Looking towards the upcoming year and beyond, my primary goal is to acquire a water tank to store clean water for our domestic needs. This endeavor holds the promise of alleviating the arduous daily struggle of spending an entire day searching for water. To fulfill this aspiration, I plan to allocate the funds generously provided by GiveDirectly towards this project. With determination and perseverance, I am confident that I can transform this vision into a tangible reality. In reflection, I express deep gratitude for all that I have achieved thus far on this journey.

The organization showcased outstanding performance in delivering its messages and offering financial guidance. From the initial enrollment stages to the final phases, their execution was flawless. We were consistently treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process. The organization consistently delivered exceptional services and ensured that our well-being was prioritized. Thus far, there have been no areas identified that require improvement on their part.

Upon receiving my second transfer, my immediate priority was to ensure an ample supply of food in our household, given its urgent nature at the time. I allocated $150 towards purchasing enough foodstuffs. Additionally, I invested $80 in acquiring two goats. As I no longer possess the same level of energy to work, I rely on my children for our livelihood. Currently, I reside with my son and his wife. Furthermore, I used a portion of the transfer to invest in farming, which holds the potential to become a future source of income. This wise decision was previously unattainable due to financial limitations. We are deeply grateful for the support received from GiveDirectly, as it has significantly improved our livelihoods.

It was a bright afternoon around 3:00 pm when my phone beeped with a message from Mpesa, confirming the receipt of my first transfer from GiveDirectly. At first, I was skeptical about the sender and didn't believe it was from GiveDirectly until my helper arrived and read the message for me. He was already aware that some people had received their transfers and was equally excited when he read the confirmation message. I was filled with joy on that assurance of the receipt as I thought of all the things I could do with the money, including building a new house. I could not wait to get started, so I instructed my helper to collect the money and purchase construction materials the next day. The excitement and hope for a better life filled my heart, and I felt grateful to GiveDirectly for the timely support.

Receiving the first payment from GiveDirectly brought a new dawn in my life. For the longest time, we had been living in a grass-thatched hut, which had been a source of worry for me, especially during rainy seasons. The first transfer allowed me to construct a new house, which has brought immeasurable joy to my family. My grandson, who is in grade 8, now has his own room, and we no longer have to worry about the mess that comes with rainy seasons. As we enjoy the warmth of the old kitchen, our spirits are high, knowing that our living conditions have improved drastically. Thanks to the support, we can now sleep soundly and go about our daily lives without worrying about our shelter.

Receiving my first transfer from GiveDirectly was a moment that I will never forget. I vividly remember the excitement that filled my heart when I received the Mpesa message that confirmed the receipt. It was a feeling of relief, knowing that I would finally resolve the problem that had been ailing my family for a long time. Previously, my family of three had been living in a grass-thatched hut, and during rainy seasons, it was always a nightmare for us. It was unfortunate that our happiness was short-lived when a neighbor's cattle invaded my compound and destroyed half of the grass-thatched roof, leaving me heartbroken. However, after receiving the transfer, I knew that our days of suffering were over. I made a decision to prioritize the construction of a new house. I spent $150 on construction materials, paid the transport cost, and topped up the remaining amount with my savings to pay the labor charges. In just one day, the cubical iron sheet house was complete, and it was everything I had hoped for. The joy that filled my heart was uncontainable, knowing that I would no longer spend money on frequent repairs on the walls and the roof. Instead, I could now use the money to provide enough food for my family. My elder daughter and her two children also live with us, and her wages from casual labor help in sorting other household bills. I am forever grateful that my family now lives in a comfortable home.