when I realized that the money that had been promised by Give Directly has hit our M-pesa accounts. I was sure now that dreams I always had would finally be achieved with the help of the transfer.

I spent some good amount of the first transfer to buy building materials such as poles and iron sheets for the construction of a new house. I previously lived in an old grass-thatched hut that would leak whenever there was a downpour. This made our stay very uncomfortable. I am glad we now live in a new semi-permanent house. I also bought some household items such as a bed and a mattress. I used the rest of the transfer to clear my children's school fees, bought two goats for rearing and enough food for my family that would last us for a while, especially now that we haven't harvested much from our farms for while. I am grateful for Give Directly.