Looking ahead to the coming years, my aspirations are centered around securing a sustainable food source. To realize this objective, I plan to actively engage in farming and remain optimistic about receiving adequate rainfall. The anticipation is that favorable weather conditions will contribute to a bountiful harvest, ensuring that we have enough to meet our nutritional needs. Furthermore, I am keen on expanding my livestock, particularly by acquiring more goats. These animals hold a special significance for me, as they provide a means of financial security for the future and also possess a remarkable ability to withstand challenging conditions like drought. This resilience makes them well-suited to thrive in our local environment, aligning perfectly with my long-term goals for self-sufficiency and prosperity.

GiveDirectly has been a beacon of positive change in our lives, extending far beyond the simple provision of enough food for our households. The ripple effects of this support are profound. The consistent attendance of our grandchildren in school, free from the constraints of frequent fundraisers, marks a transformative shift toward a brighter and more secure future. The financial relief not only eases our present circumstances but also opens up avenues for educational opportunities that were once distant dreams. This assistance has become a catalyst for self-discovery, revealing our inherent capabilities and motivating us to strive for even better and more sustainable lives. As we navigate the complexities of life, we do so with a newfound understanding of our resilience and capacity to shape a positive trajectory. The journey continues, and with the right resources and mindset, we remain committed to building a future that transcends the challenges of our past.

The transformation that the GiveDirectly transfers have brought into my life is nothing short of miraculous. I allocated $180 towards building a proper house. Since the current one was not cemented, dust from it was endangering people's health. I envisioned a home where I could receive visitors comfortably, and the new house is a step towards achieving that. Not only will it provide shelter, but it will also save us from potential medical bills that could push us back into poverty. Another essential aspect was ensuring we have enough food. Before the transfers, I used to sell fruits to make ends meet, but the income was inconsistent. With $50 invested in purchasing food, we can now enjoy meals without the constant worry of going to bed hungry. I also used $100 to construct a pit latrine. Lack of proper sanitation was a concern, and having a toilet now contributes to our health, and this would not have been achieved without the help from GiveDirectly. Moreover, I prioritized savings, setting aside $120 for future needs. This represents a crucial shift in my financial strategy, as I now have the capacity to plan for the future and respond to unexpected circumstances.

The moment I received that message around 3:00 p.m., it was like a burst of joy had enveloped my entire world. I remember reading it several times with my spouse, almost in disbelief, as the contents seemed too good to be true. Luckily, my son was there to help confirm our doubts, and it finally sank in that this was real. We celebrated with such heartfelt gratitude and thanked God for this incredible provision. The following day, we wasted no time and withdrew the funds, ready to embark on a journey that held the promise of transforming our lives for the better.

The biggest difference in my daily life since receiving the first money from GiveDirectly has been the new hope of improving my family's hygiene. I used a significant portion of the money to purchase iron sheets, and I'm excited about using them to construct a new latrine for our household. It's a fundamental addition that we've been missing, and it promises a significant improvement in our daily lives. Moreover, I used part of the money to buy enough food to sustain my family of two. Instead of buying small amounts daily, we opted to purchase in bulk, which has proven to be more cost-effective. This change has allowed us to enjoy a variety of balanced meals and has positively impacted our overall well-being. I am sincerely grateful for the support from GiveDirectly, and I look forward to making further improvements in our lives with the upcoming transfers.

Receiving the cash transfer was a blessing, and I made sure to allocate it wisely among all that I had enlisted to do with the first transfer. Right after collecting it from the shopping center, I spent $94 on purchasing 10 iron sheets. These sheets will be instrumental in constructing a latrine for our household. Until now, we had been without one, and answering the call of nature in nearby bushes was far from ideal. This new addition to our home gives us hope for improved household hygiene and a more dignified way of living. To ensure my family of two had enough to eat, I spent $65 on a bag of maize, $10 on 5kg of sugar, $5 on a carton of milk, and another $10 on 5kg of beans. These provisions will help us maintain a balanced and nourishing diet. Additionally, $10 was dedicated to transportation to and from the shopping center while I was dispensing the funds, ensuring I could efficiently manage the purchases. I wisely used the remaining $7 to buy essential household goods, further improving our living conditions. This unconditional cash transfer has not only made a tangible difference in our daily lives but has also brought a newfound sense of dignity and well-being to our family.